Camino de Santiago - Camino Portugues 2022 | Porto to Santiago | 11 Days | 280KM (175 miles)
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- čas přidán 26. 05. 2024
- Join me on this 11-day adventure on the Camino Portugues from Porto to Santiago.
I started on the coastal route from Porto, switched to the central route on Day 2 (Vila do Conde), and finished on the spiritual variant including the boat ride.
💡 Info:
When: April 2022 (11 days)
Where: Porto to Santiago
Routes: Coastal, Central, and Spiritual Variants
Distance: 280km (175 miles)
🗓 Itinerary (11 Days, 280KM):
1 - Porto to Labruge (Coastal, 26km/16mi)
2 - Labruge to Rates (Coastal to Central, 24km/15mi)
3 - Rates to Casa Fernanda (Central, 39km/24mi)
4 - Casa Fernanda to Ponte de Lima (Central, 14km/9mi)
5 - Ponte de Lima to Rubiães (Central, 18km/11mi)
6 - Rubiães to Tui (Central, 20km/12mi)
7 - Tui to Saxamonde (Central), 28km/17mi)
8 - Saxamonde to Pontevedra (Central, 23km/14mi)
9 - Pontevedra to Armenteira (Spiritual Variant, 21km, 13mi)
10 - Armenteira to Vilanova de Arousa (Spiritual Variant, 25km/16mi plus 27km/17mi boat ride)
11 - Vilanova de Arousa to Santiago (Central, 28km/17mi)
💶 Total Costs (489€ or 44€/day):
- Food & Drinks (285€)
- Accommodation (140€)
- Travel/Other (64€)
🎒 Gear:
- Osprey Talon 33L backpack
- Altra Lone Peak trail running shoes
- Columbia zip-off hiking pants
- Uniqlo lightweight trousers
- Down jacket
- Arcteryx rain jacket
- Buff
- Exofficio underwear (3)
- Uniqlo t-shirt (3)
- Long-sleeve shirt (2)
- Darn Tough socks (2)
- Sandals
- Sunglasses
- Sleeping bag liner
- Toiletries, hat, sunglasses, electronics, passport, etc
Bom caminho/buen camino,
David
Check out my other videos:
👣 Camino de Santiago | 500 miles (800km) Across Spain: • Camino de Santiago - C...
❓Why Walk 500 Miles Across Spain: • Why walk 500 miles (80...
💰 How Much Does it Cost to Walk the Camino De Santiago: • How much does the Cami...
🙏 If you’d like to support my channel:
Paypal - paypal.me/davidswen
Buy me a coffee - www.buymeacoffee.com/davidwen
😀 Who am I?
I'm David, a Californian living in Amsterdam. I grew up in San Francisco, studied and worked in LA, took a sabbatical around the world, and then packed my bags for Europe. I make videos about lifestyle design, hiking, and living/working/studying in Europe.
Dave, the video is more than showing the scenery from place to place. It is a celebration of companionship and community! Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Frances. You're right - the Camino is really about the companionships!
Mais com isso como fica a questão da reserva vc paga e não usar
congratulations on the trip and for the beautiful video you shared. I will leave for the "camino portuguese" In a week. I hope to make beautiful shots to share with everyone. This is the second trip to Santiago. I have already done the "camino primitivo" Two years ago. And I know Finisterre and Muxia. My heart remained there.
...gosh - amazing revelation: I started watching this, and thought... oh - this looks so much like the filming style of that David Wen guy, who did the Camino Frances as well... and then: it IS YOU... I love your way of filming it, the growing camaraderie towards a walking family (have experienced that myself twice on the c.frances) and your choices of underlying music are fantastic... its a very uplifting watch, thanks so much! xx
Haha thanks Jörn! Appreciate the kind words. Have you walked the Portugues?
Nice impressions of cultur, history, nature and friendship. A celebration of the meaning of life. Finding yourselve and finding others.
Thanks Ronnie, it was a beautiful experience. I am very grateful =)
Thanks for sharing, you capture the spirit and encounters with people on the way very well.
What a beautiful video.
I arrived in Santiago 3 days earlier, on April 21st. It's so nice to be reminded of all these wonderful landscapes and the friedship between the fellow pilgrims.
Buen camino!
Beautiful, thanks for sharing!!!!!!!!
