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Important Information

Spain Gay Madrid and the Camino de Santiago
Journey along Galicia’s famous pilgrimage with our all-gay group.
Country info

VISAS: As part of the European Union’s Schengen Area, Canadians and Americans do not need a visa for stays less than 90 days, but ensure your passport is valid for six months. There may be exceptions. Click here for more info.

CULTURE SHOCK: Spain is a highly-developed Western nation. Crime rates are low and the nation is generally safe, but beware of pickpockets and petty theft anywhere that’s popular with tourists. It’s best to leave valuables at home or in your hotel room.

LOCAL LGBT SCENE: Madrid has an amazing gay scene centred around the neighbourhood of Chueca. And while Santiago may be famous for being the end of a Catholic pilgrimage, there’s even a small gay scene there. It’s Spain – the whole country is gay-friendly!

WEATHER: Madrid will most likely be hot but not sweltering when we visit, being the tail end of summer. Up north, where we’ll hike, things cool down. Galicia has an oceanic climate with mild temperatures and regular rainfall.

REQUIRED VACCINATIONS: Based on the entry requirements, there are no immunizations needed for entry. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, consult with your doctor or a travel medical clinic. Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.

ELECTRICITY: You will need an international travel plug/adapter for Type F sockets. Visit https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/spain/ for more info.

CONNECTIVITY: Madrid and Santiago de Compostela will both be well connected. Cell service may be spotty along the Camino de Santiago but you’ll find plenty of free Wi-Fi hostspots en route.

How we travel

Out Adventures is all about good times with likeminded guys. Whatever’s on the itinerary – from fireside camping to five-star decadence – our goal is to make the experience magical. We’re also committed to supporting the communities we visit by hiring local guides, staying at locally-owned accommodations when possible, and celebrating local cuisine. It all adds up to a great way to immerse yourself in the culture.

Travel Insurance

For everybody’s peace of mind, medical travel insurance is required on all Out Adventures tours. At a minimum, your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses, emergency repatriation and personal liability, with a minimum medical coverage of US $200,000.

Click here for more details on our requirements and how to obtain coverage. We highly recommend that you insure your full purchase, including trip cancellation and medical.

Your guide

All Out Adventures are led by a gay (or gay-welcoming) guide. Whenever possible, we hire destination locals. And we can also connect you with the right people if you’d like to delve deeper into the local culture. If you’re pleased with your guide, we recommend a tip of US $5-10 per person, per day…they’ll certainly appreciate it!

Fellow adventurers

Out adventures are a great way to meet people from around the world and all walks of life. Bear in mind that everybody’s there for a good time, so mutual respect will go a long way. Please be on time for any meet ups, empathetic to the needs of others, and ready to roll with whatever the adventure brings.

Although we can’t tell you who your fellow travellers will be for privacy reasons, we can tell you many great friendships began with an Out Adventure. And just because we’re a gay tour operator doesn’t mean we’re exclusive: friends and family are always welcome to join the fun.

Flying solo

If you’ve never travelled on your own, it’s an amazing way to get to know yourself while making new friends along the way. We can arrange for you to share a room with people in your age range at no charge, or you can pay a supplement for your own room. If there’s an odd number of solos, we’ll rotate a single room on a random basis.

Itinerary disclaimer

The itinerary is correct at time of publishing. If anything, it will only improve with feedback from prior travellers and our own research. It’s best to reference your final trip documents, rather than our website, in case there have been any changes that affect your departure.

Optional activities

Every Out Adventure offers optional excursions that are not included in price of this trip. Please see the daily itinerary in your final pre-trip packet to learn what’s available.

Meals

All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 8 dinners with wine are included on this trip.

Starting Point

Hotel Regina
C/ Alcalá 19
28014 Madrid
España

T +34 91 521 47 25

Standard check-in time is after 3PM. We are unable to arrange early check-ins, but you may store your luggage if you want to explore the area while you wait. If you want to guarantee an early check-in, you’ll need to reserve an extra night of accommodation.

Finishing Point

Hotel Regina
C/ Alcalá 19
28014 Madrid
España

Money

Spain’s local currency is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted, but keep cash handy, especially in rural parts. We also recommend you bring about $400 USD in case of an emergency, or if your credit/ATM cards are placed on hold.

Tipping

If you are happy with services throughout your trip, a tip is recommended. Tipping details will be provided in your final trip documentation, however we recommend budgeting approximately $150-$200 USD.

What to bring

Please keep your baggage under 20kg/44lb to avoid costly surcharges on domestic flights. You should also bring something smaller to carry a water bottle, your camera and souvenirs on day trips. This packing list is a guideline, not gospel, but we are happy to answer any specific questions about how much (or little) to bring.

