El Camino Total Eclipse:
Hike, Bike, and Horseback
August 5 -15, 2026
DETAILED ITINERARY | PRICE | FAQS
What Makes This Adventure Special:
The Camino Primitivo invites you into a different pace of being—one shaped by simple moments: a quiet breakfast, a long walk, a warm greeting from a stranger. It’s the oldest route of the Camino de Santiago and one of the least crowded, making it an ideal path for a pilgrimage rooted in presence and discovery.
This journey carries you through mountains, forests, and small northern Spanish villages—places where history and landscape shape the rhythm of each day. You’ll follow the iconic yellow arrows on foot, on horseback, and by e-bike as you move from Oviedo to Santiago, meeting locals whose hospitality feels deeply tied to the land they love.
And this year, the Camino offers something truly extraordinary: you’ll walk beneath a solar eclipse—a rare, celestial moment that adds an unforgettable layer of wonder to an already sacred path.
Imagine sipping cider roadside under a horreo, pausing at panoramic viewpoints that quiet the noise inside you, or arriving in ancient cities like Lugo and Compostela with a renewed sense of who you are.
Highlights
Walk an uncrowded, deeply authentic Camino de Santiago
Experience a rare solar eclipse along the route
Travel the original path from Oviedo to Santiago
Journey on foot, on horseback, and by electric bike
Explore Oviedo, Salas, Lugo, and Santiago de Compostela
Learn about the roots of the Camino pilgrimage
Savor northern Spain’s unique regional cuisine
Stay in handpicked palaces, village homes, and rural inns
Take on the “pilgrim triathlon” challenge
Feel the energy of the Camino—a journey that changes you
Plus:
+ Knowledgeable guides with decades of experience and personal connections with locals
+ Daily mindfulness activities and intentional conversation
+ Opportunities to challenge your body and reconnect with Nature
+ Experienced Root tour leader
+ 3 month pre-trip physical and mental preparation guide
+ 2 pre-trip Zoom calls
+ Post-trip integration guide
+ 2 post-trip Zoom calls
+ Talk to a real human when booking and planning your trip!
Contact us:
720-743-5516 | INFO@ROOTADVENTURES.COM
history of the trek:
The Primitive Way is the original Camino—a route first walked by King Alfonso II in search of the newly discovered remains of the Apostle Santiago. For more than a thousand years, pilgrims have followed these rural paths across 300 km of forests, mountains, and quiet villages.
This journey asks something of you. Some sections are steep and demanding; others open into soft, spacious valleys where the light pours in. But each effort is met with reward: a hidden chapel down a short detour, a silent stone bridge over a river, a bustling market square, a sunset that stops you in your tracks.
Walking, riding horseback, and cycling this ancient path weaves together everything the Camino is known for—gastronomy, culture, history, spirituality, and purpose. It’s a pilgrimage that welcomes everyone, offering countless entry points for meaning.
A true hero’s journey, not because of grand gestures, but because of the small, steady steps that change you along the way.
Watch the TedX Talk that inspired our total Solar eclipse travels:
It only takes one total solar eclipse to create an umbraphile (eclipse chaser) - join the club!
Detailed Itinerary
click “+” to explore the daily acitivities
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Arrive in Oviedo, Asturias, the historic capital of the region and the official starting point of the Camino Primitivo. Wander its pedestrian-only old town, admire pre-Romanesque churches and elegant palaces, and settle into the evening rhythm of cider houses and tapas bars.
We’ll meet for a welcome dinner in the evening to get to know each other and prepare for the journey ahead!
*Fly into Asturias Airport (OVD) anytime on Day 1.
A note about getting to Asturias:
Usually, the stopover in Spain to get to Asturias is in Madrid, from where there are three daily flights to Asturias Airport (OVD).
The other option is to use the high-speed train (AVE), which connects Madrid with Asturias in three hours.
Acommodations: OVIEDO / Hotel NH Oviedo Principado – Classic, comfortable hotel in the heart of Oviedo, ideal for starting the Camino with all urban amenities close at hand.
Meals: D
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Oviedo → Grado → Salas → Tineo
Day 2 distance: 25.8 km
Day 3 distance: 24.9 km
Day 4 distance: 20.2 kmWe begin the Camino the traditional way — on foot. These first three stages guide us through some of Asturias’ most iconic landscapes: rolling green hills, forest paths, quiet meadows, and villages that feel untouched by time.
