Ponferrada Hospitaleras and Beyond

A Hospitalero or Hospitalera is a volunteer who helps run albergues or hostels along the Camino de Santiago trail in Spain.   Volunteers work a two-week shift, called a quincena.

These hostels or alburgues are exclusively for Pilgrims, or hikers, on the Camino.  Hospitaleros/as welcome and register Pilgrims for the night, make sure they have a safe and pleasant stay, give Pilgrims access to laundry machines, assist Pilgrims in finding any supplies they need to restock, provide information on nearby restaurants or community services, provide opportunities to share their experiences on the Camino, share information on the trail ahead to reach Santiago, and celebrate their journey so far and offer encouragement as they embark on the last 124 miles, 200 km, of the trail to Santiago. 

All Hospitaleros/as have completed a Camino of their own, maybe even more than one.  Hospitaleros/as share with the Pilgrims their own Camino experiences and insights.  The spirit of community, hospitality, and giving back to the Camino by supporting others is at the heart of being a Hospitalero/a.

Five days until our adventure begins!