The Way of
Saint James

Camino Portugues Backpacking Trek
July 10-18, 2026

Tour Highlights

Join us this summer as we walk the final 100km (62 miles) of the Camino Portugués Coastal Route, beginning in the lively seaside city of Vigo and ending in Santiago de Compostela. Over the course of 5 days, we’ll cover from 7.5-15.5 miles per day and walking through the beautiful coastal landscapes, historic towns, and vibrant villages. There is a luggage service that will be transporting luggage from one destination to the next. So you will only need a daypack while hiking. The luggage cannot exceed 44 lbs.

The Camino Portugués Coastal is especially enjoyable in the summer, with a mild climate similar to the Pacific Northwest of North America—ideal for walking and fellowship. It is summer though, so please be sure to stay hydrated and covered up with your favorite sunhat and sunscreen! Along the way, there will be opportunities to experience Spanish culture, rest in historic town squares, and enjoy moments of prayer and reflection as we journey together. 

To make the experience even more meaningful, we’ll be staying in hand-picked hotels and guesthouses (up to 3-stars) chosen for their character and warm hospitality. Most accommodations are located in the heart of town and close to the Camino trail, with en-suite rooms and private bathrooms, however there could be a few days where accommodations are a bit off of the Camino Trail.  Each day begins with a nourishing breakfast, and we’ll gather together in the evenings for dinners—a perfect time for community, reflection, worship and devotion.

We will PrayTrekRepeat for the youth of Portugal as we partner with Ride Nature. Ride Nature is a non-profit action sports mission organization that was founded in 2009 and their mission is to equip leaders globally with tools and resources to utilize action sports as a tool for outreach, evangelism, and discipleship.  They are expanding their reach into the country of Portugal, and we get to go ahead of them and prepare the ground with prayer! How cool!

Our pilgrimage will conclude at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where you’ll have the chance to receive your official Compostela Pilgrim Certificate—a meaningful marker of both the physical and spiritual journey.

For further questions, take a look at our “What’s Included” section or email LLoofboro@EndsHiking.com.   Official 10-Week Tour Training Plan

For Youth of
Portugal

Our beneficiary, Ride Nature, is expanding their ministering in Portugal, but has been in ministry since 2009. Funds raised from this tour will resource Ride Nature’s expansion into Portugal as they utilize action sports as a tool for outreach, evangelism, and discipleship summer camp to hear the gospel. Help us advance Gods Kingdom through Ride Nature!  #PrayTrekRepeat for the youth of Portugal.

Event Information

AT A GLANCE

Event Type

Point to Point

We have 5 tour difficulty levels. Learn more.

Arrival Airport

Suggested Fly In: July 10
Vigo Airport (VGO)

Orientation

July 11th at 1:30 P

Hiking Dates

July 12 - 16 - Hiking
July 17 - Sightseeing

Lodging Type

Bed & Breakfasts- Hotel and Cottage Accomodations

Our version of "glamping": we provide indoor lodging for orientation and all nights of the tour within the sanctuary of a church along the tour route. Hotels are an optional cost to you. You will be responsible for getting yourself to and from the hotel.

Begins At

Vigo Spain
Address: TBD

Return to Start

Evening of July 17th to Vigo, Spain

Departure Airport

Vigo Airport (VGO)
Suggested Fly Out: July 18

Event Cost

TBD

Hiking Pace

Buddy System - Hike with one or more friends

We have 4 tour cycling group speeds. Learn more.

Funding pledge

Optional - Included in registration

We provide lots of resources to help you reach your funding pledge. Learn more.

Where the money goes

Not to Ends Adventures / HIking

The majority (90%) of all donations goes directly toward impacting youth served by our beneficiary in this county, in Jesus’ name. The remaining funds (10%) support the administrative costs for our parent organization, New International, a not-for-profit which, in all honesty, helps us do what we do even better. Tax deductible receipts and year end giving statements are provided to all tour participants and donors.  Find our more about our financial transparency and accountability standards on our About page.

Paul Norton Scholarship fund

Are you, or someone you know, in your teens or twenties, interested in participating in this event, but having difficulty paying the registration fee? We may be able to help. Click below for more information and to apply for funding through the Paul Norton Memorial Scholarship Fund. 

Tour ItineRary

yes we'll stop for Coffee

Easy walking option. Today is your last day along the coast and quite a short walking day so you can make the most of the seaside. Stop to try the famous oysters in the fishing village of Arcade. 

Today, you will cross the Verdugo River over Ponte Sampaio. It is in this bridge is where Napoleon’s army suffered one of its greatest defeats in Galicia. From Ponte Sampaio the Camino continues along a cobbled road taking pilgrims to the 13th century Church of Santa María, where you can enjoy magnificent views over the Bay of Vigo while walking towards Pontevedra. 

Today, starting in the city of Pontevedra, the Camino will take you through chestnut groves and pine and eucalyptus woods. In the village of Ponte Cabras, take a minute to admire the rectory of Santa María de Alba. At Lombo da Maceira you will spot a statue of Saint James with his walking stick, showing pilgrims the way. On your way to Caldas de Reis you will pass the hamlet of Tivo with its lovely fountain and public washing area. You will be staying in the spa town of Caldas de Reis for the night.

From the spa town of Caldas de Reis, the Camino Portugués takes you across the river Umia and the hot springs that have given the town its name since Roman times. The Camino trail takes you once again to forests, gradually climbing to the village of Santa Mariña. After a descent you will cross the river Fontenlo before making your way through pine forests to today’s final destination: the town of Padrón, believed to be arrival point of the body of Saint James when it was brought to Santiago de Compostela by ship.

Santiago de Compostela is a gem of a city: small enough to be explored and be discovered on foot but always vibrant and lively. Wander the cobbled streets of its United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)-listed old town, go for a stroll in the Alameda Park and discover regional flavors in the local market (Mercado de Abastos) and the many restaurants and bars.

What's Included

Only The Good Stuff

  • Many days of Awesomeness!
  • Event insurance for unexpected emergency medical needs
  • Luggage service to drive your luggage from one spot to another, all you’ll need is your day pack! (luggage up to 44 lbs)
  • Experienced group guide/leaders with in-depth knowledge of this terrain
  • Beautiful digital photographs from the tour (where applicable)
  • Indoor sleeping arrangements for orientation and all nights of the event
  • Orientation, safety briefing and training
  • Airport pick-up and drop off at designated shuttle times
  • Breakfasts each morning!
  • Snacks (e.g., granola bars, trail mix, etc.) throughout the tour
  • Lunch you will need to bring your own options or extra spending money
  • Dinner every night
  • Limited edition event T-shirt
  • Ends Hiking water bottle and other merch
  • Comprehensive gear check-list 
  • And other sweet swag
  • Daily devotional inspired by our beneficiaries
  • Prayer and fellowship at rest-stops and breaks
  • Daily praise and worship service

Fundraising for this event is optional, but encouraged. A fundraising donation is worked into the registration cost for the event. Even though fundraising is optional, we have a few things to offer you below:

  • Comprehensive Fundraising Kit with downloadable resources and ideas to help you reach your pledge goal. Your fundraising is included in the registration fee.
  • Fundraising donation page to collect pledges and track your progress
  • Easily sharable donation links
  • Custom thank you cards for your supporter (available post-tour)

Day in the life of an Event

Support This Beneficiary

2026 Camino Portugues Backpacking Trek

This bicycling tour in Portugal/Spain will raise prayers, awareness and support for Ride Nature Portugal. Funds raised from this tour will help expand this ministry into Portugal and build up disciples of Jesus. Help us meet that goal and #PrayTrekRepeat or donate for the youth of Portugal.