We walked the Camino del Desfiladero del Tajo in May 2024, just after it had opened. We weren’t sure whether the Camino would be worth the entrance fee, given that there are spectacular views of the gorge and Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) from several other free locations around the city. So, in the interests of research, we decided to give it a go so we could report back!
What is the Camino del Desfiladero del Tajo?
The Camino del Desfiladero del Tajo is a short walk that runs along the side of the gorge in Ronda, and down to the base of the Punete Nuevo. It gives users a unique perspective of the gorge and the bridge, from an angle not experienced elsewhere. You can currently walk right to the base of the bridge.
Where is the Camino del Desfiladero del Tajo?
To get to the start of the Camino del Desfiladero, just head to the Plaza Maria Auxiliadora, which is on the south side of the gorge, just a short distance from the Puente Nuevo. From the plaza, a trail leads down into the gorge. This eventually reaches the Arab Arch, where you’ll find one of the most famous Ronda Bridge viewpoints. Before that mirador, about half way along the trail, is a white building – this is the ticket kiosk for the Camino del Desfiladero.
The Camino itself runs from the kiosk, along the cliffside, zigzagging gently down towards the base of the bridge.
What can you see on the Camino del Desfiladero del Tajo?
This is the view you’ll be treated to as you walk along the Camino pathway:
You’ll also see the waterfall and its pool closer up. In summer, the waterfall is a bit obscured by all the greenery but it’s still cool to see.
Along the route you can also spot the irrigation channels and foliage-covered ruined old buildings that sit in the bottom of the gorge just below the bridge.
This is the view you’ll get closer to the bridge:
The end of the trail at the base of the bridge was a bit of an anti-climax, with just a locked green door that prevents you from going any further. We assume that the second part of the trail, once built, will continue from here.
How much does the Camino del Desfiladero del Tajo cost?
The entrance fee is currently €5 per person and includes the use of a helmet and hairnet (which you must wear underneath). You can just buy tickets at the kiosk, although at busy times you might have to wait a little while as they only allow 30 people on the trail at once. If you’re visiting in peak season, it might be better to purchase your tickets online to guarantee entry at your chosen time. We visited in May, just bought tickets on site, and only had to wait around 10 minutes.
How long does it take to walk the Camino del Desfiladero?
The round trip took us about 30 minutes, including lots of dawdling for photos, so it’s easy to fit into a 2-day Ronda itinerary or even a day trip.
What is the pathway like on the Camino del Desfiladero?
The path down from Plaza Maria Auxiliadora is well maintained, with stone paving and cobbles. However, it’s very steep, so wouldn’t be suitable for travellers with mobility needs or indeed anyone with dodgy knees. From the entrance kiosk for the Camino, the pathway continues with concrete cobbled steps down into the gorge.
Is the Camino del Desfiladero del Tajo worth the price?
It really depends on your objectives. If you’re just doing it for the amazing views, then I’d suggest saving yourself the entrance fee and just walking down to the Arab Arch instead, which is free. The view of Puente Nuevo from here is the best in town. However, if you want to get up close to the base of the bridge, then this is the only way to do it, so the fee is perhaps worth it. Personally, we thought the experience was overpriced and so can’t really recommend it when there are so many other incredible viewpoints in the area that are free. By contrast, the spectacular (and much longer!) Caminito del Rey over near Malaga only costs €10 to enter.
Having said that, the mirador just below the entrance kiosk is stunning, and you can’t access that without a ticket for the Camino del Desfiladero del Tajo. So, if you don’t want to walk all the way down to the Arab Arch (or more to the point, don’t fancy the hot slog back up again), then it could be worth paying the fee just to access this viewpoint if photos are your priority. Still, it’s a lot of money for a photo!
Future plans for the Camino
Construction on the second phase of the gorge walkway has now begun, and is expected to be completed in 2025. A suspended path will follow on from where it currently ends at the base of the Puente Nuevo, allowing users to walk right along the gorge to the Arab Baths.
We think that by lengthening the route and taking in more of the gorge, the Camino del Desfiladero del Tajo will be much more worthy of an entrance fee. No doubt the price will go up, but being right down inside the gorge will truly be a special experience, and one we can’t wait to try out.
