Water shoots skyward near Montanejos. I love how this trip pairs the El Chorro water spectacle with time to relax in the Fuentes de los Baños pools that stay around 23°C year-round. The big thing to consider is the hike can be a real workout in heat, and there are age/health limits for safety.

What makes this day trip click is the pacing: you get a guided trail with enough structure to feel confident, then you land at the thermal pools with real downtime. Guides like Alejandro and Nouha (and others such as Manu, Taoufik, Paco, Francesco, and Marco) are repeatedly noted for being friendly and for keeping things moving without being bossy.

If you’re hoping for a pure “sit and enjoy views” day, you’ll still enjoy the scenery. But you’ll need to choose your effort level wisely, because the route is about 9 km for the standard hike (often shortened in summer) and can get wet.

Key highlights worth showing up for

• El Chorro’s massive water jet: a showpiece with an output listed at 300,000 liters per minute
• Thermal pools at 23°C: mineral-rich water and a long-standing Moorish origin story tied to Abu Zeit
• Guided hike along the Mijares River: you’re walking through the heart of the scenery instead of just driving past it
• Options if you’d rather not hike: the hiking part isn’t mandatory, and the trip works for non-swimmers
• You’ll likely get wet: plan for soaking near water sections and even a dam area on some routes

A day trip that feels like two perfect halves

This outing is built around a simple idea: get your heart rate up in the morning, then cool down the right way. Half the experience is active—walking hills, following the Mijares River, and reaching the dramatic water jet at El Chorro. The other half is pure relaxation time in Fuentes de los Baños.

That split is great value for a day from Valencia. You’re not choosing between nature views and swimming—you get both. And because the pools are thermal and sit at a steady temperature, you don’t have to hunt for warmth once you arrive.

Getting from Valencia to Montanejos (and why the timing helps)

The day starts at Carrer de Ramon Llull, 21, meeting in front of a purple office. From there, you take a coach ride of about 1.5 hours toward Montanejos, and then you ride back the same distance after your day in the mountains and pools.

This kind of transportation is a quiet win. You don’t have to worry about parking, driving on winding roads, or coordinating separate cars with friends. You just show up, settle in, and let the day unfold.

One practical note: the tour includes a guide in both English and Spanish, so you can keep up even if your Spanish is rusty. Some people note bus audio clarity wasn’t perfect, so if you want the history bits, lean closer when the guide speaks.

The guided hike: Mijares River to El Chorro

The hike is moderate and about 9 km for the standard route. You’re walking up and down hills, and you need to be comfortable in heat even though breaks are part of the plan.

What you’re actually walking through matters. The route follows the Mijares River area and delivers changing views—river views, mountain scenery, and town glimpses—so it doesn’t feel like one long, repetitive trail. People also describe the hike as varied, with steeper segments early on that ease after the first stretch.

El Chorro is the payoff. It’s described as a powerful water jet that releases 300,000 liters per minute, which is the kind of number that makes you look around like, wait, that’s real? The moment you reach the area, it becomes the main photo stop and the big “how is there this much water?” moment.

Wet conditions are part of the deal

Several details point to water being unavoidable. One section can be soaking wet as you pass near a dam area on the route, and some walkers report getting fully wet because of waterfall-like water along the hike. If you don’t want that surprise, treat it like you’re hiking in light rain even on sunny days.

That means you should pack to dry off, at least somewhat. Dry socks or an extra pair of lightweight shoes can save your mood if you’re not used to getting soaked on foot.

The Fuentes de los Baños pools: 23°C comfort with a story

After the morning walk, you shift gears to Fuentes de los Baños in Montanejos. Entry to the natural pools area is included, and you get about 1.5 hours of free time to swim and relax.

These thermal pools maintain a temperature around 23°C throughout the year. That’s why people can swim even when it’s cooler outside; in summer it can feel cooler than you expect, even if you’re coming from a hot hike. The water is mineral-rich and is often associated with restorative benefits, which is exactly what you want after walking.

The location also comes with a legend. The pools are said to have been built by Moorish king Abu Zeit, reportedly so his queens could enjoy their beauty—an old story that helps turn a simple swim into something more memorable.

What you’ll do with that 1.5 hours

You don’t just get dumped into the water and released. The free time is your chance to:

• soak and swim at your pace (the tour is suitable for non-swimmers)
• take in the scenery while you recover your legs
• cool down and reset before the drive back

If you want more “pool time” than “hike time,” you can often choose a lighter approach. The hiking part isn’t mandatory, and the trip is designed so you can still enjoy the main highlight even if you stay near the pools.

Packing for this trip: the small items that prevent big annoyances

This is one of those days where what you bring determines how relaxed you feel. The essentials listed are solid, and I’d treat them as non-negotiable.

Bring:

• swimwear and a towel
• change of clothes (you will thank yourself)
• hiking shoes plus water shoes for the pool area
• sunscreen, water, and a sun hat

Food and drinks are not included, so plan for a packed snack or meal. If you’re doing the hike, having water and something simple to eat during downtime keeps your energy steady.

