Some 8 kilometers or so from the bohemian and vibrant city of Granada is Monachil, a beautiful mountain town little known to tourists and perfect for unwinding from urban life during a day trip. Although it is a place well known by the people of Granada, in the past, outsiders used to not stop in this town; but, in recent years, this area has been gaining popularity among hikers and hikers from outside the province thanks to the Cahorros de Monachil and its hanging bridges . Do you want to know more about this dream route? Keep reading!
The route of Los Cahorros de Monachil
With its wild flowers, its colorful fruit trees full of apricots, and the scent of nature that lavender, thyme and rosemary that line its paths, the lush Monachil Valley is a beautiful area to walk . Although it can be done throughout the year, the walk is especially recommended when the flowers bloom in spring and when the leaves turn golden in autumn. In the cold months, it is better to avoid it.
The Monachil river is born in El Veleta, one of the highest mountains in Spain, and its waters are clean and cold because they descend directly from the mountains. In summer, the temperature is bearable for everyone, but in other seasons it is only suitable for the bravest.
The hike begins in the town of Monachil, following the river through the gorge, and then returning along a higher route, from which you get a good view of the entire valley . The walk is suitable for all ages, but keep in mind that there are sections where you need to walk under the protruding rock along the side of the gorge and hold on with metal handles placed on the rock to help you pass .
The uncertain origin of the term “cahorro”
The first thing that surprises you about this excursion is the curious name it receives: after all, “cahorro” is not a very well-known word outside the area and it is not even collected by the RAE . Its etymological origin, therefore, is unknown, but even so there are different popular meanings for the term:
- Rugged and steep place; throat, chop or barrel.
- Steep and rugged furrows on the slopes of the hills
- I pass inside a gully or a valley.
- According to Fidel Fernández, in his book “Sierra Nevada”, it comes from the toponymic penibetism “canhorro”, used to describe steep, almost vertical ravines through which the water runs.
In any case, it is clear that it refers to the geographical accident that is crossed during the route, the steep valley through which the Monachil river runs, which gives the town its name.
Los Cahorros de Monachil step by step
Those who go to Los Cahorros de Monachil for the first time may feel that the path is not sufficiently signposted, since there is a long distance between one sign and the next, and several detours to other areas that can cause you to deviate from the main path. Although it is difficult to get lost , if you want to avoid any problems, you just have to follow these steps:
Walk through the village along the river until you reach a bridge with many wooden signs , where the walk begins. Cross to the south side of the bridge, and take the path that goes up to the left (following the route marked ” Cahorros por el camino del río “).
After about 100 meters, you must follow the path down to the left, always along the river . About 900 meters later, you will have to turn left to go around a hydroelectric power station , and continue on the main path.
Hanging bridges
Following the main path, you will have to cross four hanging bridges . The largest of all will be the first, which you will have to cross and then turn right into a path along the canal. The hanging bridges of the Cahorros de Monachil can seem somewhat daunting at first glance, considering that the longest is 55 meters and stands about 15 meters above the river and is 112 years old, but you should not worry because they are very safe.
When they cross paths, you do notice a bit of movement and jerking, but this adds to the fun. The longest and highest is in perfect magazine condition, but in the next two we will find certain sections in worse condition. However, the city council is in charge of examining them and keeping them ready, and we have never heard of any problems or accidents. Of course, if the heights give you vertigo, it may cost you something more.
After crossing the second suspension bridge , you have to climb some steps. Follow the steps, staying on the main path that you can follow next to the wooden railing. Once you’ve crossed a third suspension bridge, turn right and cross the last one . Keep in mind that bridges cannot be crossed by more than four people at the same time, as indicated on the sign.
The gorge
This is the most spectacular part of the walk , although the path through the gorge is quite uncomfortable in some sections due to the lack of head space, although the truth is that children love it: walking holding on to the metal handles from the rock, crawling through the tunnels and caves (the Cueva de las Palomas), stopping at the pools to take a dip and have a good picnic, watch the climbers ascending the bare rock… A real adventure!
The return
Being a circular route, to return to the town the road first winds uphill. After about 700 meters there are some wooden posts that will indicate the main path to Monachil and Purche that you must follow . There is no detour to take, so ignore the farm trails on the left. When you reach the wooden signs for Purche Est. De Esqui and Azuelas Hazallana, turn left. After less than 2 km, you will see a car park and the main road. Walk through it briefly and you will be back in town.
How to get to Los Cahorros
Getting to Monachil from Granada is relatively easy. By car, you follow the GR-3202 almost all the way from the city to Monachil . For those who do not have their own transport, bus 0183 has an hourly service that lasts about 30 minutes and costs only a couple of euros.
If you are coming directly from the Costa del Sol to Monachil, take the A292 and start following the Sierra Nevada signs (exit 132 Ronda Sur) just as you start to enter Granada.
Once you get to Monachil you have two options:
- Park in the town, take a look at the surroundings and walk to the starting point (only recommended for hikers wanting to walk: it is several kilometers).
- Go directly to El Puntarrón Restaurant on the outskirts of town. A little further up there is a car park where the main route begins.
