15 frequently asked questions about the Way to Santiago
Doing the Way to Santiago is an amazing experience. If you want to read our general advices to do it, in our specialized page you will find them. If you have more specific questions keep reading because in this page we are going to solve the most common questions that pilgrims usually ask before starting their Camino.
1. How long does it take the Way to Santiago?
The Camino is different for each pilgrim, so this will depend on how many kilometres do you want to do per day and where do you want to start your Camino. Some people only have a week to do their Way to Santiago, other pilgrims walk for months (even some of them start the Camino, walk for some weeks, stop and continue some years later).
2. Is there a time limitation to do the Camino?
No, there is not. There is only one condition: if you want to achieve the Compostela, you have to walk at least the last 100 kilometres, but there is no time limitation.
3. How do I get the Compostela?
In order to achieve the Compostela you will need a Credencial. You can request the Credencial personally in the Oficina de Acogida al Peregrino (Pilgrim's Welcome Office) or in other institutions authorized by the Cathedral of Santiago as parishes, Asociaciones de Amigos del Camino de Santiago (Associations of Friends of the Way of St. James), pilgrims shelters, brotherhoods… You have to stamp your Credencial in the different stages you do in order to credit that you have walked at least 100 km or 200 km if you are doing the Camino by bike.
4. Do you need to sign up and pay for doing the Camino?
No, you do not need to sign up to do the Way to Santiago. There is only one thing you have to do if you want to get the Compostela and to sleep in public shelters and that is getting your Credencial.
5. How many different routes are to do the Way to Santiago?
There are a lot of different routes to do the Way to Santiago. A lot of them start in the Iberian Peninsula, however, there are other routes that start in Europe. Some of these routes converge in the most popular routes as the French Camino.
6. Which route is the best one?
This is one of the most difficult questions because the answer depends on what you are looking for. If this is going to be your first Camino, then we suggest you doing the French route because it is the easiest and the one with more services.
7. Do I need to train before starting the Camino?
Training is recommended before starting the Way to Santiago. You can walk long distance while trying your shoes and your bag so you will get used to them. You do not need to be in perfect physical condition, however, you should keep in mind that doing the Camino requires a physical effort.
8. Is there any age limitation to do the Camino?
Again, no, there is not. The Way to Santiago can be personalized for each pilgrim, so if you plan your stops and stages you will be able to do the Camino with children. Elderly people can also do the Camino.
9. When is the best season to do the Camino?
You can do the Camino during the whole year. Each season has its pros and cons. The Camino in winter can be really hard but in summer it may be very overcrowded. Usually the best seasons are spring and the beginning of autumn (but the rain will be with you almost everyday).
10. Can I do the Way to Santiago alone?
This is one of the questions you asked the most. Of course you can do the Camino alone, besides you will meet a lot of new and amazing people. Usually, female pilgrims are concerned about the security while walking alone, if you feel identified with this, you should choose a route where you can feel comfortable (make sure there will be more pilgrims walking).
11. Can I do the Camino with my pet?
There is no problem at all, in this page we tell you all you need to know to do the Camino with your dog. You should realized that walking with you dog will reduce your possibilities in some shelters and that walking will be also a physical effort for your pet.
12. What weight should I carry in my backpack?
The weight in your backpack should never be heavier than the 10-12% of your own weight. It is important carrying only what is necessary so you won’t carry more weight.
13. Can I book a spot on shelters or hostels?
In public shelters you will not be able to book a spot. They will assign the beds in order of arrival. In some private hostels you can contact them in advance to book a bed.
14. Who has priority in shelters?
In public shelters, as we said before, the beds are assigned by arrival order. However, some pilgrims will have priority. Firstly, pilgrims with physical limitations, then pilgrims walking the Camino, then those who make the Camino with a horse, then those who do it by bicycle and finally those who have a support car.
15. How much money do I need to do the Way to Santiago?
The budget for doing the Camino can be very different depending on how you plan it. If you want to sleep in public shelters and you will cook some of your meals, you daily budget would be around 30 euros. You should think that you may have an emergency or you may want to buy some souvenirs.
