Caminito del Rey Via Ferrata & 35m Zip Line Adventure in El Chorro
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
5 hours (≈3 hours on-route)
Fitness Level
Suitable for people with good aerobic fitness and no severe fear of heights; must handle sustained exposure and short, vertical climbs.
Overview
Trade the boardwalk for steel rungs and a 35‑meter zip line: this via ferrata in El Chorro sends you across the Guadahorce gorge with reservoir views and high exposure. Expect guided, safety-first climbs, monkey bridges, and a picnic of local products.
Caminito del Rey Via Ferrata & 35m Zip Line Adventure in El Chorro
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The cliff face breathes differently here—heat shimmering off pale limestone, the hollow wind through the gorge a low, steady conversation. Climbers clip into a steel lifeline and step out over a vertical drop that dares them to look down. From the rungs and tensioned cables of the via ferrata you can read the geology: layers of compacted marine limestone folded and fractured by millennia, carved by the Guadahorce into the narrow Desfiladero that frames the Caminito del Rey.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Meet at the Gas Station
The group assembles at Gasolinera REPSOL—arrive 15 minutes early to sign waivers and check gear.
Bring grippy shoes
Approach shoes or light boots with a stiff sole improve traction on metal rungs and limestone steps.
Hands-on gloves
Thin, durable gloves reduce hot metal and abrasion on long traverses and make clipping safer.
Hydrate and snack
Carry water and use the included snacks to maintain energy—expect 3 hours of active route time plus transit.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Griffon vulture—often circling above the gorge
- Iberian ibex—seen on remote limestone ledges in quieter seasons
History
The Caminito traces back to early 20th-century hydroelectric projects; its restored paths and new via ferrata trace industrial routes repurposed for adventure tourism.
Conservation
The gorge is managed to balance public access with habitat protection—stay on fixed lines, avoid disturbing nesting raptors, and pack out all trash.
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Adventure Hotspots in Málaga
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Approach shoes or light hiking boots
Stiff, grippy soles make standing on metal rungs and limestone more secure.
Via ferrata gloves
Protects hands from abrasion and improves grip on cables and rungs.
Light windproof layer
Wind can be chilly in the gorge—pack a breathable jacket for early starts.
spring specific
Sunscreen and sun hat
Limestone reflects intense sun; protect skin and eyes on exposed sections.
summer specific