CAMINO DE SANTIAGO FROM ASTORGA TO SARRIA (150K)

After you register, you’ll get access to everything you need: training plan, packing list, travel tips, logistics, food guidance, Camino history, and more. You’ll also be invited to join the group WhatsApp chat for updates and community connection. If you have questions, Piper is happy to hop on a call—can’t wait to have you join us!

The trip starts and finishes in Madrid. Please arrive by 3 PM on the first day of your trip so you can check into the hotel and meet us at the opening ceremony dinner. 

We will be hiking between 19 - 23 minutes per mile depending on terrain and elevation, but you can go faster or slower at your own pace. We will hike between 5 and 10 hours a day, taking some breaks along the way at cafes, for historical sites, lunch, and restroom stops. There's no rush and if we want to go faster or need to go slower, we can! It's all about enjoying the Camino experience. You can walk with the group each day, take solitude time and walk alone and go your own pace. You’re welcome to hike faster or slower at your own pace, and one of our guides always stays at the back to support the slowest walker. There is absolutely no shame in that. However, hiking consistently slower than ~25 minutes per mile on flat ground can create challenges with arriving on time for lunch reservations and accommodations. Because of this, everyone must train to the best of their ability so the group stays supported and on track. If you’re unable to walk the full distance on a given day, our guides can help assess the situation and assist with arranging a taxi to the next town (taxis are not included in the trip cost and are paid directly to the driver). Training reduces the likelihood of needing this — and makes the entire experience far more enjoyable. One guide will walk with the slowest walkers.

If you're unable to walk the full distance one day, our guides will help assess the situation and can help you arrange a taxi to the next town (note: taxis are not included in the registration fee). There’s no pressure to hike fast—one of our guides always stays at the back to support the slowest walker, and there’s absolutely no shame in that. We do recommend training beforehand to make the experience as enjoyable as possible, and you're welcome to book a free call with Piper to talk through any concerns.

If you have a dietary restriction, let Piper know when you register and she will work with you to develop a plan that meets your needs. While this region of Spain can be somewhat rigid with meals and substitutions are uncommon, Piper’s guidance and planning will help you navigate options. This region of Spain does not accommodate vegan and restrictive diets well, so if you have complex dietary needs, please note this. The food tends to be simple and mild in flavor in Galicia. If you have questions before booking, you can schedule a free chat to discuss your situation. 

We  will depart between 6 AM and 8 AM each morning. You can leave earlier or later if you like but it's more fun to stick together! All transported luggage needs to be ready by 7:45am each morning at the latest, if you choose to depart after the group. We usually start together, walk for about 45 minutes to an hour, have a coffee and light breakfast, and then hikers in the group set off at their own pace. You're welcome to go your own pace from the beginning, just let your guides know.

Each accommodation is unique. We stay in hotels and hostels! The accommodations are of Spanish style so you will get quite a memorable experience each night, giving you a well-rounded Camino experience! On this trip, we will be sharing space and bathrooms with other pilgrims on 2 nights.

The trip cost is based on double occupancy, which means you will have 1 roommate. You can travel with someone else and let us know when you register you want to room together. If you are a solo traveler, you roommate will be someone of the same gender. You will receive an email with your roommate's information before the trip. If you are traveling with another person and would like to room together, you can let us know upon registering or via email. You'll make great friends with your fellow travelers and enjoy the authentic Camino experience this way. There are no private rooms available on this trip.

We’ll enjoy authentic Spanish meals at local cafés along the way. Most dinners will be the pilgrims meal which is a multi-course experience and a tradition on the Camino. Most mornings we’ll hike for about an hour before stopping for a traditional Spanish breakfast of fresh orange juice, coffee, and a pastry or tortilla. Lunch is at cafés on the trail, dinner is together as a group each evening, and we’ll also pick up snacks from grocery stores to keep us fueled throughout the day.

Just a light daypack with essentials like water, snacks, your sack lunch, and an extra layer. Your luggage will be transported daily to the next stop. Piper will give you a full packing list, tips and advice before the trip. 

After a fun day of hiking, we'll check into our accommodations for the evening. You can hang out at a local cafe, journal, nap, meet other travelers, and get an authentic Camino experience by exploring the town.

Most people fly into Madrid and we will take a train and bus to Astorga together. After we finish the hike, we are taking a train from Sarria to Madrid. Plan to arrive by 3pm on the first day of the trip and fly out after 6pm on the last day of the trip out of Madrid, or book a hotel in Madrid upon our return after the train ride to Madrid and fly out the following day. Need advice now? Book a free Q&A chat.

