Before You Go / Preparing
How do I purchase travel insurance?
Once you book your tour, we strongly advise you purchase a comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation / interruption. Even the best adventures deserve a backup plan! We suggest using TravelInsurance.com, which allows you to compare and assess top insurance provider policies and their different coverage plans.
*In accordance with Spanish law and for the duration of your tour with Fresco Tours, you are covered by a very basic insurance provided by Intermundial.
Do you recommend walking poles?
Walking sticks are a very personal matter – some people love them, and some people hate them. Trekking poles may enhance your overall stability and provide support regardless of the terrain. If you have problems with your knees or ankles, they can be very helpful, especially on the downhills. You can either bring them with you or purchase them when you arrive in Spain.
Where can I purchase a SIM card?
You can purchase a SIM card at the airport when you arrive or at any local Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, etc. stores that you come across. There are also e-Sim apps that you can download to your phone before traveling. Assuming you are taking your smartphone with you and that it is unlocked, a local SIM card (prepaid) is your cheapest option. REMINDER: Make sure that your phone is unlocked, so it will accept another provider’s local SIM card. Also, ensure that your contacts are stored on your phone instead of on your own SIM card.
What do I do if I need to bring an additional piece of luggage?
We will arrange for the transfer of one suitcase or piece of luggage (max 45 lbs/20kg) per person between your hotels on your walk along the Camino. Keep in mind that the transport company is very strict about luggage weight and will refuse to transport your luggage should you exceed the limit. As soon as you determine that you need to bring additional luggage, please contact your Fresco Tours Client Service Manager via email and they will send you a link to make the payment for the additional bag. You can have your additional bag transported daily or sent directly to your hotel in Santiago, so please specify which service you need. At the orientation meeting, you will be provided with an extra tag for your second bag.
*If your luggage exceeds the maximum weight and you have not paid for additional luggage, you will be responsible for buying another bag and paying the additional luggage fee. Likewise, if you have two pieces of luggage (even if they have a combined weight of less than 45 lbs/20kgs), you will have to pay the additional luggage fee.
On the Road
Will I be able to get water along the trail?
Yes, you will be able to get water all along the Camino. There are public fountains in many towns and villages, usually in the main square, where walkers can fill their packs or bottles. However, beware that some fountains may have signs that read “No Potable.” This is usually because the fountain has not been tested and/or may also be used by animals. While tap water is perfectly safe to drink at hotels and restaurants, everyone’s system is different. You may prefer to drink bottled water to err on the side of caution. You don’t need to carry large amounts of water with you, as you can fill up in the morning and refill your bottle/camel pack at lunchtime and at checkpoints. Remember: drink early and often – hydration is key!
Do restaurants along the Camino cater to vegetarians and people with food allergies/intolerances?
Most restaurants along the Camino are used to accommodating people with dietary restrictions. In fact, Spanish restaurants are required by law to provide special menus that indicate possible allergens with easy-to-read symbols. Sometimes, the allergens are automatically indicated in the normal menu and sometimes you have to request it (it’s called la carta de alérgenos). Be sure to indicate any food issues in your guest questionnaire!
Will I be able to do laundry on the trail?
At some hotels, you can do laundry on the premises, or you can use local laundromats. Our Fresco Tours maps indicate the laundromats at each stage to make it easy for you to find while on the trail. We also recommend that you bring quick-drying clothes that you can handwash and dry overnight at the hotel if all else fails!
Will I have access to WiFi while walking?
Yes, but you will be walking in rural areas, so it may be slow in certain locations. Nonetheless, the hotels and many cafes along the way also offer Wi-Fi, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to be online. However, remember that one of the greatest joys of the Camino is cultivating the ability to disconnect and enjoy your immediate surroundings!
How much should I budget to hike the Camino?
Most pilgrims’ budgets fall in the range of €40-75 per day. Please keep in mind that there are ATMs in the towns where you will be staying, so you will not need to carry large sums of money with you. You will also be able to use credit and debit cards at most establishments. Nonetheless, you should always have some cash on you in case your card does not work.
How do I get Euros along the Camino?
The best way is to use ATMs. Before you leave, talk to your bank, make sure that you have the correct PIN, and inform them that you will be traveling to Spain, so your account is not frozen after 1 transaction. It’s also recommended that you bring more than one card just in case. Changing US dollars outside of the airport can be challenging.
What if I get tired along the way or am unable to walk the scheduled daily kilometers?
