HOSPITALERO TRAINING
One of the ways that “the Camino provides” is through the care and comfort given by Hospitaleros. These generous volunteers serve in municipal and parroquial albergues, ensuring a welcoming environment, a clean place for a pilgrim to lay their head, and sometimes a group meal.
We support this service by offering a Hospitalero training and placement program.
Those who have gone from walking the Camino to serving as hospitaleros say this experience is in every sense a Camino of its own.
Here’s more about our program and how you can get involved.
About Hospitalero Training
Benefits of Hospitalero Training
- Learn what to expect when serving as an hospitalero.
- Learn how to connect to specific opportunities for serving in albergues.
- Your training will signal to albergues that you understand the traditions of welcome and service.
- You’lll be entitled to apply to the Spanish Federation for placement in one of its donativo albergues–an easy, quick process.
Hospitalero Training Eligibility
- You’ve walked at least 100 kilometers (or biked any 200 kilometers) of any route on the Camino.
- You’re at least 21 years old (or will be at the time of the training session).
- You’ve spent at least one night in an albergue on the Camino that provides a traditional welcome as described on the registration form, not with a tour group or hotel-based experience.
- You’re a current member of American Pilgrims. Follow this link to verify your membership.
2025 Hospitalero training sessions
Below are dates and locations for 2025
- Wildwood (St. Louis), MO, April 8-10 (follow this link for more information)
- Stroudsburg, PA, June 6-8
- La Foret (Colorado Springs), CO, Oct. 31-Nov. 2
The cost is $295 and includes lodging, meals and training materials. Registration will open several months prior to each session and a link will be posted here and also sent to the American Pilgrims member email list.
Hospitalero Training Testimonials
Testimonials
Hospitalero training provided practical tools, knowledge, and insight to return to the Way and be of service. Our instructors are experienced pilgrims and hospitaleras who guided us through our training materials, provided a notebook of resources to use in class and to keep for future reference. If you have any interest in returning to Spain, Portugal, or France to serve other pilgrims I strongly recommend Hospitalero Training.
~John K. Davidson, NC
In the few hours since I left, I already feel a wave of nostalgia wash over me, yearning to get back to training. I was transported back on the Camino-making friends, swapping stories, breaking bread, laughing hysterically one minute and moved to tears the next; 48 hours of encapsulated Camino-essence- shielded from everyday woes. Sheer magic!
~Sushila A., Vienna, VA
The Camino has made a huge impact on my life. The evenings in the handful of donativo albergues I’ve stayed in were some of the most memorable of my life. By becoming an hospitalero, I hope to help others walking the Camino create such special moments.
~Mike B., Zion, IL
The path to Hospitalero is a new adventure in Camino life wherein one can give back in thanks for all its gifts. The training course is thoughtful and thorough, but no one realized it could be so much fun!
~Janice F., New York, NY
The training was an enriching experience. It was heartwarming to rekindle the Camino with fellow pilgrims. Only a pilgrim understands another pilgrim! The exercises were thought-provoking; nothing I anticipated. Thank you for all your efforts in providing the tools to ensure our success as an " hospitalera"! Lucky me to have met all of you! Let's keep connected.
~Darlynne G., Lincoln, CA.
Thank you, Carmen and Daniel! Your insight and knowledge of all things ALBERGUE ON THE CAMINO made for a fantastic weekend. Role-playing and sharing those insights gave us valuable awareness of the needs of the Pilgrims, the Albergue and the community that will surround us as we give back to those who helped our journey. Loved It!!
~Teresa Graham, Santa Barbara, CA
Most memorable for me were the discussions and exercises on creating hospitality - we learned that true hospitality is not only about creating a safe physical space where strangers can enter to take shelter and rest. It’s also about nurturing a safe emotional space, that encourages discovery and openness among the albergue pilgrims. For me personally, hospitality embodies the spirit and beauty of the Camino. With this training, I’m better prepared and even more excited to volunteer and help support the traditions of hospitality on the Camino.
~Martin Pena, Kenwood, CA
What a pleasure it was to attend an American Pilgrims Hospitalero Training session and get a big dose of Camino Spirit here at home. Not only did we get tons of practical information, but the program prompted meaningful personal reflection about what it means to be a good citizen of the world. All that, and it was incredibly fun!
