Los Gaitanes Gorge, also known as El Chorro, is narrow, barely 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 trail, 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 caving.

Furthermore, climbing enthusiasts will find more than 300 established routes on the walls in the area. Climbing must be practised with the utmost respect for the environment, as these gorges are home to protected species of birds of prey.

Resolution of July 11th, 2018, of the Territorial Delegation for the Environment and Spatial Planning in Malaga, which regulates the practice of climbing in the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes and Torcal de Antequera (Málaga) Natural Areas


A good pair of binoculars will enable you to watch griffon vultures or the acrobatic flight of falcons while they hunt rock pigeons. In higher areas you can see other species such as wild 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.