Sending pack ahead...

[neutra]

Sorry in advance because I'm sure this has been covered but... Can someone explain how the system of sending your pack ahead works and how much it costs? Also, do you feel it's safe? Thanks!

 

[camino-david]

When I walked last year, every refugio I stayed at would arrange for a backpack forwarding service to collect and deliver to the nominated refugio. This is very common and I have forgotten the names of the companies that did this, as I did not use the service. On arrival at a refugio tell them that you want your pack forwarded on the next day and the hospitelero will arrange. The cost was 7.50 Euros but I do not know how far this would take your pack, but certainly it does for the next walking stage. The pack will be waiting for you on arrival at your nominated refugio. BEWARE that this does NOT guarantee you a bed at your nominated refugio. Hope this helps.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Here is one service:

http://www.jacotrans.com/

Only some accommodations will accept backpacks. The transportation services know them, and often have printed lists from which you can select. The hospitalero will make the arrangements for you. Just ask when you check in. The list will not include municipal and parochial refuges.

I have not heard of security problems, but I know of several cases of misdirected packs. In one case it took the couple three days to get their packs back, still with contents intact.

 

[sillydoll]

Sending packs ahead is very safe. Jacotrans is one company that you could use, or you might want to try CaminoFacil. http://www.caminofacil.net contacto@caminofacil.net
Most charge from €5 to €7 per bag - not more than 12kg - per stage, which is up to 25km. In Galicia, the company to use is Xacotrans who only charge €3 per bag per stage.
Of course you need to have a place booked ahead to send the bag to. You will be asked to put the money in an envelope or give it to the landlord. Most companies collect bags from 8am and they are delivered before 2pm.

 

[camelle]

Sillydoll: Can the backpacks be send to an albergue? or only to private pensions etc.? Seeing we can't make reservations at albergues, what do you mean by your statement?
Also, on a different topic, could you tell me the size of a pilgrim passport?
Thanks!!

Ellen

 

[sillydoll]

Hello Ellen,
There are four different kinds of pilgrim albergues on the Camino. Those run by the church (mostly 'dovativo - for a donation); those run by the municipality; some run by confraternities or other organisations (Confraternity of St James, Order of Malta etc) - these are also usually donativo; and then there are a large number of albergues run by private individuals. Some of the private albergues are not-for-profit as such whilst others are commercial enterprises.
The private albergues are not necessarily more up-market than the church albergues. Some are very rustic.
The donativo, church, confraternity run etc usually don't accept backpacks delivered by transport and you can't book rooms ahead. (If the volunteers only arrive there in the afternoon there would be nobody to accept the packs anyway.)

The majority of private albergues can be booked ahead and they have no problem with backpacks arriving by transport. You can download a brochure with a full list of private albergues on this website:
http://www.redalberguessantiago.com/ind ... Itemid=268

The Spanish Credencial is a small - 15cm X 8cm - printed card folded concertina style.

 

[camelle]

Hi Sillydoll: Thank you so much for your explanation re albergues on the camino. I have been able to print 2 pages of this list, unable to print the rest (so far), will figure it out. Handy to have! I will send my pack to Orisson from a hotel in SJPdP, that much I know! If one arrives at the albergue around 2 or 3, will that give enough time to notify the carriers? (Less than 24 hours).
Thanks again.

Ellen

 

[BlackDog]

You might like to look at a more complete list of all albergues here http://www.caminodesantiago.me/camino-de-santiago-guides/albergues-on-the-camino-frances/

 

[sillydoll]

Blackdog - it is a good list - but Ellen might be confused by private and traditional albergues.She needs a list of the private albergues only.