We will provide you with daily maps of your walk and with a list of taxi numbers in case you need a lift to your hotel. These maps also include the elevation gain and loss, detailed information about your hotel’s location, the nearest pharmacies and health centers, and our favorite restaurant recommendations along the trail.
What if I get sick on the Camino?
There are health centers located in the main towns along the Camino and some of them offer 24-hour service. Please make sure to have your health or trip insurance information with you, as well as your passport. We strongly recommend that you purchase trip insurance in case of any unforeseen circumstances. Please make sure that your health insurance offers you coverage when traveling overseas. We recommend using TravelInsurance.com, which allows you to compare various policies among the top insurance providers. If you feel unwell and need a recovery day, you can ask the hotel reception to phone a taxi to take you to your next hotel.
What happens if my luggage tag falls off my bag?
Please follow your guide’s instructions regarding how to attach the tags to your bag. However, if your tag falls off, please contact us and we will send a new tag to your hotel for printing. Please attach it to your suitcase as securely as possible, so that your luggage is easily identified as part of the Fresco Tours group.
Are there hair dryers and toiletries at the hotels?
Yes, the hotels will provide shampoo, soap, and hair dryers. If they are not available in your room, please contact the front desk.
How do I receive my Compostela certificate?
The Compostela certificate verifies that you have walked the last 100 km to Santiago. The Pilgrim’s Office has now implemented an the Compostela and the Distance Certificate. When you arrive to Santiago, head to the with your stamped Pilgrim Passport and a personal ID (passport or driver’s license) on hand to expedite the process. At the office, they will provide a locator number, which they will use to identify you to administer your certificate. You will be able to monitor the progress using a QR code that they provide, and you will soon receive your Compostela. To read more about this process, see our instructions here.
Getting There & Back
Will Fresco Tours help me with pre and post tour travel plans?
We understand that traveling to a foreign country can be daunting. Once you register for one of our tours, the Fresco Tours office staff will contact you to assist with any hotel arrangements that you might need prior to or after your Fresco Tour. As local experts, we can provide tips, advice, and guidance for your journey in our home before you even begin your travels!
How do I get to and from the Airport?
The national organization of airports in Spain (AENA) has a great website that explains how to get to and from the different airports. It also has information regarding the routes serviced, the corresponding airlines, terminal information, and much more. You may have to re-click the “English” tab at the top once you have chosen your airport.
Likewise, the national organization of airports in Portugal (ANA) has a great website that also explains how to get to and from the airport of your choice, including both Lisbon or Porto. It also has information regarding the routes serviced, the corresponding airlines, terminal information, transportation options, and more.
How can I purchase my bus or train tickets beforehand?
Train tickets can be purchased online through RENFE. Some routes cannot be purchased until 3-4 weeks prior to departure – please be patient. Please note that the site tends to run slowly on weekends due to heavy demand.
If you want an idea of train timetables, pick a date within the next 3 weeks and see what comes up. It may vary a bit, but at least it will give you an idea of the schedule.
If you would like information on trains in Spain (different types of fares, security, food on board, etc.), Trainline is a wonderful resource. You can also buy your tickets on this site if you find the RENFE site to be confusing (just remember that tickets are not available until 3-4 weeks before departure).
Bus tickets can be purchased on ALSA.
Can I rent a car in Spain?
Yes, you certainly can, but make sure that the available drop-off locations are convenient for your travel plans. You must bring along a valid driver’s license and an International Driver’s License, which you can get at AAA in the USA or any CAA location in Canada. For other countries, please check with your automobile association offices.
Miscellaneous
Why Fresco Tours?
Based in Spain since 2006, we are proud to be experts on the trails of Spain and Portugal. At Fresco Tours, we develop our routes from our backyard with our firsthand knowledge of the land and the people, providing unique expertise, authenticity, and availability for your visit. We can’t wait to introduce you to our friends and favorite spots. Our self-guided tours offer the perfect experience for hikers who want to be more independent, while still having the support of organized hotel arrangements, luggage transport, and personal expertise to allow you to experience the Camino de Santiago in its full glory!
Where do Fresco Tour clients come from?
We are very fortunate to have had clients join us from all around the world, giving us a wonderful mix of diversity. The internet allows us access to the world, and since 2006 we have had travelers from the USA, Canada, Puerto Rico, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico, Venezuela, Peru, the United Kingdom (England & Scotland), Ireland, Germany, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, China, India, South Africa, Namibia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Egypt! It truly is a small world after all!
