The world's most dangerous canyon hiking trail in Andales, Malaga, Spain was reopened 2 years ago with extensive safety improvements after 4 years of renovation due of numerous fatal accidents. The regional government of Andalusia and the local goverment of Málaga agreed in June 2011 to share the cost of restoration for tourism.
Conquer your fear, dare to walk a narrow 1 metre (3ft) pinned wooden pathway along the walls of the El Chorro gorge, rises over 100 metre (330ft) above the river with breathtaking views but scariest. Walking the whole journey total of 7.7km, it takes 3-4 hours of hiking, 4.8 foothpath, forest trail and 2.9km pinned boardwalks in the walls of the gorge, which are the most famous part of the trail due of dangerous conditions, known as the world's most dangerous hiking trail in the past. Visitors must require awareness of this hazardous trail to take, its not necessary the level of fitness, but due of quality of terrain ( pinned boardwalks, hanging bridge, uphills and downhills) it's risky and requires physical effort and skillfulness, which is accepted by visitors who come to take the route.
First Boardwalk
First Boardwalk
Middle of the First Boardwalk
Taking Picture at the second boardwalk
Forest trail
Dare to step the glass floor 330ft above the river.
Taking picture before passing the hanging bridge
EL CAMINITO DEL REY BEFORE REFURBISHMENT
El Caminto del Rey was over a 100 years old and abandoned. The 330ft walkway was already corrupted, were numerous sections was collapsed, rooten steel beams and holes. The place was attractive for extreme climbers and hikers an exclusive adventure sports for adventurers who crazy enough to attempt it. To enable to pass the collapse sections there's a cable run through the length of path allowing hikers to clip their harness, however the safety is unsure due that no one maintaned the area, so you must rely on at your own risk.
There are numerous fatal accidents and several people lost their lives attempting to climb the gorge.
HISTORY
El Caminito del Rey (The King's little pathway) was built 1901 and finished 1905 to provide walkway for the workers to transport materials, maintenance and inspection in the
hydroelectric power plants of Chorro falls and Gaitanejo falls. In 1921 King Alfonso XIII inauggurated the dam of Conde del Guadalhorce and it became known by its present name.
THINGS TO KNOW
* Hiking area closed during high winds, over 35km/h
* No Children permitted under 8 years old, Children above 8 years old must be accompanied all the times.
* Not advisable for those who are suffered from vertigo and nervous disposition.
* There's no toilets or facilities throughout the entire route, bring food and water.
* The hiking trail is linear, start in the north end to the south.
* There's a bus service to bring you back to the entrance area. Buses leaves every 30 minutes, with a single ticket cost €1.55, tickets available at Caminto ticket both.
* Rock climbers are allowed, as long they present their climbing insurance and must register the information area.
TICKETS
10€ per person
11.55€ Including bus service to take you back from starting area.
You can also book online @ caminitodelrey.info
OPENING HOURS
Monday-Sunday 9:30-15:00 (November-March)
Monday-Sunday 9:30-17:00 (April-October)
ADDRESS & CONTACT
29550 Ardales, Malaga
Official website caminitodelrey.info