From Valencia: Montanejos Guided Hike with Natural Pools

A loud river, a quiet swim, and a day that feels like it takes you out of Spain. This Montanejos trip mixes Fuentes de los Baños thermal pools and the El Chorro water jet for a very satisfying nature reset. I especially liked the guided hiking that still leaves room to opt out, and I liked how the day ends at the pools with real time to relax. One consideration: the hike is moderate and can be steeper and wetter than you expect, so you’ll want the right shoes and backup clothes.

I also like that the guides keep things human-sized and friendly, with names that come up often like Alejandro, Nouha, Manu, Taoufik, Paco, Miguel, and Pau. This is a strong choice if you want big scenery without planning your own transportation. If you’re sensitive to heat or water exposure, read the packing and route details carefully before you commit.

Key highlights you’ll feel in the day

• Thermal pools at a steady 23°C year-round, perfect for a soak even when the air is warm
• El Chorro’s massive flow (up to 300,000 liters per minute when running) as a memorable finish to the hike
• The hike is optional: non-swimmers can skip the trail and spend the time at the pools
• Summer route adjustments: expect roughly 5–6 km instead of about 9 km when it’s hot
• Guides that set a fair pace and watch the group without turning it into a forced march

Why Montanejos feels like a nature day you actually finish

Montanejos is the kind of place where you can feel the schedule click into focus. Morning brings the hike through the river corridor and viewpoints. Then the payoff lands where you can cool down: the natural pools of Fuentes de los Baños.

The thermal water is the big reason this works. It stays around 23°C all year, so in many seasons it feels comfortably warm rather than scalding. I like that it’s described as mineral-rich and tied to local legend—reportedly built by the Moorish king Abu Zeit to preserve the queens’ beauty. Whatever the origin story, you’re still getting a real soak at the end of a real walk.

The other “wow” moment is the Chorro. This is the powerful jet that can release up to 300,000 liters per minute, and when it’s running it’s a visual and physical spectacle. Even if conditions aren’t perfect (more on that soon), the river setting still delivers.

From Valencia to Montanejos: the coach ride and meeting point

You start in Valencia at Carrer de Ramon Llull, 21, in front of a purple office. The day runs about 8.5 hours, and the transportation is roundtrip by coach. Expect roughly 1.5 hours each way, so yes, you spend time in transit—but it’s time you don’t have to plan around.

Practical note: you’ll want to be ready for a bus day. One common complaint is that the audio on the coach can be hard to hear, so don’t count on bus narration for your key facts. The good news is that once you arrive, the guide-led parts are where the day becomes worth it.

This trip also matters because it’s close. When you’re based in Valencia and you don’t want to rent a car, that “about an hour away” distance is huge. You’re not trading a full day for logistics.

The guided hike along the Mijares River: what moderate really means

The hike is the core of the morning, and it’s designed to show you the river path and the approach toward the Chorro. The trail is typically described as moderate, roughly 9 km total, and you should be comfortable walking up and down hills in heat.

Two details help you set expectations:

First, the route length can change. During summer heat, the hiking distance may be adapted to about 5–6 km. You still get to experience the main highlights, including the jetstream—just with less time on the trail.

Second, the trail isn’t just “nice and flat.” Even people who felt the walk was manageable mentioned steep sections early on, plus spots that can get you soaked. One person even noted that near the end you may pass near a dam and get soaking on one side. Another said the group got wet when the path goes through waterfall-like areas and that the guide didn’t call out the need for dry clothes at that moment. Translation: pack like you’re going to get wet, because you probably will.

The route works well because you’re guided. You get pacing, stops to regroup, and context along the way. Guides described as friendly and informative—like Alejandro and Nouha or Manu and Taoufik—show up in feedback often. One positive theme is that guides aren’t pushy; they keep the group together at a walkable tempo.

If you’re not a hiker (or you’re traveling with one)

Here’s the best part: the hiking portion is not mandatory. The tour is suitable for non-swimmers too. That means you can choose to stay at the pools area and skip the trail while others hike.

Just keep in mind that the hike is what builds momentum. If El Chorro and the scenery matter to you, you’ll probably want at least the main portion. But if your priority is a long soak and a relaxed day, this is set up for that choice.

El Chorro: your big river spectacle moment

El Chorro is the moment that makes this day trip feel special. You’re heading along the Mijares River and then the path leads you to the powerful jet. The scale is described as 300,000 liters per minute, which is frankly the kind of number that helps you stop talking and start staring.

One reality check: the jet may be seasonal. A review mentioned that the water jet was down for summer, which affected the hike feel and made the route less picturesque. Another person said they still got a great experience, but “waterfall” terminology can be confusing if you expect to swim under a cascade.

So how should you handle this as a traveler? Go in expecting a powerful river encounter, not a guaranteed cinematic waterfall. If the jet is running, you’ll get the full spectacle. If it isn’t, the setting and the pools still carry the day.

Fuentes de los Baños: the 90 minutes that make the day worth it

The pools stop is where the trip converts from activity day into actual recovery time. You get about 1.5 hours free time at Fuente de los Baños, Montanejos, including entry to the natural pools area. You’ll also have time to swim, soak, and just hang in the water with your day’s heat slowly draining away.

