What to do · Caminito del Rey and El Chorro
El Chorro Via Ferrata with a Guide
Information
- From
- €55
- Duration
- 3 h 30
- Season
- All year; suspended in heavy rain, dense fog or wind
- Who it's for
- From age 12, reasonably fit; no experience needed
The El Chorro via ferrata climbs the limestone walls of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, at the south exit of the Caminito del Rey, with iron rungs, a safety cable and several aerial sections. It is rated K3, medium difficulty, and La Garganta, the hotel and restaurant in the El Chorro hamlet, runs it with a qualified guide from €55 per person. You don't need to have done one before; you do need to be fit and comfortable with heights.
From La Garganta reception to the stone bridge
You meet at the reception of the La Garganta hotel, at 1 Avenida Caminito del Rey. There they fit your harness, helmet, energy absorber and carabiners, and the guide explains how to pass the anchors before you head for the wall.
The climb is vertical and almost all on rungs, with views of the valley and the reservoir. At the top come the three sections that set it apart: a 35-metre zip line over the Encantadas reservoir, a 15-metre Tibetan bridge and a 30-metre monkey bridge, where you move along a cable with two more at hand height. The company warns that the hard part is the length rather than the technique: your arms tire before your head does.
The descent is on foot along paths, passing the stone bridge of the Caminito del Rey, and often with griffon vultures overhead. You finish back at La Garganta. In all, between three and four hours.
Who can do it
Under-11s are not admitted, and those aged 12 to 17 must go with an adult. It is not accessible for people with reduced mobility. The group is small and the minimum is two people: if that isn't reached, the company gives you notice in good time and offers another date or activity. The guiding is in Spanish or English.
What's included and what you bring
The €55 includes the technical equipment, the qualified guide and activity insurance. You bring sports or hiking footwear with a good sole, water and clothing suited to the season; thin gloves help with the cable. Transport and food are not included.
Getting there and parking
The El Chorro-Caminito del Rey halt, on the C-2 commuter line from Málaga, is about 100 metres from reception. By car, park free at the south access to the Caminito, about five minutes away; the hotel car park is for guests only. Afterwards, the La Garganta restaurant has its terrace next door, and if you want to stay the night, the La Garganta hotel is in the same building.
Rainy, windy or hot days
In heavy rain, dense fog or wind the company changes or cancels it. In summer the limestone wall soaks up heat: choose the first departure. And don't do it on the same day as the Caminito del Rey: doing both back to back adds up to too many hours of sun and walking.
Tips
- Arrive with time to spare The company doesn't give a fixed meeting time on its website: confirm it when you book and arrive at reception early enough to kit up.
- Cancel a day ahead Cancellation is free up to 24 hours beforehand; after that the money is not refunded.
- Come by train From Málaga, the C-2 commuter train drops you 100 metres from the meeting point.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience?
No. You just need to be fit and not afraid of heights; the guide explains how to use the equipment.
From what age can you do it?
From age 12, and up to 17 with an adult. Under-11s cannot do it.
How long does the El Chorro via ferrata take?
Between three and four hours in total, including the walk down.
What happens if it rains?
In heavy rain, dense fog or wind the company reschedules or cancels it.
With teenagersWith friends
Who runs it
- La GargantaEl Chorro (K3) via ferrata with a qualified guide Visit their website
