Exploring Caminito del Rey in January
If you, like me, have been curious about experiencing the famous Caminito del Rey trail in January but found limited firsthand accounts, worry not! I'm here to share all the details from my recent adventure through this iconic destination.
Here’s to having faith in Mother Nature!
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Is it safe to visit in January?
Let’s get that out of the way first! Caminito Del Rey was once named the world’s most dangerous trail. After the re-opening in 2015, the rebranding is now quite the opposite! In the picture above, you can see how it used to look. As you walk on the new boardwalk, if you glance down you will be able to see parts of the old trail below.
Yes, it is safe (as safe as it can be to walk on a boardwalk high up in a narrow gorge) and possible to visit Caminito del Rey at the beginning of the year, I will even say it’s the better option because you will be able to escape the hoards of tourists that visit in the summer, as well as experience quite a pleasant walk without extreme heat.
Caminito del Rey has a daily ticket limit of around 1000, which makes booking far in advance crucial in the summer. We booked this tour only a few days ahead, another perk of visiting during the low season.
Visiting Caminito del Rey in January became a testament to the beauty of unexpected adventures. The flexibility of tour options, the minimal crowd, and the faith in the tour guides ensuring our safety in fluctuating weather conditions made this experience truly remarkable.
NAVIGATING EL CAMINITO DEL REY in rainy conditions
Facing thunder and rain on the morning of this adventure, I contemplated staying in bed and canceling our tour to Caminito del Rey. The anticipation of visiting this bucket-list destination in January was heightened by the realization that this might be my only chance before leaving Spain. I had my doubts but concluded that the guides would cancel if the weather turned truly severe.
As it turned out, Caminito del Rey is well-prepared for weather surprises. Equipped with emergency tunnels, the organizers assured our safety in the event of rain. Miraculously, the weather took a turn for the better, the sun breaking through and warming us enough to shed our jackets at one point. A stroke of good fortune, indeed!
An Unforeseen Perk: The Minimal Crowd
A silver lining to the initially gloomy forecast was the minimal crowd on the track. Many opted to stay indoors, creating an intimate and peaceful ambiance along Caminito del Rey. It served as a reminder that sometimes, having faith brings delightful surprises.
Pro Tip: Trust the guides! They'll cancel if the weather turns bad.
Do you need specific hiking gear?
No, I did the trail in vans (some backpacker habits die hard), soft linen pants, a t-shirt, and a lightweight jacket! I would opt for wearing leggings or hiking pants as that would be more comfortable, but I forgot mine… With that being said, it is a 5-8km hike in nature, so shoes with grip and suitable clothes are necessary, you will also need to wear a helmet. The trail can get slippery at times, and muddy when you’re walking on ground level.
Flipflops and shoes with heels are not allowed. Neither are animals, umbrellas, crutches, canes, or hiking poles. You’ll find more information about this on the Caminito Del Rey website.
worth mentioning about the hike
You should be aware that this is an A-B trail, meaning that you will start at one point and finish at another. If you go by yourself you will need to park the car at the beginning, and then can use the free shuttle bus at the end to take you back to the car park. This journey back takes around 20 minutes. By going with a tour, you skip this hassle!
Scared of heights? Then this is the perfect place to face your fears! One of my friends, who came with me, is scared of heights. She did the entire tour and only found part of the trail challenging! The height fluctuates, but there is one part where you will be walking on the boardwalk secured to the side of the rising mountain 100-150m above the river below. A tingling experience, even for me who’s not scared of heights. At the end of that section, there is a bridge you’ll need to cross to get to the other side.
Tour Options: Choosing the right group for you!
Much like my Trolltunga adventure, Get Your Guide offers distinct tour options for Caminito del Rey. The larger tour bus promised a social experience, while the smaller tour included a stop at the charming white town of Alora. Here, an included tapas lunch added an unexpected touch of gastronomic delight to our journey.
I prefer to travel in smaller groups because I believe it gives a more intimate cultural experience and I am always happy about my decision to go with the smaller groups when I have that option. I believe there were 9 of us in total on this tour, compared to the 40-50 total on the large bus.
With the large tour, the bus will be at the end to pick you up and drive you back to Malaga. With the smaller tour, you will be with your guide all the time, and after the tour, you will be guided to the train station that will take you back to Malaga, tickets included. A very cool thing about the train is that it will drive next to Caminito del Rey in the beginning which gives you another cool perspective of the trail you just walked!! (Just remember to take a seat on the left side when you board the train).
I am beyond grateful that I decided to go on this tour despite the weather, and watching as Mother Nature turned a potential weather challenge into a delightful and memorable adventure. Until next time, take care, and may your travels be filled with pleasant surprises!
xo Nathalie
