Short description
Discover the most comfortable and safe way to experience the Caminito del Rey, one of the most spectacular attractions in southern Spain. Accompanied by an official guide, you’ll walk along this impressive trail suspended more than 100 metres above the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, a true engineering marvel stretching 7.7 kilometres. Enjoy the incredible views and learn about the fascinating history behind this unique place. This experience includes an official ticket to the Caminito del Rey, a guided tour and a shuttle bus, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. The tour departs from and returns to the Hotel La Garganta, ensuring maximum comfort throughout the excursion. Don’t wait any longer! Book now and enjoy an unforgettable adventure on the Caminito del Rey.
Description and itinerary
Discover the Caminito del Rey, considered one of the world’s most dangerous trails, in southern Spain.
If you’re looking for a unique and safe experience, this guided tour with tickets included is the most convenient and comprehensive way to enjoy one of Europe’s most spectacular routes, where you’ll walk along suspended walkways more than 100 meters above the ground, clinging to the walls of the impressive Gaitanes Gorge. The route stretches for 7.7 kilometers.
This activity lasts approximately 4 hours. It begins at the reception of the Hotel-Restaurant La Garganta in El Chorro (Álora), at the southern entrance, 100 metres from the El Chorro-Caminito del Rey train stop, where you will be met by an expert local guide who will arrange your official tickets for the Caminito del Rey. After a brief introduction, the group will board the shuttle bus (included in the price) for the outward journey, which will take you from the southern entrance to the northern entrance in Ardales, the starting point of the walk. You’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the Conde de Guadalhorce Reservoir.
Before reaching the access control point, you will pass through the tunnel carved into the rock – the only entrance leading into the gorge – where you can enjoy a pleasant 15-minute walk amongst pine trees and Mediterranean vegetation whilst your guide tells you the story of King Alfonso XIII and the former Chorro Hydroelectric Company, which was behind this monumental feat of engineering.
Once you arrive at the Caminito del Rey checkpoint, you’ll be given your safety helmet and all the information you need to enjoy the official route with complete peace of mind. From there, the adventure begins: over 3 kilometres of footbridges which, in some sections, are barely a metre wide, suspended above the impressive cliffs of the Los Gaitanes Gorge, winding down in a zigzag pattern along the famous ‘chocolate or butter stairs’ – one of the most breathtaking views you’ll ever see. Along the way, you’ll also be able to admire the Tajo de las Palomas canyon, leading to the coexisting structures of the Caminito Viejo and the Caminito Nuevo, and the famous Puente del Rey, which King Alfonso XIII once crossed. Further on, you’ll see the Valle del Hoyo, home to the Charca del Sapillo Pintojo, until you reach one of the natural gems of the Gran Gaitán Canyon, where you can walk along the narrow footbridges at a height of 100 metres. From there, you’ll see the railway tracks carved into the mountain and the famous ‘Mirador de Cristal’.
The highlight comes as you cross the suspension bridge linking the two sides of the gorge – an unforgettable stretch that will test your head for heights whilst you enjoy one of the most breathtaking views of the Chorro reservoir. Once you’ve crossed the bridge, a downhill path begins alongside the Tajo de la Encantada reservoir, leading you to the exit checkpoint at the southern entrance, where you’ll return your safety helmet to the staff.
The walk ends at the Caminito del Rey picnic area at the southern entrance, just 200 metres from the meeting point. Here you can relax and continue to enjoy the views of the final section of the Caminito del Rey canyon from the terrace of La Garganta restaurant, or take the train back, or collect your car, which is parked right there.
This is undoubtedly the most comfortable, safe and comprehensive way to visit the Caminito del Rey, combining history, nature and adrenaline in the unique setting of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes.
What’s included?
- Guides in Spanish, English, German, French and Italian
- Official entrance to Caminito del Rey
- One-way shuttle bus from El Chorro to the northern entrance
- 1 bottle of water
- Safety helmet
- Third-party liability insurance
Does not include
- Transport to the meeting point (Reception at the Garganta Hotel and Restaurant)
- No food or drink during the activity
Itinerary
Reception at the La Garganta Hotel and Restaurant (El Chorro, Álora), 100 metres from El Chorro–Caminito del Rey railway station. Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1XyLBS3kdQ9x66xL8
Meet-up with the guide from La Garganta Activa, and a brief introduction to the activity.
Shuttle bus transfer from the southern entrance to the starting point of the Caminito del Rey.
Short walk to the official entrance of the trail and distribution of safety helmets.
Begin the route through the impressive Gaitanejo and Los Gaitanes gorges, walking along the famous suspended boardwalks attached to the rock face.
Discover some of the most iconic landmarks along the route, including the Chocolate Stairs, Tajo de las Palomas, King’s Bridge, the Glass Viewpoint, and the spectacular views of El Gran Gaitán.
Cross the famous suspension bridge, which stands more than 100 metres above the gorge, and then the longest suspension bridge in Spain, whilst enjoying some unforgettable views.
Descenso por el sendero final hasta el Valle del Hoyo y salida del recorrido.
End of the experience next to La Garganta Hotel & Restaurant.
Accessibility
It is not accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Complete your visit with an adventure experience:
Turn your visit into a full-day adventure by adding an outdoor activity in El Chorro to your Caminito del Rey experience. You can choose from:
- E-bike tour (approximately 2 hours).
- Rock climbing (approximately 3 hours)
The schedule for both activities may vary depending on the time slot allocated for access to El Caminito del Rey. Our team will inform you of the meeting time and the itinerary for the day, so the total duration of the experience may be longer than initially estimated.
*The order of activities may vary depending on the entry time allocated for El Caminito del Rey.
Itinerario de Caminito del Rey + Bicicleta
Meet your La Garganta Activa guide for the first activity. Reception at the La Garganta Hotel and Restaurant (El Chorro, Álora), 100 metres from El Chorro–Caminito del Rey railway station. Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1XyLBS3kdQ9x66xL8
Shuttle bus transfer from the southern entrance to the starting point of the Caminito del Rey.
Walk along the suspended boardwalks of the Gaitanes Gorge, discovering some of the route’s most iconic highlights, including its spectacular suspension bridges.
Completion of the Caminito del Rey
Break as indicated by the guide to rest and recharge.
Meet your La Garganta Activa guide for the second activity.
Distribution of electric bikes and a brief explanation of how they work.
Ruta guiada en bicicleta eléctrica durante 2horas por los caminos y paisajes naturales de El Chorro.
End of the experience next to La Garganta Hotel & Restaurant.
Caminito del Rey itinerary + Rock climbing
Meet your La Garganta Activa guide for the first activity. Reception at the La Garganta Hotel and Restaurant (El Chorro, Álora), 100 metres from El Chorro–Caminito del Rey railway station. Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1XyLBS3kdQ9x66xL8
Shuttle bus transfer from the southern entrance to the starting point of the Caminito del Rey.
Walk along the suspended boardwalks of the Gaitanes Gorge, discovering some of the route’s most iconic highlights, including its spectacular suspension bridges.
Completion of the Caminito del Rey
Break as indicated by the guide to rest and recharge.
Meet your La Garganta Activa guide for the second activity.
Distribution of climbing equipment and a brief introduction to basic climbing and safety techniques.
Access to the climbing area selected according to the participants’ level and experience.
Introduction to or improvement of climbing techniques, always accompanied by a professional guide.
Rappelling descent and practice of the main climbing manoeuvres in a safe and spectacular environment.
End of the experience next to La Garganta Hotel & Restaurant.
How do I get to the venue?
The Garganta Hotel and Restaurant is situated in El Chorro (Álora), next to the southern entrance to the Caminito del Rey.