Travel Documents

  • Passport/Visas/Flight Itineraries/Travel Insurance
  • Pre-trip packet
  • Credit/ATM card

General Personal Items

  • Eye mask, ear plugs
  • Smartphone, camera, charging cables and travel adapters
  • Waterproof bags for electronics and valuables
  • Daypack
  • Luggage lock
  • Guidebook, phrase book, reading material
  • Laundry soap and clothe pegs if you plan to wash anything en route

Shoes

  • Socks (Preferably both hiking and quick-dry socks)
  • Hiking shoes or hiking boots (Worn-in)
  • Sandals or Water shoes
  • ‘Nice’ shoes for dinners

Bottoms:

  • Underwear (Preferably sweat-wicking briefs)
  • Pants (Preferably lightweight hiking pants with zip-off legs)
  • Waterproof pants (Optional)
  • Shorts
  • Swimwear
  • ‘Nice’ pants for dinners

Tops

  • Short-sleeved shirts (Preferably sweat-wicking)
  • Long-sleeved shirts (Preferably sweat-wicking)
  • Sweaters (Lightweight and preferably fleece)
  • ‘Nice’ shirts for dinners

Jackets

  • Light jacket for cool evenings
  • Waterproof jacket/poncho

Other

  • Sunglasses/Hat
  • Small Umbrella
  • Refillable water bottle(s) – Consider a Camelbak or similar hydration system.
  • Daypack (Around 20 litres should be enough)
  • Walking sticks/poles (optional)
  • Gloves for cool mornings (optional)
  • Earplugs – just in case of local fiestas which tend to go on all night…

Health-related Items

  • Small First aid kit including ibuprofen, acetaminophen, zinc oxide tape and small scissors, blister pads, diarrhea tablets, dioralyte rehydration packs
  • Personal Medication
  • High protection sunscreen/lip balm
  • Insect repellent/bite cream/antihistamine
  • Antibacterial gel/wipes
  • Toiletries including toothbrush, toothpaste & deodorant
  • Vaseline to prevent chafing skin and heel friction blisters
  • Blister pads such as Band-aid or Dr. Scholls blister cushions
Groups within Groups

We love when groups of friends join us on an OUT Adventure, whether you’re celebrating a major milestone, or you just love to travel together. However, since we have travellers that will be flying solo, or as a couple, we would love your help ensuring everybody feels welcome and has an epic time. Here are some ways you can give us a hand, while also getting to know and befriending your fellow travellers:

  • Sit with (and get to know) different people at different meals
  • Mix up walking partners on excursions
  • Invite solo travellers to join you for an optional excursion or meal
  • Enjoy inside jokes in privacy, or let the group in on the secret ?

If you’d rather relish an exclusive escape with just your own party, we also offer private departures. This is a great way to create and manage your own holiday guest list, while possibly saving money as well. Please contact one of our Adventure Specialists if you’re interested in a customized quote.

Physical ratings & considerations

All Out Adventures guests must have a good level of health. All tours, regardless of activity level, involve uneven steps, stairs, walking tours, and you will be required to carry your own luggage from time to time. Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate individuals with limited mobility unless they are willing to absorb the cost of a private guide/assistant which varies by country and is only possible on a case by case basis. It is also your responsibility to advise Out Adventures of any pre-existing medical conditions that may increase the risk of you requiring medical attention, or that may affect the normal conduct of the tour and the enjoyment of the tour by other participants.

Below is a breakdown of our Physical Rating guide.

1 – Relaxing

  • Very little or no hiking
  • Light activities such as walking, bike tours, paddling or swimming are completely optional
  • Low altitude
  • Suitable for all fitness levels

2 – Light

  • Light walking and hiking (2 hours or less per day and at low altitude)
  • Light activities such as bike tours, paddling or swimming are completely optional
  • Suitable for most fitness levels

3 – Average

  • Light walking and hiking (3 hours or less per day, rarely at high altitude)
  • Some activities such as biking, paddling or swimming. Active days are mixed with relaxed days
  • Suitable for an average fitness level

4 – Demanding

  • Walking, hiking is a component of the tour (can range from 2 hours to 6 hours per day, at various altitudes)
  • Activities such as biking, paddling or swimming may be mixed in
  • Suitable for a good fitness level

5 – Challenging

  • Walking, hiking, biking, paddling or kayaking are the vast majority of the trip (can range from 2 hours to 8 hours per day, generally at high altitude)
  • Activities will likely happen day after day with limited rest days
  • Suitable for above average fitness level

CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE

CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE

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