You'll be accompanied by Piper and Thora throughout your journey. Both are trained in wilderness first aid, ensuring your safety and comfort on the trail. Piper is a Spanish speaker who has done the Camino 5x and Thora is a trail running and tour guide from Iceland who has done the Camino 2x. One guide will walk toward the front of the group, while the other will stay at the back to support slower hikers. You’ll always have expert support nearby!

There will be 2 guides and 10 hikers.

Snoring is common on the Camino! Many travelers use mouth tape to reduce snoring. You can also try sleeping on your side, using nasal strips, or managing allergies. For those with CPAP machines, accommodations  have outlets, and it’s a good idea to bring a travel adapter. If you’re concerned about snoring, bring earplugs and consider noise-canceling headphones to ensure a peaceful night for all.

The total trip cost of $3,800 is split into two payments. Half, $1,900 is due upon registration to secure your spot, and the remaining balance is due three months before the trip, on May 11, 2026. If you prefer to pay in full at the time of registration, you’re welcome to do so. Please email Hello@PiperRuiz.com before registering and I’ll provide a direct payment link. Click here to register.

We understand that plans can change, and we want to ensure clarity regarding our cancellation and refund policy. Please read the following guidelines carefully:

Cancellation Policy

Trip Confirmation: The trip will proceed as published unless an act of God, severe weather, or other unforeseen circumstances occur. In such cases, we reserve the right to adjust or change the details of the itinerary, including accommodations and activities, while maintaining the integrity of the experience.

Cancellation Notification: To cancel your trip, you must notify us in writing via email. If you intend not to attend, it is crucial that you email us as soon as possible to inform us of your cancellation. Please note that no refunds will be provided under any circumstances, so we recommend travel insurance. 

Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect against unexpected events that may affect your travel plans. This insurance can cover costs associated with trip cancellations, interruptions, or emergencies.

Refunds

Non-Refundable Trip: The trip is non-refundable once booked. This policy is strict and applies to all participants without exception.

No Partial Refunds: There will be no partial refunds for missed days, early departures, choosing not to participate in aspects of the trip, or no-shows.

Trip Cancellation Policy

If we must cancel the trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as an act of God or severe weather, we will offer alternative dates for you to join a future trip. While no refunds will be provided, you will have the option to reschedule your participation at no additional cost. We recommend securing travel insurance to cover any additional costs or changes to your travel plans.

Deferrals

Deferrals Not Allowed: Deferrals to a future trip or postponement of your participation for any reason are not permitted. We encourage participants to plan accordingly and consider the commitment involved in joining this adventure.

Transfer to Another Person

Transfer Option: You may transfer your trip to another person, provided you notify us in writing at least 30 days before the trip. The person taking your place must agree to the same terms and conditions, including accommodations and meal arrangements as initially booked.

Transfer Fees: A transfer fee of $100 will apply to process the transfer. All requests for transfers will be subject to availability and must comply with our registration guidelines. Only one transfer may be made per original registration. 

Health & Safety

Medical Needs: All participants are responsible for their own medical needs, including any necessary prescriptions. We advise you to consult with a healthcare professional before embarking on the journey, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.

Participant Conduct & Safety Policy

For your safety and the success of the group experience, all participants are expected to follow the guidance and instructions provided by the trip leaders at all times.

Safety First
Deviating from the group or disregarding instructions—especially in situations involving navigation, timing, or meeting points—creates unnecessary risk and jeopardizes both your safety and the well-being of the group.

Connectivity Is Required
You must have reliable international cell service or an eSIM with consistent data access during the trip. This ensures you can receive updates and instructions throughout the day and contact your Event Director, Piper, if needed.

Non-Compliance Policy
Participants who blatantly disregard leader instructions or make independent decisions that create risk of injury or separation from the group may be subject to the following:

• Immediate removal from the trip without refund
• Exclusion from future trips

This policy exists to protect all travelers and ensure a safe, respectful, and smooth Camino experience for everyone.

Changes to Itinerary

We reserve the right to make necessary changes to the itinerary, including but not limited to accommodations, meals, and scheduled activities, as needed to ensure the safety of the group.

Contact Information

For any questions or concerns regarding this policy or to notify us of a cancellation or transfer, please contact:

Piper Ruiz - Email: Hello@PiperRuiz.com