Shoes Many people will give you advice, but, they have probably not walked 15 miles per day on the Way of St James in pouring rain. Once you book your Way of St James Walking Pilgrimage you should do work on two things: start walking and second start looking at shoe options. If you don't have proper shoes, you will be miserable. Invest time and try out as many shoes as you need to, wear them in for few weeks. Right shoes/boots matter, and should be waterproof (Goretex). The shoes must be flexible and waterproof. It is not a good idea to wear boots for climbing that are too hard and too high (boots have changed, they are not as heavy and, or, as stiff as they were just few years ago). Of course, one can walk El Camino in running shoes, or if you want to do major penance you can walk in high heals or even bare feet. Actually it's bare feet how pilgrims used to walk the Camino long ago. The options are all your!

Shoe Size The size is important. Although your foot cannot move inside the shoe too much, but shoes cannot be tight either or you will get blisters and because of many downhills you may lose your toe nais may have a serious problem. We recommend you try as many hiking shoes as possible until you find the most comfortable pair. Each individual is different, but almost all feet will swell after miles of walking, so consider getting two pairs of shoes, first pair 1/2 size larger than what your normal shoe size is, for first half and second one 1 full size larger for last few days, just in case.

Lace up Learn how to lace up shoes, there are many ways.

Feet As a pilgrim your feet are your most important asset. Take good care of them. Spend some time to learn how you can prevent blisters, perhaps by taping your feet in vulnerable areas. Consider jelly tapes in between toes. Search on google on how to prep feet for marathon walk or extreme hikking. Everyone is different and needless to say, some do fine by doing absolutely nothing, while others suffer by trying different methods. Putting some adhesive tape around big toe, on your pinky toes and the ones next to it, plus vaseline will do your feet a lot of good.

Toe Nails Cut your toe nails (maximum). You do not want your toe nails hitting the front of your shoes when walking downhill, or you may lose them.

Socks Bring extra pairs of socks. Do not get 100% cotton, get socks for waterproof shoes which will allow your feet to breath. Get liner socks and then over them, treckking socks. If your socks get wet change them.

Raincoat Pancho. Invest in good one. Very important because it rains a lot in the areas and mountains in Galicia, where we are walking. It can rain whole day. Since most raincoats that you find in stores are meant to witsand 30 minutes of rain, get a step up waterproof raincoat with a good hood.

Gloves We know it sounds crazy as you always thought that Spain is Mediteranean weather but mornings in Galicia's mountains could get chilly, so it is important to protect your hands with gloves. Also when it rains, wearing gloves help as well as if you have to handle rock/wood on terrain.

Hat Bring a hat to protect your face from sun.

Walking poles We have them for you, unless you want to bring your own. Some people don't like walking with poles, while others do, we believe that walking with poles can help to take pressure of your joints and feet.

Clothing Consider two clothing options, one for walking and the other for evening. Layering is the best approach. Although you might be going in the summer months remember you will be walking in high altitude.

First Aid Kit Our guide has the essentials and there are plenty of pharmacies along the way. Do bring "Compeede" of other treatment for blisters as well as your other essential medication.

Packing Everything that you will read on the internet was written for people who will have to carry everything on their backs. That is not us! Your load will be very light, because your driver will transport your luggage from one place to another and all you will have to consider is bringing a 206 Tours backpack with bottle of water, which you can refill all along the way, extra pair of socks, hand sanitizer, and what you feel will be your esentials until the end of the segment. If you forget anything do not worry, there is always an opportunity to purchase it in the next town. Your guide will help you.

Pace It's Not a Race! Listen to your body, it will give you a feedback as to what you can and cannot manage. We usually have a breakfast and Mass, then we are off as a group but each person walks at their own pace. Best to start off slow and build up. Take regular breaks and stop when needed. There is plenty of time and our guides and drivers will be there waiting for you at the checkpoints. Dont worry how fellow pilgrims is progressing or try to follow anyone, that is why we have guide and driver. It is recommended that you walk some segments, alone, enjoy the walk, talk to God. That is what El Camino is all about. We do not recommend any listening devices. Listen to the birds, rain, leaves moving in the wind and streams flowing. People from all over the world may pass you or want to engage in conversations, that is fine in limited periods. Find your own pace, and remember this is not a competition, there is no rush and your guide and driver are waiting for you at a next stop for some fabulous Spainish food and sangria.

Meals You will not go hungry on this pilgrimage and chances are that most of the weight that you will lose will happen before you start The Way of St. James / El Camino the food served for lunches and dinners will include delicious smoked meats, olives, salads, breads and sangria! Getting together for meals with your fellow pilgrims is extra special as you get the chance to exchange your views on beautiful segment that you have just walked. Along the way you may find small stores or stands with fresh fruit.

Check points All routes are well marked. As mentioned your 206 Tours El Camino Guide will provide all with pilgrims maps. Along the way, we set up meeting/check points we also refer to these as stage points. If someone has a hard time walking they will be offered a ride on the bus to the next point. The evening before, guide will explain where these points are.

Pilgrims walking along the Way will greet you with "Buen Camino" you should reply also with "Buen Camino"

Attitude "Yes, I can!" The Way of St. James but it's your road and it's for you to walk. While it is true that you have an option to walk as much, or as little as you want to we recommend that you start each day with:

"Yes, I can" then walk, talk to God, then TRY again, and TRY again, keep on TRYING - Success!
Dont pay attention to other pilgrims walking by.
Dont criticise yourself or others.
Dont walk to people please on your Way of St. James.
No matter how you feel try to get up, dress up and show up. This walk is between you and God.

It is very important to believe in yourself. and that you will make it. Many people start off by thinking that they are not going to be able to finish the Way of St. James aka El Camino. Because of the fact that they know there is a driver as an alternative, does not help. But, you should really try and consider that everyone is walkign with some foot pain. We must have a strong mind/determination.

Maps everyone will have one. Routes are all marked well. It is almost impossible to get lost. Every night at dinner your experienced El Camino guide will review the stages for following day. The guide will answer as many questions as you might have.

WC's Bathrooms are plenty along the way. Look for well marked WC's. At times you may have to walk into a Cafe and purchase a bottle of water. Get your passport stamped too.

Mass Every morning at approximately 9:00AM

Walking day starts after Mass (we do get Non Catholic pilgrims who opt not to attend Mass) AM walk is usually 3 hours long.

Lunch We usually have lunch together around 1:00PM. If someone does not make 1PM, there is no problem lunch will be waiting for them at a designated restaurant.

Hotels Our accommodations are all in good hotels, where you will either share your room with your loved one or stay alone if opting for single occupancy We will enjoy the comforts of hotel with wonderful meals, take nice warm showers, repack, wash your clothes if needed, have a glass of wine and enjoy time with our fellow pilgrims. Please do not fear what you read on the internet, about El Camino pilgrims sharing a room in a hostel with 50 unknown people who have not taken showers in many days and are sleeping on cots.mThe most important El Camino tip, that we at 206 Tours want to give you, is - Do Not Worry! Do Not Fear! God, Camino and your guide WILL take care of it!