Each day offers a blend of challenging ascents and soulful rewards — a small chapel where we stamp our credentials, a scenic pass that opens to a panoramic valley, or a welcoming town square in Grado or Salas where we unwind and enjoy Asturian cuisine.
Evenings are spent in carefully selected accommodations where you’ll rest, replenish, and prepare for the next stretch of the journey.
Accommodations:
Day 2: GRADO / Villagrado Suites – Elegant, peaceful apartments in the historic centre of Grado, perfect for a comfortable rest after the first stage.
Day 3: SALAS / Casa Sueño – A cosy hostel in Salas with charm and excellent service, a restorative break before continuing on your way.
Day 4: TINEO / Palacio de Meras Hotel and Restaurant – Historic hotel with restaurant and modern amenities in Tineo, where you can recharge your batteries with taste and tradition.
Meals: B, L, D
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Borres → Berducedo → Grandas de Salime → Fonsagrada
Day 5 time: ~6 hours on horseback
Day 6 time: ~5 hours on horseback
Day 7 time: ~5 hours on horsebackWe shift into a pilgrimage steeped in medieval tradition — traveling the Camino on horseback, just as nobles and long-distance pilgrims once did.
*No previous riding experience required.
With expert local equestrian guides, we ride through rugged mountain terrain, meadows, forest roads, and remote rural paths. These are some of the most demanding stretches of the Primitive Way, and experiencing them on horseback gives you a unique perspective of the land and its long history.
Each day flows between walking, trotting, and gentle galloping, balanced with generous breaks to rest the horses, enjoy regional meals, and take in the landscape.
This section is both grounding and exhilarating — a highlight for many pilgrims.
Accommodations:
Day 5: BERDUCEDO / Casa Rural Araceli – A warm home among the mountains, where silence and hospitality provide shelter for the weary pilgrim.
Day 6: GRANDAS DE SALIME / La Barra Hotel – Simple and friendly accommodation, perfect for catching your breath before tackling the last slopes of the Camino.
Day 7: FONSAGRADA / Albergue Pensión Cantábrico – Centrally located, highly rated guesthouse in A Fonsagrada, perfect for recharging your batteries.
Meals: B, L, D
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On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will grace the skies at approximately 8:25 PM — and Asturias will be one of the very best places in Europe to witness it.
To ensure a safe and memorable experience, we’ll provide solar-viewing glasses that meet European quality standards for all participants.
Our team is carefully scouting the most ideal viewing locations along the Camino Primitivo route, so we can be in the right place at the right moment when this rare celestial event unfolds.
Alongside a simple explanation of the phenomenon, we’ll gather for a very special group ceremony — honoring the eclipse in a way that feels intentional, grounded, and deeply connected to the primitive spirit of the land we’re walking through.
As always, nature has the final say. Weather conditions may affect visibility on the day itself, but regardless, we’ll mark the moment together with presence, reverence, and a sense of wonder.
Fingers crossed for clear skies!
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Fonsagrada → Lugo → Melide → Santiago de Compostela
Day 8 distance: 54.3 km
Day 9 distance: 47.8 km
Day 10 distance: 53 kmFor the final three days, we embrace modern pilgrimage with electric bikes — the perfect way to enjoy the rolling hills of Galicia without losing the sense of effort and intention.
The e-bikes offer steady support through climbs and long distances, letting you stay fully present with the scenery, the culture, and the spiritual significance of nearing Santiago.
We join pilgrims from the French Way as we approach Lugo and Melide, feeling the energy grow with each kilometer.The journey culminates at Obradoiro Square, where the Cathedral of Santiago rises before you. Collect your Compostela certificate and savor the emotion of a pilgrimage completed — carried by your own steps, your horse’s strides, and your final pedal strokes.
Congratulations. You’ve arrived.
On the final night we’ll gather for a farewell dinnner.
Accommodations:
Day 8: LUGO / Hospedería San Froilán – Charming traditional guesthouse in Lugo, combining comfort and an ideal location for exploring the walled city.
Day 9: MELIDE/ Casa da Ponte de Penas – Charming rural hotel in Melide, with a swimming pool and peaceful natural surroundings for a restful break.
Day 10: SANTIAGO / Hotel Pazos Alba – Elegant and well-located accommodation in Santiago de Compostela, the ideal finishing touch to the Camino.
Meals: B, L, D
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Farewell & Departure
After a restorative night in Santiago, we’ll say goodbye for now.
