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!