Meet Caminito Del Rey, the most dangerous trail in the world

Are you one of those people who love to hike, know new places, get crazy about the landscapes that appear in front and, especially, venture out? Raise it to the thousandth power and you will surely want to meet Caminito Del Rey, which takes everyone's breath away and makes even the bravest individual tremble.

Located in Andalusia, southern Spain, it is known as the most dangerous catwalk in the world. The cliff can reach a height of 106 meters from the ground. Who shows us this adventure is Matthew Karsten, owner of The Expert Vagabond blog, one of the most famous travel sites. This is a guy with a lot of courage!

Why is he so dangerous?

To answer this question directly, just look at the pictures. You have to balance yourself with rusty, exposed steel beams, walking without looking down, through violent and treacherous rivers. In addition, the path has huge holes through which you can see the Gadalhorce River, which runs just below.

In some places there is no trail at all, and you have to walk past bits of rock, clinging to canyon walls, taking serious risks. A totally abandoned place for which no one wants to be responsible for maintenance, but with landscapes so beautiful that people venture to get a sense of paradise.

The walk

In all, it's three kilometers of adventure, and Matthew often says that this is a sport designed exclusively for people crazy enough to risk it. You need to bring your own climbing equipment or rent one from specialist stores. Belts, ropes, carabiners are all essential for your safety.

Concrete has deteriorated in some places, exposing the narrow (and rotting) steel beams and creating large holes. One must be very careful not to step near such an obstacle. In some parts, there is nothing that can help you make the passage. At other times, you need to make small climbs to continue.

Wire rope lines run the length of the path. Thus, adventurers can attach carabiners and clips to aid in the walk. However, the integrity of the lifeline along the path length is totally unknown as there is no maintenance in place.

Take a chance if you can

The Caminito Del Rey is divided into two parts and each crosses a narrow area of ​​the Gaitanes Gorge, a stunning hidden valley. One of them is the “Orange Valley”, known by its name because of the orange trees of the place. Halfway there is an old ruined house that completes the landscape.

The other part is less known to be more dangerous. It has no safety lines and it takes climbing skill to proceed. The trek takes about 4 hours to complete, and anyone who can finish says it's worth every inch of this adventure, often even insane.

Why the name “Caminito Del Rey”?

The name may seem a little odd, but it has an explanation: Spanish King Alfonso XIII used to walk that trail to marvel at the beautiful landscape around it. He inaugurated the catwalk in 1921. The place was named after him, which in Portuguese means "Little Way of the King."

Construction of the walkway was completed in 1905, ie 109 years ago, and took 4 years to complete. It was made so that workers could move materials between the two hydropower plants at Chorro Falls and Gaitanejo, which are located at both ends of the canyon. The walkway allowed easy access to these channels.

Deaths in Caminito

Since 1920 to date, there have been about five deaths in Caminito Del Rey, the latest in 2000, and many accidents over the years. The number is not only higher because not all people have the courage to make this adventure; It takes much more than courage to do it.

Restoration for 2014

There is a project to recover the stretch for 2014 and work has already started in May. It aims to make the road safer for tourists by allowing more and more people to visit the site. Aged concrete will be replaced by wood slats and handrail glass panels. All this will cost around 3.12 million euros.

Prince Felipe, great-grandson of King Alfonso XIII, will be called to open the new trail. On the one hand, it will be bad, as Caminito's adventurous spirit will be changed forever as everything will change. On the other hand, many people will be able to marvel at the river and all the gross landscape of the place, all very beautiful.

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Is that you? Do you dare to venture into Caminito Del Rey? Watch the video and decide: