Saturday 5 August 2017

Visiting the Caminito Del Rey, Malaga, Spain

Built between 1901 and 1905, El Caminito del Rey, was originally used to transport material and people between two power stations that were built either side of the El Chorro gorge.

Dubbed "The Most Dangerous Pathway in the World", the Caminito, saw several people fall to their death leading to an official closure in 2000 and has since underwent major revamps and renovations. It was reopened in 2015 with fenced pathways to give adventurers an amazing view of the gorge without risking their lives. In any case, its compulsory for visitors to wear helmets, included with the entrance ticket.
It took us almost 2 hours to complete the entire 7.7km trail. But expect to spend more time there if you’re an avid nature and photography fan.  Now go forth and be mesmerized by these amazing views!

Now let the photos do the talking.
The path is over 100 years old, with an elevation of more than 100 meters above the beautiful gorge.
The view was just spectacular!
















Now that I’ve got you itching to get over there, here are some of my tips, tricks and hacks on making the most of your visit to Caminito Del Ray

Ticketing:

You can purchase your ticket online or buy it on the spot. However, it is advisable to purchase your ticket in advance as the numbers of visitors per day is limited!

It is easy to purchase your ticket online. Just click on "Caminito Del Rey" & select "Entrada general" , then choose your desired time slot that is available.

If you're planning to take the train there, I'd recommend you to purchase the option with the return bus ticket (Select the ticket with Autobus +€1.55) . See below for more info on getting to Caminito Del Rey using public transport.

Getting There:

If you're planning to get there by public transport, do check what time is the earliest train departing from the city you're departing from.

I departed from Malaga and the earliest train available (as of June 2017) was 10.05am. The train station arrives at El Chorro train station around 10.50am, where from there you'll have to catch the shuttle bus to the North Entrance, where the trail starts.

The walk is linear. You start in the North Entrance and end in the South Entrance. There's bus service that connects the North & South entrance. Buses leave every half an hour, with a single ticket costing €1.55.
Source: http://www.caminitodelrey.info/?cod=5111

The website
has some really helpful info to plan your trip to Caminito Del Rey.

Booking Your Time Slots:

Do choose a time slot which is at least 45 minutes past your expected arrival time, as you have to catch a bus from the train station to the North entrance, and walk another 3km to the "real" entrance.

My friends and I did not do much prior research and we arrived at the entrance, almost one and a half hour late for our session but the staffs were kind enough to let us in the next available session thank goodness!


 Nice views along the way to the entrance.  ___
Trail leading to the North Entrance.

The Caminito Del Rey trail ends at the South entrance, where you'll have to walk a further 2km to the train station, or you can opt to take the shuttle bus.


Extra Tips & Important Information:

- There are no bathroom throughout the 7.7km route. Make sure to empty your bladder before entering!
- Bring plenty of water & some snacks, and remember to take your trash with you too!
- Caminito Del Rey can be closed during high winds - over 35 km/h. Do check
- You do not need to have a high fitness level to visit Caminito Del Rey. The terrain is flat hence it was an easy & leisure walk :)


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