Planning a visit to Caminito del Rey can be confusing if you have never been in the region. Planning our visit it was hard to find details on opening hours, how to navigate the entrance area, how to get there, and if we should opt for a guided or unguided tours. And is it actually dangerous? In this article we are going to break down everything you need to know about visiting the Caminito del Rey
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History of Caminito del Rey
The Caminito Del Rey is an aerial path built into the walls of the Gaitanes gorge. The walls of the Gaitanes Gorge, in some areas soar 300 metres into the air and are separated by less than 10 metres. Work began on the Caminito Del Rey in the early 1900’s to facilitate the passage of workers and materials of the Chorro Hydroelectric society.
The original path was constructed of concrete that rested on steel rails with stanchions at 45 degree angles into the rock face of the gorge. Over time the concrete deteriorated with huge open air gaps. And then avid hikers and climbers began using it for sport and it became know as the most dangerous hike in the world. Ultimately 2 people lost their lives between 1999-2000. At that point, the government stepped in and closed both ends of the path off to keep people out. Despite this, another 4 people lost their lives between 2009-2013.
In 2011 the regional government of Andalusia and the city government of Málaga agreed to share the costs of the restoration and in 2015 the pathway reopened to the general public. Not to worry, outside of requiring the stamina for a short hike, there is nothing dangerous about at the Caminito del Rey today.
Where to Stay When Visiting Caminito del Rey
While there a few accommodations near (but not walking distance) to Caminito del Rey which you can find at Booking.com, we would recommend staying in Málaga as it’s close enough and there are lots of amazing things to see in that gorgeous Costa Del Sol town. Here are a few highly rated places to stay in Málaga:
- Luxury Accommodations – Grand Hotel MiramarGL– The luxurious Gran Hotel Miramar GL is located in Malaga, 10 m from La Malagueta Beach. This beachfront hotel has a spa centre and a seasonal pool.
- Mid Range Accommodations –Vincci Larios Diez – Featuring a bar, Vincci Larios Diez is located in Málaga in the Andalucía region, 1.6 km from La Malagueta Beach and 1.9 km from La Caleta Beach
- Budget Accommodations – La Farola – The apartment features 2 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an equipped kitchen with a microwave and a fridge, a washing machine, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are provided.
For more places to stay in Málaga, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com
How to get to Caminito del Rey
Coming from Malaga there are a few options. You can start by renting a car and driving yourself. With rates under $30USD per day it’s an easy and relatively inexpensive option and after some research we found that if you’re in a group, it’s ultimately cheaper than transit options. Here is the site where we found some great car rental deals.
Another option is to take a train. From Maria Zombrano station in Málaga you can catch a train to El Chorro with several running back and forth every day. The El Chorro train station is near the exit of Caminito del Rey. Upon arrival you will need to find the exit and that’s where you will find shuttle buses that return back to the entrance of Caminito del Rey. You can search for train tickets here.
The journey is about 1 hour and train tickets will cost you between $15-$25USD per person round trip depending on the time and day of week. The shuttle bus will cost an additional $2.5-$3.
Renting a car is the cheaper option, but if you don’t drive this a viable option. The easiest solution would be to hire a tour guide that provides pick up and drop off from your accommodations. You can use the search function on the right to see available dates. Please note that there are limited tickets to Caminito del Rey and slots fill up fast. Be sure to book well in advance.
What are the Operating Hours of the Caminito del Rey?
Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30am – 4:30pm in the summer months and 9:30am – 2:30pm in the winter months.
Caminito del Rey is closed Monday’s and Jan.1st, Dec. 24th, 25th and 31st. Special holiday closings are random so be sure to check the schedule.
For further information you can check the official website of Caminito del Rey
Caminito del Rey Entrance Fees
*This is the Caminito del Rey official site (which we are in no way affiliated with) for purchasing tickets. Many other sites look legitimate but are ridiculously overpriced:
- General admission tickets: €10
- Guided tours in English and Spanish: €18
- Government issued photo ID is required for everybody entering
- Children under 8 cannot enter! And children who appear to be in the same age range must present identification that verifies their age.
If you’re considering a visit, BOOK EARLY as tickets sell out WAY ahead of time. Booking on the day you plan to visit in NOT an option.
Show up early to be fitted for helmets (this is mandatory). In addition, note that tour groups, whether with outside organizations or directly from Caminito del Rey, are given priority entrance. Only 400 people are allowed on the trail at any one time. Small groups are allowed through every 15 – 30 minutes . You cannot just walk right in once you are fitted for your helmet.
If you’re looking for other guided tours check out these highly rated options:
- Caminito del Rey Private Walking Tour
- Small Group Tour From Málaga With Picnic
- Caminito del Rey with Pickup from Málaga or Rincón de la Victoria
What to expect at Caminito del Rey
The route is a little over 7km long running through some forested areas. Most of it is along a sturdy wooden pathway suspended from the rock face of the Gaitanes gorge. Not to worry, there are handrails. There are a few sets of stairs and hills to navigate at the beginning and end of the trail but none of them overly strenuous.
The hike can be finished within 1.5 hours but take your time to see these gorgeous views. So expect that you will be out here for 2-3 hours. The pathway is one direction only so once you start there is no turning back. We are by no means serious hikers, but I would only rate the difficulty of this a 3/10. Unless you have serious medical issues you should have no problem completing it, just remember to take some water with you.
The first half of the hike is is very serene and relaxing, but the second half begins to take your breath away. As the gorge opens up you find yourself walking along a 1 metre wide wooden path 100 metres above the river below. It truly is mesmerizing.
One of the highlights towards the end of the hike is a small bridge that connects two portions of the gorge and spanning the river below. It is completely secure but I would be lying if I said my equilibrium was not thrown off a bit when crossing it. The second pic below shows the steel grate that makes up the bottom of the bridge, which you can see right through to the bottom of the gorge below. Don’t look down if you get vertigo!
Maybe the scariest thing about Caminito del Rey is that you find out how sexy (or not) you look in a helmet and a hairnet!
Best Time to Visit Caminito del Rey
We did the hike in January. It was pleasant during the hike because of the constant movement, but it was quite chilly in the morning. I would choose spring or fall while avoiding the whole thing completely during the summer. Andalusian summers can get unbearably hot!
Have you ever been to Caminito del Rey? Do you have other tips or tricks for visiting this amazing location? Leave a comment down below and let us know and help other travellers who are thinking of visiting.
