The 2,016 hectare Desfiladero de los Gaitanes Natural Park has a unique natural setting and is an extraordinary site of geomorphological interest. Set in one of the most stunning locations in the province of Málaga, the famous El Chorro Gorge has been carved by the river Guadalhorce and is made up of Jurassic limestones and dolomites. The canyon is around three kilometers long and it’s walls reach dizzying heights of 300 meters narrowing to just 10 metres apart in places.
The rock here is of different origin and age and the river has carved and eroded fascinating geological formations, caves and chasms. There are over 20 caves in the area of great geological and archaeological significance, (In nearby Ardales, for example important paleolithic rock art can be seen with over 1,000 drawings in its more than 1,600 meters of galleries.
Great promo video showing the spectacular scenery around the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes Natural Park
The terrain around the gorge at El Chorro and across to the reservoirs of Guadalhorce are protected natural areas and are covered in Aleppo pines, wild olive and holm oaks make up the backdrop on the hills either side of the gorge, with an undergrowth of rosemary, rock roses, dwarf fan palms, thyme and lentiscus. Closer to the river are rushes, reeds, tamarisk and oleander, as well as poplar, willow and eucalyptus trees.
The rare Bonelli’s and golden eagles are present though you need to keep your eyes to the skies to see them, The easiest bird to spot here is the ever present griffon vultures who are present all year round. There are also red-billed choughs, crag martins, blue rock thrushes and crested tits, as well as numerous swifts, swallows and house martins in spring and summer.
Spanish ibex can be seen peering down at you from the heights and other mammals present that you may see are badger, fox and red deer.
Because of the proximity to the now famous Caminito del Rey the area has become a very popular area for climbers with people coming from all over the world to sample the very difficult climbs and to “walk” the kings path. However, you don’t have to be a climber to visit and enjoy this beautiful area of Andalucia. There are some lovely walks along the river and of course the small village sitting on top of the Conde de Guadalhorce dam is fascinating and a great place to spend an afternoon exploring and sampling the local food.
Our recommended restaurant is the “Meson del Conde” adjacent to the beautiful boutique hotel Posada del Conde.
FAQ: Desfiladero de los Gaitanes Natural Park
The park features one of Europe’s most dramatic limestone gorges, chiseled by the Guadalhorce River into towering cliff walls. Wooden walkways cling to these sheer faces, offering thrilling panoramic views. The landscape’s raw geology, combined with botanical and wildlife richness, makes it a standout natural landmark.
Desfiladero de los Gaitanes lies near El Chorro and runs parallel to the popular Caminito del Rey trail. But, you don’t have to walk the Caminito del Rey in order to enjoy this scenic area. There are plenty of short trails and viewpoints to enjoy.
The park is a biodiversity hotspot. Visitors often encounter birds of prey like griffon vultures and peregrine falcons. Botanical life includes cliff-dwelling orchids and ancient Mediterranean pines, while mammals such as otters, foxes, and mountain goats inhabit the riverbanks and rocky slopes.
Aside from Caminito del Rey hiking, the park is ideal for rock climbing, birdwatching, canyoning, and kayaking in adjacent reservoirs. Educational guided tours and botanical walks also allow deeper exploration of the area’s ecology and geology .
Spring and autumn offer mild weather and lush vegetation, ideal for hiking and photography. Early mornings or weekdays are best to avoid crowds, especially during summer or on popular trails like Caminito del Rey. Always check trail accessibility and weather updates before visiting .
Further reading.
For some pretty in depth information about the geology of the area you really should take a look at Linda Mary Fowlers amazing article about her “take” on a visit to the Caminito del Rey… Like she says its mostly about “rocks” (and reading between the lines, I think she slowed the group down quite a bit!) 🙂
Check it out here: https://rocksandolives.blogspot.com/2016/10/the-kings-little-path-el-caminito-del.html
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
Hello,
We are at the 05/04/2016 in Spain and my friend and i want to do the caminito del rey on this date.Can you tell my if i can make a Reservation for the entrance ticket on thise Website.
Greatings from Belgium
Georg Schleck