~Carrie P., Salt Lake City, UT
We just completed the Hospitalero training in Palo Verdes, CA. The days were perfectly paced and Daniel, Carmen and Emilio made everything fun but also informative and realistic. Spending time with the other pilgrims, sharing stories (& realizing that we had met a classmate on the Camino!), and preparing a communal dinner only made the whole experience that much richer! Since our first Camino in 2016, we’ve been hoping to give back by serving as hospitaleros and now we both feel so much better equipped to do that successfully. We can’t wait for our first assignment!
~Penny D. & Thom S., New York, NY
Volunteering at Bercianos in 2024 was truly one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had.
~ Lori L.
Why Train as an Hospitalero?
Serving as an hospitalero is a rewarding experience with interesting situations and challenges sure to arise. Our training is designed to introduce you to all aspects of hospitalero service and to provide suggestions on how you might respond to specific situations. Whether or not you serve in an albergue that requires participation in a formal training course, our training will equip you with what you need to make the most of your experience. Many albergues look for volunteer hospitaleros who are experienced pilgrims and who have taken an hospitalero training course.
American Pilgrims on the Camino offers the only training course in the United States, using the curriculum of the Spanish Federación system. By taking this training, you will be eligible for placement by the Federación in one of its donativo albergues.
What Does an Hospitalero Do?
- Provide a warm and sincere welcome to all pilgrims.
- Listen to the pilgrims.
- Daily cleaning and maintenance of the albergue’s kitchen, bathrooms and sleeping areas.
- Interact with the local community.
- Advise pilgrims on such things as:
- What lies ahead along the Camino
- Where to find local cafes, restaurants, markets;
- When and where church services are held;
- Where to find pharmacies, clinics, other resources;
- Where to find local sites of special interest; and
- Sometimes prepare a group meal or breakfast at albergues that offer meals.
How Long is the Hospitalero Assignment?
Most postings are for approximately two weeks, a quinceña, from the 1st to the 15th of the month or the 16th to the end of the month.
When Are Assignments Made?
Federation albergue assignments are generally made within 2 weeks of submitting the application.
Is Financial Assistance Available?
Yes!
We charge a modest registration fee to cover the cost of providing hospitalero training to American Pilgrims members. One fee waiver per training is granted based on financial need and a specific plan to volunteer in the next calendar year. Submit an application to hospitalerotraining@americanpilgrims.org at least 60 days before an American Pilgrims training session. Trainees are responsible for all other fees related to the training. Here’s the Fee Waiver Application.
Michael Wyatt $500 Hospitalero Service Grant
This grant is awarded to American Pilgrims members who have completed our hospitalero training, who desire to volunteer as an hospitalero in Spain, and are in financial need. The grant will reimburse a portion of your travel costs up to $500 and requires a minimum of two weeks service. To learn more go to our Grants Program.
Other Non-Hospitalero Volunteer Opportunities in Spain
Ribadiso Welcome Service
The Ribadiso Welcome Service is a volunteer opportunity to serve at the Albergue of Ribadiso do Baixo, an albergue operated by the Spanish Federation on the Camino de Santiago.
Volunteering at Ribadiso is a unique experience. Volunteers care for the pilgrims by welcoming them to the albergue, answering their questions, providing information about the immediate area and about their arrival to Santiago, offering a listening ear and directing pilgrims to healthcare resources, if needed.
Learn more about this opportunity here.
The Pilgrim's Welcome Office in Santiago
For most peregrinos arriving in Santiago, after a few tears, the celebratory photos in front of the Cathedral, and perhaps the call back home, the next stop will be the Pilgrim's Reception Office to obtain the Compostela. The office offers the opportunity to volunteer and be a part of this significant part of the pilgrim's journey. Email your questions to info@acogidacristianaenelcamino.es.
Thank you to our trained hospitaleros and hospitaleras for submitting these photos from their service on the Camino.
Still have questions after reading all of the above information? Email the hospitalero training team at hospitalerotraining@americanpilgrims.org.
Thank you to our trained hospitaleros and hospitaleras for submitting these photos from their service on the Camino.
REV 2/11/25