Camino Norte
When doing research for my trip I found some excellent resources for planning and preparing for our journey. Here are a few:
Guides
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1. The definitive guidebook for the Norte which we used everyday was The Northern Caminos: Norte, Primitivo and Inglés (Cicerone Guides) Paperback – April 30, 2013 by Dave Whitson (Author), Laura Perazzoli (Author) and is available through Amazon.
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2. Another excellent reference for the Norte (that I downloaded to my iPhone) was from the Basque Tourist Board. Their entire site has excellent information about the Basque country and the Norte.
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3. A very comprehensive website detailing the stages of the Norte. This includes maps, elevation profiles, itineraries, difficulties and observations. There is a lot of information packed into this site. Make sure your right click on the webpage and translate to English.
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4. Another excellent resource provided for the pilgrim is a Basque website that provides awesome detail for the Camino Norte route. This includes altitude profiles, albergues, itineraries, notes, etc. Make sure your right click on the webpage and translate to English.
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5. Information on the Norte from the Confraternity of Saint James. The Confraternity of Saint James was founded in London by a group of six people in 1983 to bring together those interested in the medieval pilgrim routes through Spain and France to the shrine of St James at Santiago de Compostela, and in the associated rich heritage of art, architecture, history, music and faith.
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6. Wonderful information and tons of photos of the Norte:
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7. I created my "Camino Distance Card" to give me daily inspiration on how far I'd walked and how far to go.
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“Blessings on your journey!”
As you begin this pilgrim journey may your heart be open to surprise. With reverence, gratitude and acceptance may you behold your life each day. On every step along the way may hidden goodness come to meet you. In meditating on your memories may courage be your companion. As your life stories rise up to greet you may you welcome them home with love. On every step of your pilgrimage may you find new grace for living. From unexpected places in your life may blessings rise up to anoint you. As you walk the memory road may it become a path of transformation. As you look upon your wounds may you know the joy of healing. In moving beyond the wounds may you be able to take up your life and go on with your living. |
8. I have not walked the Frances but I did find a nice document that explained the differences between the two. Hope this helps.
| camino_del norte_chart.pdf |
Albergues
Download this PDF for a list of albergues on the Norte:
| albergues.pdf |
Website link for albergues: (right click on webpage to TRANSLATE TO ENGLISH)
Hotels
When we weren't staying in albergues we used AirBnB and Trip Advisor to find places to stay. There were many places to choose from and most had a 1 day minimum.
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Camino User Groups
By far the best American organization for the Camino is American Pilgrims on the Camino (APOC). This organization is the most helpful that you will find. It has 33 local chapters throughout the U.S. and provides free Passports!
Also sign up for their Facebook page. It's an invaluable source of information and you'll be able to converse with Camino veterans.
The APOC Facebook forum is another great source of information for the pilgrim as is the Camino Forum out of the UK.
Also sign up for their Facebook page. It's an invaluable source of information and you'll be able to converse with Camino veterans.
The APOC Facebook forum is another great source of information for the pilgrim as is the Camino Forum out of the UK.
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Packing Lists
There are many suggestions for packing lists but here are just a few suggestions:
http://www.americanpilgrims.com/camino/support_files/packing_list_APOC.pdf
http://herpackinglist.com/2015/02/camino-de-santiago-packing-list/
https://compassandquill.com/2015/12/03/my-packing-list-for-the-camino-de-santiago/
http://bitesizedtravel.ca/2014/10/09/my-camino-de-santiago-packing-list-what-worked-what-didnt/
http://www.americanpilgrims.com/camino/support_files/packing_list_APOC.pdf
http://herpackinglist.com/2015/02/camino-de-santiago-packing-list/
https://compassandquill.com/2015/12/03/my-packing-list-for-the-camino-de-santiago/
http://bitesizedtravel.ca/2014/10/09/my-camino-de-santiago-packing-list-what-worked-what-didnt/
Phones
For those of you that want to stay connected on the Camino, but don't want to spend a fortune on U.S. phone bills, look at this option:
1. I purchased an inexpensive "Unlocked GSM" phone on Ebay for around $55 (you can sell the phone on Ebay when you get back or use it as a "burner".)
2. Upon arrival in Spain, purchased a SIM card that allowed me to have local phone, cellular data and texting. This cost was 15Euros and lasted a whole month. You can recharge online or at any local cellular store.
These are the 4 main providers with their own network:
Movistar (dominant operator with 65% of market, part of Telefónica)
Vodafone (bought Airtel in 2002 and is aggressively trying to expand market share)
Orange (known as Amena until 2005)
Yoigo (originates from the carrier Xfera)
1. I purchased an inexpensive "Unlocked GSM" phone on Ebay for around $55 (you can sell the phone on Ebay when you get back or use it as a "burner".)
2. Upon arrival in Spain, purchased a SIM card that allowed me to have local phone, cellular data and texting. This cost was 15Euros and lasted a whole month. You can recharge online or at any local cellular store.
These are the 4 main providers with their own network:
Movistar (dominant operator with 65% of market, part of Telefónica)
Vodafone (bought Airtel in 2002 and is aggressively trying to expand market share)
Orange (known as Amena until 2005)
Yoigo (originates from the carrier Xfera)
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Maps
I love maps and there are some great Google maps that I found to help me plan my trip:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=zGGtY-hKE9-w.ko2nRQxJ3Zug
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=zzDSRlUrV_18.k5g2nOsMOhfc&hl=en
http://tourism.euskadi.eus/contenidos/informacion/x65_folletos/en_x65/folletos/2011/santiago/Mapa%20desplegable%202011_INGL.pdf
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=zzDSRlUrV_18.k5g2nOsMOhfc&hl=en
http://tourism.euskadi.eus/contenidos/informacion/x65_folletos/en_x65/folletos/2011/santiago/Mapa%20desplegable%202011_INGL.pdf
Apps and Credit Cards
Transportation
If you need to find out how to get from A to B then this is the website for you. It will provide all modes of transportation between two points. Bus, Train, Plane, Car, etc.
Rome2Rio
Rome2Rio
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From Denver I flew on Aer Lingus to Dublin round trip. I then took a one way from Dublin to Bilbao on Aer Lingus. My return flight was Santiago to Dublin via Aer Lingus. I saved almost $500 doing this instead of going through Madrid. The connections were shorter too.
Travel Insurance
Luggage Storage in Santiago
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Ivar
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Post Office Lockers
Luggage Transfer
The Spanish Post Office has an excellent luggage/backpack transfer system. Click on the "Correos" below:
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English Website |
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The video is in Spanish but is subtitled |
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The English portion starts at page 15! | ||
Sherpa On The Way (Private Company)
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Le Petit Bag (TRANSLATE TO ENGLISH - Private Company)
Foot Care
The best book ever written on foot care. It's scary to know how much can go wrong with your feet. Also the bandaid that saved my life "Compeed" is sold in every Farmacia in Spain and comes in many different shapes. Stays on your foot all day!!!!
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Weather Averages
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Make your journey even more special - Visit our online store
Camino Shell Necklace
Handmade sterling silver shell pendant, either flat or concave, on an adjustable double slider knot, leather cord (16"-24"). Pendant is approximately 30mm (1.25") in diameter. Also available in 14K or 18K plated gold over sterling silver.
I finished the Camino Norte this July and was inspired to create these when I got home.
Makes a great gift for the future traveler or a wonderful remembrance for those that have been.
I finished the Camino Norte this July and was inspired to create these when I got home.
Makes a great gift for the future traveler or a wonderful remembrance for those that have been.