How fit do I need to be to walk the Camino?

How fit do I need to be to walk the Camino? The best approach, especially at the beginning, is to get out and start walking (or cycling if you plan to cycle the Camino). If you are walking the Camino, you're going to want to build up to being able to walk 20km a day comfortably.

How fit do you need to be for the Camino?

That being said, you don't need a high degree of physical fitness, or years of walking experience, to have an enjoyable time on the trail. If you can do some sensible training in the weeks and months before you leave, and take care of yourself during the walk itself, then you should be fine.

How many hours a day do you walk on the Camino?

Daily distances on the Camino de Santiago are between 20 km and 25 km. The average walking speed of an adult is 5 km/3 mi per hour. If you walk at that pace it'll take you 4 to 5 hours of walking per day.

What is the average age to walk the Camino?

People of all ages walk the Camino de Santiago! The average age of walkers is probably closer to 60 than it is to 20! If you are in good overall health and able to walk on uneven surfaces, you will most likely be able to walk the Camino, or at least certain sections.

Am I too old to walk the Camino?

It's said that the oldest person to ever walk the Camino de Santiago was 93 years young (she walked it with her 60 year old daughter!). Thus proving you are never too old to walk the Camino! Having said that, there are some advantages of using a Camino tour company that will help seniors accomplish a Camino pilgrimage.

How many miles a day do people walk on the Camino?

How far do you walk on the Camino each day? In general, pilgrims on the Camino walk an average of 20 to 25kms, roughly 12 to 15 miles per day.

What is the ideal pack weight for the Camino?

Aim to pack as light as possible for the Camino de Santiago, bringing only essential items. A suggested guide is to plan to carry no more than 10% of your body weight (so if you weight 150 lb, plan to carry no more than 15 lb).

What are 3 reasons people walk El Camino for?

How hard is walking the Camino?

The main physical challenges are the multiple days walking; even fit people will hit the 'wall' at some stage. The hardest day of the Camino is on the first day of the French Way, where you have to cross the great mountain range of the Pyrenees over the Napoleon Pass.

How much should my pack weigh for Camino de Santiago?

Aim to pack as light as possible for the Camino de Santiago, bringing only essential items. A suggested guide is to plan to carry no more than 10% of your body weight (so if you weight 150 lb, plan to carry no more than 15 lb).

Where do you go to the bathroom on the Camino de Santiago?

Public bathrooms are not frequent on the Camino de Santiago. But, cafes, restaurants and bars are frequent, you may find one or two during the day, and these all have bathrooms that customers can use.

Is it easy to get lost on the Camino?

Many pilgrims who have never set foot on a pilgrimage route are afraid of getting lost along the way. The truth is that orienting yourself on the Camino de Santiago is quite simple, even for beginners. It's unusual to get lost.

Do I need a sleeping bag on the Camino?

The time of year that you choose to walk the Camino de Santiago may influence your decision as to whether you pack a sleeping bag or not. If you are walking in off-season, any time before March or after September, then you may wish to carry a lightweight sleeping bag rather than sleep sheet.

How many people drop out of Camino?

Training for walking the Camino is an absolute must, even for those who consider it on the easier side of hiking. Between 5 and 10% of people walking the Camino drop out and injuries account for by far the most frequent reasons.

What is the best month to walk the Camino?

In general, the best time to do one of the Camino de Santiago is between April and October. The months of July and August can be very hot and most Spaniards are on holiday so it's a period that is usually busy. But it can also be very attractive.

Will I lose weight on the Camino de Santiago?

I lost about 8kgs, around 18 lbs, over a four week period. So yes, I did lose a lot of weight on the Camino. However, losing weight was never one of my reasons for walking the Camino. I did not set out on the Camino to lose weight, and I must admit that it never entered my mind at any time while I was there.

Can you drink the water on the Camino?

Yes, the water is drinkable all along the Camino, and with sections receiving runoff from the mountains above, it's also delicious spring water. In many towns and villages, they will have public fountains usually in the main square where walkers can fill their packs or bottles.

How do I prepare for the Camino physically?

Stick To A Schedule We recommend starting your Camino training at least three months in advance, with the aim of walking three 1 hour sessions a week. A month before your trip, even earlier if you can, put a day walk in each weekend into the mix to build the endurance you'll need for your walk.