You're welcome Vânia =) Have you walked a camino or plan to?
That was really beautiful. Beautiful people, places, experiences! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Beautiful places, beautiful people! Thanks for the kind words, Felipe! Glad you enjoyed it :)
Well done!!! Another 1 M plus video. Thank you for taking us along and sharing your journey. I’m still on day 8 of the Camino Frances and this video inspired me to look into Camino Porto. Thanks David!!!
Haha thanks, I'm so excited to follow your journey! I'd recommend the Camino Portugues next =)
Outstanding photography! Thank's! 👍
Thanks Ricardo! Going back on the camino as I speak
This was amazing thank you so much for sharing!
You’re welcome and thanks for watching!
I’m doing my 2nd Camino. Will start in Porto end of October and following this exact trail. Glad I found your video.Thank you for such a beautiful and inspirational video.
How exciting Sharon! Hope you have a great time. Buen camino!
Beautiful thank you for sharing your experience
Thanks, buen camino!
Such a happy trip! Happy people, beautiful nature, beautiful countries. Thank you for sharing!
You’re welcome. Happy people everywhere from around the world, that’s the beautiful of the camino :)
I was crying the whole time watching your video! You helped me decide which way to take and I can’t wait for my Camino this September 🥹 thank you so much 🤍
Hi Daria - aw thanks and you're welcome. When are you going? I am going back on the camino in a few weeks!
@@hidavidwen I'm planning to go at the end of September, hope the weather won't be too bad! And buen camino to you :)
@@dariafotina3700 Also i decided this route in the same date haha, good luck
@@user-hq8xx6gh1x good luck to you! it was a truly beautiful time and the weather was perfect too
Love your trip and enjoy watching your videos! 😍
Thanks ! :)
At first, the journey may seem endless, but in the end there is an end. So, it seems that I want it to end, but I also want it to continue. I've joined your journey with you. Walking alone in silence is wonderful, but walking together is also fun.
The Camino gives us both.
As I said before, you seem really insightful. Also, you have great video editing skills. Buena suerte! Hasta luego!
Thanks so much for the kind words and for following along =) And that's what I love about the camino...the mix of walking alone and walking with people (if you feel like it). Muchas gracias y buen camino! - David
Thank you for sharing! This video inspires me and gives me the courage and motivation to start on El Camino.
You're welcome Gabriela! And glad to hear you feel inspired to do the Camino...you can and best of luck!
❤ You got me so fired up to do it too. But the coastal path.
It was an immense joy to watch your beautiful summarising video, I could revive my own moments. Thank you for making & sharing it. 🙏 Suseia! ❤
You're welcome Virág =) I had a joy making it. And so nice to hear you could revive many moments! Suseia!
Film pięknie nakręcony z dobrymi emocjami! Dziękuję - ruszam w tą samą drogę w przyszłym roku.
Dziękuję i buen camino!
Thank u! The video and description is excellent
You’re welcome and thanks for the kind words! Buen camino 🙌
thank you. I'm going in April ☺@@hidavidwen
Mahalo's for sharing Dave
Looks green and beautiful during Spring (in April).
Yes, it was beautiful!
Beautiful video David,.. Congratulations to finish your second Camino and I can't wait to have my first one in September. Looking forward for your other Vlog!
Thanks Yeannita! Wow September...I did my first camino in September, and that's a great time to go. I am so happy for you...buen camino!
A beautiful video. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for watching, buen camino/bom caminho!
Thank you for sharing and such a detailed daily route😊
You're welcome! Buen camino
Lovely memories David, thoroughly enjoyed your adventure. Thank you for sharing. Tomorrow we walk into Santiago after 780km from our starting point St Jean Pied du Port. You have inspired us to come back and do the Portuguese Way next.
Lovely video beautifully shot and very inspiring in helping me plan my Camino thank you!
Thanks buen camino!
Dave. congratulations, those videos about the "Camino de Santiago are Excellent"
Thanks Manuel! I finally had time to put everything together in 1 video for the Camino Portugues. Hope you enjoy =)
Excellent video. Thank you for sharing.
