Chillar River Route

The Hiking route along the Chillar Riverin Nerja, or Cahorros Route, is a combination of walking and swimming. In essence, we are walking along the Chillar River to finally reach a pool where we can swim.

The Chillar River is famous for its canyons, gorges, and landscapes resulting from the erosion of limestone.

However, it is important to keep in mind that if we want to do this route with children, the difficulty of the route is moderate, with the most challenging part being the section from the first pool (where the famous Cahorros are located) to the area known as La Presa.

You should know that you will always walk surrounded by water and native plants. It is a free natural park, so it is important to take care of the natural environment. It is strictly forbidden to litter, make fires, or pick fruits or plants.

This natural area of the Chillar River is located between the municipalities of Cómpeta and Nerja, in the heart of the Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Natural Park.

Important information you should know to do the Hiking route Chillar River

The complete route of the Chillar River has a length of about 9 km one way, until reaching “La Presa,” and 9 km back along the same path. Depending on the stops made, the complete route has a duration of about 6 to 8 hours (round trip), so it is recommended to start the route early in the morning, if possible at sunrise.

You will walk on the Chillar River, which usually covers up to the ankles or knees, depending on the water level of the river. It has a moderate difficulty level, so if we are going to do it with children, it is recommended not to go all the way to the end. In this case, it is recommended to reach the first pool where the famous Cahorros are located (about 5 km one way and 5 km back, with a duration of about 3 hours).

The recommended time to do it is from March to October, although it is open all year round. If you are going with family, especially children, we recommend going from March to June to avoid overcrowding and enjoy it better.

What do you need to bring for the Hiking route Chillar River?

Regarding clothing, it is important to come prepared for the route, taking into account that we are going to walk in the water. Therefore, it is advised to wear waterproof boots that have a good grip. It is important to bring a swimsuit to enjoy swimming in the pools and, if possible, bring a change of clothes to change into after the route. It is also recommended to wear a hat and, if possible, bring a hiking stick to help with walking on the slippery rocks.

Keep in mind that you will be doing a route in a natural park, so there is nowhere to buy anything. It is important to bring all your supplies, water and/or isotonic drinks, and food. However, keep in mind that you will have to carry everything on your back.

As for accessories, it is important to bring sunscreen, especially in the summer months when the sun is stronger. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the best moments of such a beautiful and lively nature. And equally important, bring your mobile phone in a waterproof case, along with everything else, in a waterproof backpack.

Where is the recommended starting point for the Río Chillar route?

To start the Chillar River route, we will leave the car in the municipal public car parks, on Mirto Street and in the Almijara-Flamingo area. From here, we will start the walk towards the river and once we reach the power plant, the route will begin. Specifically, the route begins at a huge eucalyptus tree, which marks the starting point, about 15 minutes’ walk from where we left the car.

In this route, we will find a series of waterfalls and crystal-clear pools, where we can jump and swim in the water. After the swim, we will continue along the riverbed until we reach the well-known “cahorros” which are passages carved in the rocks by erosion, approximately half an hour’s walk along trails from the starting point of the route. Exiting the cahorros, there is a large pool of water. This is where most people end the route, and even take advantage of the pool’s edge to rest and even have a picnic.

THE GOOD THING ABOUT THIS ROUTE IS THAT WE CAN TURN BACK WHENEVER WE WANT, AND THERE IS NO NEED TO REACH THE END.

It should be noted that from here on the route becomes somewhat more difficult, with an approximate duration of one and a half hours, through pools and basins where you can enjoy, until you reach Vado de los Patos, a larger pool with a waterfall. From here, you can continue until you reach La Presa, the end of the route, the ruins of an old construction with a reservoir.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THIS ROUTE IS ALSO VERY POPULAR AS A CANYONING ROUTE, ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE WHO ARE BEGINNING IN THIS ACTIVITY.