A 20-year-old British tourist has died after falling from a perilous section of Spain’s infamous Caminito del Rey hiking trail, known for its treacherous paths and stunning views.
The incident occurred on Wednesday as the man attempted a risky climb without safety equipment.
The unnamed tourist was hiking in the area known as Puente del Mono (Monkey Bridge), a section with sheer drops of over 700 feet. Around 11 a.m., he reportedly climbed 30 to 40 meters without ropes or a harness before losing his footing and hitting his head during the fall.
The impact left him unconscious, prompting his friends to call emergency services immediately.
Specialist rescue teams from the Guardia Civil, assisted by a helicopter from Granada, arrived swiftly. Rescuers performed CPR on-site before airlifting the man to a nearby heliport.
Despite their efforts, medical personnel pronounced him dead shortly after arrival.
A Guardia Civil spokesperson stated, “Members of the specialist Civil Guard Greim mountain rescue team based in Alora near Malaga, supported by a Civil Guard helicopter, have rescued the body of a young British man.
He fell while crossing a via Ferrata in the Monkey Bridge area. Despite performing CPR and evacuating him rapidly, his death was confirmed upon arrival at the heliport.”
The Caminito del Rey, initially constructed in 1905 to serve workers at the El Chorro hydroelectric power station, was refurbished in 2015 to improve safety.
However, it remains one of the world’s most daunting hikes, attracting thrill-seekers eager for its breathtaking but dangerous cliffside pathways, which feature ladders, steel cables, and narrow walkways.
This tragic incident follows another recent death involving a British tourist in Spain. A 26-year-old influencer fell 40 to 50 meters just months ago while attempting to climb the 630-foot Castilla-La Mancha bridge without a harness.
The incidents underscore the risks associated with extreme hiking and the importance of proper safety precautions on challenging routes like Caminito del Rey.
