The Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James) is much more than a historic pilgrimage, it combines cultural heritage, nature, cuisine, and spirituality in a journey that symbolically ends at the Plaza del Obradoiro, in front of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
In recent years, the Latin American presence has grown significantly, and Spain has responded with more flight connections and better services for those arriving from across the Atlantic.
Below, you’ll find a roadmap created by our team, which has many years of practical experience, designed for those who dream of turning a European vacation into an unforgettable pilgrimage experience.
How to fly from Latin America without overspending
Traveling from Latin America to Spain to walk the Camino de Santiago involves covering thousands of miles, crossing oceans, and, in many cases, dealing with airfare prices that can vary greatly depending on the time of year, the airline, and how far in advance you book.
For many pilgrims from Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, or other Latin American countries, finding a convenient and affordable flight is one of the first major challenges of the trip.
Fortunately, with a little planning and some practical tips, it’s possible to reach Europe without the cost of airfare taking up a large portion of your total budget.
We’ll explain the most common options for flying from Latin America to Spain and share some useful tips for finding cheaper fares without sacrificing comfort.
Mexico
The most direct route is to fly from Mexico City (MEX) to Madrid Barajas (MAD). Iberia and Aeroméxico operate daily nonstop flights; comparison sites show up to 12 airlines with combined options and dynamic fares that change daily, so it’s a good idea to set up price alerts on search engines like Momondo and book at least 10 to 12 weeks in advance. Aeroméxico often publishes seasonal promotions that can lower the cost of your trip if you plan to start your Camino in Catalonia or connect by train to Galicia.
Colombia
Bogotá (BOG) offers direct flights to Madrid via Iberia, Avianca, and, during peak season, Air Europa, with round-trip deals sometimes available during the height of the summer season. Platforms like KAYAK find even lower fares if you’re willing to spend a couple of hours on layovers in Panama or the Dominican Republic.
Argentina
From Buenos Aires (EZE), there are nonstop flights to Madrid operated by Aerolíneas Argentinas and Iberia, with additional service in July and August. According to Despegar (Latin America’s leading travel agency), another option is to combine regional low-cost flights to São Paulo or Santiago de Chile and from there connect to Lisbon or Porto, two perfect cities to start the Portuguese Way.
Universal tips for saving money on tickets:
- Book between Tuesday and Thursday and avoid searching late at night (algorithms raise prices during peak traffic times).
- Fly on Tuesday or Wednesday.
- Be flexible with your dates: adjusting your travel dates by ±3 days can reduce the final cost by more than 15% on average.
- Subscribe to the airlines’ newsletters to access “exclusive fares” 24 hours before they’re released to the general public.
Which airport should I fly into?
Once you’ve decided to join one of our Camino de Santiago tours, the next important step is to decide which airport to fly into. Spain has an extensive and modern air network, and depending on the route you choose and your departure point in Latin America, there may be several viable options.
Not all routes start just 100 km from Santiago; in fact, many of the most traditional or scenic routes begin in cities that are quite a few kilometers from the final destination. That’s why choosing the right arrival airport can not only save you time and money but also make it easier to reach the starting point of your Camino. We’ll explain which airports are most recommended and what advantages each one offers.
- Madrid Barajas (MAD): the main airport, perfect if you choose the French Way from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port or the Vía de la Plata from Seville. Renfe offers direct Alvia trains to León, Pamplona, or Ourense.
- Santiago Rosalía de Castro (SCQ): ideal if you only have a few days and will only be walking the “mandatory” 100 km between Sarria and the Galician capital. There are affordable domestic flights and, in the summer, occasional connections from the Americas via Lisbon.
- Porto (OPO): gateway to the famous Portuguese Way (Interior or Coastal). From the airport itself, the metro takes you to the historic center in half an hour.
- Barcelona El Prat (BCN) and Bilbao (BIO): good hubs for connecting to the Northern Way
- Biarritz (BIQ): in France, is used to start from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port without going through Madrid.
When is the best time to take the Camino de Santiago tour?
The weather, crowds, and budget
Spaniards refer to the period between the second half of June and the first half of September as “high season”: long days, good weather, and hostels operating at full capacity, but also temperatures exceeding 30°C on the Meseta and nearly full occupancy at the most popular accommodations. However, on the French Way and/or the Primitive Way in Galicia, there is greater availability of high-quality accommodations (Pazos and high-quality rural houses).
- Spring (April–June): The vegetation is in full bloom, lodging prices are moderate, and flights are cheaper than in summer; just be sure to bring a raincoat, as Atlantic rains are frequent.
- Fall (September–October): grape harvest, chestnuts, and crimson forests; mild temperatures (10–22°C) and fewer crowds on the iconic routes.
