This trail programme runs through the Natural Park of Cabo de Gata-Nijar. It combines routes along the coastline with riding through valleys further inland where you can find beautiful scenery and small, unknown villages.
7 nights, 6 days riding, 5-6 hours per day.
Preliminary day-by-day program
Day 1. Arrival. You will meet your guide and horses and learn about the route you will undertake over the next few days. Dinner and overnight in the hotel el Sotillo or Dña Pakita http://www.playasycortijos.com/hotel-cortijo-el-sotillo/
Day. 2. SAN JOSÉ - MÓNSUL - SAN JOSÉ
The beaches of Indiana Jones. Assignment and preparation of the horses after breakfast, at 9.30 a.m., in our stables in San José (5 minutes walk from the Sotillo hotel, 5 minutes drive from Pakyta hotel).
Brief explanation about equipment and safety. Start of the trailhead towards the beaches of Genoveses, Mónsul and Media Luna where scenes from "Indiana Jones", "Lawrence of Arabia" and "For a Fistful of Dollars" were filmed. These beaches offer the opportunity to gallop and feel that wonderful sense of freedom. After a picnic lunch, riders return to San José through the Tesorillo Valley.
Day 3. SAN JOSÉ - RODALQUILAR
Today's destination is Rodalquilar, to the north. The route crosses Sierra de Gata and its lunar landscapes with craters of ancient volcanoes, stopping at the small town of "Los Albaricoques", where the famous scenes of "For a Fistful of Dollars" and "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" were filmed.
Picnic in "El Cortijo del Fraile", one of the emblematic places in the park where the events that inspired Federico García to write "Blood Wedding" took place.
Night at the Hotel www.oroyluz.com or similar.
Day 4. RODALQUILAR - EL PLAYAZO - CALA DEL CUERVO
East of Cabo de Gata. The route climbs up to La Torre de los Lobos, from where, depending on the time of year, you can enjoy panoramic views of the park and the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada. Picnic by the seaside at Cala del Cuervo. From there, after passing through a palm tree oasis, you will reach the famous beach of El Playazo, popular since Roman times and a passageway for pirates. Return to Rodalquilar. Dinner at a local restaurant on the beach to enjoy a special menu of grilled fish.¨ Night at the Hotel www.oroyluz.com or similar
Day 5. RODALQUILAR - GOLD MINE - RODALQUILAR
Heading north-west along the old gold mine route, you will pass through small ravines that were once the only link between the mountain farms and the sea. We cross the crater of the volcano that now forms the Rodalquilar valley, passing a series of mineral walls that still preserve some traces of gold. The route leads to the original mine facilities, which were in operation between 1933 and 1986.
Dinner and night in a hotel www.oroyluz.com
Day 6. RODALQUILAR- LAS NEGRAS -RODALQUILAR
Las Negras. From Rodalquilar to El Cerro Negro, in the bay of Las Negras, an impressive volcanic rock formation, in Cabo de Gata's geologic past. You will pass through orchards irrigated by the fresh water from the streams of the Rambla de las Agüillas, which collect in small ponds near the sea. Arrival in Rodalquilar at noon and transfer of clients to the town of "Las Negras" to taste a traditional paella. Return to the hotel on the footpath or by Cabacci's car. Free afternoon. Night at the hotel www.oroyluz.com
Day 7. RODALQUILAR -LA ISLETA DEL MORO- SAN JOSÉ
Back to San José, the route serpentines the coast lined with 18th century watchtowers, magnificent views and a palm oasis. Watchtowers were used to monitor the coast in case of pirate attacks. Picnic on the beach of Los Escullos, next to San Felipe fort. Dinner and overnight at Sotillo hotel (or Doña Pakyta hotel) in San José.
Day 8. Breakfast and departure.
