Camino de Santiago
Sarria to Santiago de Compostela in 5 Stages
Lodging
Hotels
Nights
6
Trip Details
Self Guided
Price
From $1,500 USD per person
Transport
Private Transport, Baggage Transfers, Your Feet
Pygmy miles
4245
Experience
Journey
The Camino de Santiago harks back to a different era—a pilgrimage that has captivated the hearts and souls of walkers for a millennium. In the past , the Camino started and ended at the doorsteps of pilgrims. Today, the most popular route is along the "Camino Francés".
This itinerary features the last 5 stages of the Camino Frances. The itinerary starts in Sarria and ends in Santiago de Compostela. This itinerary will allow pilgrims to gain the coveted "Compostela" as the journey fulfills the 100 km hiking requirement.
Along the way, you will be welcomed at charming guest houses, albergues and, to cap it off, the 5-star Parador in Santiago de Compostela. The parador is a treat that you deserve after completing the tour. You'll connect with people from around the world and enjoy the rich culture and food of Northern Spain.
As with all of Pygmy Elephant's self-guided itineraries, it is customizable to fit your preferences.
Buen Camino!
Activities
Trekking
You'll walk 72 miles (117 km) from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela.
Gastronomy
Typical dishes include pulpoá feira, empanada, tarta de Santiago and many seafood dishes!
Cultural Immersion
The Camino intertwines with history, the landscape of the region and the international composition of its pilgrims.
Place
The Way of St. James
El Camino de Santiago refers to any pilgrim road to Santiago de Compostela that culminates at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, a church in the city center. Traditionally, pilgrims make this by non-motorized means, either hiking, biking or even by horseback. There are many roads all over Europe that can be taken; some marked paths start as far as Italy and Austria. Some pilgrims still start their trek from the doorstep of their homes as ancient pilgrims did. This is made possible by the network of roads which is much more like a river system, where smaller roads meet up to form larger ones. Still others decide to make their way to the border between Spain and France and start their journey there. The most popular route starts at St John Pied-de-Port and runs 497 miles (800 km) through the Pyrenees, the vineyards of Rioja, the Castilian meseta and the mountains of Galicia. The last 217 miles (350 km) of the Camino Francés is featured in this itinerary.
Itinerary
Track
Itinerary
Arrival in Sarria
Welcome to Spain! You will spend your first night at the four star Hotel Alfonso IX.
Sarria to Portomarin (22.7 km)
Today, you will cross the important, but somehow arbitrary, 100 km mark to Santiago. The hike is pleasant, with elevation gain at the beginning and elevation loss at the end. Most of the trek is on a forested path. A good number of hamlets can be found along the way to power up with tortilla pinchos and assorted Spanish fare.
Portomarin to Palas de Rei (24.6 km)
A peaceful day, with ample refreshment stops along the way. A short, 1 km detour is recommended at Castromaior. There, old roman ruins dating back to the 4th century BC can be found. Another point of interest is at Vilar de Donas, a 14th century church with stone effigies of knights and unique frescoes with peculiar and somewhat haunting expressions.
Palas de Rei to Arzúa (29.4 km)
There are several river valleys to be crossed today, however do not fear the elevation gain—It is minimal. A highlight of the day will surely be in Melide, where pulpo is a staple. Our favorite pulperíais Ezequiel. Grab a seat at the communal tables and be on the lookout for the cook with an octopus tattoo.
Arzúa to O Pedrouzo (20.8 km)
The second to last day of your Camino will take you to the outskirts of Santiago de Compostela. The path is good and there is very little road walking. We enjoy staying in Pedrouzo, a small and quiet hamlet, before entering Santiago. Santaia is a perfect respite before the modern world crashes down in Santiago de Compostela.
O Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela (20.1 km)
The first part of your last day is pleasant enough. A rolling hill or two can be found as you pass by the airport. Once you reach Monte do Gozo, it's all asphalt from there to the city center. Try to free your mind from the hustle of the city. Perhaps take time for reflection. How far have you come? What have you learned? Are there thoughts that still swirl around unanswered? Maybe you haven't found all the answers, but hopefully you know what the important questions now are. Ponder these questions and more in the gorgeous Hostal de los Reyes Católicos, your accommodation for the night.
Pygmy miles
Pygmy Miles Total
Challenge 
Hiking 
Bicycle 
Sustainability 
Miscellaneous Base Miles
You earn 1 Pygmy Mile for each $1 you spend with us.
Hiking Distance
You earn 10 Pygmy Miles for every mile that you hike. Get fit and get rewarded.
Compostela
Completing the hike and gaining your Compostela is a reward in itself, however will throw a little on top just to make it that much sweeter.