You're welcome! Buen/bom camino
I'm happy for you! ☺️This is so amazing! 👍last summer I was on the Camino primitivo, this summer I will do the Portugal camino! Good luck!!!👣
Thanks Inga! I want to do the Primitivo next...how was it? I imagine it is also very beautiful =) Buen camino to you
This is a wonderful video!! 🥹I walked the Portuguese Camino last September and watched your video again- now I’m thinking about going again this year. You really captured the feel of the way
Thanks! I’m on my way to Santiago right now for another Camino. Buen camino!!
Amazing video. Thanks ❤
Thanks! :)
Great video, thank you!
You’re welcome and buen camino!
Thank you! You filmed everything I look at when I am walking. My sister and I considering the Portugues Way for our trip this September.
You two are going to have a great time :) I am in Spain about to start the camino inglés as I type this…buen camino!
Beautiful Dave…..just finished my Camino Ingles at the end of September,2022. Had a great experience. This brought back a ton of great memories. Thanks. Buen Camino
Thanks Paul, the Ingles is on my list. Buen camino!
Świetni ludzie, piękne widoki oraz miejsca, film odzwierciedla całą podróż, miło było poznać ☺️
Dziękuję! Buen camino :))
Beautiful video ❤
Thanks :)
I an a friend I walked part of the Frances Route with last year are going to meet in Porto in August and walk to Santiago. Thanks for sharing this.
Wow exciting! I really enjoyed this camino. Buen camino!
Beautiful video!
Thanks :)
Extraordinario, Gracias..desde Veracruz. México 🤩
Muchas gracias Rebeca! Saludos desde California =)
Your videos on the Spiritual Variant are absolutely breathtaking! I walked the Camino this summer from Tui to Santiago and am planning on returning in 2024, starting in Vigo and walking the Spiritual Variant. I look forward to seeing more of your Camino videos!
Thanks Katherine, the spiritual variant is special! Oh yeah I remember the walk from Tui too…beautiful. Buen camino :)
Thank you so much...
what a beautiful video!! i´ll make the portuguese way to Santiago next year and watching your video of companionship and beauty has filled me with emotion, thank u very much for sharing your expirience
You’re welcome and buen camino! Wishing you a great one
So beautiful. Will be there in about 10 days!!
Thanks Ella =) Wow 10 days...coming up. Buen camino and have a great journey!
Thank you! Just the right mix of a lot of scenery, and a little personal.
I hate videos that are one continuous selfie 🤳
You're welcome and thanks for watching =) Buen camino!
Muy bonito reportaje, y la música fantástica.😀🇪🇸💞🙅👏👏👏
Gracias Ana :))) ☀️☀️
Это волшебно! 😍
Wow, My best friend, I liked the video very much, thanks you for sharing, stay safe, stay blessed
Thanks my friend! You are welcome, stay safe!
Loved It David . To All - He also has Seperate Vids for Each Day of the Walk. Buen Camino
Fantastic! Cant wait to go
You’ll love it. Buen camino!
Thanks for the video. We will do the same way in October :)
Thanks Andrius. October is coming up…Bom caminho/buen camino!
Thank you for sharing. I remain hopeful for a October 2022 Camino Portuguese from Lisbon. I was blessed to walk the Camino Frances from Roncevalles to Santiago last Sept. / Oct.
You're welcome Steve. October is coming up! I did the Frances back in 2019...had a great time. I think you'll really enjoy this one too. Buen camino!
belle ballade ......
belle ballade!
Hi~!! David. 좋은 영상과 좋은 음악, 잘 보고 잘 들었습니다.^^
I will be doing the Camino Portuguese ( Coastal ) and switch to Central halfway in April from Porto.
Definitely I don't like the stress of race to bed, I like it Peace and Solitude.Beautiful video and thanks for sharing.
Thanks Steve. Oh you'll have a great time, I miss the Camino. There wasn't a bed race at all on the Portugues. Buen camino!
👏 👏 well done 👏 ✔️ 👍
We also did the Portuguese (coastal). Love your content!
Thanks so much. Buen camino/bom caminho!
Dear David,
I couldn't stop watching your vidios...thank you very much for explaining everything so well. I wanted to take the coastal path first but I love being around other people so I'll see what I do. For me it's the first time on a Way of St. James.... I'm really looking forward to it but also a bit scared 🙈Mid-April 23 for the first time. I wish you all the best on your further way.
PS: In Mai my husband and I will be in Amsterdam looking forward for that....it's Abraham Hicks Workshop. Last year we were there to we love Amsterdam.
