Wanting down, it was a very good 200 meters to the canyon flooring; above, a flock of vultures circled within the rising warmth of the day.
I noticed as one hen gracefully descended into the slim 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 really spectacular, with its huge two and a half meter wingspan and finger-like suggestions.
Because it handed overhead, its head swiveled backward and forward in the hunt for prey. This is only one particular second whereas mountain climbing Caminito Del Ray.
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Toro Blanco’s Senior Information Paul wrote a incredible journey tip about mountain climbing 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 called the Kings Highway, is an 8km pathway via a canyon in Andalucia, Spain. Alongside a lot of the path, hikers traverse the cliff facet on a walkway mounted midway between the valley flooring and the highest, taking roughly 2 hours to finish.
As a information for Toro Blanco Lively Holidays, I led a bunch on a week-long biking and strolling journey on this stunning 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 laborious hats close to the doorway, our information Isa joined us. “The unique path was constructed in 1901 to supply entry for employees 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. Nonetheless, 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 out to be 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 via a large wooded valley, although the river stays far beneath. As you progress, the canyon partitions slim, and the actual journey begins as you meet your information.
The cliffs progressively draw nearer, and the walkway unfolds. The route is generally flat, with some undulating sections that flip into steps. After a number 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 virtually meet at one level. Finally, a bridge leads you to the other wall and extra boardwalk.
All through the stroll, remnants of the previous route will be seen beneath, with crumbling concrete and precarious bridges.
The views alongside the 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 accessible 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 via the orange groves and up the hills adorned with sun-drenched olive timber.
As you cross via the charming historic 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 generally known as 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 immediately through the shape beneath:
Good to Know About Climbing Caminito del Rey
The Caminito del Rey route is totally breathtaking from begin to end, winding its means via cliffs, canyons, and a sprawling valley. It cuts via the beautiful 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 once generally known as probably the most treacherous on this planet. These days, it has been meticulously renovated and is way safer.
The path options beautiful walkways and bridges suspended excessive between tall cliffs, certain to thrill even the bravest hiker. It’s not really useful 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 via mountain paths and forest tracks connecting the management cabins and the doorway/exit factors.
The workers provides guests a tough hat on the management sales space and checks that their footwear are applicable.
An different to the aerial path is a 300-meter tunnel working parallel to the walkways of Desfiladero de los Gaitanes. This tunnel, largely contained in the Hoyo Valley, supplies a secure 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 would possibly catch a glimpse of majestic birds like Egyptian vultures, griffon vultures, or golden eagles, in addition to mammals equivalent to wild boar and Iberian ibex.
Initially constructed between the cascades of Gaitanejo and El Chorro to facilitate the transport of supplies and upkeep employees 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 on your hike.
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Tickets for Caminito del Rey
Children underneath 8 can’t go to Caminito del Rey. For these 8 and older, deliver 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 bunch of as much as 30 individuals led by an authorized information. Excursions out there 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.
In case you journey with Toro Blanco, they’ll choose you up by automotive and take you again to your resort.
In case you drove, park in designated areas and take the shuttle bus again. In case you want to stroll, be aware of sunshine and climate circumstances on the slim street.
In case 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. Once you end the hike, merely hop again on the prepare.
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 presents connections to cities like Ronda.
Go to the official web site for route ideas, opening hours, and instructions.
