Adventure · Montejaque

Presa de los Caballeros via ferrata

On the outskirts of Montejaque, this via ferrata climbs the wall of a century-old dam, above the gorge of the Gaduares river and the mouth of the Cueva del Hundidero. It has three sections for different levels, a Tibetan bridge and a zip line.

Where

Presa de los Caballeros, next to the Cueva del Hundidero (Montejaque, Málaga)

Parking

Open area next to the MA-8403 road, near km 3: the same as for the Cueva del Hundidero

Approach

About 15 minutes on foot from the car park

Sections

Three sections of about 260, 220 and 190 metres, with about 70 metres of height gain

Difficulty

From K1 (beginner) to K3 (intermediate)

Extras

Tibetan bridge of about 70 metres and zip line of about 70 metres, both optional

Duration

3 to 4 hours with a guide

Opened

June 2024

A via ferrata on a dam that never filled

The Presa de los Caballeros was built in the early 20th century to dam the Gaduares river, but the water leaked through the limestone into the Hundidero-Gato cave system and the dam stood almost empty for nearly a century. In 2024 a via ferrata opened on its wall: rungs, cables and walkways that let you climb the dam wall in a harness, always clipped to a safety line.

The result is a different kind of activity: you climb a century-old concrete wall, with the gorge at your feet and the mouth of the Cueva del Hundidero in the background.

The three sections

Section I (K1, about 260 m). The easiest, with no overhangs. It suits first-timers and finishes at the Tibetan bridge.

Section II (about 220 m). More vertical, with some overhangs. You can finish via the Tibetan bridge or by a side exit.

Section III (K3, about 190 m). Also with overhangs, and the only one that gives access to the zip line.

Each section takes about 40 minutes. You enter through an old gallery in the dam, so bring a head torch. Some rungs are remains of the original construction and are thicker than usual, so not every carabiner closes properly on them.

How to get there

Park in the open area next to the MA-8403 road, near km 3, where there are signs from the Andalusian regional government. It is the same car park used to walk down to the Cueva del Hundidero. From there, follow the path towards the cave and, at a signposted fork, take the path to the via ferrata: about 15 minutes' walk in total.

From Casa Minarete the car park is a few minutes' drive away, on the edge of the village.

With a guide or on your own?

If you have no experience, it is best to go with a company of qualified guides. They usually include the helmet, harness and certified energy absorber, and the price is around €50 per person depending on the group. The minimum age depends on the company: the easy section usually accepts children from about 10, and the harder sections and the zip line from 14.

If you are experienced and have your own certified equipment, check the status of the route and the access rules beforehand.

Tips

Go on a weekday if you can: at weekends several company groups overlap.

The wall faces south and the sun is strong in summer: start early and bring water, a cap and sunscreen.

Wear hiking boots or trainers with a good sole. Fingerless gloves help with the cables.

Once you are on a section there are no escape routes, so check the forecast before you start and don't do it in rain or strong wind.

Combine it with the short walk to the Cueva del Hundidero, which starts from the same car park.

Sources: Vías Ferratas en Andalucía: Presa de los Caballeros · Picobarro: Presa de los Caballeros via ferrata · Al Andalus Activa · Telecinco: status of the dam (July 2026). Check the status of the route, the rules and access before your visit, as they can change.