Thermal pools and a wild waterfall hike. From Valencia, this guided trip sends you to Montanejos for a walk along the Mijares River, then time to soak in Fuentes de los Baños and watch the dramatic Chorro. It is a short-distance escape into real Spanish nature, with a clear payoff at the end.

What I like most is how the day balances activity and recovery. You get a guided hike with mountain views and river scenery, and then real downtime in water that stays around 23°C year-round. I also like that the hike is not mandatory for everyone, so non-swimmers or less confident hikers can still enjoy the main pool stop.

The main consideration is effort and getting wet. The trail is moderate, usually around 9 kilometers, and heat can force a shorter route in summer, plus you may end up splashing through parts of the walk.

Key things to know before you go

• You do not have to hike the whole route if you want to stay at the pools.
• Fuentes de los Baños are year-round thermal pools, around 23°C, with mineral-rich water.
• El Chorro is the showstopper, a powerful water jet with huge flow (about 300,000 liters per minute).
• The hiking distance can change with heat (summer route may be about 5-6 kilometers).
• Expect some wet moments, and bring proper footwear and a change of clothes.
• This is not for everyone physically, including people over 65, and it is not suitable for mobility issues or certain health conditions.

From Valencia to Montanejos: a day trip that stays easy to plan

This is one of those Valencia day trips that feels doable because the timing is straightforward. You meet in the morning at Carrer de Ramon Llull, 21, in front of the purple office, and you take a coach about 1.5 hours each way. That means you spend your energy on the hike and pools, not on figuring out transportation at the destination.

The total duration is about 8.5 hours, so it has the rhythm of a full day but not a full-on ordeal. The schedule also builds in a meaningful chunk of free time at the pools, which is key. You are not herded through quickly, and you actually get to choose how long you stay in the water.

For planning, the tour is offered with a live guide in Spanish and English. Many travelers appreciate that the guides keep the pace friendly and organized. In the guide group you may hear names like Alejandro and Nouha, Paco, Manu and Taoufik, Miguel, Francesco and Marco, and Pau or Tao and Manuel, depending on the day.

The coach ride: set yourself up for a smooth start

The coach portion is not just transit, it is part of the experience. You are traveling from Valencia into the Valencian countryside toward Montanejos, and the guide usually shares context about the area along the way. A clear audio system can matter on long bus rides, and if your bus audio is not easy to hear, you can still rely on the guide once you are on foot.

What I suggest: bring water and keep your bag light. The hike has you moving up and down, and you do not want heavy stuff bouncing around. Use that bus time to organize your essentials for later, like swim gear, towel, sunscreen, and any footwear you plan to change into.

The hike along the Mijares River: moderate, scenic, and sometimes wet

Here is the core of the day: a guided hike with mountain views, river scenery, and a trail that is described as moderate. The standard hike is about 9 kilometers, and it is not flat. You need to be comfortable walking up and down hills, especially in the heat.

In summer, the route may be adapted due to temperature. The distance can drop to about 5-6 kilometers, and you still get to experience the main highlights, including the jetstream. This is a big deal for value, because you do not lose the main payoff if the weather makes long distances uncomfortable.

Now the part people should take seriously: you can get wet. Multiple experiences mention splashy sections during the walk, including moments near waterfalls or jet-related areas and around dam areas where water can soak one side. Some folks also recommend packing spare socks and extra clothes, because the surprise is real. If you are the type who likes to end a day dry and comfortable, bring a full change of clothes in a waterproof bag if you can.

One more tip for a calm hike: stay close to your guide at stops. A few group-management quirks show up in different experiences, like leaving people behind while the guide points out a view. That does not mean you will be stranded, it just means you should keep your place so you do not lose the group.

Stop at the pools: Fuentes de los Baños and the 23°C magic

The best reason to book is the pool area itself, Fuentes de los Baños. This is where you shift from hike mode to relax mode. You get about 1.5 hours of free time at the pools to swim and soak. For many people, that time is the highlight, because it gives your legs a real reset after walking.

The pools are described as thermal, holding a temperature around 23°C throughout the year. In summer, that can feel cooler than the air, but the consistency is the point. You are not guessing whether the water will be cold or lukewarm. It is meant to be swimmable and restorative.

There is also a fun local legend attached to the pools: they are said to have been built by Moorish king Abu Zeit to ensure the beauty of his queens. Whether you take the story literally or as folklore, it adds a layer to what would otherwise be just another swimming stop. It helps you pay attention to the place instead of treating it like a simple pond.

What to expect practically:

• You can swim, soak, and relax.
• Some areas can feel chilly if you are used to warmer water, so ease in.
• Foot protection matters. Many people recommend water shoes or at least something with grip, since pool edges and surfaces can be slippery.

One note from real-world experience: bathroom options can be limited during the hike, so use any chance you get before the trail. At the pool stop, basic toilet setups may be available, but do not count on full facilities during the entire day.

El Chorro: the powerful jetstream you came for

After the hiking leg, the Chorro is the moment that makes the whole day feel worth it. This is the dramatic water jet tied to the river, described with a mind-boggling flow rate of about 300,000 liters per minute. Even if you are not a water-nerd, it is hard not to stare.

