Walking the Camino de Santiago: Traveling Light, Walking Slow, and Choosing the Right Support

If there’s one thing this season of life has taught me, it’s the value of slowing down and being intentional about how we spend our days. That’s exactly why my husband and I decided to walk part of the Camino de Santiago—a journey as much about quiet reflection as it is about physical challenge or travel.

We wanted a week just for us: no rush, no meetings, no emails. Just the two of us walking side by side, talking about life and all the blessings God has given us, surrounded by the stunning countryside, medieval towns, and the warmth of Spanish hospitality.

But as much as we wanted simplicity, we didn’t want to carry everything on our backs day after day. Nor did we want to arrive in a small village, exhausted, and then scramble to find a bed for the night. That’s where the luggage transport and booking services on the Camino became such a gift.

If you’re dreaming of this pilgrimage yourself—or any slow-travel experience that prioritizes connection, culture, and meaning—I want to share what we learned.

Why Consider Luggage Transport and Booking Services?

The Camino is for everyone. You can go the traditional route, carrying everything you own in a big pack. Or you can walk lighter to focus on what matters most.

For us, that meant talking without distraction, enjoying the breeze in the olive groves, or pausing at a roadside café for coffee con leche with new friends.

Luggage transport services allow you to leave your large bag behind each morning. They pick it up at your hotel or guesthouse and deliver it to your next stop. All you carry is a small daypack with water, snacks, and essentials.

And if you want even more ease, some companies will also book all your accommodations ahead of time, ensuring you’ll have a warm bed, a private room, or even dinner arranged each evening.

The Best Luggage Transport and Booking Companies on the Camino

Over several months of planning, we carefully researched these options. Below are the companies we found most reliable and recommended, with a note on what makes each one special.

Correos Paq Mochila

Run by Spain’s national postal service, Correos offers one of the most affordable and reliable luggage transport services.

• What it does: Picks up your bag daily and delivers it to the next stop.

• Where it works: Nearly all Camino routes.

• Pros: Excellent coverage, dependable, easy to book online or at post offices.

• Cons: Does not book your accommodations.

• More info: Correos Paq Mochila 

Jacotrans

One of the classic luggage transport companies on the Camino Francés, known for personal service.

• What it does: Daily bag transfers between accommodations.

• Where it works: Especially strong on the Camino Francés and Portugués.

• Pros: Experienced, personal touch.

• Cons: No hotel booking service. Coverage can be patchier on smaller routes.

• More info: Jacotrans

CaminoFacil

A great option if you want the best of both worlds.

• What it does:

  • Basic service: Luggage transport only.

  • Premium service: Books accommodations for you and plans your stages.

• Where it works: Most major routes, including Francés, Portugués, Norte, Primitivo.

• Pros: Flexible options to fit your budget and style.

• Cons: Premium service costs more, but you get peace of mind.

• More info: CaminoFacil 

Pilbeo

A newer, app-based service that’s very convenient for independent travelers.

• What it does: Luggage transport. Also offers limited booking help via partners.

• Where it works: Mainly on the Francés and Portugués routes.

• Pros: Easy-to-use app, clear pricing.

• Cons: Coverage is more limited, and booking support is less comprehensive.

• More info: Pilbeo

Camino Ways

One of the most popular full-service companies.

• What it does:

  • Books all accommodations.

  • Transfers your luggage daily.

  • Customizes your route and schedule.

  • Offers optional extras like meals, guides, and transfers.

• Where it works: All major Camino routes.

• Pros: True "set it and forget it" planning.

• Cons: Pricier than doing it all yourself.

• More info: Camino Ways

Follow the Camino

And this is the company we chose for our own journey.

• What it does:

  • Customized itinerary planning.

  • Accommodation booking.

  • Daily luggage transfers.

  • Options for meals, guides, and rest days.

• Where it works: All the major Camino routes in Spain and Portugal.

• Why we loved it: For us, this trip wasn’t just a hike—it was a week set apart to be together. To share conversations we don’t always have time for at home, to talk about God’s word, to notice the blessings of small villages and ancient cathedrals. We wanted to focus on each other and the journey itself, not logistics. Follow the Camino made that easy. They helped us choose the right route (we did a portion of the Camino Portugués), arranged every hotel, and made sure our bags were always waiting for us at day’s end. They were also wonderfully patient with questions and last-minute changes, which made us feel cared for even before we set foot in Spain.

• More info: Follow the Camino

Final Thoughts

Walking the Camino de Santiago isn’t just about the miles you cover. It’s about being present. For us, it meant turning off the noise of daily life and truly seeing one another — talking, laughing, and sometimes walking in quiet side by side.

We met wonderful people from all over the world, shared meals with strangers who felt like friends, and marveled at the beauty of Spain’s countryside. We were reminded daily of God’s goodness, from the hospitality of innkeepers to the sunsets over rolling hills.

Whether you choose to carry everything on your back or get a little help along the way, I hope you’ll consider making this journey. It really is a gift.

If you’d like more reflections like this—and practical tips for meaningful, intentional travel—subscribe for more travel tips.