For an extensive amount of time, pilgrims from a variety of faiths throughout the world have traveled to honor the late Saint James. His remains are said to be located in the Cathedral de Santiago. Even though early pilgrims embarked on their journey right from their own doorsteps, travelers today will often hike along the famous Camino Frances route. This 500-mile path begins in France and goes through the Pyrenees Mountains. Depending on your level of ambition, some will choose to travel a small portion of the path and not the whole 500-mile trek.
Along the path, you will see yellow arrows that help mark the path for pilgrims who travel via bicycle or foot. Some people opt for horseback, so the choices for traveling along the path are plentiful. Many choose to travel between 12 and 15 miles per day as they make their way from one town to the next. If you choose to take this route, it may take as long as six to eight weeks before completing the entire 500-mile trek. Regardless of how far you travel, the journey is highlighted by the final destination. At the Cathedral de Santiago, you can enjoy a Pilgrim’s Mass on a daily basis at noon.
Even though everyone has their own reasons for making the trip, the pilgrimage is extremely personal for some. Some people choose to walk for enlightenment, while others walk for adventure and penance. The walk through the countryside can be cultural, meditative, group-based or a solo mission. As a traveler, you are meant to make the trek your own and enjoy your time out in the country.
Many pilgrims will carry along scallop shells to help symbolize their journey. Based upon legends, it is said that Saint James’ body was located covered amid these shells along the shoreline of the Galician coast. Frequent appearances are often made by walking sticks along the path to help aid those who are growing weary on their trek.
Rugged travelers are able to stay at any one of the inexpensive community refugios, which are similar to hostels. They are conveniently located along the trail, so you will be able to rest when the time requires it. For many, they enlist the services of a tour company to take care of all the arrangements for them. They will travel throughout the day and relax in one of the charming, private refugios throughout the evening. The nice thing about using a tour company is that you won’t have to worry about taking care of all the details. Everything will be handled for you, so all you have to do is enjoy the journey of a lifetime.
Pilgrims who are able to complete at least 100-kilometers of the trek will earn themselves a compostela, which is a keepsake certificate that allows them to commemorate their journey through the trails. Many of those using a travel tour will try to focus their attention on completing the last 115-miles of the Camino. Not only will you be able to earn your compostela, but you will have done do while walking outside along a nice peaceful and hassle-free journey. Until you have seen the Cathedral of Camino de Santiago, you will not be able to understand the beauty that surrounds it after hiking through the trails.
Author Bio
Tiffany Olson loves all things travel related. She lives in Northern California and goes on adventures and road trips whenever possible. She loves to write and educate people on many travel related subjects including how to find out more about camino de santiago tours.
