Why Walking the Camino de Santiago Is More Than Just a Hike
Why Walking the Camino Is More Than Just a Hike
When I first set out to walk the Camino de Santiago, I thought I was simply embarking on a long-distance hike. I had trained for months, carefully packed my gear, and prepared myself physically for the challenge of walking 500 miles across northern Spain.
What I didn’t realize was how profoundly this journey would impact my heart, mind, and spirit.
The Camino isn’t just a trail-it’s a centuries-old pilgrimage that has drawn people from around the world for over a thousand years. Yes, it’s a physical challenge, but more importantly, it’s a path of reflection, transformation, and connection.
In this post, I’ll share why walking the Camino is so much more than just a hike, blending my own experiences with insights to help you prepare for your own journey.
The Camino de Santiago: A Journey Through Time
Before I set foot on the Camino, I did a little research on its history-and what I learned made me appreciate it even more.
The Camino de Santiago, also known as The Way of St. James, has been a sacred pilgrimage route since the Middle Ages. Pilgrims walk to the city of Santiago de Compostela, where tradition says the remains of the apostle St. James are buried.
As I walked through ancient villages, Roman bridges, and medieval cathedrals, I felt connected to the millions of pilgrims who had walked this same path before me.
It gave each step a deeper meaning.
For more on choosing the right route for your pilgrimage, read my guide: How to Choose the Best Camino Route.
Wildflowers along the Camino de Santiago
It’s a Physical Challenge, But Not Just That
The Camino is absolutely a physical undertaking. My first day, climbing from St. Jean Pied de Port over the Pyrenees into Spain, was one of the hardest hikes I’ve ever done.
Over the weeks that followed, I walked through rolling vineyards, endless wheat fields, and misty forests. Some days my body ached, and every blister felt like a small battle won.
But even on the hardest days, the Camino was about more than the miles.
Unlike a typical hike where you focus only on reaching the next peak or trail marker, the Camino invites you to slow down and truly experience each moment.
The Camino Is a Spiritual and Emotional Journey
Whether or not you consider yourself religious, there’s something deeply spiritual about the Camino.
For me, there were countless moments of reflection-sometimes during long stretches of quiet walking, other times sparked by a breathtaking sunrise or a conversation with a fellow pilgrim.
Many pilgrims describe the Camino as a time to:
Reflect on life transitions - careers, relationships, retirement, or loss.
Find healing - both physical and emotional.
Reconnect with faith or spirituality - whether traditional or personal.
Rediscover a sense of purpose -by stepping away from the distractions of daily life.
The rhythm of walking day after day creates space for thoughts and feelings you might not have time to explore at home. I found that by the end of my journey, I had a clearer perspective on what really mattered to me.
For a more personal story about transformation, check out my post: Lessons Learned From 500 Miles on the Camino Francés. The Spiritual Side of the Camino: Reflections From the Road
A gorgeous cathedral along the Camino
Community Along the Way
One of the most beautiful surprises on the Camino was the incredible sense of community among pilgrims.
People from all over the world walk the Camino, and the shared experience quickly forms bonds between strangers. Some of my favorite memories aren’t of the landscapes but of the people I met:
A German couple who had walked the Camino multiple times and shared their wisdom.
A young woman from Korea who was traveling alone for the first time.
A Spanish man who helped me when I was lost in a small village.
These connections reminded me of the universal human desire for kindness and connection.
Even a simple “Buen Camino!” (which means good way or good journey) from a passing pilgrim lifted my spirits on tough days.
Learn more about connecting with fellow pilgrims: How to Connect With Fellow Pilgrims on the Camino Journey.
Living Simply, Living Fully
When you live out of a backpack or suitcase for weeks, you quickly realize how little you actually need.
My bag contained only the essentials:
A few changes of clothes
My sleeping bag, if staying in a hostel
Blister care supplies
Water and snacks
And that was enough.
The Camino taught me the joy of simplicity. Life felt lighter, both physically and emotionally, when I wasn’t weighed down by excess.
This lesson stayed with me long after I returned home. Now, I try to keep that same mindset of gratitude and simplicity in my daily life.
The Camino trail
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Practical Tips for Your Camino Journey
If you’re considering walking the Camino, here are a few tips I learned along the way:
1. Prepare Physically
Start walking regularly before your trip. Aim for 6-10 miles a day and include some hills if possible.
2. Pack Light
Your backpack should weigh no more than 10% of your body weight.
For a complete list, see: Essential Camino Gear You Shouldn’t Leave Home Without.
3. Learn Basic Spanish Phrases
Knowing a few words like hola (hello), gracias (thank you), and agua (water) makes a big difference.
Check out my guide: 25 Basic Spanish Words for Pilgrims.
4. Embrace Flexibility
Not every day will go as planned. Albergues may be full, or weather may force you to change course. Be open to the unexpected.
5. Walk Your Own Camino
Everyone’s journey is unique. Some walk fast, some slow. Some go for spiritual reasons, others for adventure. There’s no “right” way to walk the Camino.
Cathedral in Roncesvalles, Spain
Why the Camino Stays With You
The Camino didn’t end for me when I reached the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
As I stood in the plaza, surrounded by pilgrims hugging and crying tears of joy, I realized the journey had changed me in ways that would continue to unfold back home.
Walking the Camino gave me a deeper appreciation for:
The kindness of strangers.
The beauty of slowing down.
The strength I didn’t know I had.
The profound connection between people, nature, and God.
It’s been said that the Camino doesn’t truly end, it simply continues in the way you live your life afterward. I’ve found that to be absolutely true.
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Conclusion: More Than Just a Hike
Walking the Camino de Santiago was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.
It was physically challenging, yes-but it was also deeply rewarding on a spiritual and emotional level. The Camino isn’t just about the miles you walk; it’s about the lessons you carry with you long after your boots are off.
If you’ve ever dreamed of walking the Camino, I encourage you to take that first step. You’ll find that this journey has the power to transform not only your body but also your heart and soul.
For more guides, packing tips, and inspiration, continue to explore The Camino Chronicles, follow @Camino.Chronicles and start planning your own pilgrimage today.
Buen Camino, my friend!
Renae