9 expats living in Guatemala & walking the Primitivo May 2025

[MinnehonkTom]

We are a group of friends and neighbors in Antigua Guatemala, ages 63 to 84, 1 Brit, 1 Canadian, 2 Guatemaltecos, 5 Americans. I walked the Portugues in 2018, wanted to do another Camino. Chose the Primitivo, told a few folks, got 8 compañeros. We leave from Oviedo on May 5, plan to reach Compostela on May 21. So taking it slow, including 2 rest days (Cangas del Narcea, Lugo). If you’ll be on the Primitivo same 18 days, hope we get a chance to meet!

 

[peregrina2000]

including 2 rest days (Cangas del Narcea,

My son once spent a year as a teaching assistant in Cangas del Narcea. At that time the paraador (which I’m betting is your destination ) had been under construction for years. I think it is the biggest parador in the country (in an 18th C monastery). I took a bus from Pola de Allande to interrupt the Primitivo about 20 years ago, and then came back to Pola to walk again. If you’re going to walk Hospitales, that may be a bit inconvenient, though.

Cangas was a dying mining town, but my understanding is that they have really spruced up the historic core, which was totally abandoned in favor of the charmless main drag when I was there. I’ll be interested to hear your reports!

I’ll also be interested in hearing how you work out the togetherness of such a large group.

 

[trecile]

Do you know forum member @Canche? I believe that she also lives in Antigua.

 

[MinnehonkTom]

Do you know forum member @Canche? I believe that she also lives in Antigua.

Yes! And she has walked the Primitivo as far as Lugo. So vi a good source of information.

 

[MinnehonkTom]

My son once spent a year as a teaching assistant in Cangas del Narcea. At that time the paraador (which I’m betting is your destination ) had been under construction for years. I think it is the biggest parador in the country (in an 18th C monastery). I took a bus from Pola de Allande to interrupt the Primitivo about 20 years ago, and then came back to Pola to walk again. If you’re going to walk Hospitales, that may be a bit inconvenient, though.

Cangas was a dying mining town, but my understanding is that they have really spruced up the historic core, which was totally abandoned in favor of the charmless main drag when I was there. I’ll be interested to hear your reports!

I’ll also be interested in hearing how you work out the togetherness of such a large group.

Our group consists of people who know each other pretty well. And we already walk together quite a bit. 4 of the group members are making a 3-day trek from Antigua to Lake Atitlan next week. Sort of a trial run (but walking).

I am also interested in finding out how Cangas del Narcea has developed. I’ve made 3 previous trips to Asturias, the first time was 25 years ago. Each time, I heard about how the parador was going to be. Can’t wait to see how it is.

 

[moberschmidt]

Buen Camino and check out Pocina de Muniz before Lugo, great albergue and rest stop

 

[MinnehonkTom]

Buen Camino and check out Pocina de Muniz before Lugo, great albergue and rest stop

Do you know if it is possible to stop briefly at Pocina de Munoz for coffee and a snack? Or is it closed to walkers-by? We are going to push on to Lugo that day but I would love to check it out.

 

[trecile]

Do you know if it is possible to stop briefly at Pocina de Munoz for coffee and a snack? Or is it closed to walkers-by? We are going to push on to Lugo that day but I would love to check it out.

I stopped there last year for a snack. I don't remember exactly what they had on offer, but it was a welcome place to stop and rest.

 

[MinnehonkTom]

I stopped there last year for a snack. I don't remember exactly what they had on offer, but it was a welcome place to stop and rest.

Thanks!

 

[Mark Francis Auchincloss]

I need to emphasise that this Camino is a difficult walk of over 300 km with substantial climbs throughout including over mountains up to1150 m above sea level. So I'm surprised no one so far has warmed you that you need to make your Group aware that it will be very challenging.

Now the Group may all be capable of doing it like me as I have a lot of experience of doing tougher caminos. But as I know nothing about your walking abilities I believe I need to warn you to be thoroughly prepared for all eventualities. Going over mountains that high means even in May the weather can be pretty hostil too. I suggest you plan ahead and take precautions like not walking with heavy backpacks etc. I trust other pilgrims will chip in to back me up.

 

[MinnehonkTom]

I need to emphasise that this Camino is a difficult walk of over 300 km with substantial climbs throughout including over mountains up to1150 m above sea level. So I'm surprised no one so far has warmed you that you need to make your Group aware that it will be very challenging.

Now the Group may all be capable of doing it like me as I have a lot of experience of doing tougher caminos. But as I know nothing about your walking abilities I believe I need to warn you to be thoroughly prepared for all eventualities. Going over mountains that high means even in May the weather can be pretty hostil too. I suggest you plan ahead and take precautions like not walking with heavy backpacks etc. I trust other pilgrims will chip in to back me up.

I need to emphasise that this Camino is a difficult walk of over 300 km with substantial climbs throughout including over mountains up to1150 m above sea level. So I'm surprised no one so far has warmed you that you need to make your Group aware that it will be very challenging.

Now the Group may all be capable of doing it like me as I have a lot of experience of doing tougher caminos. But as I know nothing about your walking abilities I believe I need to warn you to be thoroughly prepared for all eventualities. Going over mountains that high means even in May the weather can be pretty hostil too. I suggest you plan ahead and take precautions like not walking with heavy backpacks etc. I trust other pilgrims will chip in to back me up.

