From Valencia: Montanejos Guided Hike with Natural Pools

Montanejos gives you two good reasons to leave Valencia for the day: a mountain walk beside the Mijares River and a swim in the striking natural pools of Fuentes de los Baños. The Chorro adds a different kind of spectacle, a jet of water that can release 300,000 liters per minute when it is running.

I like that the hike is optional, so you can spend your day at the pools if a steep route is not for you. I also like that transport, a guide and pool-area entry are bundled into the $51 price. The trade-off is that the hike can be demanding, and you may get soaked near the dam, so pack spare clothes and check the seasonal route before you go.

Key points to know before you go

• The hike is about 9 kilometers in cooler conditions. Expect hills, a steep opening stretch and a moderate level of effort.
• Summer can mean a shorter route. The hike may be reduced to 5 or 6 kilometers because of the heat, while still including key sights such as the Chorro.
• The Chorro is a water jet, not a swimming waterfall. Its flow can be adjusted or stopped, so the spectacle may vary by season.
• The pools are about 23°C year-round. That can feel refreshing, or downright cool, even on a sunny day.
• You can skip the hike. Stay near the natural pools instead, though non-swimmers should know the tour still involves a full day out.
• Pack for water from above and below. Bring swimwear, water shoes, a towel, a change of clothes, sunscreen, food and plenty of water.

From Valencia to Montanejos

The day starts at Carrer de Ramon Llull, 21, in front of the purple office. From there, roundtrip coach transport takes you into the mountains of inland Valencia. The drive is listed at about an hour and a half each way, so plan for a substantial ride as part of an 8.5-hour day.

That transfer is a real part of the value. You do not need to rent a car or work out how to reach a rural trail and pool area on your own. The tour also includes a guide and entry to the natural-pool area, which keeps the day straightforward. Food and drinks are not included, so bring a packed meal and water rather than counting on a café being available.

The meeting point is specific, so check the address before you set out and allow time to find the purple office. The tour ends back there. Guides speak Spanish and English, and guides on past outings have included Alejandro, Nouha, Manu, Taoufik, Paco, Miguel and Pau. Your assigned guide may differ.

A hike with a steep start and a wet surprise

The guided walk follows mountain paths and the Mijares River, with views back toward Montanejos and the surrounding slopes. In the standard version, the route is approximately 9 kilometers and classed as moderate. That label deserves a little care: the opening section can climb steeply, and the route goes up and down hills in the heat.

People who are used to walking will likely find it manageable, but it is not a flat stroll. Some outings have taken around two and a half to three hours, and the first 45 minutes can feel like the hardest part. Guides generally pace the group and make stops, but you should still be comfortable walking uphill and downhill, wearing proper footwear and carrying water.

The scenery is a major reason to take the walk. The route gives you a closer look at the river and the mountain setting than a simple coach visit would. The views are varied, though they are not continuous sweeping panoramas at every turn. If you are choosing between the hike and more time resting at the pools, think about what you want most from the day.

One practical surprise is that the path near the dam can leave you thoroughly wet. Depending on the route and conditions, you may pass close to flowing water or through a splash zone. Bring a light rain layer if you do not mind carrying it, plus spare socks and dry clothes for after the walk. A raincoat is not always needed, especially in hot weather, but being soaked is a possibility.

During summer, the operator may shorten the hike to roughly 5 or 6 kilometers to limit exposure to the heat. You can still expect to see the main highlights, including the jetstream, though the exact route can change. The tour is not suitable for people over 65, children under 14, pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or those with heart or respiratory problems. The age limit for the hike is firm for safety reasons.

The Chorro: impressive, but not always on

The Chorro is a powerful release of water, described as reaching 300,000 liters per minute. When it is running, the force and volume make it one of the day’s most striking sights. It is worth knowing what you are going to see: this is a water jet, not a natural waterfall that you swim beneath.

The flow may be reduced or switched off in summer, so the spectacle is not guaranteed at full force. That can affect the feel of the walk, especially if the Chorro is a key reason you booked. It is sensible to treat it as a possible highlight rather than the whole point of the trip. The river route, mountain views and pools still make up the day.

Fuentes de los Baños: clear water and time to unwind

After the walk, you get free time at Fuentes de los Baños, a set of natural pools beside the river. The water is mineral-rich and stays around 23°C throughout the year. Despite the name and the reputation for restorative waters, do not expect a hot spring. In summer, 23°C can feel cool when you first get in, and in cooler weather you may prefer to admire the water from shore.