Some may stay to explore the city’s winding stone streets and vibrant markets, while others begin the journey home—carrying the quiet strength, clarity, and connection found along the Camino.
This isn’t just the end of a trek; it’s the beginning of whatever comes next, shaped by every step, stride, and pedal that brought you here.
Buen Camino—until we meet again.
*Depart from Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ) anytime on the final day.
Price: $8495 per person
Deposit: $500 due today
Final Balance: due 90 days prior to departure
Price based on double occupancy (2 people per room)
Solo travelers will be paired with one another
Single rooms throughout the trip are an additional $950 per person
Payment plans available, please inquire.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? CALL OR TEXT: 720.840.0866
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? CALL OR TEXT: 720.840.0866
frequently asked questions
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We provide a full service experience. Included in your trip cost:
+ Accommodation as per the itinerary.
+ English speaking licensed guide.
+ Transportation as per itinerary.
+All guided activities: hiking, horseback riding, and e-biking
+ Group Airport pick up and drop off
+ Luggage transport from stage to stage
+ Meals as detailed: B- Breakfast / BL- Box Lunch / L- Lunch / D- Dinner
+ All tips/Gratuities
+ Daily mindfulness activities
+ 2 pre-trip calls
+ 2 post trip calls+ Access to our Director of Traveler Experience who can help answer all your questions logistical, emotional, or otherwise.
+ 3 month pre-trip preparation series
+ 6 Week Post-Trip Meditation Series to help integrate your experience
+ Lifetime access to the Root Community -
Airfare, travel insurance, souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, and anything not detailed in the itinerary.
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The Camino Primitivo winds through Asturias and Galicia, regions known for lush green landscapes — which means changeable weather is part of the charm.
Expect:
Cool mornings and evenings
Pleasant daytime temperatures
Occasional rain showers (sometimes frequent)
Crisp, clean mountain air
August is a wonderful time to travel the Camino Primitivo, and here are more precise temperature expectations to help you pack smartly:
In Asturias, daytime highs in August typically reach 22–28 °C (72–82 °F) with lows often around 14–16 °C (57–61 °F).
In Galicia, further along the route, highs can climb to 29–33 °C (84–91 °F) and lows drop to approximately 14–17 °C (57–63 °F).
Rain remains possible throughout the north-Spain regions even in summer, so pack a lightweight waterproof layer.
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Fly into: Asturias Airport (OVD) → 30–40 minutes from Oviedo anytime on Day 1.
A note about getting to Asturias:
Usually, the stopover in Spain to get to Asturias is in Madrid, from where there are three daily flights to Asturias Airport (OVD).
The other option is to use the high-speed train (AVE), which connects Madrid with Asturias in three hours.
Fly out of: Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ) anytime on the final day.
If arriving via Madrid (MAD), we highly recommend taking the AVE high-speed train to Oviedo — fast, comfortable, and more eco-friendly than flying.
We can also help arrange extra nights, transfers, or additional travel plans in Spain.
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We classify this trip a level 5 out of 5.
The Camino Primitivo is one of the more challenging Camino routes due to elevation changes and longer distances — but this itinerary balances effort with support.
The hiking level on this journey is moderate. While the distances are substantial, beginners in good physical condition can comfortably complete the three stages we’ve selected.
Daily distances range between 18–21 km, with moderate elevation gains of approximately 300–500 meters.
Just as important, there is no rush. We start early each morning and have the entire day to complete each stage, allowing plenty of time for lunch and multiple rest breaks along the way.
Most participants walk at a steady, relaxed pace, typically completing each stage in 7–8 hours, including breaks.
The terrain is generally smooth and well-established, with only a few short sections that may be wet or muddy. While this is not a casual stroll, it is also not technical or strenuous mountain hiking—it sits comfortably in between.
We definitely recommend preparing physically for this trip and will provide a pre-trip preparation guide with a training plan starting 3 months out from your trip.
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See itinerary for locations and descriptions of each nightly accommodations.
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You’ll only carry your daypack (20–25 L) with essentials:
Water
Layers
Snacks
Camera/phone
Personal items
Your main luggage travels by shuttle each day, so you walk, ride, and bike with ease.
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Yes! Most dietary requests can be arranged in advance.
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Yes. Every accommodation has electricity and the typical conveniences you’d expect.