The members of our group all live at 5,000 feet above sea level and walk 5-10 miles a day. I average 50 miles a week. We will have a support van for luggage and will go just with day-packs. The van will also serve as back-up in case a group member experiences real difficulty. Fingers crossed that we’ll be OK!

 

[OzAnnie]

We are a group of friends and neighbors in Antigua Guatemala, ages 63 to 84, 1 Brit, 1 Canadian, 2 Guatemaltecos, 5 Americans. I walked the Portugues in 2018, wanted to do another Camino. Chose the Primitivo, told a few folks, got 8 compañeros. We leave from Oviedo on May 5, plan to reach Compostela on May 21. So taking it slow, including 2 rest days (Cangas del Narcea, Lugo). If you’ll be on the Primitivo same 18 days, hope we get a chance to meet!

The members of our group all live at 5,000 feet above sea level and walk 5-10 miles a day. I average 50 miles a week. We will have a support van for luggage and will go just with day-packs. The van will also serve as back-up in case a group member experiences real difficulty. Fingers crossed that we’ll be OK!

Hi Tom
You and your group have it all sorted IMO . I wish you all a buen camino and hope you make some wonderful memories and friends on the way.

 

[Sue127]

@MinnehonkTom - hopefully our paths may cross. I will be starting a few days before you, but will probably not be walking as far each day - plus this time I will have to work en route

 

[Briand61]

We are a group of friends and neighbors in Antigua Guatemala, ages 63 to 84, 1 Brit, 1 Canadian, 2 Guatemaltecos, 5 Americans. I walked the Portugues in 2018, wanted to do another Camino. Chose the Primitivo, told a few folks, got 8 compañeros. We leave from Oviedo on May 5, plan to reach Compostela on May 21. So taking it slow, including 2 rest days (Cangas del Narcea, Lugo). If you’ll be on the Primitivo same 18 days, hope we get a chance to meet!

There’s a chance I’ll be there too! Starting out on the Norte on April 10 and hoping to hit the Primativo in that first week of May.

 

[MinnehonkTom]

There’s a chance I’ll be there too! Starting out on the Norte on April 10 and hoping to hit the Primativo in that first week of May.

Great! We’d love to meet you. Please keep me posted.

 

[MinnehonkTom]

@MinnehonkTom - hopefully our paths may cross. I will be starting a few days before you, but will probably not be walking as far each day - plus this time I will have to work en route

I hope we do meet up! One of the gifts of the Camino is meeting interesting new people.

 

[Paul.W]

I'll be 3 days ahead of your group so unlikely we'll bump into each other but have a great trip.Out of interest have you booked all your accommodation?

 

[MinnehonkTom]

I'll be 3 days ahead of your group so unlikely we'll bump into each other but have a great trip.Out of interest have you booked all your accommodation?

Yes. All accommodations booked. Started back in June. Last place confirmed a week ago. Wih s as group this big, couldn’t take chances.

 

[Sue127]

Yes. All accommodations booked. Started back in June. Last place confirmed a week ago. Wih s as group this big, couldn’t take chances.

I'd better be a day in front or behind you all then

 

[MinnehonkTom]

I'd better be a day in front or behind you all then

If you plan to stay in albergues, we’re no competition. Our reservations are for small hotels and rental apartments. Members of our group are in the older age brackets and wanted private bedrooms and bathrooms. And less chance of bedbugs!

 

[Sue127]

If you plan to stay in albergues, we’re no competition. Our reservations are for small hotels and rental apartments. Members of our group are in the older age brackets and wanted private bedrooms and bathrooms. And less chance of bedbugs!

In that case we may well meet. I'm a similar age but will mostly be heading for albergues.

 

[MinnehonkTom]

In that case we may well meet. I'm a similar age but will mostly be heading for albergues.

Great. I would do the same if were I not walking with 8 other people. It’s a big enough group we won’t fit into the smaller albergues. And it’s the 1st Camino for 7, so they want the reassurance and comfort of apartments and hotels.

 

[Angelo]

Good to know. I will also be starting on 5th of May from Oviedo to Grado.
Hope to see you guys on the trail.

 

[Canche]

Our group consists of people who know each other pretty well. And we already walk together quite a bit. 4 of the group members are making a 3-day trek from Antigua to Lake Atitlan next week. Sort of a trial run (but walking).

I am also interested in finding out how Cangas del Narcea has developed. I’ve made 3 previous trips to Asturias, the first time was 25 years ago. Each time, I heard about how the parador was going to be. Can’t wait to see how it is.

I hope they have a guide and security. Security is very important The tourist police provide excellent free service 502-2421-2810; operacionesproatur@inguat.gob.gt. I wouldn't go without the police.

 

[MinnehonkTom]

I hope they have a guide and security. Security is very important The tourist police provide excellent free service 502-2421-2810; operacionesproatur@inguat.gob.gt. I wouldn't go without the police.

We walked with a guide and a driver for the support van. We camped both nights in small Mayan villages that regularly host groups walking on this route. The trip was amazing! We had a great time. Thanks, Old Town Outfitters of Antigua!

Hanging wire bridge over Rio Xaya

In the Rio Xaya barranco
At our campsite the first night

 

[Canche]

Old Town Outfitters are great