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The Hiking

Each day, Mountain Trek’s Director, Kirk, and General Manager, Katya, as well as our local guide, Hazel, will lead you on a segment of the Camino de Santiago. We will operate three hiking groups each day for this Trek, and experience three different Caminos:

Camino Mozarabe (“Southern Route”)— Starting in Malaga, Almería, and Jaén, the three legs of the Camino Mozarabe converge in Córdoba, where we will start our Trek. Established around the 11th century by Christians (Mozárabs) living in Al-Andalus under Moorish rule, the quiet country paths, and droving trails stretch across the whole of Spain and have existed since prehistoric times. Despite routing along the Sierra Nevada and crossing the Sierra Morena from Córdoba to Mérida, the highest elevation is only 1,500 m / 4,800 ft, near Granada.

Camino Via de la Plata (“Silver Route”)— When we arrive in Mérida, we join the Camino Via de la Plata, the longest of the pilgrim routes in Spain, starting from Seville in Andalucia. The Via de la Plata gently undulates through the Spanish countryside and follows an old Roman trade road toward the metal mines in northern Spain, some of which remain completely untouched to this day.

Camino de Inverno (“Winter Route”)— Traditionally, the Camino de Inverno was the route taken by French pilgrims in the wintertime to avoid the snowy mountains of O Cebreiro. However, today it is better explored in Spring to appreciate its full and natural beauty, as well as many wineries. It follows the valley of the river Sil, which we will trek alongside, as well as through the old Roman mining region, astonishingly transformed by their colossal vision and efforts.

Mountain Trek will supply foot care materials for blister prevention. Please bring your own backpack, trekking poles, and water bladder.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the elevation gains/losses and mileage of treks, this vacation is appropriate for a Mountain Trek fitness level 1, 2, or 3 only. Please review the Trek Itinerary below for more information.

The Lodging

Nights 1 & 2 — Hospes Palacio de Bailío, Córdoba

Amenities: Bodyna Spa

Nights 3 & 4 — Hotel Ilunion Mérida Palace, Mérida

Amenities: In-room massages

Trip 1: Nights 5 & 6 —Hotel Don Gregorio, Salamanca

Amenities: Spa & Massage

Trip 2: Nights 5 & 6 —Hospes Palacio de San Esteban, Salamanca

Amenities: In-room massages

Night 7 & 8 — Nomad Green Hotel 

Amenities: Jacuzzi

Night 9 — Parador Santo Estevo

Amenities: Spa & Massage

Night 10 — Parador de Santiago de Compostela

Amenities: TBA

The Food

Spanish food reflects the principles of the Mediterranean diet, including lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, olive oil, nuts, seafood, and—of course—wine. It’s based on simple, seasonal, high-quality, and nutritious ingredients that are often sourced locally. On this Trek, we will sample the best of what this region has to offer.

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 Trek 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