Modern Day Pilgrims

In the Middle Ages the Camino de Santiago was highly travelled, but reformation and unrest in the 16th century resulted in a slow decline in pilgrimages. An interest in adventure and culture has seen more people from around the globe walk this famous route stopping and staying at the 13th century monasteries and 16th century castles renovated into luxury inns and hotels. The people along the Camino have been welcoming pilgrims for centuries and are known for the warm hospitality. While some seek a road to a new type of spiritualism or a path to personal awareness and growth. Some simply participate in an ancient and culturally significant trek.

El Camino Itineraries

March 17 - March 26: Introduction to El Camino

March 24 - April 2: Deep Immersion

March 31 - April 9: Easter Week

Celebrate Semana Santa

April marks one of the most culturally rich traditions and unique moments on the Camino. Our dates will overlap with Easter when religious pilgrims participate in the many processions, services and celebrations. For the cultural traveller there’s hardly a better time to immerse in a ritual that has been borne out of an ancient past.

Revelers pour into the streets and dramatic processions with statues of saints and people in traditional costumes march through many town squares. Processions build up to Easter Sunday, a day full of light and color when church and cathedral bells are heard ringing throughout the country. 

Shuttle Support and Hiking in Spain

The entire journey will be supported by a shuttle to help us meet distances and deadlines. At any time, the shuttle is available to pick up trekkers who have stayed behind to investigate villages, deposit trekkers ahead or provide support for those who have tired of walking and would simply rather ride. No one will ever feel left behind or face trekking when they would rather not. Kirk will be guiding groups each week and providing the expert care for which Mountain Trek has become known.

These cultural adventures are not part of our regular fitness and weight loss program, although they do involve hiking every day which will always help add to your increased fitness level. 

History of the El Camino Primitivo

"El Camino Primitivo" received its name as it was the first pilgrimage appearing in any historical references to the tomb of the apostle Saint James (Santiago). It was a pilgrimage done by King Alfonso II of Asturias in the IX century and for many hundreds of years was the only “Camino” used by the Pilgrims until the French Camino became popular and more people from the rest of Europe started to do the Pilgrimage.

The present day "Camino Primitivo" is considered one of the more difficult yet most beautiful of the "Caminos". It passes through some of the most unspoiled regions of Spain with dense Oak and Chestnut forests, mountains, pretty villages preserving their medieval air, rivers and valleys. Added to this are the kind and hospitable people of the area. It is often called the Switzerland of Spain.

There are many things to see along the way; the impressive Cathedral in Oviedo built between the 12th and 14th centuries, monasteries such as “el monasterio de Santa Maria la Real de Obono" built in the 13th century, chapels located in villages throughout the country side, 17th & 18th century palaces and medieval bridges are just a few of the cultural sights. This part of Spain id located well off the usual beaten track of most tourists. Far removed from the image of bullfighters and Flamenco dancers, it is a gentle country with dramatic scenery at unexpected moments, rich with heritage and historical significance.

Walking Tours Spain - Camino de Santiago!