10 Spanish words for walking

With the holiday season approaching, you might be tempted to go for a walk, a stroll, a hike. Which Spanish word fits best? Take a look at this list:

Dar un paseo

To go for a stroll. “Un paseo” doesn’t literally mean walk, so you can combine it with other words (such as “en bicicleta”) to make it into a different leisure activity:

Un paseo por el parque me ayuda a aclarar la mente. = A walk in the park helps me to clear my mind

Vamos a dar un paseo en bici este sábado. + We’re going for a bike-ride on Saturday.

Caminar

Nuestro perro siempre nos acompaña en el camino al colegio. = Our dog always comes with us on the walk to school.

Solíamos caminar por el bosque. = We used to walk through the Wood.

Hay un largo sendero para caminar a lo largo del río. = There is a long pathway to walk along the river.

Hacer una caminata = to go for a (proper long) walk

Una marcha

La marcha benéfica continuó a pesar de la lluvia. = The charity walk went ahead despite the rain.

Andar

[Physical capability of being able to walk]

Mi bebé acaba de aprender a andar. = My baby has just learnéd to walk.

Ir a pie / Ir andando

To go on foot.

Think of this one as a mode of transport, rather than a leisure activity. Don’t be confused by the literal translation of “ir andando”. “To go walking” sounds like you’re making plans for the summer holiday.

Mi marido va andando a la estación. = My husband walks to the station (rather than taking a taxi)

(Hacer) el senderismo / excursionismo

Remember: as with most leisure activities in Spanish you do not “go” walking/skiing/swimming as we do in English, but use “hacer” or “practicar”.

El excursionismo es una actividad de ocio popular en España. = Hiking is a popular leisure activity in Spain.

Disfruto de actividades al aire libre como el senderismo y pescar. = I enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.