Angosturas Guadalmina River
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This route runs along part of the course of the Guadalmina River as it passes through the municipality of Benahavís, in a singular route that has to be done in some stretches by swimming.
It consists of a short gully in the Guadalmina river bed (Benahavís, Málaga), in the place known as Charco de las Mozas, which is confined in a short distance to cross a steep area, forming a narrowness or narrowness. It is possible to make the descent even in the rainy season, paying attention to the narrowest areas where the current can be strong.
The route only has one abseil in a dam, located almost at the end of the ravine, in the area where the channel reopens. For its short route and absence of difficulties is a ravine indicated to begin in this activity. Some jumps can be made at the entrance of the ravine. The descent is possible at any time of the year, the flow being practically constant, although the rainy season is surely the most attractive.
LOCATION
The starting point of this route is located in what is popularly known as Charca de las Mozas (COORDENADAS 36.517237, -5.039850). This water pool is meters before reaching the entrance to the town of Benahavís. Until it is accessed on foot by stairs located on one side of the road. To get to Benahavís from Málaga, take the A-7 motorway in the direction of Algeciras. After crossing the San Pedro de Alcántara, take exit 181A, where you follow a local road (MA-547) that leads first to the Angosturas del Guadalmina.
ITINERARY
Spectacular pools, surprising gorges crossed by the river and crystal clear waters are some of the claims of crossing the Guadalmina River for its well-known Angosturas. In a section that can be done in just over an hour and a half (one way), where there are some challenges for physical fitness, such as descending by a rope or swimming in sections of more than fifty meters. Therefore, it is advisable especially to take into account these aspects before venturing into this route. In addition, there are active tourism companies with expert monitors that can be hired to make this itinerary.
The proposed route begins precisely in the well-known Charca de las Mozas, very frequented by bathers in summer. Following down the river, it will be necessary to alternate at the beginning small pools in which there will be no choice but to get into sections where you have to go over stones carefully so as not to slip. This is how the first and surprising narrows are reached, which take us to exotic prints more typical of other latitudes.
One of the most spectacular areas is the cavity that must be crossed in the course of the river. From there they go through precisely deeper sections in which there will be an important physical wear for those not used to swimming. Another challenge is to descend by the small dam built meters below. This reduction is not recommended in the case that the person does not have security or previous experience. It is not complicated, but if you do not get off with the necessary confidence we can take a good blow. Arrived there, those who do not want to go down for any reason always have another alternative: Go up a small via ferrata located on the right wall, which leads us to the road.
In the case of going down, you have to be very careful with the stones that are lower down which are even more slippery. Anyone who has arrived there must be aware that they have almost reached the end of the journey. It is enough to swim a stretch of more than fifty meters swimming to reach a large pool where the river seems to end. In this part, similar to a small beach (stony, yes), you can rest.
The way back can be done by an old ditch currently enabled as a hiking route. For this it is necessary to cross a wooden bridge that passes just above the narrows. To reach the bridge you have to climb from the small beach on the right following a small dirt track. Once this structure is crossed, the canal is reached and the path upstream continues. In just over an hour you will reach the starting point, the Charca de las Mozas.
To make this route you have to wear shoes and clothes. It must be taken into account that it is an amphibious route and that, therefore, it is very important to have a sticky sole with sufficient thickness, since from so much walking on stones the soles of the feet can suffer. It is also advisable to bring some spare shoes for the return home. Regarding clothes, a swimsuit-or a neoprene suit for the coolest-may suffice. You will have to get into the water in any case to make the journey. It is also advisable to carry bags and sealed containers to protect phones, cameras or other objects so that they do not get wet.
Although several pools of crystalline water can be very tempting, you have to avoid throwing yourself on them, because sometimes there are big stones underneath that can give us a dislike. The same happens when you swim along one of the narrow sections.