HIKING EL CAMINITO DEL REY

If you are a fan of hiking and El Caminito Del Rey is not yet on your bucket list you need to add it!! This crazy hiking trail in Andalusia, Spain (not too far from the city of Malaga) has been called the world’s deadliest pathway for years and years. In November 2016, my mom and I decided to gather our courage and go on the hike (even though I am terrified of heights)!! I have put together the ultimate guide to hiking El Caminito Del Rey. But first, let’s start with a little bit of history.

History of El Caminito Del Rey

El Caminito Del Rey (The King’s Little Pathway) was built in the early 1900s as part of King Alfonso XIII’s hydroelectric energy project. The construction began in 1901 and was finished in 1905. The walkway was originally built to connect three rivers and help workers transport material between Chorro Falls and Gaitanejo Falls. In 1921, King Alfonso XIII crossed the pathway for the inauguration of the dam Conde Del Guadalhorce (and that’s why it is now called The King’s Little Pathway).

Originally, the path was built with concrete and steel rails. However, over the years, it was abandoned and some parts started to collapse which made it extremely dangerous. A lot of thrill seeking adventurers took the hike anyways and, after a few fatal accidents between 1999 and 2000, the local government officially closed the pathway. Unfortunately, this didn’t stop people from attempting the climb and many other lost their lives in the following years.

In 2011, more than one decade after the government closed the entrances to El Caminito Del Rey, they decided to start the restoration of the pathway. This restoration took a little over three years to complete. In March 2015, it was finally reopened to the public.

The Pathway

The highest point of the trail stands at a little over 100 meters and the walkway is one meter in width.

The official length is 7.7 km but it is divided in 7 parts (the boardwalks are 2.9 km long). If you hike all 7 parts, it can take up to 8 hours. Unlike most hiking trails, this one is a linear pathway and not circular (which means you don’t finish at the same place you started)!

You can choose to only walk the boardwalks, which will take you between 3 and 4 hours. It is important to know that, should you choose to only walk to boardwalks, there is quite a long walk to reach them.

The new walkway was built just above the original one so you can see it throughout the hike! The many holes and decayed state of the old pathway is extremely scary!! At one point along the 7.7 km, there is a rock with the faces of three boys that fell to their deaths trying to hike it while it was closed to the public (it is a pretty sad thing to see). You can also see an abandoned house that used to belong to a Swiss family.

Along the pathway you can see some the of most breathtaking scenery in the world! If you dare, look down the 100 meters into the beautiful El Chorro gorge. It is both a very scary but truly stunning place to visit.

Getting there

Before taking the hike down El Caminito Del Rey, we were staying in Malaga for a few days. Getting to El Chorro is actually very easy. The best way is to take the train and get off at El Chorro – Caminito del Rey station in Álora. From Malaga, it is approximately a one hour ride. You can get the schedule and all the information you need on the RENFE website. From Malaga to El Chorro, we paid about 6€ each.

Although most people prefer staying in Malaga and taking a day trip to El Chorro, my mom and I decided to stay in El Chorro for the night. We stayed at a hotel called La Posada del Conde (it was perfect because it was very close to the North Entrance of the pathway). The other entrance (South Entrance) is close to the train station, which is good if you decide to do the day trip from Malaga.

Important information

– Buy your ticket in advance! The pathway can only hold 600 people at the same time so it is important to reserve your spot! You can buy tickets online on El Caminito Del Rey’s official website.

– Tickets cost 10€ each.

– The pathway is closed every Monday and may close due to bad weather conditions (rain or heavy wind).

– Be sure to arrive on time (even a few minutes in advance)!

– With your ticket you automatically obtain civil liability insurance that covers any accident along the pathway (as long as the accident is not caused by failure to comply to the rules).

– Bring snacks and water!

– Don’t forget sunscreen and appropriate clothes depending on the weather. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes or hiking boots.

– Drones are absolutely forbidden along the pathway and in the area but any other camera is accepted.

– There are no bathrooms along the pathway (only at the entrances and exit). So, although it is important to stay hydrated, make sure you can hold it in for a few hours!!

– Be respectful and take your time. It is not a race. Enjoy the beauty of the nature around you and the incredible experience you are living!

This guide and these pictures don’t do justice to the experience that is hiking El Caminito Del Rey. Anyone traveling to Spain should have this at the top of their list (even if you’re scared of heights like me). There is so much history around this pathway and it is definitely one of the coolest things I’ve done in my life. It has the perfect mix of adrenaline and safety for everyone to enjoy. Also, if you are a nature lover, I strongly recommend spending at least one night in El Chorro and exploring the area (you will not be disappointed). Thank you for reading and I really hope that this article made you add El Caminito Del Rey to your bucket list!!