Lots of love Tanja from Germany 🙂 👣👣👣👣🙏
Thanks so much for watching Tanja-I'm thinking about the camino right now!
Amsterdam + Camino...exciting! I'm so excited for you. Buen camino =)
If you remember, please let me know how your Camino goes!
wow it looks amazing. your video gives me a lot inspiration. Especially I really love Portugal but your journey is something special for me because I did not hiking there. Anyway I enjoyed a lot.
Hi Claire - thanks for the kind words and happy to hear you enjoyed it. Portugal and Spain are beautiful. The walk is amazing =)
@@hidavidwen Always looking forward to watching new one from you. Take care
A beautiful video David. I watched your daily video also and enjoyed your dialogue. In this video I guess it can be enjoyed by anyone because it is totally visual (no language barrier). Well done. Lovely scenery. I love the inclusion of your fellow travellers. What's next?
Thanks Graham for the kind words. You're right...it's a video that can be enjoyed by anyone.
What's next? The big question! I'd like to explore more of Europe now that things are quite normal.
As for hikes...I'd like to do the Camino Norte or Primitivo next. And also some hiking in Italy and Switzerland. But probably over the course of next few years =)
Hermoso vídeo, saludos desde Panamá.
Muchas gracias Arilys. Saludos desde California!
Waooooo, beautiful video, I'm looking for references because next year I'll do it and this has been the BEST... THANK YOU for sharing it.
You’ll have a great time Mercy, buen camino!
Beautiful scenery and lovely music. We will be walking on Camino Portuguese Coastal. I kept referring your video to my friends.
Thanks 🙏
@@hidavidwen we will be walking again on Camino Portuguese Coastal in May. Which Camino will you walk next time?
Camino Sanabres (end of the via de la plata)
Currently walking it’s beautiful!
@@hidavidwen will you have a video to share your experience?
@@hidavidwen Buen Camino 🙏
Bello bellissimo un emozione
Impresionante como siempre la llegada, la majestuosidad de la catedral de Santiago de Compostela, y el interior de la misma, felicidades. Yo lo tengo planeado para Fines de abril 2023 por la costa en bicicleta. saludos desde Guadalajara México.
Por la costa, un día me gustaría hacerla también. Buen camino Guillermo!
Thank you so much David for this great video. I really appreciate you naming each of your stops as this has helped me plan my next Camino. The information you have provided below is very useful. I am still in two minds: Meseta or the Portugues route. I know you have a video on the differences between the CF and the CP so I must go back and have another looks. I have done all the CF (over 6 stages) so the CP might win out in the end. Once again many thanks and Buen Camino
Thanks Tony for watching. Both are great routes-the CP definitely has less people. Buen camino!
This camino feeling!!!
A beautiful feeling...buen camino!
Beautiful video, David! What kind of camera were you using?
Thanks! Iphone 12
wonderfull video .. i like that. Wonderful journey. Buen camino. inspiring me to make video better.. thanks for sharing.
Thanks Jejak, buen camino!
Nice 1 David .. did you miss your friends from your previous trip. On my second Camino Frances I was always thinking about the pilgrims from before, even now I ponder how they are and hope they are well. Setting out again in September .. can't wait. Have watched your Frances video many times !! Keep em coming
You're welcome Mark and thanks for watching! I didn't miss my friends from the first camino because I still keep in touch with them (well here and there since we are all spread around the world). Nice! Wow which one are you doing this September?
@@hidavidwen back to The Frances, St Jean to Muxia and Fistera. Didnt get to Muxia last time so that's the next challenge .. thanks
I'm doing my first Camino in May, 2023 and, after debating many times over which Camino Portuguese route to take, after seeing your video again, I have to say that I really want to follow the route/stages you took. You seem to get many great things on this route -- coastal, countryside, small/historic towns, the crossing over to Spain via Valenca/Tui, etc. So looking forward to it!
Hi Eduardo - oh how exciting! The Camino Portugues is amazing-you get everything and less people! Buen camino to ya
See you on the Road! Going to start from Porto May 13th.
@@Burrrn27 Me too! Hope to see you on the Camino.
Thank you. I’m doing this.
Buen camino!
Hi David, great video and amazing journey. I'm from SF too, thinking to do the same route next year. Still debating which month to go so can avoid the rain and the heat. You know we are San Franciscan, can't stand the heat. Thank you!
