{"id":5230,"date":"2025-07-15T21:43:14","date_gmt":"2025-07-15T19:43:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.viajeroscanallas.es\/?p=5230"},"modified":"2026-03-17T10:33:03","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T09:33:03","slug":"bedbugs-in-hostels-and-on-the-camino-de-santiago","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.viajeroscanallas.es\/en\/hay-chinches-en-los-albergues-y-en-el-camino-de-santiago\/","title":{"rendered":"Are there bedbugs in hostels and on the Camino de Santiago?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Contents\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #2b2b2b;color:#2b2b2b\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #2b2b2b;color:#2b2b2b\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseprofile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.viajeroscanallas.es\/en\/hay-chinches-en-los-albergues-y-en-el-camino-de-santiago\/#%c2%bfque_son_las_chinches\" >What are bedbugs?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.viajeroscanallas.es\/en\/hay-chinches-en-los-albergues-y-en-el-camino-de-santiago\/#%c2%bfpor_que_aparecen\" >Why do they appear?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.viajeroscanallas.es\/en\/hay-chinches-en-los-albergues-y-en-el-camino-de-santiago\/#%c2%bfdonde_las_podemos_encontrar\" >Where can we find them?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.viajeroscanallas.es\/en\/hay-chinches-en-los-albergues-y-en-el-camino-de-santiago\/#%c2%bfes_comun_encontrar_chinches_en_el_camino_de_santiago\" >Is it common to find bedbugs on the Camino de Santiago?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.viajeroscanallas.es\/en\/hay-chinches-en-los-albergues-y-en-el-camino-de-santiago\/#%c2%bfque_hacer_si_nos_pican_una_chinche\" >What to do if you are bitten by a bedbug?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.viajeroscanallas.es\/en\/hay-chinches-en-los-albergues-y-en-el-camino-de-santiago\/#%c2%bfque_hacer_para_prevenirlas\" >What can be done to prevent them?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.viajeroscanallas.es\/en\/hay-chinches-en-los-albergues-y-en-el-camino-de-santiago\/#en_resumen\" >In a nutshell<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.viajeroscanallas.es\/en\/hay-chinches-en-los-albergues-y-en-el-camino-de-santiago\/#faqs_frecuentes\" >Frequent FAQ's<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><div class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%c2%bfque_son_las_chinches\"><\/span>What are bedbugs?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Bedbugs are small, flat, oval-shaped insects. They are reddish-brown in colour, do not jump, but move around on walls, furniture, mattresses and clothing. They feed on blood, but beware, they do not transmit diseases and are not associated with dirty spaces.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%c2%bfpor_que_aparecen\"><\/span>Why do they appear?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Bedbugs are nocturnal insects and hide during the day in mattresses, sheet seams, bed frames or any crevice. They do not fly, but they are expert travellers: they tend to hide in backpacks, sleeping bags or clothes. That is why, even if a hostel is clean, it is enough that a pilgrim takes them with him or her so that they can settle and spread.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%c2%bfdonde_las_podemos_encontrar\"><\/span>Where can we find them?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The most frequent locations are:<\/p>\n<p>Hotels, hostels and hostels.<\/p>\n<p>Private homes.<\/p>\n<p>Public transport (trains, buses, planes).<\/p>\n<p>Second-hand furniture.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%c2%bfes_comun_encontrar_chinches_en_el_camino_de_santiago\"><\/span>Is it common to find bedbugs on the Camino de Santiago?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It can happen, but it is not normal. The hostels, especially municipal and private hostels that receive large numbers of pilgrims, are very attentive to this problem. Most carry out frequent cleaning and preventive treatments to avoid any infestation. However, due to the constant flow of people and backpacks, the risk is never zero.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%c2%bfque_hacer_si_nos_pican_una_chinche\"><\/span>What to do if you are bitten by a bedbug?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The bites usually appear in a straight line, with redness and itching. They usually bite several times in the same area. If you suspect you have been bitten by bed bugs:<\/p>\n<p>Wash the area with soap and water.<\/p>\n<p>Apply an antihistamine cream or aloe vera to relieve itching.<\/p>\n<p>Wash your clothes and sleeping bag in hot water if possible.<\/p>\n<p>Inform the hostel: do not feel guilty. It is important that the hostel acts as soon as possible to prevent it spreading to other pilgrims.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%c2%bfque_hacer_para_prevenirlas\"><\/span>What can be done to prevent them?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Here are some practical tips to minimise the risk:<\/p>\n<p>Check the mattress before going to bed: look for black spots (bedbug droppings) or small brown bugs in the seams and corners.<\/p>\n<p>Don't put your backpack on the bed: keep it hanging or on separate surfaces.<\/p>\n<p>Use a sheet or sleeping bag cover: there are specially designed bed bug-proof covers available.<\/p>\n<p>Spray your backpack with bedbug repellent spray: you can carry a small one as part of your first aid kit.<\/p>\n<p>Wash clothes frequently in hot water, if you have access to laundry facilities.