Hiking Caminito Del Rey In Malaga, Is It Safe?
Hiking Caminito del Rey in Malaga Spain is a must. Some might even warn you due to it’s rocky history. I am here to debunk all of the myths and answer the question once and for all – is it safe?
Finding the Perfect Adventure Buddy
As the famous Micael Clinton once said in his book, The Globetrotting Diaries, know who to bring on which trip. Getting an idea of the crowd you are traveling with is crucial to maximizing the itinerary to the utmost capacity. Luckily during my abroad trip to Spain, my girl Allie, adventurous as she is was the perfect adventure buddy. It was a no-brainer we were about to do the most dangerous hike in the world. Only a 2-hour, 40 Euros bus ride from Seville, we explored this fascinating city, with the BEST paella I ever tasted. But besides the point, their mountains were pretty cool too! I hope to debunk other myths about places, but we have to start somewhere. After “hiking” Caminito del Rey in Malaga Spain this past weekend, I’ve compiled a list of debunked myths. Let’s get into it, shall we?
Caminito Del Rey Highlights
Some Background Before Hiking Caminito Del Rey
Caminito del Rey comes from the Kings Path that King Alfonso XIII would take to inaugurate the dam Conde del Guadalhorce. It was not originally intended to be a tourist attraction. It was used to carry equipment for the hydroelectric plants in surrounding cities of El Chorro and Gaitanejo.
#1. It’s the Most Dangerous Hike In The World”
Back in the early 1900s, maintenance workers were not put in the safest conditions. Wooden planks barely hanging by nails were what these workers used throughout the day. Could you imagine?? I couldn’t, but they needed to make a living. Over time the place deteriorated and that is when it became a serious problem. After many deaths occurred, admissions were banned up until 1999. Adrenaline junkies still found their way to the sight, but at their own risk.
So when everyone says that this is the most dangerous hike. They are mistaken, it once WAS, but not is! In reality, this hike is far from scary. In fact, elderly people and young children were roaming around when I had visited. I have seen videos on Facebook about how frightening this was and to stray away from it. I mentioned it to my family and they all almost had heart attacks. They did not want me to come back from Spain in a bodybag. I mean I didn’t either but regardless, let’s stick to the facts! On our tour, there were babies on the journey with us! This 4.6 million euro government-funded restoration project generates 3 million euros annually for Spain.
#2 “It’s So Difficult”
This is basically a really long, nice, scenic path along what was once a tiring and rigorous walkway. I purposely brought athletic shoes for this and to be fair, you could have walked in casual, yet comfortable sneakers. I highly recommend anyone to go on this because you don’t need to have any hiking experience. It is a complete tourist attraction, but so much fun and with incredible views. I originally pictured difficult terrain, but the wooden planks are very stable & secure. To ensure your safety, they make sure that you buy a ticket with a tour guide throughout the trip! Check out these awesome photos and tell me not you aren’t convinced!
#3 I Need To Spend A Fortune For the Best Tour
I waited until the last minute to book our tours, but they don’t have to be expensive! The best thing to do in any situation is to plan ahead. You can score pretty affordable tour guides without having to break the bank! For example, instead of buying tickets for 80 euros, try spending 25 Euros, what a steal!! Look into the fine details of your tour to make sure it comes with transportation.
Ready to Go Hiking In Caminito Del Rey
Use this guide on your next adventure hiking Caminito del Rey. If I knew these before, it would have made my backpack a little less packed and my wallet a little more full!
what do you think?