Garganta El Saltillo and Canillas de Aceituno. – Small Group (8p max) –

The trip to El Saltillo and Canillas de Aceituno.

In this El Saltillo gorge and white village tour we will depart from Malaga city center (calle ordoñez,2) in our confortable van. It is a 50 min. drive that you will share with other independent travelers from all around the world. During the trip you will discover the Axarquia valley. It is a unique valley in Spain and Europe because it is specialized in tropical plantations, mainly avocado trees, mangos and custard apple.

The Hike until El Saltillo gorge.

Once in Canillas de Aceituno, we will start the excursion. At first, we will visit this beautiful white village. Here the population lives apart of the touristic industry,  working in the agriculture or construction sector. The streets are full of plants and flowers which makes the town one of the most beautiful ones in Malaga. The white walls of the houses reflect the sun and makes it difficult to look at them.

While crossing the most beautiful streets you realize how hard are these lands. You will notice in your legs how steep are the streets. We have slowly reached the top of the village and we are already at the arab irrigation cannal, in the limit with the Natural Park.

From there, we will walk along the irrigation cannal until the canyon. Along the path, we will enjoy the stunning views, the olive tree plantations and the aromatic plants. The walking trail is narrow but mainly flat with just a couple of steep areas (5 minutes each). No problem at all because we will stop by so many times to interpretate the landscape.

After 2 hours walking, we will reach El Saltillo, the gorge (garganta) made by the almanchares river. Here the landscape is breathtaking. We have to cross some pasarels at one side of the canyon until we reach the river. There, we will do a relaxed picnic after the walk. The crystal clean water of the river makes it ideal to go for a swim in the beautiful pools (not in winter). It is the best reward after the trekking.

The way back.

After 30 minutes enjoying beside the river, it is time to come back. It is late in the afternoon and the sun is going down. The wild goats are thirsty in El Saltillo and they go to the river looking for some water. They have more activity in the afternoon so it is easier to see them. When the sunset is close, the colours in the mountains change, the gorge becomes orange, the landscape feels magic for moments.

We are almost in Canillas de Aceituno again and the water in the cannal and the sound of the birds makes you merge with the nature. We still have time to admire the sunset in the hills. Getting into the van to come back to Malaga, you will feel that you got an unique experience and, maybe, friends forever.