- Why should I book in
advance?
If you don't book in advance and want to walk the Camino like
a medieval pilgrim you should be prepared to suffer the hardships of
sleeping on the ground when inns are fully booked, lining up
at refugios for cold showers and lugging a heavy
pack..... OR, by booking in advance, you can do
the walk in relative comfort carrying only what you need for
the day and knowing you have reserved a private room with a hot shower
waiting for you each night.
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- Can the itinerary be
modified?
Yes. If you would like to build in a few rest days that is
possible (subject to availability of accommodation) but any changes to the itinerary must be done in
advance before the hotels have been pre-paid (usually two months prior
to arrival.)
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- If I don't feel like walking
can I ride with the luggage?
Sorry - no. Luggage is transported from inn to inn by taxi or
mini-van. Usually the taxi is filled with luggage and may
make multiple stops. The mini-vans may not be licensed to
carry passengers. If you don't feel like walking one day your
hotel can arrange a private taxi for you (at your expense)
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- What if I have to quit due to
illness or injury after only part of the walk is completed?
We recommend you have Trip Interruption Insurance that would
cover a refund and any additional transportation expenses
incurred.
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- What do I do if I cannot
finish the daily walk?
The best thing to do is to phone the tour host and ask for
advice. If you are in a village there may be a local bus or
the host may be able to get a taxi to pick you up (at your
expense). If you cannot reach a town or village because
of injury or illness and need medical help you can phone Emergency Services.
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- What is the accommodation
like?
You stay at comfortable, small inns located right on the
Camino or just a short walk from the trail. You will have a room with a private bathroom.
On the Portugal Camino it may
be necessary to use a taxi to reach the accommodation in several
places. The taxi will be pre-arranged and the cost included.
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- What do I need to carry with
me each day?
You will need a small knapsack to carry a rain jacket and
pants (depending on the weather), water, maps, your personal
documents, snacks, cell-phone.
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- Could I get lost?
You will have detailed instructions but even without those it
would be difficult to get lost. The Camino is well marked and
there are many people along the way you can ask for directions
if you are unsure. If you carry a cellphone it is
possible for our local host to track you with a GPS. That
way he knows exactly where you are even if you don't.
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- What sort of footwear will I
need?
Good, comfortable hiking boots that are well broken-in. It is very important not to get blisters on your
feet. The boots should be water-proof in case of rain.
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- How do I get my official
Compostela certificate?
You will be given a "Pilgrim's Passport" before your
start. This can be stamped each day at hotels or at cafes
along the way
and presented
at the Pilgrims' Office in Santiago. The certificate is
a nice souvenir but so is the passport with reminders of all
your rest stops.
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- Can I drink the water?
Bottled water is available to purchase at shops along the
way. We don't recommend drinking the tap water although
many people do without any problem.
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- What will the food be like?
Breakfasts usually consist of coffee, juice, brioches or
toast, cereal, milk, yogurt, jam.
Lunches can be purchased at small cafes or picnic ingredients
can be bought at small shops.
Dinners are usually at the inn. If you are vegetarian or have
special dietary needs you should let us know at the time of
booking.
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- Should I walk the Inland
Route or the Coastal Route?
The coastal route is longer and can be more difficult with wind
from the ocean and sometimes blowing sand. In places there are
variations from which to choose. It is necessary to cross the
River Minho by ferry and the ferry does not operate Mondays.
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