TRIP FITNESS LEVEL: 3 out of 5 / Moderate

What is a Fitness Level of 3 out of 5:

Outdoor adventures are rated in three levels: Easy (1,2), Moderate (3,4) and Challenging (5). As the abilities of everybody are different, it’s important that you determine whether the Camino de Santiago suits your own needs and capabilities.

When grading our trips, we take 3 main factors into consideration:
• Distance: the number of miles we take each day.
• Gradient: the change in altitude in each stage.
• Trail Type: the terrain we will be walking on-- mountain road, forest track or surfaced road, etc.)

Easy (1,2)
• Time: Under 5 hours per day on average.
• Gradient: Gentle, no steep climbs.
• Trail Type: Walking path, easily accessible.
• Suitable for: Everybody. Some easy preparation walks should increase your enjoyment.

Moderate (3,4)
• Time: 5 to 8 hours / less than 20-30km per day on average.
• Gradient: Up to 1000m ascent per day on average, possibility of some steep climbing.
• Trail Type: Walking paths, mountain trails, not technically difficult.
• Suitable for: Moderate level of fitness required. For individuals who love active holidays and experiences. Some weekend walks of around 3-4 hours should help your preparation with several walks with the full weight of your pack pre-trip.

Challenging (5)
• Time: Days can be over 9 hours / 30km.
• Gradient: Days can be more than 1000m, some steep climbing.
• Trail Type: Walking paths, mountain trails, can be technically difficult.
• Suitable for: Good level of fitness required. Previous experience would be best. Regular weekend walks of 4-5 hours or more are advisable in the months leading up to the trip. These should include some mountain walks.

*All Drawn to the Camino participants will receive a Camino training regimen to use as a guide.

Is a 3 out of 5 for someone like me?

We understand that the beauty of nature and the rural is part of our essential being, reminding us we are alive and part of a human fabric that goes back millennia. Our trip is about being present in the moment, moving from being here and getting there. But we seek a balance between the two, keeping each other healthy and well cared for. Drawn to the Camino does not approach pilgrimage, long-distance walking, and hiking as an elite sport, nor are any of our trips the means to an end, a check off the bucket list, or a selfie-shot. You may be active and fit in your mature. Or a completely sedentary 21-year-old, thinking nothing can stop you. It is true that we can do this trip together.

You may not be in the best shape of your life or not in shape at all. The Camino de Santiago is open for all levels, with different routes providing different kinds of access. However, the reality is that our trips clock 15 to 18 miles of walking daily over the course of 30+ days with packs in tow, some days on hard terrain. This places these trips firmly at a moderate fitness level, 3 out of 5. Is it right for me? Absolutely! We have to first get moving. Start slow, and we will go from there.

How fit do I have to be?

There is no walking the Camino de Santiago without training, physically or mentally. You will have to set time aside for, at minimum, a full 6 weeks in advance of the trip. Not doing so is not only a risk to yourself, to the group, and to other pilgrims, but also to your leaders who are expending energy for someone who did not take their health or the experience of the group seriously. Preparation and training will not only make the journey easier, but it will make it more enjoyable. While it’s no small feat, training for the Camino de Santiago and getting your fitness to a comfortable level in order to tackle the Camino is more than possible, and we are here to help you achieve that goal so that you are ready for your Camino adventure.

While on the trip, we work really hard to make sure you meet your goal of completing the journey. Please read our FAQs section, check with your physician, and fill out the medical questionnaire honestly to best be able to support you on your path.

So, if you are worried about your fitness level or ability to take this on, we are here to help you answer that question. If our trip is not for you, we will help you find and build the trip that is.