Wanting down, it was an excellent 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 huge two and a half meter wingspan and finger-like suggestions.
Because it handed overhead, its head swiveled backward and forward seeking prey. This is only one particular second whereas mountaineering Caminito Del Ray.
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Toro Blanco’s Senior Information Paul wrote a improbable journey tip about mountaineering Caminito Del Rey. This canyon can also be featured on their guided biking tour in Andalusia all 12 months spherical.
Get a singular perception into this superb day journey!
The King’s Street
The Caminito Del Rey, often known as the Kings Street, is an 8km pathway by way of a canyon in Andalucia, Spain. Alongside a lot of the path, hikers traverse the cliff aspect on a walkway mounted 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 had been lucky to have a specialist information with us to share its historical past.
As we placed on our onerous hats close to the doorway, our information Isa joined us. “The unique path was constructed in 1901 to supply 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 through the years. Nonetheless, because the concrete deteriorated and gaps appeared, the trail reworked into extra of a climbing route and was finally closed in 2000,” she elaborated.
Following a significant reconstruction effort, the trail reopened in 2015. It has since change 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 way of a large wooded valley, although the river stays far beneath. As you progress, the canyon partitions slender, and the true journey begins as you meet your information.
The cliffs steadily draw nearer, and the walkway unfolds. The route is generally flat, with some undulating sections that flip into steps. After a couple of extra kilometers, the canyon widens, revealing a wooded valley with the river flowing beneath.
Additional alongside, you’ll return to the walkway, the place the canyon partitions nearly meet at one level. Finally, a bridge leads you to the alternative wall and extra boardwalk.
All through the stroll, remnants of the outdated route may be seen beneath, with crumbling concrete and precarious bridges.
The views alongside all the path are breathtaking as you navigate the cliffside, passing by a home that was inhabited till only a few a long time 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 place to begin, however with Toro Blanco, you’ll be met by automotive 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 way of the orange groves and up the hills adorned with sun-drenched olive timber.
As you move by way of the charming historic cities and villages, every boasting its personal breathtaking view, you’ll respect the enjoyment of discovering these hidden gems, a few of which can be unfamiliar to you.
Andalucía is often often known as the fruit basket of Europe amongst Spaniards, because of the varied array of fruits cultivated within the area.
E-book this tour and get in touch with the tour operator instantly through the shape beneath:
Good to Know About Climbing Caminito del Rey
The Caminito del Rey route is completely breathtaking from begin to end, winding its manner by way of cliffs, canyons, and a sprawling valley. It cuts by way of the beautiful landscapes of Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, a gorge carved by the Guadalhorce River, with towering partitions reaching 700 meters excessive.
Your entire path is sort of 8 kilometers lengthy and was once often known as some of the treacherous on this planet. These days, it has been meticulously renovated and is far safer.
The path options beautiful walkways and bridges suspended excessive between tall cliffs, positive 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, gives a singular expertise. The remainder of the path winds by way of mountain paths and forest tracks connecting the management cabins and the doorway/exit factors.
The workers 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 operating parallel to the walkways of Desfiladero de los Gaitanes. This tunnel, principally contained in the Hoyo Valley, supplies 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; when you’re fortunate, you may catch a glimpse of majestic birds like Egyptian vultures, griffon vultures, or golden eagles, in addition to mammals akin 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 neglect to pack water, snacks like chocolate, nuts, fruit, or a sandwich in your hike.
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Tickets for Caminito del Rey
Youngsters below 8 can’t go to Caminito del Rey. For these 8 and older, deliver your ID or Household E-book (simply in case) to substantiate your age.
Common ticket: $10
Discover Caminito at your individual tempo. Max of 10 tickets per buy.
Guided tour: $18
Be a part of a gaggle of as much as 30 folks led by a licensed 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
For the reason that path is one-way, plan for an hour to return to your place to begin.
Should you journey with Toro Blanco, they are going to decide you up by automotive and take you again to your resort.
Should you drove, park in designated areas and take the shuttle bus again. Should you want to stroll, be conscious of sunshine and climate circumstances on the slender highway.
Should you arrive by practice, take the shuttle bus from El Chorro-Caminito del Rey station to the path’s northern finish. Account for this further journey time. Once you end the hike, merely hop again on the practice.
To Get There by Your self
Ardales and El Chorro stations are accessible by automotive 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 gives connections to cities like Ronda.
Go to the official web site for route strategies, opening hours, and instructions.
