Caminito del Rey
The Gaitanes gorge walkways: booking, price and tips.
Key points
- Walkways anchored to the wall of the Gaitanes gorge, up to about 100 metres above the river.
- The full route is about 7.7 km (2.9 km of walkways) and takes 3 to 4 hours, one way, from north to south.
- Tickets are sold only on the official website: about €10 general and about €18 guided.
- Helmets are compulsory (handed out at the checkpoint) and the minimum age is 8.
History
The path was built in the early 20th century so that workers at the hydroelectric plants could move between El Chorro and Gaitanejo. Its name comes from King Alfonso XIII's visit in 1921, when he opened the Conde de Guadalhorce dam. Over the years it decayed into an extremely dangerous trail, famous among climbers, until it was closed. After a complete restoration it reopened in 2015 with new walkways above the old ones.
The route
- North access (Ardales)From the car park or El Kiosko restaurant there are about 2.7 km or 1.5 km of trail to the checkpoint.
- Gaitanejo gorgeFirst stretch of walkways in a narrow canyon.
- Valle del HoyoAn open stretch among pines, with remains of the old water channel.
- Gaitanes gorgeThe most spectacular stretch, with the suspension bridge and the glass viewpoint.
- South exit (El Chorro)About 2 km of track to the railway station and the shuttle bus stop.
How to book tickets
Buy on the official website
Tickets are sold at caminitodelrey.info with a date and time. In spring, summer and on long weekends they sell out weeks in advance.
Choose general or guided
General (about €10) lets you go at your own pace; guided (about €18) includes a guide's commentary. Prices may change: check the website.
Arrive in good time
You must be at the access checkpoint at your booked time; from the north car park it takes 20 to 50 minutes on foot.
Return by bus
A paid shuttle bus links El Chorro with the north access so you can get back to your car.
Beware of resellers
Be wary of websites selling tickets at inflated prices: the official site gives no refunds, only date changes if the Caminito closes because of weather or damage.
Getting there
- By carAbout 60 km from Málaga on the A-357 towards Ardales; parking by the north access.
- By trainFrom Málaga María Zambrano to El Chorro station, next to the south exit.
- ShuttleLinks El Chorro with the start of the trail, about €2.50 per trip.
Tips
Bring
- Closed, comfortable shoes.
- Water and sun protection.
- Your ticket on your phone and ID.
Rules
- No pets allowed.
- No drones.
- There are no toilets or fountains along the route.
Make a day of it with a swim in the Ardales reservoirs or a visit to Bobastro.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I buy Caminito del Rey tickets?
Only on the official website, with a date and time. Beware of overpriced resellers.
How long does the route take?
Three to four hours for the full route, one way, from north to south.