Questions Invierno and San Salvador

[KariannNor]

Compered to Primitivo

1. Terrain. Wonder if its very steep decents that, if rain, can get really slippery. I have only trainers and sandals (the s not very supporting ones, meant for flat and dry really). Steep up ok! (but guess what goes up must come down as Wise Pilgrim says)

2. Heat. Open landskape without shadow scares me a bit, don't handle heat well. Of course one can never predict the weather, but which route would you choose in terms of warm temperaturs?

3. Navigation. Is it well marked? I will buy a good paper map anyway and have a compass, but do not trust any offline maps or my phone which have some kind of illness because of something.

4. Train/bus. Whats easiest to go go from Lugo/Feirreira/Melide.

Thanks for reply!

 

[David Tallan]

In general, I found the San Salvador pretty similar in the ways you ask about (terrain, heat, navigation) to the Primitivo. Just a lot more concentrated since it is less than half as long. A day to get into the mountains. Several days of gorgeous mountain scenery and great hiking, with some wonderful albergues, and a day to wind down. That's one of the reasons I think it makes such a nice aperitif or appetizer for the Primitivo (although it is also a wonderful little Camino in its own right).

 

[sun is shining]

I found some of the descents on the Salvador ridiculously steep (anything after the highest point at the Salvador cross and San Miguel del Rio) - but I haven’t walked the Primitivo yet so can’t tell you if they are steeper or not. I wore mountain shoes with fantastic grip and strong soles and still slipped a couple of times in the mud. Without poles I would have had real problems too.

The Salvador is an incredibly well marked Camino. Read the Enders guide for each day and you should not have any navigation issues. All crunch points are highlighted in the guide with images. We never had to use our GPS but did look up a couple of the alternatives on our phones just to be on the save side.

As for shade / heat - it’s really unpredictable. I feel like the Salvador has a lot more shade than the Invierno (which I walked in a small heat wave a few weeks back). But then again you might hit some really warm weather in the mountains which could make for hard ascents.

Between the Invierno and the San Salvador I’d choose the Salvador any day of the week again. Hardly any asphalt walking, easily adjustable stages and breathtaking scenery. You’ll need to do a bit of advance planning but all you need for that is the Enders guide and a WhatsApp capable phone (with data - not a lot of Wifi around).

 

[KariannNor]

I found some of the descents on the Salvador ridiculously steep (anything after the highest point at the Salvador cross and San Miguel del Rio) - but I haven’t walked the Primitivo yet so can’t tell you if they are steeper or not. I wore mountain shoes with fantastic grip and strong soles and still slipped a couple of times in the mud. Without poles I would have had real problems too.

The Salvador is an incredibly well marked Camino. Read the Enders guide for each day and you should not have any navigation issues. All crunch points are highlighted in the guide with images. We never had to use our GPS but did look up a couple of the alternatives on our phones just to be on the save side.

As for shade / heat - it’s really unpredictable. I feel like the Salvador has a lot more shade than the Invierno (which I walked in a small heat wave a few weeks back). But then again you might hit some really warm weather in the mountains which could make for hard ascents.

Between the Invierno and the San Salvador I’d choose the Salvador any day of the week again. Hardly any asphalt walking, easily adjustable stages and breathtaking scenery. You’ll need to do a bit of advance planning but all you need for that is the Enders guide and a WhatsApp capable phone (with data - not a lot of Wifi around).

Thank you! Can I get this guide in Lugo? Or maybe the office in Leon?

 

[peregrina2000]

Thank you! Can I get this guide in Lugo? Or maybe the office in Leon?

Here’s a link to the most recent version.

And for those who are inclined to contribute to Donativo efforts, here is a way to contribute to Ender’s efforts. He writes guides, he builds physical infrastructure, he works with mayors, and just spend countless hours on both the Salvador and the Olvidado.

 

[KariannNor]

Here’s a link to the most recent version.

And for those who are inclined to contribute to Donativo efforts, here is a way to contribute to Ender’s efforts. He writes guides, he builds physical infrastructure, he works with mayors, and just spend countless hours on both the Salvador and the Olvidado.

Thank you! But there is a paper version I can buy in a fysical store also? Leon?

 

[sun is shining]

Thank you! But there is a paper version I can buy in a fysical store also? Leon?

You can print it out in a print shop in Leon (there are lots and they are cheap).

Also, do you speak Spanish? There’s a chapter of the Camino Amigos in Leon that’s a wealth of information for the San Salvador - they can help you plan your stages and make sure you understand when / where to pre-order food.

 

[andylm65]

I’m considering the Salvador in August. I generally hike in sandals ( did half the Norte and the Primitivo in sandal. Any suggestions or insights on this?

 

[KariannNor]

I wore sandals maybe 70% of the time, when there were nice trails with gravel. The rest I used Hoka Challenger, but felt that was not enough. Missed a stiffer sole with better grip where there were slippery stones. If I'll walk there again, I want sturdy shoes with stiff soles in addition to the sandals (non-goretex because of the heat). If you don't have strong ankles used to rugged terrain, I'd recommend over-the-ankle hiking boots, but wouldn't use them myself. Its not mountain climbing at all, but some challenging parts.

 

[David Tallan]

I was fine with Challengers on the Salvador and Primitivo. I haven't tried sandals, but I know that there are forum members who tackle all sorts or routes with hiking sandals.

 

[trecile]

I’m considering the Salvador in August. I generally hike in sandals ( did half the Norte and the Primitivo in sandal. Any suggestions or insights on this?

I've walked the Salvador, Primitivo, Norte, Invierno, Francés, and Portuguese in hiking sandals. Yes, there were times when shoes might have been better, but I'm not going to carry the extra weight for a fraction of the trail when sandals have served me so well.

 

[andylm65]

I've walked the Salvador, Primitivo, Norte, Invierno, Francés, and Portuguese in hiking sandals. Yes, there were times when shoes might have been better, but I'm not going to carry the extra weight for a fraction of the trail when sandals have served me so well.

This is what I want to hear! I don’t like to squeeze my toes. I will be arriving for August 1 and will choose once I’m there. Back to the US mid September. Thinking of some combo of Vasco/Frances/Salvador/Norte. Any other nuggets of wisdom. I do use poles. This will be my second Camino.

 

[trecile]

I don’t like to squeeze my toes.

Me neither - my toes are claustrophobic!