Thanks Michael :) It's a beautiful route, I plan to go back to do the full coastal route...one day! Aw nice to hear from another San Franciscan...buen camino!
Buen camino
Buen camino Daniel!
Great video, i'm hoping to get out to do this route next year. I've still got 500 miles of South West Coast Path in the UK to do first but the Camino will be a welcome flatter, warmer walk 😆. Just thought i'd say that the video is great but your detailed description is incredibly useful. I've thought about wild camping along the way but at €140 for the Albergue i might as well have a break from being a snail with my house on my back 🐌
Thanks for the kind words. It’s a beautiful route. I just came back from another camino (camino inglés). Buen camino to you!
Perfect ))))
Buen camino!
Hi David - nice to see your video. My sister and I did the Camino Portugal walk in May and we loved it. We took the central walk and it brought back memories when I was watching your video. Did you stay in albergues? If so, how was your experience? I’m planning to stay in Albergue in my next walk and carry my stuff with me. We used a travel agency who arranged the accommodations and transporting our luggage. But I want to do the real Camino experience. I saw your first Camino in France and I fell in love with it. That was the reason why we went but did the Portuguese way as we only have limited time. Take care.
Hi Essa - you're welcome! Nice to hear both of you loved the experience. Yes, I mostly stayed in albergues. The albergue experience is fun. Well, you don't do it to get great sleep haha...but it's a great experience. To live simply. To connect with other pilgrims. To share meals. I think it's definitely a highlight of the camino...because it's a central gathering of pilgrims.
@@hidavidwen thanks David- this is very helpful. Looking forward to your new videos. Take care.
👏👏👏
I met so many nice korean pilgrims on the Camino Portuges in the summer 2022.
Best regards to my pilgrim-sister Han!
Buen camino/bom caminho!
Loveit, i am starting the same route in 12 days (first time)
Buen camino Calvin!
Love the video. Thanks for posting lots of info. just a question An apple laptop bought in the USA can be repaired in the Apple Store in Amsterdam NL? Thank you.
Hi Anabella - yes it should be possible at any Apple store. Not sure how long it will take but you can check the website!
He visto muchos videos ya, el tuyo es el que mas me gusta hasta ahora...una pregunta, se puede hacer ese mismo en 9 dias? Dos dias menos?
I love your video and everything about your journey!. My question is, what did you use to get these wonderful clips in your video? Go
Pro or phone etc. I am going to try and video journal my trip in August and I don’t know where to start. Thanks!
Thanks Angela! I used an iPhone 12-it was the most convenient =) Hope you have a great time, bom caminho/buen camino!
David, I really enjoyed the final video of your Caminho Português Costal way. Much better than the Day 1 video with all the coffees. You seemed smitten with the young lady with the purple backpack. Is there an epilogue?
Haha thanks Rhicke. Haha yeah a lot of coffees on Day 1. Made some friends and we all still keep in touch-though less frequently than before but that's normal =)
David, thanks for another great video. I just returned from the CF November 1, (second time) and I can’t get the camino off my mind. A good thing, yes, but…….. you should definitely do the Primitivo. Walked it in 2019 and it’s magical as well. I will walk the Portuguese this fall and I will follow your journey. Coastal, to central to spiritual, correct? Buen Camino!
Thanks Hilary and wow, I was just thinking about the CF last night. I miss it. I’m thinking about another camino next year too. Buen camino and you’ll love the Portuguese too. Yes, I did the coastal > central > spiritual routes. I have day by day videos and itinerary so have a look if you’d like!
Beautiful! I hope to do the Coastal Portugues next year...maybe in September/October. Why did you switch to the central on day 2?
Thanks Kim! I switched because I wanted more of that pilgrim experience (more pilgrims on central) and to see more of those old, inland towns. The coastal route is beautiful and I’d love to go back…but I am also from California so the coast wasn’t anything too new for me. Buen camino!
Thanks for making the camino video, a lot of effort i guess.
What camera/phone you were using for the camino Portagul?
Planning on walking in November.
Thank you.
You’re welcome. I was using iPhone 7
Buen camino!
Amazing…..thank you for sharing. I’m planning to do this myself with my wife and daughter in the spring, late April early May. To celebrate our 30th anniversary. Any input on a must be included in my back pack. Thanks in advance.
