Who Walks the Camino?

One of the most common questions I get when people are considering joining one of our Camino de Santiago trips is: "Will I be walking with people my age?”

It’s a fair question. When preparing for such a personal and physically demanding journey, it’s natural to wonder who you'll be sharing the experience with.

And here’s the honest answer: You’ll be walking with people from all walks of life—and that’s part of the magic of the Camino.

The Typical Camino Pilgrim… Doesn’t Exist

Every year, thousands of people from around the world make their way to Spain to walk the Camino. And while some demographics are more common than others, the Camino never attracts just one type of person.

On our guided Camino trips, I’ve walked alongside:

• Young adults in their 20s, taking time off to explore before starting their careers

• Mid-career professionals seeking clarity or a break from the noise of daily life

• Retirees embracing the freedom of time and adventure

• Parents and children walking together to bond

• And people from a wide range of countries, faiths, and life paths

Generally speaking, the two most common groups tend to be young adults (especially during university breaks) and early retirees who now have the time and flexibility to take on a long pilgrimage. But that’s far from the whole story. I’ve met pilgrims aged 13 to 82—each walking for a different reason, but all drawn to the Camino for its deeper experience.

You Might Find Someone Just Like You... Or the Exact Opposite

Yes, it’s comforting when you meet someone your age, or with a similar background, walking at the same pace, having the same questions and goals. And you will meet people like that.

But the Camino de Santiago isn’t just about familiarity—it’s about growth.

Some of the most powerful, memorable moments I’ve had on the Camino came from conversations with people I never would’ve crossed paths with in everyday life. A retired teacher from Ireland. A college student from Japan. A young mother from Brazil.

We didn’t have the same life experience, but we shared the road, the rhythm of walking, the fatigue, the laughter, the simplicity of meals and stories at the end of the day.

You quickly realize that differences fade when you're on a shared journey. The Camino levels the playing field. Whether it’s your first time lacing up hiking boots or you’ve done long treks before, everyone on the trail wakes up, walks, and reflects—together.

Camaraderie Without Comparison

Another thing I love about the Camino community is how non-competitive it is.

No one is worried about how fast you walk, how far you go each day, or how much you know about hiking. Whether you're in a guided group or walking independently, people are encouraging, supportive, and often deeply kind.

This isn’t the kind of trip where you feel left behind or like you have to prove yourself. On the Camino, we all walk our own path—at our own pace—and we cheer each other on along the way.

A Journey That Transcends Age, Background, and Experience

So, who joins our Camino trips?

• People with a curious heart

• People open to meeting others

• People willing to step into the unknown

• People of all ages, all experience levels, and all reasons for walking

Whether you’re 27 or 72, coming solo or with a friend, walking to heal or to celebrate, you’ll find yourself among a diverse and welcoming community of fellow pilgrims.

And the best part? Often, it’s the people you didn’t expect to connect with who will leave the most lasting impression.

The Camino Welcomes Everyone

If you're wondering whether you’ll fit in on the Camino, the answer is simple: yes.

The Camino de Santiago is a journey that reflects life itself. It’s made richer by the people who walk it—each bringing their own stories, questions, and hopes.

So come as you are. Whether you're looking to walk in the company of peers or simply to see who shows up along the way, the Camino will give you what you need—and often more.

Join our Camino Trips!