Total Pygmy Miles
Accommodation
Hotel Alfonso IX
Sarria
All the comfort you need can be found at Hotel Alfonso IX. One of the larger hotels you'll find on the Camino, Hotel Alfonso is a 4-star property located in Sarria. "The hotel has a total of 57 rooms, 2 Junior Suites and 1 Luxury Alfonso IX Suite, spread over 3 floors... The café (with internal and external service from the hotel) and its own restaurant: “A Ponte Ribeira."”
Pazo de Berbetoros
Portomarin
A sophisticated gem located in the heart of Portomarin, this "two" star hotel outshines its star ranking with smart interiors and gracious hospitality. A garden, cafe and reading room are available to guests, along with a generous breakfast.
Casa Leopoldo
Palas de Rei
In an unassuming building, hidden away, a secret center of hospitality awaits. The hosts at Casa Leopoldo offer professional, warm and caring hospitality. Inside, you will be surprised by the refined furniture, stylings and aesthetics.
Pazo Santa María
Arzúa
Built in 1742, this manor house retains the charm of yesteryear. Painstakingly renovated in 2004, the major architectural and historical elements have been retained, while modern amenities and class have been introduced. There are a number of buildings located on the estate, enough for a small village. The rooms are located in the main building and other small buildings in the "village.” Large spacious rooms of 20-35 square meters greet guests, along with an en suite bathroom.
Santaia
Pedrouzo/o Pino
Set in the restored Galician farmhouse, Santaia is a lovely respite from the hurried everyday life. Begona is a fabulous host, with an eye for design and style. The rooms are sophisticated. The furnishings are from a bygone era, however with modern touches. A true delight on the Camino.
Santiago de Compostela
Hostal de los Reyes Católicos
The Parador that other paradors look up to. Sensuous bedding, sprawling and open courtyards, regal dining—this 5-star establishment is a treat to reward you for your epic achievement.
Practical info
When
The Camino Frances can be hiked all year round, however Pygmy Elephant's season runs from March to October. Our favorite time of year to make the hike is in April (avoiding Easter), and September. The weather is cool and the camino is not bulging with pilgrims. July and August can be particularly hot, so take this into consideration when choosing your departure date.
How
Self guided
Self guided does not mean you are alone. We help you coordinate and plan your trip beforehand. Once you are on the trail, we provide 24-hour customer service in case there are any urgent issues with your bookings.
Service Category
Pygmy Itineraries
PYGMY ITINERARY BENEFITS
- Price Transparency: see where your money is going with line-item pricing
- Never Lose Your Deposit Guarantee: 50% refund, 50% credit to future trip
- Customized Handbook with Journey Details: maps, elevation profiles, tips and more
- Destination Book Digital Travel App: everything in your handbook, in digital form
- One Year Premium GAIA GPS Membership: your GPS routes, on your phone
- Complete Itinerary Customization: build the trip you want to take
- Special Meal Requests: we'll help you stick to your diet of choice
- Before-You-Go Email Series: helpful emails to get you prepared for your trek
- Transportation Options Information: timetables, routes and contact info
- 24/7 Phone Support for Urgent Issues: give us a call if anything goes wrong
- WhatsApp Support (9 AM to 5 PM, ET): rapid response to your inquiries
- Email Support (24-hour turnaround): answers for not-so-urgent questions
- Virtual Pre-Hike Briefing: one-on-one briefing with your travel consultant
- Baggage Transfers (where applicable): your bags, delivered to your accommodation
Challenge Level
Technical Ability
Level : Low
Mental Strength
Level : Low
Physical Conditioning
Level : Medium
- No technical skills are needed to hike the Camino. The road is very well marked with arrows that point the way.
- Hiking 5 stages in a row requires some mental fortitude. When your muscles ache, you'll need to push yourself and carry on, and you'll feel like having a cheat day.
- There are few elevation gains and losses, but for the most part the Camino Francés is flat. It's not like hiking in the Alps. However, what the Camino lacks in height, it makes up for in distance; you'll average over 20 km hiking per day.
Price
Approximately $1,500 per person, based on double occupancy
After initial consultation, we will customize your itinerary to meet your fitness level, budget, accommodation wishes and schedule. Depending on the journey, it might be possible to skip stages, rearrange their order, substitute accommodations, and add or subtract transfers. Find more information on the base itinerary and possible customizations below.
Base itinerary
- 6 nights accommodation, as outlined in itinerary
- Breakfast at all locations
Optional Add-ons
- Lunches and Dinners
- Private Transport to León
- Private Transport from Santiago de Compostela to airport
- Rest days or free days
Not Included
- Airfare
- Travel insurance
- In-situ transportation fees
Gallery