Hi Maynard - you're welcome and thanks for watching. Oh wow, what a big milestone. You'll have a great time.
In the backpack? I have a video about my packing list and a bunch of other things here = czcams.com/video/Lr3PQXNdYTo/video.html
(This was for the Camino Frances but I packed pretty much the same thing for the Camino Portugues)
Buen camino!
David
❤
🙌🙌
Beautiful images - loving 🇵🇹 & 🇧🇷. I am going to be in Haarlem from the 22.7 onwards for a week. How about a walk or coffee to speak about living abroad :)? Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪
Thanks, beautiful scenery and people on the Camino! Thanks for the invite, but I’m actually back in the US for summer holidays. Are you also living abroad?
@@hidavidwen nice. Enjoy your time in the US.
Yes, indeed, I did. ~3 years in 🇧🇷, 🇲🇿 Mozambique, 🇬🇧, 🇿🇦 & many travels. I am considering to move from my country Germany close to Amsterdam and Haarlem. In case I do, we might be able to meet up then. :)
Dave, thank for this beautiful video of camino portuguese, I am planning to go to French way, but due to my health condition, I need to change it to be shorter, this would be great for a great experience, sending love from Indonesia 😘
Hey Bayu - Terima kasih for watching and you’re welcome! This is a beautiful camino and I hope you enjoy it. Buen camino and take care
@@hidavidwen actually I just booked my flight for next year 🤗, I am starting to prepare everything, visa etc. If I may, I would love to get your advices for my firat camino Dav, would much appreciate
@@bayuhandono1987 Congrats! When are you going? You'll have a great time =)))
@@hidavidwen I will go on April 25th, 2023 from Jakarta, will start the camino on April 27th. Is there still Spring season?
@@hidavidwen I will go on April 25th, 2023 from Jakarta, will start the camino on April 27th. Is there still Spring season?
❤Caminho de Santiago,leva qtos. dias percorrendo?
I missed hearing your wonderful commentary in the video!
How did the Altras work for you? Did you take only one pair of shoes with you?
Thank you for the wonderful sights!!! You really have an eye for beautiful, inspiring scenes 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Aw that's so kind of you to say, thanks =) Well that's another idea if I want to put everything together into a longer, talking doc!
The Altras were great! Super lightweight. I still have them and wear them on hiking trips.
Yes, I only brought 1 pair of shoes (Altras) and 1 pair of flip-flops (Havianas)
@@hidavidwen thank you so much, all of us at this household take all of your suggestions very seriously. We will be doing this camino this September and you are a source of inspiration 🙌
@@itrasgu611 Oh I'm so excited for you all. If you remember, please let me know how it goes. And let me know if you have any other questions! =) Buen camino!
@@hidavidwen we will! You're such an inspiration and you make it look so easy and fun!!! Bravo David!!!!
that's my dream , to walk that trail someday, I have never been to Spain but I think is one of the most wonderful countries in the world if not the most, hopefully I ll try to walk that trail next year, I am so exited about it, I can't wait! sometimes I wonder if Spaniards realize how wonderful their country is?
You will one day…buen camino!
Hi your vid is amazing! Planning to do the Camino with my friend and taking this route. As we have limited time, is this doable less than 11 days?
Hi and you’re welcome! Yes, you can do this in less than 11 days. If you don’t do the spiritual path, you could cut it down to 10 days. How many days do you have?
Can you tell me what month did you go? Good video! 👍👍
April! (See the description, all information is there)
HI ! amazing route ! do you now if it is possible to ride a bike into the boat from arousa to padron ? thanks !
Hi Bruno. Yes I read that you can bring bikes
@@hidavidwen thanks ! can you detail a little bit more where (in the map, poi) you enter and leave the boat ?
Hi David :) thanks for the Video. I am thinking of going for a short one, 100km ish (to make it in a week that i have off from work). Counting in the days of travel. Not sure if that would be managable if ive never walked with backpack (will try to take 22l only) and longer than 10km. Did you come across females travelling on their own? thats what I may do
You're welcome! Most people I met-males and females-went solo. So yes, all the females you see in the video (people I met) all went solo. It's safe, and you'll meet a bunch of other pilgrims. I'd recommend training a bit with your backpack prior to get used to it. But you will get used to it. Buen camino, it'll a be a trip of a lifetime!