Turigrino /noun/ (also spelled Touragrino): A pilgrim that prefers having their luggage transported and staying in private rooms. My name is Angie Moreira and I am the Reservations, Operations & Products Team Leader for tour operator Follow The Camino. I recently walked the Last 100km of the Camino de Santiago, and want to share my experience with you!
My Relationship with the Camino de Santiago
My introduction to the Camino dates back to my days working at a travel agency in Buenos Aires, Argentina. One of my colleagues told me that the Camino de Santiago walk was on her bucket list. I didn’t know a thing about it but somehow the idea of walking it myself got stuck in my head.
Years later, in 2019, I embarked on my first pilgrimage along the Camino Portugues. I was accompanied by my Mum, mere months after the passing of my Father. Walking side by side, our pilgrimage became a journey of shared grief, resilience, and newfound understanding. As we walked in rural areas and passed by small villages with huge stone houses, the Camino was a catalyst for healing, deepening the bond between us, and marking the memory of my Father in the right way.
At the end of each day walking the Camino Portugues, looking for an albergue and a place to eat with a pilgrim menu became our treasured routine. In the quiet moments of reflection and shared laughter, we discovered new facets of ourselves and each other, forging memories that we still enjoy talking about today.
It was an incredible trip, and one that helped me heal at a time when I needed it. But it didn’t shake my desire to discover more of what the Camino could reveal to — and about — me. And so this article is not about that trip. It’s about my first pilgrimage as a solo traveller.
Last March, I embarked on another journey rich in history, spirituality, and personal discovery. I had one purpose: to disconnect from the distractions of everyday life and delve into moments of introspection. Walking the final 100km of the Camino Frances from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela marked not only my first pilgrimage as a vegetarian but also my inaugural journey as a ‘Turigrino.’
The Misconceptions of being a Turigrino
The word is a cross between the Spanish word for tourist, ‘turista’, and pilgrim, or ‘peregrino’. A turigrino is someone who doesn’t go on a pilgrimage for reasons of faith, but still wants to experience something deeply impactful.
Turigrinos often want to stay in more comfortable private rooms than the packed hostels favoured by pilgrims, and also tend to look for baggage transport options along the Camino instead of carrying their full pack every day. This emphasises the enjoyment of the walk, rather than the tradition of modesty along the Camino. It’s a choice that increasing numbers of pilgrims are making each year, giving the Camino de Santiago a new look.
What is walking the Camino like?
As I set out along the last 100km of the Camino Frances, I anticipated challenges navigating my dietary preferences in a region well-known for its culinary traditions rooted in meat and seafood. However, to my pleasant surprise, being a vegetarian on the Camino proved to be easier than expected. The trail abounds with vegetarian options, from ‘caldo gallego’ to fresh salads, and, of course, tortilla de patatas – one of my favourite meals.
Beyond culinary discoveries, the Camino is a melting pot of stories where people from all walks of life converge. Along the way, I had the privilege of meeting fellow pilgrims hailing from many different corners of the globe. Each had their own motivations for walking the Camino and hopes for how the road will help them.
From seasoned trekkers seeking spiritual enlightenment to curious travellers embracing the adventure, our encounters enriched the pilgrimage experience and fostered deep connections that transcended borders, cultures, and even languages. The moment I craved at the end of each day when I was tired was to meet my Camino friends for a nice meal and a Galician beer (“Una caña más, por favor!”).
What You Can Find Along The Way
As a Follow The Camino employee, I had the unique opportunity to engage with our network of suppliers in person. Conversing with these dedicated individuals not only deepened my appreciation for their hospitality and love for the Camino, but also reinforced the importance of sustainable tourism practices that uphold the spirit of what we are trying to achieve as a company along these historic trails.
Beyond the physical exertion, the Camino de Santiago is a journey of the soul: a transformative odyssey that leaves an indelible mark on each pilgrim fortunate enough to embark upon it.
To those considering their own pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago, here’s my advice to you. Walk at your own pace. Embrace the journey and each encounter wholeheartedly. And, finally, use the time to reflect on everything good that is happening in your life (there’s always something!).
Whether you walk alone, with friends and family, or with a group of strangers, the Camino is a transformative experience. It will stay with you long after the journey has ended. There’s something about it that cannot be explained. It’s just magic.
Buen Camino!
Want to learn more about walking the Camino? Check out the Camino walking routes offered by Follow the Camino!
