What to do · Caminito del Rey and El Chorro
The Caminito del Rey, from Ardales to El Chorro
Information
- From
- €10 per person
- Duration
- 3 h 30
- Distance
- 8 km
- Season
- All year, Tuesday to Sunday; closed on Mondays except some public holidays
- Who it's for
- From age 8, with basic fitness and no vertigo
What it is
A walkway hung from the walls of the Gaitanes Gorge, above the Guadalhorce river. The full route is 8 km and done in one direction, north to south: you start at Ardales and finish in the El Chorro district, in Álora. Allow between 3 and 4 hours. The most famous stretch is the suspension bridge of the third canyon, about 35 m long, some 105 m above the river with a grated floor.
Tickets
They are bought on the official website, caminitodelrey.info. The general ticket costs €10 and you go at your own pace; the official guided visit, €18, in groups of up to 30 people with a guide, in Spanish or English. If there is space it is also sold at the ticket office of the north access, but at a weekend do not count on it. The Visitor Reception Centre does not sell tickets.
How to reach the start
Park at the Visitor Reception Centre, at the Atalayas pass (€2 a day). From there there are two accesses to the control hut: the Gaitanejo Path, 2.7 km and about 50 minutes, or the tunnel and track, 1.5 km and about 20 to 25 minutes. You must be at the access at least 30 minutes before your time. At the end, in El Chorro, you return the helmet and take the shuttle bus back to the car.
Tips
- Check the age No under-8s are admitted, and you must bring the original ID card or family book.
- Leave sticks and umbrellas at home Walking sticks, crutches, selfie sticks and umbrellas are not allowed. If it rains, a raincoat is compulsory.
- There are no toilets on the route Only at the entrance and the exit. Bring water and something to eat, and take your rubbish down.
- No dogs They are prohibited, including guide dogs, for safety.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Caminito del Rey cost?
€10 for the general ticket and €18 for the official guided visit. Parking (€2) and the shuttle bus (€2.50) are paid separately.
What happens if it rains?
The organisation may close because of rain or wind and notifies by email, SMS or social media. If there is no notice 24 hours ahead, the visit goes ahead. There are no refunds, but a weather closure can be rescheduled from your account.
Does it cause vertigo?
The walkways are protected, but you are over a hundred metres above the river in some stretches. The official website advises against it for anyone with vertigo.
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