- Winter (November–March): recommended only for experienced pilgrims or for the Portuguese Way, which has a milder climate than the other options
Recommended itineraries and how they fit into an intercontinental trip
When planning the Camino de Santiago tour from Latin America, one of the most important considerations is choosing the right route—not only based on its geographical or spiritual characteristics, but also on how well it fits with the time available and international travel connections.
Not all pilgrims arrive with a month to spare or with the intention of walking hundreds of kilometers. Many come from Mexico, Colombia, or Argentina with two- or three-week itineraries and a need to tailor the experience to their preferences.
The French Way (Camino Francés), undoubtedly the most iconic and popular route, is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a complete and traditional experience. It begins in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, on the French side of the Pyrenees, and covers about 780 kilometers to Santiago. It’s a good choice if you have plenty of days to spare, though you can also do just the final stretch from Sarria, covering the last 113 kilometers, enough to earn the Compostela. This option is very popular among international pilgrims who have two weeks or less, and it’s also easily accessible from airports like Madrid or Santiago.
Another very appealing option is the Portuguese Way (Camino Portugués), both its central and coastal routes. Many Latin American pilgrims fly directly to Lisbon or, better yet, to Porto, a city that offers excellent air and rail connections. From there, the route northward allows you to enjoy green landscapes, small villages, and a strong Portuguese-Galician cultural identity. Additionally, the increasingly popular coastal route combines the spirit of the Camino with the Atlantic Ocean, which is especially pleasant during the warmer months. This route also lends itself well to shorter itineraries and is less crowded than the French Way.
For those seeking a more peaceful and natural experience, the Northern Way (Camino del Norte) offers a different option. It begins in San Sebastián and follows the Cantabrian coastline along the northern coast of Spain. It is a physically demanding route due to the many ascents and descents, but in return it offers spectacular scenery and a more direct connection with Basque, Cantabrian, and Asturian culture. It is ideal for those escaping the summer heat and seeking a less crowded experience, though it requires good physical fitness and more time if you wish to complete the entire route.
Finally, for those who have very little time but want to experience the Camino in a more immersive way, the Primitive Way (Camino Primitivo) may be the best option. Starting in Lugo, it covers just over 100 kilometers and allows you to earn the Compostela. It’s a short route, but one with character, and it’s well-suited for those flying directly to Santiago who are looking for a straightforward option with minimal travel within the region.
Assess how many days you actually have available. Traveling from Latin America means dealing with jet lag, so don’t underestimate the recovery time you’ll need before hitting the road.
When it comes to luggage, less is more
Years of experience show that a lightweight backpack (no more than 10% of your body weight) helps prevent blisters and injuries. Some of the essentials include:
- 20–40 L backpack with a waist belt and rain cover.
- Used hiking shoes + sandals.
- Two sets of breathable clothing (quick-drying base layer).
- Waterproof jacket/windbreaker and lightweight fleece.
- Waterproof bag for electronics, USB-C charger, power bank.
- Basic first-aid kit (ibuprofen, bandages, Band-Aids…).
- Telescopic walking stick (optional, but helps relieve knee strain).
- Pilgrim’s Credential (can be obtained on-site).
At Pambre Tours, we recommend a ventilated backpack, hiking poles, and a rain jacket as the three essentials.
What else should you keep in mind?
- ETIAS: Starting in late 2025, a prior electronic authorization similar to the U.S. ESTA will be required; it will cost about €7. Apply online in advance and avoid intermediaries.
- Money and payments: Spain is in the eurozone, and almost everything can be paid for by credit card. Even so, carry €20–30 in cash for vending machines or donations at rural churches.
- eSIM or roaming: Mexican and Colombian carriers now offer “Europe” plans for a reasonable surcharge; otherwise, buy a prepaid eSIM online and have it ready before landing.
- Health: Purchase insurance that covers repatriation and non-competitive sports; many hospitals require a payment guarantee to treat injuries. Note that all our tours include basic travel insurance.
Pambre Tours: Your trusted Latin American partner
Walking the Camino de Santiago from Latin America isn’t just a simple transatlantic trip, but a complex journey that begins when you book your flight and ends—perhaps—long after you’ve passed through the main entrance of Santiago Cathedral.
Choose your route carefully, travel light, listen to your body, and if you need an extra boost, companies like Pambre Tours can handle the logistics so you can focus on enjoying the VIP experience.
Curro, Andrés, and Germán, who lead the company, offer their personal assistance in planning your trip, arranging stays in high-end accommodations with private bathrooms, handling luggage transfers from stage to stage, and providing 24-hour support—all with a keen understanding of the needs of Latin American travelers, even accompanying them along the routes. So, when you look up and see the towers of the Cathedral against the Galician sky, you’ll feel that every kilometer with pambretours.com/ is always worth it. Ultreia!
