El Caminito del Rey, Spain
Marissa Brassfield — September 16, 2008 — World
References: gadling
El Caminito del Rey is just a mountain walkway near Malaga, Spain. It was originally built at the turn of the 20th century to let workers cross between two nearby waterfalls. Today, it is the premier spot for thrill-seekers from all over the world.
Between running with the bulls in Pamplona and participating in the world's biggest food fight at La Tomatina Tomato Festival, adventurous tourists have always had a soft spot for Spain. El Caminito del Rey, however, is a destination that separates the sane from the insane.
The mountain walkway of El Caminito del Rey is three feet wide along the side of the gorge. Nearly 700 feet down, a river awaits any misstep. There are no hand rails, and in many spots only a wire and a metal beam separate you from the river below. The decrepit walkway is in such disrepair that the local government condemned it and sealed its entrances after four deaths occurred between 1999 and 2000.
A few fences and warning signs haven't stopped travelers from navigating El Caminito del Rey, however. It's simply one more requisite challenge for thrill-seekers to complete.
Between running with the bulls in Pamplona and participating in the world's biggest food fight at La Tomatina Tomato Festival, adventurous tourists have always had a soft spot for Spain. El Caminito del Rey, however, is a destination that separates the sane from the insane.
The mountain walkway of El Caminito del Rey is three feet wide along the side of the gorge. Nearly 700 feet down, a river awaits any misstep. There are no hand rails, and in many spots only a wire and a metal beam separate you from the river below. The decrepit walkway is in such disrepair that the local government condemned it and sealed its entrances after four deaths occurred between 1999 and 2000.
A few fences and warning signs haven't stopped travelers from navigating El Caminito del Rey, however. It's simply one more requisite challenge for thrill-seekers to complete.
Trend Themes
1. Adventurous Tourism - Opportunity to create package deals for thrill-seekers visiting dangerous travel destinations like El Caminito del Rey.
2. Extreme Sport Facilities - Opening dedicated facilities for extreme sports enthusiasts to practice and experience the thrill of dangerous activities like El Caminito del Rey in a safer environment.
3. Virtual Reality Tourism - Creating immersive virtual reality experiences where tourists can virtually explore and participate in dangerous travel destinations like El Caminito del Rey from the safety of their own homes.
Industry Implications
1. Tourism - Opportunity to tap into growing demand for unique and adventurous travel experiences like visiting dangerous destinations.
2. Sports and Leisure - Opportunity to create facilities and offerings for extreme sports enthusiasts looking to experience dangerous activities like El Caminito del Rey in a safe, controlled environment.
3. Technology and Entertainment - Opportunity to innovate and disrupt the tourism industry with virtual reality platforms and experiences that allow tourists to explore and participate in dangerous destinations like El Caminito del Rey from the safety of their own homes.
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