The pool stop is the more restful half of the day, and for many people it is the payoff for the uphill walking. You can swim, sit by the water or take in the scenery. The excursion is described as suitable for non-swimmers, and the hike is optional, so you can choose to stay around the pools rather than take the trail. Still, the available information does not promise a separate supervised activity for non-swimmers, so plan to enjoy the setting without needing to enter the water.

The listed pool visit includes about 1.5 hours of free time. That is enough for a swim and a break, but not an unhurried full afternoon. Some outings may allow more time depending on the day’s schedule, but you should plan around the stated window rather than assume a long stay. A bar has been available at the pool area, though food and drinks are not part of the tour price. Bring your own provisions, especially if you have dietary needs or want to avoid relying on what is open.

The story that Moorish ruler Abu Zeit built the pools to preserve the beauty of his queens adds a memorable local legend to the place. Treat it as a tale attached to the springs, not as a reason to expect a spa. The real pleasure is simpler: fresh water, a mountain backdrop and a chance to cool off after the route.

What the $51 price buys you

At $51 per person, the price covers roundtrip transport, entry to the pool area, the guided hike and a coordinator. For a day trip that would otherwise require arranging transport and access yourself, that is a useful bundle. The guide also helps keep the walk organized and gives you a route through the area rather than leaving you to navigate alone.

The value depends on how much of the day you want to spend walking. If you enjoy a moderate hike and a swim, the combination makes good use of the long day. If you mainly want a quiet pool visit, you can skip the hike, but the coach ride still takes a significant share of your time. The cost does not include meals or drinks, so add those to your budget and carry what you need.

The experience has a 4.5 rating across 1,741 reviews, a strong sign that the overall format works for many people. The recurring strengths are the mountain scenery, the guides’ friendly approach, the organized transport and the contrast between an active walk and a relaxed swim. The main cautions are just as practical: the uphill start, wet sections, changing water flow and a pool temperature that may feel colder than expected.

Pack for a walk, a swim and a change in weather

This is a day to prepare for more than one setting. Start with hiking shoes or sturdy trainers, then pack water shoes for the pools. Some people manage the trail in trainers, but suitable footwear matters more than saving a little space in your bag. The path includes hills, and water near the dam can make parts of the outing messy.

Bring swimwear, a towel and a full change of clothes. Spare socks are a small addition that can make the ride back much more comfortable if your shoes or feet get wet. A sun hat, sunscreen and drinking water are essential on a warm day. A light rain jacket is worth considering for the wet section, although it can feel unnecessary in hot summer weather.

Take food with you. Meals and drinks are not included, and the schedule leaves you away from Valencia for most of the day. The outing is suitable for people who do not swim, but swimming is a central attraction, so pack accordingly if you want to make the most of the pool stop.

Is this Montanejos day trip right for you?

I would book this if you want an active day outside Valencia and are happy to trade some comfort for a mountain walk and a swim. It works especially well if you like having a guide and transport handled for you, and if the idea of a cool, clear pool sounds better than spending another day in the city.

Choose another outing if steep paths, heat or a full-day schedule are poor fits. You can opt out of the hike, but the tour’s strongest combination is the walk followed by the water. Check the seasonal conditions, bring dry clothes and keep your expectations clear: the Chorro may not be flowing, and the pools are refreshing rather than hot. With those points in mind, this is a worthwhile day trip for fit adults who want to see a quieter, more mountainous side of the Valencian Community.

FAQ

How long is the Montanejos tour?

The full outing lasts about 8.5 hours, including coach travel from Valencia, the guided hike and time at Fuentes de los Baños.

How difficult is the hike?

The standard route is about 9 kilometers and moderate, with hills and a steep uphill section near the start. In summer, the route may be shortened to around 5 or 6 kilometers.

Can I skip the hike?

Yes. The hiking portion is optional, and you can stay at the natural pools instead.

How warm are the natural pools?

The water is described as staying at about 23°C throughout the year. It may feel cool, particularly if you expect hot-spring temperatures.

What should I bring?

Bring hiking shoes, swimwear, water shoes, a towel, spare clothes, a sun hat, sunscreen, water and food. A rain layer and spare socks are useful because parts of the route can get wet.

Who is the tour not suitable for?

It is not suitable for children under 14, people over 65, pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or people with heart or respiratory issues.