Some people seem to be a bit confused about the Caminito del Rey rules and regulations and some have even been stopped from entering because they have the wrong type of rucksack or refuse to give up their selfie stick.
So here is a basic list of rules
Hours of opening:
From October 31st to March 31st (winter) and from April 1st to November 1st (summer).
The gates open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (winter time ) and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (summer).
The pathway will allow 50 people at half hour intervals to enter from the access point (Lakes, Kings chair, Kiosko bar.) There is no access from the El Chorro side. The maximum number of people allowed to be on the path at any one time is 400
The path is closed on Mondays plus December 24th, 25th and 31st, and January 1st.
The most important rules
- For organised groups the maximum is 50 people plus the guide.
- Children under 8 years old are not allowed. (Visitors over the age of 8 and under 18 must be accompanied by an adult and provide proof of age through an ID, passport, family book or equivalent so it can be verified along the route by Staff. Plus, adults must always carry a proof of age document as it will be required in order to enter and exit the path)
- The route is LINEAR so you can’t walk there and back. (If you have parked your car by the lake, kings chair, kiosko bar area then you get a shuttle bus back from El Chorro where the Caminito del Rey pathway ends.)
- The total length of the Caminito del Rey is 7.7 kms. The actual elevated route is almost 5 kms and the rest the access footpaths. Estimated time for walking the path is about 4.5 hours.
- There are no toilet facilities along the path. (Toilets at the start point).
- There is no where to buy food or water (bring your own and
Picnicing along the pathway is not allowed). - The path is not recommended if you are afraid of heights or are generally unfit.
- Safety helmets will be provided at the start of the Camino del Rey and must be worn at all times.
- You cannot carry large rucksacks. (The kind backpackers use). Only a small rucksack to carry water and other essentials is allowed.
- Umbrellas are not allowed 🙂
- Selfie sticks are not allowed
- No pets allowed.
There are lots of other Caminito del Rey rules and regulations but the above cover the most important ones. Funnily enough, you aren’t allowed to scatter the ashes of your favorite Grandmother along the Caminito and neither are you allowed to take your clothes or shoes off
Seriously no ash scattering or stripping please! 🙂
Caminito del Rey: Key Rules & Regulations FAQ
The trail prohibits large backpacks, oversized bags, drones, pets, smoking, and bicycles. For safety and flow, only small day packs or waist pouches are allowed.
Yes—helmets are mandatory for everyone on the trail. They are supplied free of charge at the entrance and must be worn throughout the hike.
No—straying off the designated wooden walkway or climbing on barriers, rocks, or cliffs is strictly forbidden. This is essential to preserve visitor safety, as the Caminito runs along sheer gorge edges.
Children under the age of 8 are not permitted, and the trail is unsuitable for people with serious mobility issues due to height and narrow sections. However, families and adults with moderate fitness levels generally manage the route comfortably.
In emergencies like illness or injury, notify a staff member immediately—there are first-aid points along the route. If bad weather (heavy rain, wind) occurs, the trail may close. In that case, entry tickets are automatically eligible for rescheduling via the “Canjeo por cierre” process.
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!
Can I have my own professional hiking helmet?
What a great question…. I have no answer to it! 🙂 Have you tried contacting the official site? https://www.caminitodelrey.info/en/contact
Please let me know how you get on and if they answer you.
Hi. Can I fly my Drone in there? I have certificate from Easa and Insurance. Can I use my camera with tripod? Thanks
Hi Anderson…. According to the official rules you can’t enter with a tripod or fly a drone… https://www.caminitodelrey.info/en/your-visit/prohibitions
Taking photos or videos with a tripod or using cameras and equipment that can block other visitors’ way without explicit premission from management.
As this Natural Beauty Spot is an important bird sanctuary it is absolutely forbidden to use drones or similar machines, except when authorized by the correspondent environmental consultancy.