Santiago de Compostela

National GeographicJun 26

7 equestrian experiences to embrace your inner cowboy

These trips let you discover some of the world's most iconic horse-riding cultures and traditions — and explore wild landscapes straight from the saddle.

14 things in this story

Camino de SantiagoTrailRide a traditional Spanish horse along grassy mountains and coastal trails.
Elsewhere
Kazakh eagle huntersPlaceBayan-Ulgii, MongoliaAttend annual festivals to watch demonstrations across the steppe.
Marwari horsesPlaceRajasthan, IndiaChosen companions of Rajput clans, prized cavalry horses.
Chittorgarh fortressSightChittorgarh, IndiaExplore historical walkways from the saddle of a Marwari.
Pushkar Camel FairFestivalPushkar, IndiaAttendees trade horses, cattle, and camels.
Argentine gauchoPlacePampas, ArgentinaLearn cattle herding and navigating terrain at estancias.
Icelandic horsesPlaceIcelandExperience unique movement like pacing and tölt on guided rides.
rettirFestivalIcelandAttend annual sheep roundups in September and October.
stóðréttirFestivalIcelandAttend annual horse roundups in September and October.
Borders Common RidingsFestivalScottish Borders, United KingdomExperience cultural reenactments from May to September.
Bandera, TexasNeighborhoodBandera, United StatesNicknamed the ‘cowboy capital of the world’.
Lexington, KentuckyNeighborhoodLexington, United StatesEarned the extravagant title of ‘horse capital of the world’.
Horse Nations Indian Relay CouncilPlaceUS, United StatesCompetitors race without saddles across the US and Canada.
Feria del CaballoFestivalJerez, SpainCelebrates elaborate horseback parades and flamenco performances.

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National GeographicMar 12, 2025

Germany’s Camino trek rivals Spain’s famous pilgrimage—and is a lot less crowded

In Spain, a record-breaking number of pilgrims have attempted the Camino de Santiago (or the Way of St. James), turning the once contemplative pilgrimage or secular hike into a popular tourist ...

16 things in this story

Camino de SantiagoTrailnetwork of 281 routes, encompassing more than 51,500 miles
Camino FrancésTrailstretches from St. Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela
Elsewhere
Stolzenfels CastleSightKoblenz, Germanymarks the beginning of the Moselle Camino
Hornbach AbbeyHotelHornbach, Germany8th-century monastery that now doubles as a 4-star hotel
Alexanderplatz stationSightBerlin, Germanystarting point for the Brandenburg Way
The Benedictine Abbey of St. MatthiasSightTrier, Germanyendpoint of the Moselle Camino in Trier
Imperial Cathedral, SpeyerMuseumSpeyer, Germanybasilica served as a burial ground for eight German emperors
Blieskastel GollensteinSightBlieskastel, Germany4,000-year-old monolith along the Palatinate Way
Eltz CastleSightWierschem, Germanywell-preserved castle's origin dates back to the 12th century
Hakenberg Victory ColumnSightFehrbellin, Germanymonument built in honor of Brandenburg's victory
German CaminoTrailBerlin, Germanyoffers historic landmarks, scenery, and a similar hiking experience
Camino NinjaPlaceBerlin, Germanyapp for Camino and German-language resources
Camino LovePlaceBerlin, Germanyapp to view maps and plan daily itineraries
Moselle CaminoTrailTrier, Germany100-mile section from Koblenz to Trier
Palatinate Way of St. James, The Northern RouteTrailSpeyer, Germany93-mile trek in the Rhineland Palatinate
Brandenburg Way of St. JamesTrailBerlin, Germany132-mile route from Berlin to Tangermünde

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Santiago de Compostela

The top 20 things to do in Spain

7 equestrian experiences to embrace your inner cowboy

Germany’s Camino trek rivals Spain’s famous pilgrimage—and is a lot less crowded