However, not everyone knows why this route is called that, what its advantages are. characteristics and what needs to be taken into account when getting to know it. And since the Caminito del Rey is simply spectacular, it deserves our close attention to resolve these and other doubts.
Where is the Caminito del Rey?
The Caminito del Rey is located in the Andalusian province of Malagain full Gaitanes Gorge Natural Sitedug into rocky outcrops of the Miocene and into dolomites and limestones of the Jurassic. There is also no shortage of fossil remains of whales and sandstone formations. The gorge, which has been shaped by the flow of the Guadalhorce Riverruns through the western part of the Betic mountain range and exceeds 300 meters in height, although it is less than 10 meters wide in certain areas.
The Caminito del Rey is the name given to the skyway which runs along the walls of the Gaitanes Gorge. It has three kilometers long and one meter wideabout 100 meters above the Guadalhorce River. Its beginning is located in the municipality of Ardales and ends in The Jetin Alora.
Origin of the Caminito del Rey
But why is there an aerial path with such characteristics in this natural setting? Its origin is in a path that was opened by the Chorro Hydroelectric Company to connect two waterfalls: the Gaitanejo waterfall and the Chorro waterfall. The company needed this communication channel so that its operators could carry out surveillance work and transport materials in the area.
The works began in 1901. They started next to the train tracks and then continued along the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes. The works were finished four years later. In 1921, it was King Alfonso XIII himself who went to the place and walked the path to reach the Count of Guadalhorce DamAfter the monarch’s visit, the local people began to refer to the path as the Caminito del Rey. This is the same name that has been used ever since and has made its way around the world.
However, the passage of time and abandonment caused the Caminito del Rey to fall into disrepair and its deterioration was evident. But in February 2014, work began on the restoration works and a year later it was opened for public viewing.
Access to the Caminito del Rey
Considering that the Caminito del Rey is in a protected natural areawhich is characterized by gorges, swamps, mountains and valleys, access to it must be done on foot. You will not be able to reach the start of the route in any type of conventional vehicle. This is one of the main reasons why it is so important to calculate the time you will need to organize this excursion to travel it.
Remember that the route is linear, in one direction from north to south, so you must also calculate the time for the return trip. It is eight kilometres long and begins in the municipality of Ardales and ends in Álora. Allow about three or four hours to walk, depending on your physical condition and the pace you are going.
How to get to the starting point in Ardales
He starting point of the Caminito del Reyin Ardales, is located kilometres from the city of Malaga. If you are travelling by car or motorbike, you should take the A-357 towards MA-5403. The 59-kilometre route will take you through the municipalities of Cártama, Pizarra, Carratraca, and Ardales.
If you want to get to Ardales from one of the towns north of the Paraje Natural del Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, it is best to first go to Antequera and then head towards Campillos on the A-384 until the El Chorro swamps in Ardales. You will need a little less than an hour, as it is around 55 kilometres. Another option is to go from Round along the MA-5403, and it will take you more or less the same amount of time, since the distance is similar.
If instead of by car, you want to get closer to Ardales by trainyou can check the RENFE timetables. You will have to choose the destination El Chorro Station – Caminito del Rey (Álora). Afterwards, you can take one of the shuttle buses that will lead you to the access to the Camino.
Visitor Reception Center
He Visitor Reception Center It is located in the Port of Atalayasand has parkingHowever, at present, no products are sold there. Tickets to access the Caminito del Reywhich you must purchase through the Official website or at the ticket office at the north entrance. Remember that it is recommended to arrive by car and park one hour before starting the tour.
The parking spaces They are paid and cost a couple of euros a day. You can also reserve them on-lineat the time you process the purchase of tickets or once you get to the parking. Here you can also find the shuttle bus stopThe car park is open from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The bus service runs from 7:40 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Please note that the route is linear, and that there is a shuttle bus service between Ardales, where the northern access is, and the southern access in El Chorro. You will find the necessary information in the bus company responsible for the service.
Access to the Caminito del Rey
The first of the Access to the Caminito del Rey is the Gaitanejo Trailwith a 2.7 kilometer route in the shade of the pines. Afterwards, you will find the sign with the continuation of the route to the North Access Control Boothlocated in the old Electrical Substation and Gaitanejo Dam. This is where the route begins Official route of the Caminito del Rey.
He second of the accesses is the one of the Gaitanejo pedestrian tunnel and trackwith a kilometre and a half in length. The tunnel, 150 metres long, allows you to plan this route that will also take you to the Control Booth at the northern access. In both cases you will find a site of geological interest: the Gothic Archan alveolar formation or tafoni and, in its vicinity, a resting area.
Start of the official tour
In the Official route control boothvisitors must be accredited, after which they are given some protective helmets and the footwear they wear will be checked to ensure it is appropriate. Likewise, the unauthorized objectssuch as hiking sticks and umbrellas, and will be organized into groups according to schedules. The guides offer an introductory talk about the rules to follow and the history of the place.
Places of interest along the route
The route to follow is spectacular. It passes next to the old Electrical Substation, where there is a viewing point from which to contemplate the Gaitanejo Dam and the cave houses of Sierra Parda. When you reach the walkways, be sure to look at the markings on the floor boards, which indicate the meters traveled. They will first direct you to the Rocas Llanas Viewpoint and to Hoyo Valleythen a new section of walkways will begin. It will be here when you can enjoy the Gaitanejo Gorgewith the cavities called Cambutas or Marmitas, and the Pigeons’ Pass.
Other highlights of the tour include: King’s Bridgethe ravine of the Cañada del Lobo, the the site of the Cave of the Bull and the large Sand Extractor, an old structure used to retain sand and sediment from the canal waters. Then, you will be amazed by the views from the Rocas Llanas Viewpoint and you can rest in the Hoyo Valley.
When you have traveled 1,380 meters, you will find the Painted Toad Pond and the Viewpoint of the Vulturesthe ruins of the House of the Hoyo, the shelter of the Bats, the gate of the Canal and the Caves of the Rock of Christ. The Niches of San Cristóbal, the Glass Balcony, the suspension bridge and the exit trail to El Chorro will put an end to your journey along the Caminito del Rey.
Recommendations for the tour
The Caminito del Rey is one of the Favorite destinations for lovers of active tourismbut you must do it carefully and take into account that you need to bring water, suitable footwear and clothing, food such as sandwiches, energy bars, chocolates, fruit and nuts, and sunscreen. Remember that there are no bathrooms along the entire route and that there are areas with a steep slope, so it is necessary to be in adequate physical condition and not suffer from vertigo.
