Paq Mochila Correos service to non listed accommodation

[polomadh]

Hi,
we are looking to travel part of Camino Norde in October from Irun to Bilbao and use the Correos service for our luggage. A couple of our accommodation stays are not listed on the Correos site, the faq’s say
“Only one condition applies: the establishment must have a reception desk to facilitate the collection and reception of the luggage. In the event that the chosen accommodation does not have a reception, you can find an alternative collection / delivery point and notify us via email paqmochila@correos.es”

I am guessing it’s easy to find somewhere to drop off, in the morning, however how would we know the most suitable location to collect from In a town we have not been to?

(Thanks in advance, appologies if this is asked often, but I have searched through the forum, and can’t see if anyone has previously asked this question)

Dave

 

[trecile]

I would send them an email to ask this question.

 

[J Willhaus]

Hi,
we are looking to travel part of Camino Norde in October from Irun to Bilbao and use the Correos service for our luggage. A couple of our accommodation stays are not listed on the Correos site, the faq’s say
“Only one condition applies: the establishment must have a reception desk to facilitate the collection and reception of the luggage. In the event that the chosen accommodation does not have a reception, you can find an alternative collection / delivery point and notify us via email paqmochila@correos.es”

I am guessing it’s easy to find somewhere to drop off, in the morning, however how would we know the most suitable location to collect from In a town we have not been to?

(Thanks in advance, appologies if this is asked often, but I have searched through the forum, and can’t see if anyone has previously asked this question)

Dave

Hi Dave,
We only stayed at places where packs are shipped as that seemed the most ethical and it is the easiest. Many places don't accept packs and won't be responsible for your luggage because they simply don't have the volunteer or paid staff or facilities to do so. Luggage transfer agencies don't reimburse the locations where they pick up and drop off so if you are having your luggage picked up or dropped somewhere you are not staying that location is bearing the additional burden of taking responsibility for your luggage without the pleasure of your company as a guest.
Janet

edit: if you do chose to ship to or from a place you are not staying, they will appear on the dropdown "list" that Correos has for each town. You can locate that place on Google maps and find it when you arrive in the community.

 

[David with new Kit!]

Same here, on the Norte last year we only chose places on the Correos drop down accommodation list (where we were staying) to avoid issues.

I mean, why would any accommodation want to look after my baggage gratis if I’m not spending any money with them?

BTW - We tried once to drop off at a location where we were not staying. It would be an understatement to say that our approach was not welcomed!!

 

[polomadh]

I was thinking I would use the local Correos office, but one is a fair distance from the accomodation. As the accomodation is rural, I wonder if the postman would just drop the bag off without needing to get confirmation of the delivery.
I have messaged the accomodation without response.
I have tried to book with accomodation that is ont the Correos Site, but they have no availability

 

[Anne&Pat]

Hi Dave,
Would totally agree with Trecile’s suggestion. Just email Correos or phone them with your questions. They are very prompt in answering and if you are an English speaker there is always someone who speaks English available to answer the phone.
We arranged with them in 2018, when we walked the Norte to have our bags delivered to somewhere in Pasajes at the end of our first days walk and we returned our bags there the next morning, because they didn’t deliver to the Albergue in Pasajes. It was to a local bar/restaurant. This was at Correos’s suggestion.
Buen Camino

 

[J Willhaus]

Check the Correos hours. In rural areas (and also urban ones) they often have limited hours. In Santiago it is different because many people are picking up their bags there.

 

[Jan Jones]

I had to collect and drop my bag at the Correos office in Bilbao but it was a bit of a hassle. . I would consider changing my accommodation if you have time. Buen Camino.

 

[KJFSophie]

We used Correos this past July on the Camino Ingles. Most places were listed on the drop down on their site. We had one exception and when I contacted the accommodation she said they picked up and delivered there often and she called the post office. It was on the site in a few days. I was impressed.

One of the days we received a text message from Correos letting us know the location for drop off was not open that day and they gave us the name and sent a photo of the bar that they brought our bags to. Again, impressed.

I would use this service again. I had used other commercial services a few times in the past, but had wonderful service this time with Correos.