ESCALADA, PDF, Imprimir, E-Mail. Just a short drive from el chorro you will find this pleasant climbing Area which is perfect for the lower.
Los Gaitanes Gorge, also known as El Chorro, is narrow, rarely reaching more than ten metres across, and has vertical walls that reach up to 300 metres in height, making it one of the most spectacular locations in the Malaga Mountains. You will be amazed by the size of this gorge, which runs for more than three kilometres, dividing the landscape in two.
Halfway up its walls is the famous Caminito del Rey path. It got its name when king Alfonso XIII crossed it when he came to inaugurate the Conde del Guadalhorce dam in 1921. The start of the path offers spectacular views of the gorge.
Like a knife, the Guadalhorce River has gradually cut this spectacular gorge out of the rock of the Sierra de Huma Mountains over the ages. The rocks here have differing origins and ages, and have given rise to geological formations with caves and underground systems. A total of 20 geologically and archaeologically important caves have been catalogued. Some five kilometres from the village of Ardales is the cave of the same name. Important examples of prehistoric art (more than 1,000 motifs) have been discovered in more than 1,600 metres of galleries here. Visits must be arranged in advance.
Some of these caves are ideal for speleology. Furthermore, climbing enthusiasts will find more than 300 established routes on the walls in the area. Climbing must be practised with utmost respect for the environment, as these gorges are home to protected species of birds of prey. A good pair of binoculars will enable you to watch griffon vultures or the acrobatic flight of falcons while they hunt rock pigeons. In the upper areas you can see other unusual species such as mountain goats.
Before it enters Los Gaitanes Gorge, the course of the Guadalhorce River has beautiful reservoirs such as El Chorro. It is popular with people on days out and for water sports such as kayaking.
Halfway up its walls is the famous Caminito del Rey path. It got its name when king Alfonso XIII crossed it when he came to inaugurate the Conde del Guadalhorce dam in 1921. The start of the path offers spectacular views of the gorge.
Like a knife, the Guadalhorce River has gradually cut this spectacular gorge out of the rock of the Sierra de Huma Mountains over the ages. The rocks here have differing origins and ages, and have given rise to geological formations with caves and underground systems. A total of 20 geologically and archaeologically important caves have been catalogued. Some five kilometres from the village of Ardales is the cave of the same name. Important examples of prehistoric art (more than 1,000 motifs) have been discovered in more than 1,600 metres of galleries here. Visits must be arranged in advance.
Some of these caves are ideal for speleology. Furthermore, climbing enthusiasts will find more than 300 established routes on the walls in the area. Climbing must be practised with utmost respect for the environment, as these gorges are home to protected species of birds of prey. A good pair of binoculars will enable you to watch griffon vultures or the acrobatic flight of falcons while they hunt rock pigeons. In the upper areas you can see other unusual species such as mountain goats.
Before it enters Los Gaitanes Gorge, the course of the Guadalhorce River has beautiful reservoirs such as El Chorro. It is popular with people on days out and for water sports such as kayaking.
Situated only 50Km inland from Malaga, the rock climbing area of El Chorro is very diverse and has something for everyone. The main focal point is the huge limestone gorge, which offers some fantastic multi-pitch rock climbing with its own unique and intimidating atmosphere. There are around 800 routes at El Chorro across a good range of grades, with most of them being single pitch sport routes. The various crags provide everything a climber could wish for with excellent limestone slabs, tufas and exceptionally steep walls; most of it within walking distance of El Chorro village. It’s fair to say that El Chorro has become a classic winter climbing venue and the ideal time to visit is from October to the end of April.
El Chorro's Main Rock Climbing Areas
(1) The Lower Gorge
The Lower Gorge is very narrow and it is where El Chorro's most intimidating and adventurous routes are to be found. However since the Camino Del Ray walkway was repaired and restored in 2015 getting to these routes is considerably less intimidating than it used to be.
The Lower Gorge is very narrow and it is where El Chorro's most intimidating and adventurous routes are to be found. However since the Camino Del Ray walkway was repaired and restored in 2015 getting to these routes is considerably less intimidating than it used to be.