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<section class=\"ai-play-skip vc_cta3-container animacion-vc\">\n    <div class=\"ai-play-skip vc_general vc_do_cta3 vc_cta3 CAT-VC vc_cta3-style-classic vc_cta3-shape-rounded vc_cta3-align-left vc_cta3-color-white vc_cta3-icon-size-xl vc_cta3-icons-left vc_cta3-actions-right wpb_animate_when_almost_visible wpb_fadeInDown fadeInDown vc_custom_canallas wpb_start_animation animated\">\n        <div class=\"vc_cta3-icons\">\n            <div class=\"vc_icon_element vc_icon_element-outer vc_do_icon vc_icon_element-align-left\">\n                <div class=\"vc_icon_element-inner vc_icon_element-color-white vc_icon_element-size-xl vc_icon_element-style- vc_icon_element-background-color-grey\">\n                    <span class=\"fas fa-hiking icono-camino\"><\/span>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"vc_cta3_content-container\">\n            <div class=\"vc_cta3-content\">\n                <header class=\"vc_cta3-content-header\">\n                    <p class=\"cta-heading h2\">Ready to experience the Camino without worries?<\/p>\n                <\/header>\n                <p class=\"cta-heading h3\">Enjoy the magic of the Camino de Santiago with peace of mind: we give you advice, support and accompaniment so that nothing -not even bedbugs- tarnish your experience.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"vc_cta3-actions\">\n                <div class=\"vc_btn3-container vc_btn3-inline\">\n                    <a class=\"vc_general vc_btn3 vc_btn3-size-md vc_btn3-shape-rounded vc_btn3-style-flat vc_btn3-color-green\" href=\"https:\/\/api.whatsapp.com\/send?phone=34603040475&#038;text=%C2%BFLista+para+vivir+el+Camino+sin+preocupaciones%3F\" target=\"_blank\" id=\"ga_whatsapp\" rel=\"noopener\">\n                        <i class=\"fab fa-whatsapp\"><\/i> I want to live it                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"en_resumen\"><\/span>In a nutshell<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Yes, bedbugs can appear on the Camino de Santiago, but it is not something frequent and should not discourage you. With caution and common sense, it is entirely possible to avoid the problem or manage it without major consequences. And remember: the Camino is full of unforgettable experiences, and no bedbug should overshadow them.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"faqs_frecuentes\"><\/span>Frequent FAQ's<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Are there bedbugs in the hostels on the Camino de Santiago?<\/strong><br \/>\nYes, it is not common but they can appear. The constant passage of pilgrims makes the hostels are very attentive to this problem. Most hostels carry out regular cleaning and preventive fumigation.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why are there bedbugs if the hostel is clean?<\/strong><br \/>\nBedbugs have nothing to do with dirt. They can arrive in backpacks, sleeping bags or pilgrims' clothes. Once inside, they hide in mattresses, seams or cracks, and reproduce quickly if not detected in time.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What does a bedbug bite look like?<\/strong><br \/>\nThey are red bumps, lined up or grouped together, itch a lot (especially at night), and appear on the arms, legs, neck or back. They are distinguished from mosquito bites by their straight or zigzag shape.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What do I do if I am bitten by bedbugs?<\/strong><br \/>\nWash the area with soap and water.<br \/>\nApply antihistamine cream or aloe vera.<br \/>\nWash your clothes and bag in hot water if you can.<br \/>\nInform the hostel staff.<\/p>\n<p>It is not your fault, but it is important that the place takes measures to prevent contagion to other pilgrims.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How can I prevent carrying bedbugs with me?<\/strong><br \/>\nDon't put your backpack on the bed.<br \/>\nUse an anti-bedbug sheet or cover.<br \/>\nCheck the mattress before going to bed.<br \/>\nCarry a repellent spray in travel format.<br \/>\nWash clothes frequently when you have access to laundry facilities.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Do bedbugs transmit diseases?<\/strong><br \/>\nNo. So far, they have not been shown to transmit diseases to humans. But their bites can cause discomfort, insomnia and scratching infections if not treated well.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Should I worry about bedbugs on the Camino?<\/strong><br \/>\nNot too much. It is good to be informed and take precautions, but most pilgrims have no problems. And if it happens to you, it can be easily managed. Don't worry and \u00a1Buen Camino, pilgrim!<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Bedbugs can appear on the Camino de Santiago, but they are rare. They do not indicate dirtiness and can be prevented with simple measures. If you get bitten, act quickly and inform the hostel. With caution, you can enjoy the Camino without any problems.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5232,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5230","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-camino-de-santigo","category-17","description-off"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.viajeroscanallas.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5230","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.viajeroscanallas.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.viajeroscanallas.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.viajeroscanallas.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.viajeroscanallas.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5230"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.viajeroscanallas.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5230\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5865,"href":"https:\/\/www.viajeroscanallas.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5230\/revisions\/5865"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.viajeroscanallas.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5232"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.viajeroscanallas.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5230"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.viajeroscanallas.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5230"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.viajeroscanallas.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5230"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}