7 mistakes that all beginners on the Camino de Santiago make
Doing the Camino de Santiago is a transformative experience, but it is also a physical and mental challenge: you have to come prepared. Many pilgrims make mistakes that can make the journey harder than necessary. The good news is that most of them can be avoided. Here you will see the seven most common mistakes of beginners on the Camino (and how to fix them).
Overloading the backpack
The most common mistake: taking too much. Forget about "just in case" items such as extra clothes, books or unnecessary technology. Every extra kilo counts.
Our advice is to carry a backpack of 30 to 40 litres and keep the total weight between 8 and 10 kg. On the Camino, less is more.
Wearing new shoes
Nothing ruins the experience more than blisters. Wearing boots for the first time on the Camino ensures unnecessary pain. The Camino is not a walkway, it is a transformative experience.
Our advice is to wear comfortable shoes that are already worn and adapted to your feet. And don't forget your technical socks.
Do not train before starting
Thinking that walking 20 to 30 kilometres every day is easy is another mistake. The body needs to get used to it and training is necessary.
Our advice is to hike beforehand with your backpack loaded, even on similar terrain, to prepare your feet and legs. Do hikes with steep slopes.
Underestimating the climate
The weather on the Camino can change in a matter of minutes: intense sunshine, rain, cold or extreme heat. Many beginners do not prepare for such variability.
Our advice is to always wear a light waterproof jacket and protect yourself with a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Also bring a sweatshirt for the evenings.
Not taking care of your feet
Feet are your engine on the Camino, and are often neglected until the first blister appears.
Our advice is to check your feet every day, change your socks when they are wet and use anti-friction cream.
Planning too little
Plan ahead, bearing in mind that inconveniences can arise. You may end up without a bed or walking at night.
Our advice is to have a general idea of the stages, book in high season with some margin, but also leave room for improvisation: there are experiences that cannot be planned.
Forgetting the meaning of the Camino
The focus is not just on getting there fast, racking up kilometres or sharing photos. That creates pressure and detracts from the experience.
Our advice is to remember that the Camino is more than a goal. It is to enjoy the journey, the people you meet and the moments of silence with yourself.
Conclusion
The Camino de Santiago is not a race or an exam: it is a personal journey and everyone has their own pace. Avoiding these mistakes will allow you to enjoy it more, take care of your body and open yourself to all that the Camino has to offer. Bon Camino, pilgrim!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the most common mistake beginners make on the Camino?
Overpacking. Many people carry clothes or things "just in case" that they never use. Every extra kilo is noticeable at every stage.
2. How heavy should my rucksack be?
Ideally, it should not exceed 8-10 kg, and should be 30-40 litres. On the Camino, less is more.
3. Is it a good idea to wear new boots on the Camino?
No. Wearing new shoes is a guarantee of blisters and pain. It is best to wear well-worn, comfortable boots or trainers, together with technical socks.
4. Is it necessary to train before doing the Camino?
Yes, walking 20-30 km a day requires preparation. Take routes beforehand with your backpack loaded, including hilly and varied terrain to get your body used to it.
5. How should I prepare for the weather on the Camino?
The weather changes very quickly. Always wear a waterproof jacket, a sweatshirt for the evenings, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
6. How can I take care of my feet during the Camino?
Check your feet daily, change your socks if they are wet and use anti-friction cream to avoid blisters.
7. Is it advisable to plan all the stages of the Camino?
You don't have to have it all locked in. It's best to plan the basics, book in high season and leave room for improvisation: many experiences are born out of the unexpected.
8. What is the most "emotional" mistake that beginners make?
Forgetting the true meaning of the Camino. It's not just about getting there fast or racking up the kilometres, but about enjoying the journey, the people and the moments with yourself.
9. What attitude do I need to have to enjoy the Camino?
Remember that the Camino is not a race or an exam. Each pilgrim has his or her own pace. The important thing is to live it as a personal journey.
