Caminito del Rey: Guided Tour and Entry Ticket

History

The Caminito del Rey, located in Málaga’s dramatic El Chorro gorge, began as a service pathway in the early 20th century to support the region’s hydroelectric and railway infrastructure. Built between 1901 and 1905, it connected the Gaitanejo and El Chorro dams, facilitating worker access. Named after King Alfonso XIII, who walked the path in 1921, it later fell into disrepair, earning a reputation as one of the world’s most dangerous walkways due to its precarious state.

Restored and reopened in 2015, the Caminito del Rey is now a safe, world-renowned trail within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, showcasing Málaga’s natural beauty and historical significance. The area has been a hub for human settlement since prehistoric times, with archaeological sites documenting its cultural evolution, making the walkway a unique blend of engineering, history, and environmental preservation.

Highlights

• Experience Málaga’s stunning landscapes along the Caminito del Rey.
• Gain insights from a bilingual guide about the trail’s history and environment.
• Explore the remnants of a transformed railway and hydroelectric site.
• Witness the environmental efforts of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
• Enjoy breathtaking views and a convenient round-trip journey.

Full Description

Embark on a guided adventure along the Caminito del Rey, a thrilling 7.7-km one-way walkway nestled in Málaga’s dramatic El Chorro gorge. With a bilingual guide, you’ll explore this iconic path framed by 400-meter-high cliffs and the rushing Guadalhorce River below, learning about its historical and environmental significance. Equipped with safety gear and a headset, this tour ensures a safe and immersive experience.

Begin at the northern entrance in Ardales, where your guide provides an introduction to the trail’s history as a vital infrastructure route in the 19th and 20th centuries. Marvel at the narrowest sections, just 10 meters wide, and the towering cliffs that create a breathtaking backdrop. Your guide will highlight the path’s transformation into a modern walkway and its role within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, emphasizing local flora, fauna, and conservation efforts.

Conclude your journey at the southern exit in El Chorro, where you’ll board a shuttle bus back to the Visitors’ Reception Center. This unforgettable expedition offers stunning views, rich historical insights, and opportunities for remarkable photographs, leaving you with cherished memories of Málaga’s natural and cultural heritage.

Why Choose This Experience?

This guided tour offers a safe and enriching way to experience the Caminito del Rey, one of Spain’s most spectacular trails, with expert commentary that brings its history and environment to life. The included safety gear and headset ensure you can focus on the stunning scenery and fascinating stories without missing a detail, making it ideal for adventure seekers and history enthusiasts.

The tour’s convenient logistics, including shuttle bus coordination, make it accessible for all fitness levels, while the bilingual guide accommodates diverse groups. Whether you’re drawn to the dramatic landscapes or the historical significance of this restored pathway, this experience promises an unforgettable adventure in Málaga’s natural wonderland.

What’s Included

• General admission ticket to the Caminito del Rey.
• Bilingual guided tour.
• Safety helmet and headset for clear audio.
• Shuttle bus guidance (bus fare not included).

Itinerary

• Meet at the Control Booth at the northern access (Ardales).
• Guided tour along the Caminito del Rey walkway (7.7 km, approximately 2.5-3 hours).
• Explore the Gaitanejo and El Chorro sections with guided commentary.
• Arrive at the southern exit in El Chorro.
• Return to the Visitors’ Reception Center via shuttle bus (fare not included).
• Note: Itinerary subject to change.

Pricing

From $35 per person

Meeting Point

Meet at the Control Booth at the northern access of the Caminito del Rey (Ardales). If arriving by car, park at the Visitor Center and take the €2.50 shuttle bus (not included) to the entrance, then walk 1.5 km through the pedestrian tunnel past “El Kiosko” restaurant to the Control Booth. If arriving by train, take the shuttle bus to the entrance stop and follow the same 1.5-km walk. Present your voucher to meet your guide.

How to Get There

• By car: Park at the Visitor Center parking lot at least 1 hour before the tour. Take the €2.50 shuttle bus (cash only, not included) to the northern entrance, then walk 1.5 km to the Control Booth.
• By train: From El Chorro station, take the shuttle bus to the entrance stop near the pedestrian tunnel. Walk 1.5 km to the Control Booth.
• By foot: From the shuttle bus drop-off, follow signs for “Caminito del Rey” through the 200-meter pedestrian tunnel and continue 1.5 km to the northern access Control Booth.
• By taxi: Request a drop-off at the Caminito del Rey northern entrance near “El Kiosko” restaurant, then walk 1.5 km to the Control Booth.

Good to Know

What to Bring

• Passport or ID card (for adults and children 8+).
• Sunglasses.
• Sun hat.
• Hiking shoes or closed-toe shoes.
• Water.
• Snacks or hiking food.
• Weather-appropriate clothing.
• Small daypack.

Know Before You Go

• Children under 8 are not permitted; those 8+ must bring ID or passport.
• The trail is a one-way 7.7-km (4.8-mile) path from Ardales (north) to El Chorro (south).
• The shuttle bus to the starting point costs €2.50 (cash only, not included).
• Large backpacks, selfie sticks, walking sticks, high heels, and open-toed shoes are prohibited.
• Small backpacks with snacks are allowed; rest areas are available for picnics.

Reviews

• The Caminito was breathtaking, and our guide was fantastic, sharing stories about the trail’s history and wildlife. The views were unforgettable!
• An incredible experience with a professional and humorous guide. The organization was flawless, and the scenery was worth every step.
• Our guide made the history of the Caminito come alive with engaging facts. The path was thrilling, and the headset ensured we heard everything clearly.