What to Expect

Adventure Treks are a unique and authentic hiking experience—and afford us the opportunity to explore some of the most amazing landscapes in the world and immerse in their rich local cultures.

While each day has a wonderful plan, we will not be as regimented as we are at the lodge in British Columbia. We will eat, and even have the occasional drink, like locals and weave our trip into their routines. As we embark on what truly is an adventure, keep an open mind to the unknown and relish in the experience of learning.

Specific to Spanish culture, please note that dinners will be later than you are used to, around 8:30 pm. Additionally, typical Spanish cuisine features meat and fish. We can accommodate vegetarian and gluten-free preferences, but vegan preferences are unable to be accommodated on this trek.

This Trek covers most of Spain from south to north, causing a range of weather. In the South, typical weather will range 7 – 24 C / 45 – 75 F, and in the North, 4 – 16 C / 40 – 60 F, with a higher chance of precipitation.

Gratuities for restaurants and hotels are included with this Trek, but please bring enough Euros to cover tipping any taxis used getting to and departing the Trek, massage therapists, and bellhops.

Tourist Visa & Passport

If you are traveling across international borders for this Adventure Trek, please ensure you have all necessary visas in place and a valid passport prior to departure.

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Arrival

You are responsible for getting to the Trek starting point, the Hospes Palacio de Bailío in Córdoba, Spain by 6 pm (originally was 2 pm). We will take care of the rest from there. Suggested options:

Fly into Madrid airport (MAD) and take a two-hour high-speed train from Puerta de Atocha station. There is a train almost every 30 minutes.

Fly into Malaga airport (AGP) and then catch a high-speed train from Malaga’s Maria Zamburano station which goes every 2 hours and takes about 50 minutes.

Rent a car from Malaga airport which can be left at the train station in Córdoba. The drive is about 2 hours.

Departure

Depart Santiago de Compostela (SCQ) 10 days later on Tuesday morning. The airport is a short 15-minute taxi or bus ride from the city center.

Alternatively, there is a train station with high-speed trains to Madrid Chamartin Station, which runs about five times each day and takes around 5 hours.

How To Prepare Your Body

On this Camino de Santiago Adventure Trek, we will often be hiking long distances over flatter ground. The best way to prepare is to increase your cardio activity and step count, starting at least one month prior to arrival. Also, begin breaking in your hiking shoes at this time. Head out on long walks, eventually building up to 12 km / 7.5 mi, and increase leg strength when possible, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator. To aid in preparing your body, consider following these tips from nutritionist Jenn:

Consume smaller, low-carb dinners; breakfast and lunch should make up 2/3 of your daily calories
Eat at least 2 fruits and 2-3 cups of vegetables per day
Drink less caffeine, and eliminate caffeine after 10 am.
Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily
Consume fewer refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and pasta.
Take one multivitamin daily
Use less salt when cooking and snacking

What to pack

Please note: All guests are to bring their own 26-40 liter backpacks, trekking poles, and 3L water bladders for hydration. We will provide foot care & electrolytes for all guests.

We are only able to accommodate one checked bag and your 26-40 liter backpack used as a carry-on.

Keep all medication in your carry-on.

Passport
Prescribed medication (do not put in checked bag)
Backpack (26-40 liters)
Trekking poles
Water bladder (3 liters)
Dinner Attire (smart-casual)
Trail runners / hiking boots
5 pairs med-weight wicking hiking socks (wool preferred)
5 non-cotton underwear
Sandals
Running or tennis shoes
Bathing suit
Loungewear
2 quick-drying hiking pants
1 pair hiking shorts
3 short-sleeve base layers
2 long-sleeve base layer
2 warm fleece or wool mid-layer
Rain jacket
Rain pants
Warm vest (optional)
Warm hat or ear band
Sun hat
Rain hat (if rain jacket doesn’t have a hood)
Medium-weight, water-resistant gloves
Pajamas
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Camera
Book
Extra pair of prescription eyeglasses

How to Layer

Base layer
This is your sweat-wicking first layer that has direct contact with your skin. Good fabrics include polypro, merino wool and silk. Cotton is discouraged—it will keep you damp.

Middle layer
Your insulating layer that traps body heat. Polar Fleece and wool are preferable.

Outer layer
Your shield from wind and rain. Gore-Tex, or something similar, is best—it’s waterproof yet breathable.

Laundry

Laundry is not included with this Adventure Trek, but available at most hotels.

Post Hike Spa Services

If you’re interested in spa treatments following your day of trekking, some of our hotels have a spa or offer in-room massage services, which should be booked directly with the hotel. We will email you the time windows that massages will be available 14 days prior to your arrival as well as instructions on how to book treatments.

Food Preferences and Alcohol

You are personally responsible for dietary restrictions and allergies. Please be vigilant in ensuring your allergies and preferences are respected.

Two glasses of wine/beer are included with dinner. Scheduled experiences, such as wine tasting, are included. Any alcohol beyond this will need to be purchased individually.

Travel and Medical Insurance

Trip cancelation and medical insurance are highly recommended. Specifically, we recommend getting adventure recreational medical insurance that covers the cost of medical evacuation (a worst-case scenario). We recommend “cancel for any reason” travel insurance. Please obtain both through your local travel agent or online.

Mindful Travel

Our intent in offering this trip is to provide you the opportunity to completely immerse in the culture and beauty of the destination you explore and leave better than you arrived—in mind, body, and spirit. We aim to have this experience be satisfying enough that it could be considered “the big carbon adventure of the year”.

On this Trek, we will support you in being present throughout the experience, being mindful of and savoring each moment for its own unique beauty.

Carbon-Neutral Travel

Mountain Trek is proud to announce that from the moment you arrive until the moment you depart, the carbon emitted during your entire week will be offset following our 7-4-7 Formula, which supports a mix of engineered solutions, like Direct Air Capture, natural methods, like Reforestation, and education.

Furthermore, we will be offsetting the footprint of Kirk and Katya’s air travel to and from this Adventure Trek using the same formula.

We would be honored if you considered offsetting your flight to and from the Trek as well. To support you in this, we have offered the option when booking to have us calculate and offset the footprint of your flights on your behalf.

Learn more about our 7-4-7 Method