Common Planning Mistakes on the Camino de Santiago
Walking the Camino de Santiago is a life-changing experience, but many first-time pilgrims make planning mistakes that can make their journey harder than it needs to be. Recognizing these pitfalls ahead of time can save you frustration, fatigue, and unnecessary stress. Planning is important, but it's equally important to remain flexible and adaptable.
Underestimating the Camino
One of the most common mistakes first-time pilgrims make is underestimating the Camino. The Camino is not simply a long walk; it's a combination of physical effort, mental endurance, and adapting to changing conditions. Many assume they can easily walk long distances day after day without sufficient training, only to find that fatigue, sore muscles, and blisters slow them down. Understanding your limits and preparing for the unexpected is key to enjoying the journey.
Walking Fewer Kilometers Than Expected
It's normal to walk fewer kilometers than initially planned, especially in the first days. Terrain, weather, crowd levels, and your own physical condition can affect daily distance. Steep climbs, uneven trails, or long descents may require slowing down. Accepting that you may cover less ground than the guidebooks suggest will prevent disappointment. Many pilgrims find that shorter daily distances allow them to enjoy the scenery, meet other travelers, and recover physically and mentally.
Overpacking and Heavy Backpacks
Another frequent mistake is overpacking. Carrying more weight than necessary can make even short distances exhausting. First-time pilgrims often pack "just in case" items that end up unused, increasing strain on shoulders, back, and knees. Focus on essentials, keep your backpack light, and remember that the Camino is supported by towns and albergues where you can replace or purchase items if needed. A lighter pack often translates into longer, more enjoyable walking days.
Ignoring Rest and Recovery
Many newcomers try to stick rigidly to a pre-set itinerary without considering rest and recovery. Walking too far or too quickly, day after day, can lead to fatigue, injuries, or even early abandonment of the Camino. Scheduling rest breaks during the day, taking a shorter stage when needed, or allowing buffer days can make the experience sustainable and enjoyable. Listening to your body is more important than adhering to a strict plan.
Changing Plans During the Camino
Unexpected events often force you to change plans during the Camino, whether it's bad weather, closed accommodations, or simple exhaustion. Pilgrims who struggle are usually those who cling too rigidly to their original schedule. Flexibility is essential: allow yourself to skip a stage, shorten a day's walk, or rest when necessary. Adapting to the situation is not a failure—it's part of walking the Camino responsibly and safely.
Focusing Too Much on Kilometers
Another mistake is focusing solely on covering kilometers rather than enjoying the experience. While it's natural to have a goal, the Camino is about the journey itself. Rushing to complete each stage can make you miss the beauty of the villages, landscapes, and interactions with fellow pilgrims. Setting flexible daily targets rather than fixed distances can help you balance progress with enjoyment.
Learning From Others
Finally, it helps to learn from others' experiences. Talk to previous pilgrims, read blogs, or use apps like Mi Buen Camino, which can help adjust daily distances, suggest buffer days, and provide realistic expectations. Understanding what to anticipate—and accepting that adjustments are normal—can make your first Camino a rewarding and sustainable adventure.
Making mistakes is part of the learning process, but with awareness and flexibility, you can avoid the most common pitfalls. The Camino is as much about adapting and pacing yourself as it is about walking. Accepting that your journey may be different from what you imagined allows you to fully embrace each step and discover the Camino at your own pace. Buen Camino.