As the moon began to slide across the sun on the afternoon of August 12, blocking it completely and turning day into night, a group of thrilled travelers stood shoulder-to-shoulder atop the ancient Roman wall surrounding the city of Lugo. Behind them lay days of horseback riding, hiking, and galloping through the rugged landscapes of Northern Spain; above them unfolded a unique and mesmerizing astronomical phenomenon.
"I expected something beautiful, but not something so deeply impactful and emotional"
Breanne Kiefner, CEO of Root Adventures
Organized by the Spanish tour operator Primitivo Travel for the US agency Root Adventures, the trip was designed to align precisely with Spain’s total solar eclipse, breaking away from conventional pilgrimage formats with a bold multi-sport concept: three days conquering the trail on foot, three days on horseback, and three days on mountain bikes.
While the demanding physical itinerary challenged participants across both wild and sacred terrain, the ultimate climax awaited them atop Lugo’s UNESCO World Heritage ramparts—a key landmark along the Camino. As totality blanketed the ancient stones in shadow, the atmosphere erupted into a wave of pure emotion: cheers, whistles, shared embraces, and tears of joy.
"I expected something beautiful, but not something so deeply impactful and emotional," shared Breanne Kiefner, CEO of Root Adventures, who joined her guests on the trip.
The next total solar eclipse
Following the group's triumphant arrival at the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, Primitivo Travel is already looking south to the horizon. With Southern Spain set to become a front-row seat for another total solar eclipse on August 2, 2027, the agency has announced a tailored adaptation of its flagship tour, Tears for Granada. Moving around the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains, the upcoming 2027 itinerary will combine active exploration with deep cultural immersion and regional gastronomy under an eclipsed sky once again.