People love this part for straightforward reasons:

• It’s restorative and mineral-rich
• The water temperature stays around 23°C, so it doesn’t shock you
• The view from the pool area is part of the calm

There’s also a useful “how to enjoy it” tip: bring water shoes. Multiple comments point out that bathing shoes help a lot for comfort and traction. If you’re planning to go from rocky edges into the water, regular flip-flops can turn into a slip-and-slash situation.

Don’t forget that you’ll need to manage your clothes

Even though the pools are the relaxing payoff, your route there can be wet. People specifically recommended bringing spare socks and change of clothes. If you want to feel comfortable in the pool area (instead of just wet all day), pack like you’re doing a swim, because you are.

Some people reported bathrooms as porta potties in good condition, while another mentioned limited toilet facilities for much of the day. I’d plan on basic options rather than assuming full amenities all day.

What to pack (based on what actually causes problems)

This tour gives you a clear list, and the best part is that you can follow it without overthinking. Here’s what I’d treat as non-negotiable:

• Swimwear, towel, and a change of clothes
• Hiking shoes plus water shoes
• Sun hat, sunscreen, and water
• Food (food and drinks aren’t included)
• Hiking shoes matter because it’s not a barefoot stroll

Then add two “smart extras” based on what people learned the hard way:

• A plan for getting wet: even if you don’t want to think about it, you probably will
• Extra socks: when your feet stay wet, comfort drops fast

If you’re wondering about rain gear: one review said you might not need a rain jacket in summer because the jet was down, while another said you should pack rain protection because there can be water from all sides. The safe approach is to bring light rain protection if you have it, or at least accept that the “dry” part of the morning is optional.

Food, timing, and the “don’t let hunger ruin the soak” rule

Food and drinks are not included, so you need to bring your own. This is important because the day has hike + coach + pools. If you wait until you’re starving, you’ll end up rushing your swim time or feeling grumpy in the middle.

A simple plan: pack enough for the morning and early afternoon and then treat the pools time as your reward. You’ll also want water along the trail, especially if you’re doing more walking than the minimum.

Timing is also worth respecting. The free pool time is limited, so don’t spend it fumbling with gear. Get your swim shoes on, know where you’ll store your towel, and set your phone expectations. In water time, slow down.

Price and value: is $51 a good deal?

For about $51 per person, you’re getting a lot of the costs that usually make day trips expensive: roundtrip transportation, guided hiking, pool entry, and tour coordinators. You’re also not paying for a separate ticket line for the pools area, which matters when you want the day to start quickly.

Where value becomes real is in what you actually get for that price:

• A guided morning that handles route pacing and group management
• A true time block at the pools (about 1.5 hours)
• The combination of hiking + thermal water rather than choosing one or the other

The tradeoff is that you provide your own food and you should bring the right footwear and swim setup. Also, the hike isn’t for everyone due to heat and fitness needs. If you choose wisely and pack well, $51 feels fair for a full day experience that doesn’t require you to drive.

Who should book this Montanejos day trip

You’ll likely love this if you want:

• A break from Valencia with real nature time
• A day that combines action and downtime
• A moderate hike that you can adjust by doing less if needed
• Thermal pool time at Fuentes de los Baños

You might skip the hiking part if

• You don’t want hills or you don’t handle heat well
• You prefer to focus on soaking and relaxing
• You’re traveling as a non-swimmer (you can still enjoy the pools)

Hard limits to respect

This is not suitable for:

• Children under 14
• Mobility impairments
• People with heart problems or respiratory issues
• Pregnant women
• People over 65, and for safety reasons +65 are not allowed to join the hiking

If any of those apply, don’t assume you can “just walk slowly.” Follow the safety rules as written.

Should you book this Montanejos hike and pool day?

If you want a day trip that actually delivers both scenery and a physical reward, I’d say yes—this is a strong Valencia add-on. The pool stop is a genuine highlight, and the hike (when you come prepared) helps make the swim feel earned.

Book it if you can handle a moderate walk, you’re ready for getting wet, and you’ll bring a change of clothes plus water shoes. If you’d rather keep things fully dry and ultra-casual, skip the hike option and plan to spend your time at Fuentes de los Baños instead.

FAQ

How long is the Montanejos guided hike and natural pools day trip?

It lasts about 8.5 hours total. You can check available starting times before booking.

Where do we meet in Valencia?

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

Do I have to hike?

No. The hiking part is not mandatory. You can alternatively stay at the natural pools area.

Are non-swimmers allowed?

Yes. The excursion is suitable for non-swimmers, and you can choose to skip the hiking.

What is the hike difficulty and distance?

The hiking trail is described as moderate, about 9 kilometers, and it includes walking up and down hills in heat. In summer, the route may be adapted to about 5–6 kilometers.

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.

Who isn’t this tour suitable for?

It isn’t suitable for children under 14, people with mobility impairments, people with heart problems, people with respiratory issues, pregnant women, and people over 65. People aged +65 are also not allowed to join the hiking for safety reasons.

Is pool entry included?

Yes. Entry to the Natural Pools area is included, and you skip the ticket line.