Wanting down, it was a superb 200 meters to the canyon flooring; above, a flock of vultures circled within the rising warmth of the day.
I noticed as one chicken gracefully descended into the slim valley, hovering simply 30 meters above the walkway and skimming the cliffside because it glided in 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 ideas.
Because it handed overhead, its head swiveled back and forth in the hunt for prey. This is only one particular second whereas climbing Caminito Del Ray.
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Toro Blanco’s Senior Information Paul wrote a improbable journey tip about climbing Caminito Del Rey. This canyon can be featured on their guided biking tour in Andalusia all 12 months spherical.
Get a singular perception into this wonderful day journey!
The King’s Street
The Caminito Del Rey, often known as the Kings Street, is an 8km pathway by means of a canyon in Andalucia, Spain. Alongside a lot of the path, hikers traverse the cliff aspect on a walkway fastened 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 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 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 manufactured from concrete and metallic poles drilled into the cliff, attracting adventurous hikers through the years. Nevertheless, because the concrete deteriorated and gaps appeared, the trail reworked into extra of a climbing route and was ultimately 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 by means of a large wooded valley, although the river stays far beneath. As you progress, the canyon partitions slim, and the true journey begins as you meet your information.
The cliffs progressively draw nearer, and the walkway unfolds. The route is usually 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 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 will be seen beneath, with crumbling concrete and precarious bridges.
The views alongside the whole 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 out there 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 means of the orange groves and up the hills adorned with sun-drenched olive bushes.
As you cross by means of 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 often called the fruit basket of Europe amongst Spaniards, due to the varied array of fruits cultivated within the area.
Ebook this tour and speak to 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 means of cliffs, canyons, and a sprawling valley. It cuts by means of the beautiful landscapes of Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, a gorge carved by the Guadalhorce River, with towering partitions reaching 700 meters excessive.
The whole path is sort of 8 kilometers lengthy and was often called some of the treacherous on the 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 isn’t beneficial for these afraid of heights!
The suspended walkway part, stretching 2.9 kilometers between the north and south management cabins, presents a singular expertise. The remainder of the path winds by means of 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 various to the aerial path is a 300-meter tunnel operating parallel to the walkways of Desfiladero de los Gaitanes. This tunnel, largely contained in the Hoyo Valley, gives 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 the event you’re fortunate, you would possibly 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 to your hike.
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Tickets for Caminito del Rey
Children below 8 can’t go to Caminito del Rey. For these 8 and older, convey your ID or Household Ebook (simply in case) to verify your age.
Common ticket: $10
Discover Caminito at your personal tempo. Max of 10 tickets per buy.
Guided tour: $18
Be part of a bunch of as much as 30 folks led by a licensed 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.
Should you journey with Toro Blanco, they are going to decide you up by automobile and take you again to your resort.
Should you drove, park in designated areas and take the shuttle bus again. Should you favor to stroll, be aware of sunshine and climate situations on the slim street.
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 additional journey time. While you end the hike, merely hop again on the practice.
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 recommendations, opening hours, and instructions.
