Camino stories: Called back to The Way
Jose Mari on how the Camino de Santiago became a lifelong journey
“I thought I was going to walk it once and be done, but the Camino had other plans.”
Welcome to another edition of our Camino Stories, a series exploring the Camino de Santiago from different perspectives (read the first post here). Every fortnight or thereabouts we’ve been meeting up with a different guest to explore their personal journey along the Camino de Santiago and find out what they learnt from their experience.
It’s my hope that these posts provide nostalgia and reminiscence for those of you who have walked this path and inspiration to those of you who are tempted by it.
Today we’re walking with Jose Mari. Jose Mari is a dedicated Camino de Santiago guide, specialising in private and group pilgrimages that highlight the cultural, historical, and human richness of the Camino.
Over to you, Jose Mari. 👣
Thank you for being here! First of all, what inspired you to walk the Camino de Santiago, which route did you take and how did you decide on your route?
My first Camino was the Camino Francés, mainly because it goes right through my hometown, and it was the one I knew best growing up. I had seen pilgrims pass by for years and always felt a connection to the route. Choosing it for my first Camino felt natural and meaningful. Since then, I’ve walked many more routes - each one offering a new perspective, new stories, and a different kind of beauty.
What was the most unexpected challenge you faced along the way, and how did you overcome it?
The most unexpected challenge was how addictive it became. I thought I was going to walk it once and be done, but the Camino had other plans. Now I walk as many Caminos as I can - it has become a way of life, a rhythm that my body and heart crave regularly.
Was there a specific moment on the Camino that changed your perspective or left a lasting impression on you?
Yes, there was a powerful moment that truly changed the way I saw the Camino. I met a woman who had lost both her husband and son in a car accident. At first, I misjudged her - I didn’t think she was a ‘real pilgrim’ because she wasn’t walking like others. But then she asked for help, and I realised she was carrying much more than just a backpack - she was carrying grief, pain, and the weight of healing. That encounter shifted how I understand what the Camino really is: a space for transformation, whatever that might look like.
What was the most surprising or memorable encounter you had with another pilgrim or local during your journey?
That meeting with the grieving woman was definitely the most intense and unforgettable one. But there have been many others - moments of deep conversation, silent companionship, shared laughter, and mutual understanding with people from all over the world. The Camino has a way of connecting souls beyond words.
Tell us about one item you carried in your backpack that you couldn't have lived without on Camino?
I always carry something to share - whether it’s a small gift, some food, or just a meaningful object. Sharing creates bonds. Also, I really love my Spanish espadrilles (alpargatas) or flip-flops - after a long day of walking, giving my feet a break in something comfortable is pure bliss.
What advice would you give to someone considering walking the Camino for the first time?
Just go. Don’t overthink it. Don’t over-prepare. The Camino will guide you and provide what you need. Trust the journey - it’s wiser than we are.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Just a big thank you. The Camino has given me so much - lessons, friends, stories, silence, and healing. I hope everyone who feels the call will find the courage to answer it.
Thanks again for sharing your story Jose Mari! You can learn more about El Camino People, group trips and more by visiting his website or following Jose Mari on Instagram.
PS If you’d like to share your story of the Camino as part of this series, send me a message and let’s chat!
See you next time,
Louise x