The Chorro is impressive not just because it looks powerful, but because it changes how the surroundings feel. There is sound, mist, and that sense of scale. In the right conditions, it becomes a quick photo-and-pause moment that turns into a longer stop.

One realistic consideration: in some seasons, people report the jet being down or running differently, including mentions of it not running during summer. That does not ruin the day, but it can make the walk feel less visually dramatic. If you are going in hotter months, keep expectations flexible and focus on the pools, views, and the river walk. You will still get the core experience, even if the exact spectacle looks different.

Also, do not assume the hike includes dry hiking. Some experiences mention needing some kind of rain gear depending on the moment, and others mention not needing a rain jacket in certain seasonal conditions. My practical take: bring a light waterproof layer or a packable rain shell if you can. It is not about being waterproof for hours, it is about staying comfortable if you get splashed.

Price and value: why $51 can make sense here

At around $51 per person, this trip can feel like a bargain because a lot is bundled. You get roundtrip transportation, guided hike support, entry to the natural pools area, and time to enjoy Fuentes de los Baños. Food and drinks are not included, but you get the main costs covered.

If you tried to DIY this, you would quickly spend money on getting there and back plus entrance to the pool area. So the value depends on your comfort with two parts of the day you would need anyway: reliable transport and guided pacing on the trail.

The real question for value is whether you will use the swimming time. If you want to sit at the pools and enjoy the thermal water, the day’s structure is built for you. If you hate hiking at all, you should know the hike portion is not mandatory, but this trip still revolves around the same overall route and timing. So it is best for people who can handle a moderate walk, even if you take the shorter option or choose pools only.

What to bring: avoid the common mistakes

This tour gives you a very clear packing list, and it is worth following. Bring:

• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Change of clothes
• Towel
• Food
• Hiking shoes
• Sunscreen
• Water
• Water shoes

My extra practical advice comes from the way people describe getting wet. Even if you think you will stay dry, pack the change of clothes and consider spare socks. If you are wearing trainers you care about, you might end up soaking through or getting them muddy. Solid grip and comfort matter because you are walking hills and also near water.

Also, bring food if you want it. Since food and drinks are not included, you will want something easy for energy. You do not want to spend pool time thinking about hunger.

Who should book this Montanejos hike and pools day?

This is a good match for:

• You if you want a nature day close to Valencia, with a real activity plus a real swim finish.
• You if you like guided structure but still want free time to linger.
• You if you can handle a moderate trail with hills, and you are okay with some splashes.
• You if you are traveling with someone who wants to hike and someone else who would rather stay at the pools.

It is not a fit if:

• You need step-free access or have mobility limitations, because it is not suitable for mobility impairments.
• You are pregnant, or you have heart or respiratory issues.
• You are traveling with children under 14.
• You are over 65. For safety reasons, people aged +65 cannot join the hiking portion, and the activity is not suitable for that age group.

Booking tips and timing: heat changes the experience

Timing matters. In summer, the hiking distance may be reduced from about 9 kilometers to about 5-6 kilometers, and the route can change due to heat. That is actually a smart safety adjustment, not a downgrade, because you still get to see the main highlights.

Should you worry about swimming comfort? The pool water is around 23°C year-round, but people still describe it as feeling cooler when the air is hot. If you get cold easily, bring that mindset and plan to ease in.

Finally, check your expectations for the jet. The Chorro is a key attraction with huge flow, but seasonal differences can change what you see. If the jet is running lower or not at full force on your day, the trip still offers the river hike plus the thermal pool reset.

Should you book this Valencia to Montanejos day trip?

I think you should book if you want a straight-forward day with transport handled, a guided hike with good scenery, and a chance to swim in the thermal pools at Fuentes de los Baños. The $51 price works best when you are comfortable with a moderate walk and you truly plan to use the pool time.

I would skip it if you dislike hills, hate getting wet, or need full accessibility. Also, if you are sensitive to heat, plan for the shorter summer route and bring extra water and sunscreen.

If your ideal day is part scenic hike, part thermal soak, and you want a close-by escape from Valencia that actually delivers on both halves, this one is a strong bet.

FAQ

How long is the Montanejos guided hike with natural pools tour?

The total duration is about 8.5 hours. This includes time on the coach, the hike, and free time at the pools.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Carrer de Ramon Llull, 21, in front of the purple office. The tour also ends back at the same meeting point.

What does the tour include?

It includes roundtrip transportation, entry to the natural pools area, a guided hike, free time to enjoy Fuentes de los Baños, and tour coordinators.

Is the hike required, or can I stay at the pools?

The hiking part is not mandatory. If you prefer, you can stay at the natural pools instead. The excursion is suitable for non-swimmers.

How difficult is the hiking portion?

The hike is described as moderate and is approximately 9 kilometers long. You should be able to walk up and down hills in heat. In summer, the route may be shortened to about 5-6 kilometers due to temperature changes.

What ages can join this experience?

It is not suitable for children under 14. People aged over 65 are not allowed, and people over 65 cannot join the hiking portion for safety reasons.

What should I bring with me?

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