A few extra tips from the reality of the route:

• If the hike section gets wet, dry socks help more than you’d think.
• Even when you feel confident, expect at least some splash in the final approach to water features.
• If you’re bringing rain gear, you’ll use it more often than you expect on this kind of hike.

Choosing your effort level: hike, pools, or a mix

This tour fits more body types than you might assume at first glance. The hike is described as not mandatory, and the excursion is suitable for non-swimmers. So you’re not forced to prove anything on day one.

Here’s a practical way to decide:

If you love active travel: do the full hike. The route length (standard ~9 km, shorter in summer) and moderate difficulty make it a good “morning movement” day, especially if you’re comfortable walking uphill.

If you want maximum relaxation: consider staying at the pools and skipping some or all hiking. People often treat the pools as the highlight, so if that’s what you care about most, your time there won’t be wasted.

If you’re unsure about heat: know that during summer the hiking route may be adapted and reduced to about 5–6 km. You’ll still experience the key features, including the jetstream area, but the shorter distance helps you manage fatigue.

Safety matters here. For safety reasons, people aged +65 are not allowed on the hiking portion. It’s also not suited for children under 14, people with mobility impairments, pregnant women, and those with heart problems or respiratory issues.

Price and value: what $51 buys you (and what it doesn’t)

At around $51 per person, this isn’t just a hike ticket. You’re paying for a full day structure:

• roundtrip coach transport from Valencia
• a guided hike
• entry to the natural pools area
• coordinated downtime at Fuentes de los Baños

That value comes down to one key thing: you don’t spend energy on logistics. For a one-day trip, removing driving and planning usually makes the whole day feel smoother, even if you’re paying a bit more than DIY.

What isn’t included is food and drinks. That’s a straightforward “plan ahead” item, not a dealbreaker. Bring a snack and water so you’re not stuck paying for whatever’s available.

When the Chorro water jet is running, El Chorro becomes an unforgettable anchor moment. And when it’s less active, the pools and the river walk still do plenty of work to justify the trip—especially if you showed up ready for swimming.

Seasonal reality: when El Chorro changes

This tour is closely associated with El Chorro. But nature has a way of changing the script.

Some people note that during certain seasons the water jet can be down, which affects how dramatic the Chorro moment feels. When that happens, the hike can feel less “main show” and more like a scenic walk leading to pools.

Here’s how I’d plan for that possibility:

• Treat the pools as the constant in your day. They’re the thermal anchor.
• Expect the hike to still be worthwhile for river scenery and the overall route.
• Pack with the assumption that you might get wet even if the jet intensity varies.

What the guide experience is really like

The guide element is a big reason this day works for groups. People repeatedly describe guides as friendly and not overbearing, with a steady pace and enough information to make the walk feel meaningful.

You’ll hear history and facts about the region, and some guides also focus on fauna and flora details along the way. Names that show up often in accounts include Alejandro, Nouha, Manu, Taoufik, Paco, Francesco, Marco, Miguel, and Pau.

The best part is that the day doesn’t feel like a race. Guides are there to keep you on track and help you time your swimming window. Still, because it’s a hike with multiple stopping points, pay attention when the group regroups—one account notes that leaving gaps can happen if nobody follows the guide closely.

Should you book this Montanejos hike and pools day?

Book it if you want a real outdoors day from Valencia with a built-in reward: a guided walk to El Chorro and thermal swimming at Fuentes de los Baños. It’s especially worth it if you like having someone else handle routing and pacing, and you’re excited by the idea of 23°C pools after a morning hike.

Skip or rethink if:

• you’re sensitive to heat and long uphill walking (the hike is moderate but still hilly)
• you hate getting wet—this route often includes splash and soaking near water features
• you fall into an excluded category (under 14, +65 hiking age restriction, pregnancy, heart or respiratory issues, or mobility impairment concerns)

If you’re on the fence, my advice is simple: treat the pools as your main plan and decide your hiking effort based on how your body feels that morning. You still get a great Montanejos day either way.

FAQ

How long is the Montanejos guided hike day trip from Valencia?

The total duration is about 8.5 hours, with the coach ride taking roughly 1.5 hours each way and about 1.5 hours of free time at the natural pools.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet at Carrer de Ramon Llull, 21, in front of a purple office.

Is the hiking part mandatory?

No. The hiking part is not mandatory, and you can alternatively stay at the natural pools.

Is the excursion suitable for non-swimmers?

Yes. The excursion is suitable for non-swimmers, since you can enjoy the pools without doing the hike.

How long is the hike, and how hard is it?

The hiking trail is approximately 9 kilometers for the standard route and is considered moderate difficulty. You should be able to walk up and down hills in the heat.

Does the hiking distance change in summer?

Yes. During summer, the route may be adapted due to heat, and the distance may drop to about 5–6 kilometers while still including the main highlights such as the jetstream.

What’s included in the price?

Included: roundtrip transportation, guided hike, entry to the Natural Pools area, free time to enjoy Fuentes de los Baños, and tour coordinators.

What should I bring?

Bring sun hat, swimwear, change of clothes, towel, food, hiking shoes, sunscreen, water, and water shoes.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so you’ll want to bring your own.