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 for Cyclists and Walkers.

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

News & Events

 

 

 

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 their 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. Learn more about the Camino through history and statistics. And plan your Camino using these route overviews, and planning FAQs.

And don't forget to request a credential from us before you go.

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 publication.

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 11/29/25