The climb to O Cebreiro is not horrendous, but actually quite beautiful. Sure, it’s a bit tiring but that’s part of the joy of walking. I’ve done that stage from Villafranca and it’s absolutely doable.
You know, it’s okay to be uncomfortable for a night. You might be a bit grouchy and tired and cold and hungry, but you won’t die. Ortega was an early albergue in the Camino revival (as well as an early hospital back in the original pilgrimage!) and it’s an education as to what can happen when...
It’s not the same as being open as an albergue, BUT there is a donativo stand being operated at the site currently. It’s off to the side of the roadway and in what was the entryway to the accommodation. It allows pilgrims to still see inside the ruins without getting into the danger zone.
2022 was still bouncing back from Covid. This year is busy, but the current state has more to do with the May 1st holiday celebrated throughout most of Europe fell on a Wednesday this year, meaning a lot of people took the entire week off and went on Camino. I’d imagine the numbers get back to...
Water is not a problem. Check any of the many many guidebooks, websites, etc to see which albergues take reservations and which do not (Gronze.com is an excellent site for this - use your browser to translate it from Spanish). Generally, public/municipal/parochial/donativo do not, but privates...
You are correct to be concerned as May is one of the busiest walking months. Definitely book through Pamplona. After that, the crowds tend to disperse a bit and more accommodations in more cities become available. At that point you can gauge if you need to book ahead or not. And remember...
Well those posts are absolutely incorrect. That 100kms can be on any recognized route, such as the Portuguese or even the Ingles (which is not in itself long enough, but you can count a dedicated stage of walking at home as part of the 100km).
Large running event outside of Pamplona, holiday week throughout Spain, and albergues not open or limited to pilgrims just yet - the perfect storm for bed shortages. I agree that she should switch the Aragon Way. A bus leaves from Pamplona daily to Jaca, then a bus from Jaca takes you up to the...
Usually late April is busy because of its proximity to the busy Easter season. This year the holiday came very early, so these are increased non-holiday crowds. Yes, April can be busy, but artificially so based on the Semana Santa walkers. Remove THAT week from the statistics and it’s not as...
Nothing like making all that effort to reach SJPdP only to walk the Route Napoleon in weather that precludes any views! One of the first lessons of many one will learn on the Camino.
Just an FYI that all available beds are taken in SJPDP tonight - fully, truly COMPLETO! There’s an indication of how busy this year may be since it’s just a Wednesday in late April, not usually considered a busy time for the CF. Cold weather over the Route Napoleon may be backing up some...
Even in the clearest, most perfect weather, hikers can get in trouble due to the elevation and lessened oxygen levels. This is especially true for those with a compromised respiratory system, but can easily affect residents used to living at low elevations or travelers suffering from jet lag...
This site is run by Ivar at in Santiago de Compostela.
This site participates in the Amazon Affiliate program, designed to provide a means for Ivar to earn fees by linking to Amazon