The Camino de Santiago is one of the most famous pilgrimage routes, and people have come from all over the world for centuries to its many starting points to make the hike to Santiago de Compostela. Each person does it for a different reason, one as a fitness challenge, another as a spiritual journey, but all have one thing in common: solitude. Despite being one of the most popular long-distance hikes in the world, it still remains the perfect example of ´slow travel”. This is one of the main focuses of Santiago Ways, an agency specializing in organizing trips along the Camino.
The “Slow Travel” Approach
Thinking about the concept of Slow Travel, it goes much further than how you travel. It is a philosophy that is shared with the Camino de Santiago; it’s about valuing the quality of the experience rather than the kilometers you walk, and Santiago Ways knows how to do it. The agency has custom-made packages to offer each pilgrim according to his / her own capabilities and preferences.
This led pilgrims to take their time on the trail, with shorter or longer stages as needed and carefully selected accommodations. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also encourages more responsible tourism, benefiting the small towns along the Camino. Also, by avoiding the most crowded routes, travelers can enjoy a more authentic and personalized experience.
This way, the agency tries to promote a more enjoyable, sustainable, and immersive experience, moving away from overcrowding and letting pilgrims fully enjoy the trail. They not only improve the traveler’s experience but also contribute to the preservation of the environment and local communities.
Santiago Ways and The Camino
Santiago Ways has established itself as one of the most reliable agencies for organizing the Camino de Santiago. Each of their packages is crafted in detail, offering all the popular routes like Camino Frances, and Camino Portuguese, as well as their different stages and variations like the Camino de Santiago from Lisbon.
After years working within the sector and having staff who have walked the Camino, the agency offers all that you need to properly do it, accommodation and luggage transfer, to full support all the way to Santiago. This is reflected in their many positive reviews on sites such as Trustpilot and Google, with the majority of customers praising the service’s professionalism, quality, and personalised touch.
Different Routes and Ways
There are several routes offered by Santiago Ways that are designed specifically for Slow Travel, like their self-guided tours, but if you’re a more active person, then a biking tour is for you. There are also other ways of doing the Camino, like with your couple, a small group, or with a dog.
If you have problems deciding which Camino you want to try, the agency team can gladly help you choose the most suitable for you. The French Way, for example, includes visits to ancient towns, the Spanish countryside, as well as a good taste of the Pyrenees. On the other hand, the Portuguese Way (Coastal Route) offers a unique seaside experience, with stops in fishing villages. Meanwhile, the Northern Way, known for its spectacular landscapes, is an ideal alternative for those looking to avoid the most crowded routes. Each option includes quality accommodations and services that guarantee comfort and tranquility.
Conclusion
Slow travel is just getting popular and popular, and Santiago Ways effort would not only enhance the value of the experience for pilgrims, but also actually grapple with the problem of overtourism. By offering well-designed schedules, top services, and a clear commitment to the environment, the agency is rapidly taking its place among industry leaders. For those with aspirations of a greener, and perhaps more socially conscious, pilgrimage, this is the perfect option.