WiFi is available in most lodgings, though speeds vary in rural areas — part of the Camino charm. -
Yes. All accommodations provide:
Private or shared bathrooms (depending on lodging)
Hot showers
Toilets
During the day, facilities vary depending on the stage — cafés, bars, and village stops are part of the Camino rhythm.
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You can find a packing list here. We will also go through gear questions in more detail in our two pre-trip calls.
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It is recommended that you do practice hikes, walks, or strength and cardio conditioning to prepare for this trip. Three months before the start of your trip you will receive a pre-trip preparation series that includes a training plan.
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Please email info@rootadventures.com or schedule a call. We would love to hear from you!
Bring your travels home
Every adventure leaves a mark—why not wear yours with pride?
These limited-edition designs were hand-drawn by our founder (Breanne) and inspired by the spirit, color, and magic of travel. Whether you're joining us on the trip or just dreaming of wandering, these gifts and apparel are the perfect way to celebrate your connection to the adventure.
Grab something for yourself—or a fellow adventurer—and keep the memories alive long after the trip ends.
A note from our founder:
Before my first retreat—as a guest—I was nervous. I worried I wouldn’t connect, that I’d get irritated by small talk or just crave space. I thought group travel might feel forced or draining.
But something unexpected happened. I softened. I connected. I laughed—hard. I felt seen.
Since then, group travel has become a central part of my life and work. It’s opened my heart wider than I thought possible. I’ve built friendships and community across the world, deepened my connection to cultures through local relationships, and expanded my understanding of what it means to belong.
I used to think making new friends was something you did in your twenties. But my network keeps expanding, my heart keeps opening, and I even appreciate the people already in my life more deeply now.
Traveling with others isn’t always easy—but it’s always real. It invites us to show up as we are, to listen more closely, to let our walls down just enough to grow.
And that’s the magic I hope to offer you through Root Adventures.
—Breanne
Why travel with us?
Why Group Travel? Why Root?
There’s something powerful about traveling with others—especially when those others are kind, curious, and craving connection just like you. On a group trip, you’re not just seeing new places—you’re sharing them. You’re creating moments together that go deeper than snapshots and itineraries.
At Root Adventures, our group trips are designed with intention. We keep groups small and thoughtful, led by mindfulness-trained guides who create space for both laughter and reflection. You’ll practice presence daily, share real conversations, and come home feeling seen, supported, and shifted.
Our journeys are adventuresome, beginner-friendly, and heart-led. Come as you are. Leave more you than ever.
WHAT MAKES ROOT GROUP TRIPS DIFFERENT:
Daily mindfulness practices woven into each day
Pre- and post-trip group calls to build connection and intention
Small, values-aligned groups—no big buses, no surface-level itineraries
Mindfulness-trained trip leaders + local WFR-certified guides
Real conversations and deep connection—no forced small talk
All-inclusive logistics—from meals and tips to permits and gear
Pre- and post-trip integration support, including an 8-week preparation program and a 6-week guided post-trip meditation program
Personal support talk to real people before, during, and after your journey
WHO ARE ROOT TRAVELERS?
In Transition, On Purpose
They're moving through a season of change—career shifts, empty nests, personal reinvention—and they’re doing it with curiosity and heart.
Depth Seekers
They’re not interested in surface-level travel. They crave meaning, connection, and experiences that touch the soul.
Courageously Curious
They may not have all the answers, but they’re open. To new places, new people, new ways of being. That openness is their compass.
Vibrantly Genuine
Often women in their 30s to 60s, they show up fully and authentically—real, kind, brave, and wonderfully human.
Active Explorers of Inner + Outer Worlds
They love to move—through landscapes, conversations, and inner terrain—with a sense of wonder and grounded presence.
Our group trips are more than just getaways—they’re intentional journeys designed to foster connection, curiosity, and growth.
Whether you're hiking ancient trails, practicing mindfulness under wide-open skies, or sharing stories over a meal, you’ll be surrounded by kindred spirits who value meaningful experiences and grounded adventure.
Come as you are. Leave feeling renewed, inspired, and part of something bigger.
ROOT ISN’T YOUR AVERAGE TRAVEL COMPANY, BUT DON’T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT.
What root travelers
are saying :
There’s something powerful about hearing how a journey changed someone—not just the places they went, but how they felt along the way.
From deep connections to life-shifting insights, these stories reflect the heart of what we do: helping people travel with meaning, mindfulness, and joy.
