We inspire all who seek the spirit of the Camino

to connect with the global community of pilgrims.

WHO WE ARE

American Pilgrims on the Camino is the only US-based association for people interested in the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, a network of ancient European pilgrimage routes leading to Santiago de Compostela in northwest Spain. We are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, volunteer driven, organization consisting of more than 2,000 dues paying members from throughout the United States as well as several other countries.

CONNECT WITH THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY OF PILGRIMS

There are many ways you can join our community!

Participate in Local Chapter activities

Become a Member of American Pilgrims

Attend the Annual Gathering of Pilgrims

Join our Facebook Groups

Our Values

Our four values are rooted in our collective experiences as pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. We do our best to ensure that every decision we make and every action we take reflects these values:

  • Community
  • Service
  • Gratitude
  • Simplicity

WHAT WE DO

Support

Supporting Camino infrastructure is one way we give back to the Way. Your membership dues and generous donations allow us to award competitive grants each year to albergues and pilgrim associations in Spain, France and Portugal to fund projects that improve pilgrim accommodations and waymarking.

Follow this link to make a donation today.

We train more than 75 volunteer hospitaleros annually who then serve our fellow pilgrims.

Gather

Bringing pilgrims together and creating community is core to our mission. Each year, we host a Gathering, which brings 200-300 pilgrims together to learn about the Camino and celebrate all the Camino has provided us.

In addition, we have nearly 60 local chapters gathering pilgrims at the local level for hikes, mentoring, potlucks and movie nights, all in an effort to create a bit of Camino community here at home.

Inform

Providing information and encouragement to pilgrims is key to ensuring they expand their knowledge of the Camino and have a positive experience along the Way. We are the only American organization to issue pilgrim credentials. On our website you can learn about the Camino through history, statistics and route overviews, and find answers to your questions in our FAQs. In La Concha, our member magazine, we share articles, book reviews, photographs and news about our organization, members and the Camino itself.  You're invited to join our Facebook group to exchange info and ideas.

La Concha

Do you want to stay informed about Camino events, new books and news from American Pilgrims?

Would you like to share your Camino experiences or photographs with the global community of pilgrims?

Then check out La Concha, our quarterly magazine.

Plan Your Camino

You’ve come to the right place! Read up on Camino history, statistics and route overviews. Get answers to the most commonly asked questions in our comprehensive FAQs.

Still have questions? Connect with a mentor in your local American Pilgrims chapter and participate in local chapter activities.

Join our Facebook group and don’t forget to request a credential before you leave home!

Give Back

Many pilgrims return wanting to give back to the Camino. We know the value of volunteering and can connect you to where you’re needed most!

Volunteer opportunities include hosting, organizing or suggesting local chapter activities, ad-hoc projects and serving on the American Pilgrims board of directors. If you’d rather serve overseas, consider taking one of our quarterly hospitalero training courses. We gratefully accept your donations that help to fund our grants program.

Thank you, however you choose to give back.

The Spirit of the Camino

Live in the moment

Welcome each day – its pleasures and its challenges

Make others feel welcome

Share

Feel the spirit of those who have gone before you

Imagine those who will follow you

Appreciate those who walk with you today

Rev 10/23/2024