SANTIAGO'S ROAD
GENERAL TIPS

• AN INFALLIBLE COMPASS:
  The Camino is perfectly marked with yellow arrows, so getting lost is almost the height of disorientation. There are also milestones and signs, where the Lavieira graphics indicate the correct route.
• BACKPACK:
  We do not recommend that it exceed 10% of your weight including the weight of water, approximately 7 kilos. On the Camino you will find everything you need. It must be anatomical and adjustable in height to better adapt to the back, it is important to avoid the accumulation of fatigue and excessive load on the back and shoulders.
• ARRANGEMENT OF THE MATERIAL IN THE BACKPACK:
  It would be ideal to place the material in the backpack separated with plastic bags (that do not make noise so as not to disturb the hostel mates), and put the heaviest ones at the bottom and closest to the back (to improve the balance point ).
  It will also be more convenient to arrange things in such a way that we always have the water bottle and camera at hand; This way it will not be necessary to unload and load the backpack every time we want to drink or take a photo.

Along the entire Camino you will find shelters, some of which operate based on voluntary donations, but in general this has become mandatory, although the prices are very cheap.

• 1 hour 270 Calories to be added to normal consumption per person
  At the end of the road the reality is usually different. The temptations of good food and an increase in muscle mean that weight loss is not excessive, and you can even gain weight. But as the saying goes: “let them take away what we danced, or what we ate, in this case” and it feels good to fill our belly after doing so much exercise.
• 2 hours 540 Calories
  Eating: Navarrese gastronomy has a long tradition and is characterized by its variety: game, beef and lamb, Roncal or Idiazabal cheeses, piquillo peppers, asparagus, Ribera vegetables, etc.
• 3 hours 810 Calories
  Drink: Nothing better than water for the pilgrim, but there are meals in which wine cannot be missing. The Navarrese is of high quality, red, or rosé, depending on tastes. And after dessert the typical “copica” of pacharán liquor.
• 4 hours 1080 Calories
  Steak (1020 Kcal)+salad (120 Kcal)+bread (125 Kcal)+wine (145 Kcal)= 1410 Kcal… Good! I still have room for dessert and a glass of pacharán.

• Along the entire Camino you will find shelters, some of which operate based on voluntary donations, but in general this has become mandatory, although the prices are very cheap.
• They usually open at noon, and silence is required from between nine and eleven at night. They have a kitchen and dining room, where everyone must clean their own things. Shower and bed are guaranteed, or else a sleeping bag and sweet dreams.
• Since it is normal to sleep together in the same room, earplugs are essential, otherwise you don't want to stay awake all night due to other people's snoring.
• It doesn't hurt to bring your own pillowcase. There are many heads that sleep on the same bed.
  In addition to the hostels, there are many high-quality hospitality establishments along the Camino. It is a more expensive, less genuine option, but it guarantees rest and allows for more flexible schedules.
• The Camino currently does not present dangers, however you must take care of yourself and be prudent:
  – Do not drink from fountains if you are not sure that they are drinkable.
  – Always carry water or isotonic drinks. We recommend that you bring a small portion of salt and bicarbonate; in case of anomalies, purchase saline solution.

• The first days we advise not to exaggerate so much in distance as in rhythm to get the body used to it. Do 35 or 40 kilometers the first day is easy; but it will not be so easy to resume the march the next day. Therefore, the first 4 or 5 days They are the most delicate, and in which it is normal to suffer pain muscles, especially in the legs, back and shoulders.
• Whenever you walk on the road or have to cross one, do it with great caution. It must be taken into account that the weight of the backpack and fatigue slow down movements if you need a quick reaction. Furthermore, you should always Walk on the left to keep an eye on the cars that are closest to you, and the further away from the road the better.
• Fortunately, and especially on the Camino Francés, there are few road sections that pass through roads with traffic.
• Walking at night is not advisable and, in any case, reflective clothing should be worn so that motorists can see clearly. our position.
• Except in the case of a significant physical impediment, the support car to transport the backpacks is unnecessary and inadvisable. The main reason is that it limits the freedom of decide at every moment where to spend the night, and the freedom to go doing things as they arise without depending on others conditions that are not part of the Camino itself. Besides, In a few days the body gets used to walking with the weight of the backpack and, if it is not excessive, it does not represent an effort much greater than walking without this weight. Logically, in the Most hostels give priority of places to those who are going to foot or bicycle compared to those who have a support car.
• If your boots have been soaked by the rain, a trick to To dry them inside, is to put several crumpled sheets of newspaper tight. After about three or four hours we take them out. and we put others. Repeating this operation two or three times will be enough for the paper to absorb all the water and boots are very dry.

• The weight must be balanced so that pedaling is as comfortable as possible. To do this, get saddlebags or a rack on the back, a triangle shoulder pad to place under the seat bar and store tools; a bag to place on the handlebar is very practical, since you can store documentation or road routes there. .
• Improvised remedy: If you feel cold on the descents, you should resort to the trick of newspapers on your chest.
• Always circulate in la india. Driving in a V reduces the effort, but involves the use of one direction of traffic, which aggravates the risk of accidents due to being run over.
• Always wear a reflective vest and on rainy days the raincoat should be equipped with reflective strips.
• Always wear a helmet
• If you ride at dawn or at dusk, use a bicycle with a dynamo to power the light bulb.
• Never carry a backpack on your back, always saddlebags.

• At least, if you are not an expert, it is better to go with several riders in a group.
• Always ride in single file.
• We recommend not making long stages, but several stops in each stage, to rest the horses and stretch their legs.
• Except for expert riders, the riding hat should be replaced with a helmet and in case of little practice use a rigid helmet, as protection against falls.
• It may be useful to take phone numbers of veterinarians and farriers in the area where you go.