Caminito del Rey
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The Caminito del Rey was built in 1905 to allow workers to access the hydroelectric power plants at Chorro Falls and Gaitanejo Falls and became famous for its stunning views and sheer drops. It fell into disrepair and was closed in the 1980s, though that didn’t stop adventure seekers from trying to walk it, with several deaths ensuring. The path was restored and reopened in 2015, and visitors can either hike it alone or with a guide, taking about 4 to 5 hours in total. Visitor numbers are limited to 100 per half-hour timeslot, to avoid overcrowding, and tickets sell out up to a month in advance, so book online to avoid disappointment!
By Anneliese O'Malley
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Tickets & Tours
Book your ticket or day tour to the Caminito del Rey.
From Costa del Sol & Málaga: Caminito del Rey Guided Tour
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From Málaga: Day Trip to Caminito del Rey
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From Málaga: Caminito del Rey Full-Day Tour
4.8(1115)
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From Málaga: Caminito del Rey Guided Tour with Bus
4.8(1807)
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5 tips for visiting the Caminito del Rey
Caminito del Rey Path | Flickr: Ronnie Macdonald CC BY 2.0
1
Book in advance! Tickets for the Caminito del Rey are limited for safety reasons, and they sell out well in advance. If you know that the walk is on your bucket list for Málaga then make sure you reserve your spot as soon as possible.
Caminito del Rey Bridge | Flickr: Ronnie Macdonald CC BY 2.0
2
Figure out your transport before you visit. The Caminito del Rey is not easy to reach via public transport, so make sure you’ve left yourself plenty of time to figure out the journey via train or book a tour that includes a transfer to the start of the trail.
3
Wear sensible clothes. Although the route is no longer physically difficult and is mostly flat, you should still dress appropriately for a hike. Suitable shoes are a must, and make sure to bring sunscreen and a hat in summer and layers in winter.
4
Bring snacks. There’s a café at the Visitor Center, but there isn’t anywhere that sells food along the route, so pack something to sustain you on your hike. There also aren’t any wider parts of the path where you can stop for a picnic, so save lunch or any larger meal for when you’ve reached the end of your journey.
5
Bathrooms are available at each end of the hike but there aren’t any on the way, so make sure to use the facilities before you set out!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Caminito del Rey?
El Caminito del Rey (the ‘little path of the King’) is a walkway attached to the side of the Gaitanes Gorge, designed to create a way for workers to read the Chorro Falls and Gaitanejo Falls hydroelectric power plants, built between 1901 and 1905. Its name comes from King Alonso XIII’s crossing of the gorge in 1921 for the opening of the Conde del Guadalhorce dam. The original path is just over 3 feet (1 meter) wide and parts of it are over 325 feet (100 meters) above the river below. Over the years since its building, the path deteriorated, with large open-air gaps in the path or missing and unstable handrails. That didn’t stop daredevils trying to walk the path, with the Caminito del Rey getting the reputation of the world’s most dangerous walkway after five people died attempting to complete the path in 1999 and 2000 alone. In 2011 the decision was made by the local governments of Andalusia and Málaga to restore the path and make it safe for tourists to visit. Reconstruction took three years and involved mountaineering experts and helicopters to bring materials to the most difficult areas to reach. The refurbished walkway opened to the public in March 2015 and was named one of the world’s best new attractions by Lonely Planet. The walkway is 1.8 miles (2.9 km) long and although it’s much safer today, you’ll still get amazing views of the canyon. Read more.
Is it safe? What precautions should I take?
The Caminito is safe as long as you follow the rules. You’ll be given hard hats (in case of small falling rocks dislodged by animals) and briefed by a member of staff before you begin walking. Keep to the right of the walk, and don’t use selfie sticks or umbrellas. Watch your step if it’s been raining so that you don’t slip on the wooden boardwalk. Visitors won’t be allowed to start the walk when wearing inappropriate footwear like flip flops or high heels, so make sure you’re properly equipped! Guides are stationed along the route in case you do run into any trouble, and to make sure that those walking the trail are following the rules. Read more.
Do we need to take a guided tour?
There’s no need to book a guided tour of the Caminito del Rey since the path is clearly marked and you’ll mostly be enjoying the scenery. However, several providers do offer guided tours and if you’re a history buff then you’ll probably enjoy having a guide point out the significant features that remain of the old pathway, or the local wildlife that you might run into. Read more.
Can children participate?
Children over the age of 8 can walk the path in the company of an adult, and all under-18’s need to have an adult with them in order to participate. It’s not necessarily the difficulty of the walk that’s unsuitable for children, but it is very high up and the path is narrow so it’s not the best place to take a toddler who might need to be carried or might run ahead of their parents. Children over the age of 8 will enjoy exploring the dramatic scenery and spotting the vultures and other wildlife in the area. Read more.
Is the path accessible?
Although the path isn’t particularly steep, it isn’t accessible to wheelchair users due to the narrowness of the walkway and the steps needed to join it and reach the end. Visitors who suffer from dizziness, vertigo, heart disease, or respiratory problems are also not advised to walk the route as it would be extremely difficult to provide assistance were something to happen on the path. Read more.
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Written byAnneliese O'MalleyAnneliese is a former Londoner, keen traveler, and total word nerd. As a Content Management Specialist she knows the TicketLens inventory inside out and curates, matches, and writes about the most interesting attractions worldwide.
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