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 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’ll 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.

2025/26 Hospitalero Training Sessions

  • Oct 31-Nov 02: Colorado Springs, Colorado

    Registration opens August 16, 2025

  • Feb 9-11: Ranchos Palos Verdes, CA 

    Registration opens December 6, 2025
    Single room available for an additional cost of $85.00

  • May 29-31: Saco, Maine

    Registration opens February 14, 2026

  • September 9-11: Banner Elk, NC

    Registration opens June 6, 2026

  • November 10-12: Corbett, Oregon

    Registration opens September 13, 2026

The cost is $295 and includes lodging, meals and training materials. An invitation to register will be emailed to all members of American Pilgrims.

Why Train as an Hospitalero?

Like the Camino, where so often the serendipity and the unexpected are the most powerful moments in the day, an hospitalero training course can be one of surprise, thoughtfulness and powerful emotion.  We hope that our participants come to the course with open minds and open hearts.  We endeavor to facilitate an experience of specific learning, community, personal growth, and perhaps even spiritual opening.  
 
American Pilgrims on the Camino offers the only training course in the United States, using the curriculum of the Spanish Federation system. By taking this training, you will be eligible for placement by the Federation in one of its donativo albergues.

What Does an Hospitalero Do?

  • Provide a warm welcome to all pilgrims, as hospitaleros have done for a thousand years.
  • 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 at albergues that offer meals. 
  • Check out our La Concha Hospitalero Corner for some on-the-ground stories. 

How Long is the Hospitalero Assignment?

Postings are for 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 to those who, without financial assistance, would not be able to serve-- and who also have 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.

Still have questions after reading all of the above information? Email the hospitalero training team at hospitalerotraining@americanpilgrims.org.

Thanks to Our Many Hospitaleros Who Have Served

Testimonials

Carrie Poulson at Astorga HospitaleroThe training was an incredible experience—a deep dive into practical skills, meaningful reflection, and a big dose of Camino Spirit right here at home. It prepared me well for my time as a hospitalera in Astorga, Spain, where I had the joy of welcoming pilgrims from all over the world and helping with the hard work of running a traditional albergue. It was a deeply fulfilling way to give back to the Camino community. I can’t wait to do it again!
 
~ Carrie Poulson in Astorga

Jeanne wailes Camhina Hospitalero check-inMy hospitalero training was invaluable for my experience volunteering in Caminha Portugal. As the sole volunteer at the 28 bed municipal albergue, I had to take it just one night at a time. I remembered the helpful words from the training: Greeting the pilgrims warmly after a long hot day with a fresh glass of water and a kind word was really all that mattered. 

~ Jeannie Wailes in Caminha Portugal

Volunteering at Bercianos in 2024 was truly one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had.

~ Lori L. in Bercianos

hospitalero betania pamplona donslearWe are so grateful for the Hospitalero training team!  in just the first few days of serving we experienced many of the situations discussed and practiced during the training and it was invaluable to have thought through it all in advance.  It’s hard work, but so rewarding to engage fellow pilgrims!

~ Dave & Amy Donselar in Betania, Pamplona