Wanting down, it was a very good 200 meters to the canyon ground; above, a flock of vultures circled within the rising warmth of the day.
I noticed as one hen gracefully descended into the slender valley, hovering simply 30 meters above the walkway and skimming the cliffside because it glided in the direction of me. It was the closest encounter I’ve ever had with a griffon vulture, and it was actually spectacular, with its large two and a half meter wingspan and finger-like suggestions.
Because it handed overhead, its head swiveled back and forth looking for prey. This is only one particular second whereas mountaineering Caminito Del Ray.
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Toro Blanco’s Senior Information Paul wrote a unbelievable journey tip about mountaineering Caminito Del Rey. This canyon can be featured on their guided biking tour in Andalusia all yr spherical.
Get a novel perception into this wonderful day journey!
The King’s Highway
The Caminito Del Rey, also referred to as the Kings Highway, is an 8km pathway by a canyon in Andalucia, Spain. Alongside a lot of the path, hikers traverse the cliff aspect on a walkway fastened midway between the valley ground and the highest, taking roughly 2 hours to finish.
As a information for Toro Blanco Lively Holidays, I led a gaggle on a week-long biking and strolling journey on this lovely area of Spain. Whereas I’m not an skilled on El Caminito, we have been lucky to have a specialist information with us to share its historical past.
As we placed on our exhausting hats close to the doorway, our information Isa joined us. “The unique path was constructed in 1901 to offer entry for staff on the El Chorro hydroelectric energy station right here in Andalucia,” Isa defined. “It was inaugurated in 1921 when King Alfonso XIII formally walked the path. The preliminary path was product of concrete and metallic poles drilled into the cliff, attracting adventurous hikers over time. Nevertheless, because the concrete deteriorated and gaps appeared, the trail remodeled into extra of a climbing route and was finally closed in 2000,” she elaborated.
Following a serious reconstruction effort, the trail reopened in 2015. It has since turn into a must-visit for adventurous vacationers in Spain, making it a pure alternative for Toro Blanco to incorporate on the biking holidays.
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With a safe walkway and handrails alongside the cliff, all you want now to benefit from the breathtaking views is a head for heights.
The preliminary a part of the trail winds by a large wooded valley, although the river stays far under. As you progress, the canyon partitions slender, and the actual journey begins as you meet your information.
The cliffs regularly draw nearer, and the walkway unfolds. The route is generally flat, with some undulating sections that flip into steps. After just a few extra kilometers, the canyon widens, revealing a wooded valley with the river flowing under.
Additional alongside, you’ll return to the walkway, the place the canyon partitions virtually meet at one level. Ultimately, a bridge leads you to the other wall and extra boardwalk.
All through the stroll, remnants of the outdated route could be seen under, with crumbling concrete and precarious bridges.
The views alongside your complete path are breathtaking as you navigate the cliffside, passing by a home that was inhabited till only a few many years in the past in a distant location.
Upon finishing the stroll, particularly on a sizzling day, there are many spots to seize a beer or your favourite Spanish drink, together with cafes and bars for meals.
A bus is on the market for the return journey to the start line, however with Toro Blanco, you’ll be met by automobile and brought again to your resort.
Toro Blanco
Lively Holidays in Spain
You’ll kick off your journey from the coastal space close to Malaga, meandering by the orange groves and up the hills adorned with sun-drenched olive bushes.
As you go by the charming historical cities and villages, every boasting its personal breathtaking view, you’ll admire the enjoyment of discovering these hidden gems, a few of which can be unfamiliar to you.
Andalucía is usually often called the fruit basket of Europe amongst Spaniards, due to the varied array of fruits cultivated within the area.
Ebook this tour and phone the tour operator straight by way of the shape under:
Good to Know About Climbing Caminito del Rey
The Caminito del Rey route is totally breathtaking from begin to end, winding its approach by cliffs, canyons, and a sprawling valley. It cuts by the gorgeous landscapes of Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, a gorge carved by the Guadalhorce River, with towering partitions reaching 700 meters excessive.
The complete path is almost 8 kilometers lengthy and was often called one of the vital treacherous on the earth. These days, it has been meticulously renovated and is far safer.
The path options gorgeous walkways and bridges suspended excessive between tall cliffs, certain to thrill even the bravest hiker. It’s not advisable for these afraid of heights!
The suspended walkway part, stretching 2.9 kilometers between the north and south management cabins, presents a novel expertise. The remainder of the path winds by mountain paths and forest tracks connecting the management cabins and the doorway/exit factors.
The employees offers guests a tough hat on the management sales space and checks that their sneakers are applicable.
An various to the aerial path is a 300-meter tunnel working parallel to the walkways of Desfiladero de los Gaitanes. This tunnel, principally contained in the Hoyo Valley, gives a protected route on windy or wet days to keep away from potential mudslides.
This space is teeming with a various vary of plant and animal species; in case you’re fortunate, you may catch a glimpse of majestic birds like Egyptian vultures, griffon vultures, or golden eagles, in addition to mammals similar to wild boar and Iberian ibex.
Initially constructed between the cascades of Gaitanejo and El Chorro to facilitate the transport of supplies and upkeep staff to the close by hydroelectric dam, the trail was inaugurated by King Alfonso XIII in 1921. Ever because it has been affectionately known as “the King’s little stroll” – Caminito del Rey.
Don’t overlook to pack water, snacks like chocolate, nuts, fruit, or a sandwich on your hike.
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Tickets for Caminito del Rey
Youngsters beneath 8 can’t go to Caminito del Rey. For these 8 and older, carry your ID or Household Ebook (simply in case) to substantiate your age.
Common ticket: $10
Discover Caminito at your personal tempo. Max of 10 tickets per buy.
Guided tour: $18
Be a part of a gaggle of as much as 30 individuals led by an authorized information. Excursions accessible in Spanish and English.
Shuttle Bus: $2.50
Money solely when shopping for it on the bus.
Parking: $2
For Your Return Journey
Because the path is one-way, plan for an hour to return to your start line.
When you journey with Toro Blanco, they’ll decide you up by automobile and take you again to your resort.
When you drove, park in designated areas and take the shuttle bus again. When you desire to stroll, be conscious of sunshine and climate situations on the slender highway.
When you arrive by prepare, take the shuttle bus from El Chorro-Caminito del Rey station to the path’s northern finish. Account for this additional journey time. Whenever you end the hike, merely hop again on the prepare.
To Get There by Your self
Ardales and El Chorro stations are accessible by automobile from Málaga (about 50 minutes), Ronda (60 km away), or Antequera (55 km). El Chorro-Caminito del Rey railway station on the Málaga-Seville line presents connections to cities like Ronda.
Go to the official web site for route ideas, opening hours, and instructions.
