The story of El Camino dates back to Roman times when people from the interior of Spain walked past Santiago to the ocean . In Christian times , it became a pilgrimage to the cathedral of Saint James the Apostle , who is said to be to have walked to Spain preaching the gospel . It is believed that he is also buried there .
In 2012 , 192,488 people traveled El Camino ; 164,778 on foot and 22 in wheel chairs . Most of the “ pilgrims ” were from Spain , but 7,071 were from the US ! 57 % were male and 43 % female . The most popular starting point is Sarria , Spain , a shorter 78-mile trek , where almost 21 % start .
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