Hiking La Garganta Verde in Andalusia, Spain

Where is La Garganta Verde & What to Expect

The La Garganta Verde hiking trail is located in the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, about a 10-minute drive from Zahara de la Sierra, one of Spain’s beautiful white villages.

The Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to several canyons, including the impressive Garganta Verde (“Green Gorge”).

The trail to this 400-meter-deep canyon winds through lush greenery, giving off serious Jurassic Park vibes. As you hike, you’ll have vultures soaring so close overhead that you can admire them up close and even hear the powerful beat of their wings!

If you’re lucky, you might also spot other unique birds, eagles, ibex, and more along the way.

Definitely one of the best hikes we did in Andalusia! But it’s a hike that has to be earned as the descent is steep, and the climb back up is just as tough (scroll below to get the hike’s details).

La Garganta Verde hiking trail is closed from 1st June to 15th October due to the risk of fire. Dogs aren’t allowed to protect the fauna and flora.

How to Get to the Hike Starting Point

La Garganta Verde hike starting point is accessible by the CA-9104 road. Enter ‘Sendero La Garganta Verde + Barranquismo‘ on your GPS device to get there.

• From Zahara de la Sierra: it’s only a 9-min drive (4.2 kilometers) from the village. 
• From Cadiz: it’s a 1.5-hour drive through the CA-35, then the routes  E-5, A-382 and CA-9104. 
• From Seville: it’s a 1.5-hour drive through the A-92, then the routes A-376,  A-375, A-2300 and CA-9104. 
• From Malaga: it’s a 2-hour drive through the routes A-357, A-367, A-374 and A-2300 to CA-9104.

You’ll arrive directly at a small parking lot where you can park your car for free. 

Access to the hike requires a permit, which must be secured at least 24 hours in advance. It’s a simple form you have to fill on this link or you can get it by emailing cv_elbosque@agenciademedioambienteyagua.es. The permit system helps control the number of visitors to reduce the impact on local wildlife, so I recommend getting your permit as early as you can.

Sendero La Garganta Verde Hike Details

La Garganta Verde

Hard

2 hours    5.5 km / 3.4 miles

777m / 2,549ft    779m / 2,556ft

View Hike

🚶 Hike distance: The total distance of this return trip hike is about 5.5 kilometers / 3.4 miles.

⏱️ Hike duration: It took us about 2 hours to complete the hike, including breaks. We took our time watching the vultures on the way there but kept a faster pace on the way back. If you want to take it slow, plan for at least an extra 30 minutes, and add an hour if you’re hiking with kids.

↗️ Hike elevation: The first third of the trail is relatively flat, but then the steep descent begins. It’s a tough, stair-like drop (sometimes even steeper) leading down into the heart of the gorge. At the bottom, a rocky path with huge boulders takes you to the Cueva de La Ermita. The return is along the same route, so the climb back up is just as challenging, with a few tricky spots where you’ll need to use your hands to climb.

😰 Hike difficulty: The hike is tiring due to the steep elevation changes. The descent into the canyon is very demanding as you’ll need to be careful not to fall or slip, so you have to focus all along. Some parts are tricky so you’ll have to use your hands. The climb back to the hiking point is equally difficult as it’s very steep with many sections requiring some handwork. Your cardio will definitely get a workout!

If you’re wondering whether you can do it with kids, I’d say yes if your kids are used to hike. We saw a family with 2 kids (probably about 8-10 year old?) on the trail and and they were doing great, but they were experienced hikers. However, if you’re kids aren’t used to hiking, I definitely don’t recommend doing it. It’s tough and dangerous if you’re kids are beginners. 

Hiking La Garganta Verde

We did this hike on our way from Cadiz to discover the pueblos blancos of Zahara de la Sierra, Olvera, Setenil de la Bodegas, and Ronda. 

After checking into our hotel in Zahara, we arrived at the trailhead around 4 pm, coming straight from Cadiz. We parked and started the hike by passing through a small green gate, all under a blazing sun.

The first part of the hike is roughly flat for about 20 minutes, mostly exposed to the sun. Soon, the first cliffs of Garganta Verde come into view, along with a stunning panorama of the Sierra del Pinar. 

Keep an eye on the sky and horizon to watch the griffon vultures soar over the canyon. At one point, we a loud whoosh right above us: the vulture had landed right next to us and we were able to observe it in its nest from very close up. It was truly magical!

After that, the path starts to drop sharply and turns into steep stairs, mostly carved into the rock. You have to be careful here not to slip, so take it slow. The views remain spectacular as you make your way down. 

The path then leads into some bushes, and you’ll start to feel the refreshing coolness of the canyon. You’ll reach a sign marking the end of the hike, but keep going a bit further until reaching the dry bed of the Bocaleones stream. You’ll find yourself at the base of the canyon. 

Walking along the streambed over large boulders, you’ll come across a small cave. A little further on is the Cueva de la Ermita, a massive cave with pink stalactites hanging.

We enjoyed a well-deserved break in the fresh air of the canyon on a huge boulder and then started the climb back up.

The sun was starting to set on our way back, casting a softer light and giving us new perspectives of the surrounding nature. It was absolutely stunning!

Things To Know Before Hitting The Trail

Here are a few tips that are good to know before hitting La Ruta Garganta Verde:

• I said it earlier but since it’s important, I’m telling you this again: you have to get a permit to access this hike. It’s easy to get it simply by filling in this form online. I recommend doing it as soon as you can and having the PDF with you on the hike (either downloaded on your phone or the paper version, as you prefer).  
• It’s not recommended to do this hike in the rain (or after it has rained), as it becomes very muddy and slippery, and therefore dangerous. So check the weather at least the day before. 
• The trail is in the middle of wild nature with nesting animals, so you have to be quiet and discrete so you don’t disturb them. You’ll see signs on the way warning you. 
• Wearing proper hiking gear is essential for this hike, at least sturdy walking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen. 
• Bring enough water and some snacks with you as there’s nothing on the trail. 

Where to Stay Near La Garganta Verde

Zahara de la Sierra is the closest village to stay in as it’s only a 9-minute drive from the hike starting point. Here are my best recommendations in the village: 

✅ Best Hotel – Hotel Tugasa Arco de la Villa: This is the place we’ve stayed in, and we were 100% satisfied. The room is large enough and the bathroom modern. Situated high above the village, the view from the room on the lake is amazing! 

🏃 Runner up – Casa Rural Candelas: This is a very beautiful house located in the heart of the village. Brand new, beautifully decorated, and featuring a cute terrace, everything is perfect here with an amazing value for money.

🔍 Read more about Andalusia:

• One Day in Cordoba
• Malaga to Seville Day Trip
• Hiking El Torcal de Antequera
• Best Things to Do in Guadix
• Hiking La Ruta de Los Cahorros de Monachil
• Hiking the Gorafe Desert

I hope you enjoy your hike; if you have any questions, let me know in the comments below!

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