Akchour Waterfalls and Bridge of God
Those who know me know that I am not exactly a sports enthusiast. Every time I see people running in the street early in the morning, I feel a sense of admiration and I commit right then and there to change my habits and do something different on the weekend. Then I talk to my partner, she reminds me that we’re meeting for beers or a nice dinner or lunch, and I forget about it. That said, escaping to Chaouen and not hiking in Akchour waterfalls is something that even I can’t resist.
Today’s post will deal with one of the most recommended activities for those who spend a few days in the blue city. Let’s start then!
Location
Akchour waterfalls’ area is a small town, located in the lower part of the Talembote valley. It is part of the great national park of Talassemtane. As a town, it is of little interest, but the two routes that start in this village. And that I will describe below will allow you to spend a different day and see the enormous geographical wealth that Morocco has to offer.
It is far from Chaouen a little more than 30 kilometers (40 minutes approximately). If you go by cab, the price is not more than 200-300 dirhams for the whole car. If you also decide to hire the services of a mountain guide. You can either consult him at the place where you are staying or directly look for him in Akchour. Usually, costing between 150 and 200 dirhams.
Is the help of a guide necessary? Not strictly, as long as you are a group of travelers more or less determined and used to this type of activity. But if this is not the case, it never hurts to have some extra help.
Which route to choose to reach Akchour waterfalls?
Once you have left the main street and the parking lot behind you, you will arrive at a dam. It is at this point that you should ask yourself theese questions. Which route to choose? The one to the Bridge of God, located on the left? or the waterfalls, on the right? In the first case, you will move parallel to the Farda River. While in the second case most of the route will run along the Kelaa River.
To make a good decision, and not to curse me for the rest of my days for permanent pain in parts of your body that you did not even know existed. You should know that the second route is more visually pleasing but more complicated and irregular. And the first, although less spectacular, is more constant and with a much steeper slope.
Taking into account that the waterfalls are a journey of just over two and a half hours each way. And that the other is reduced to less than half I would opt. If you only plan to do one, for the first, as the experience is more satisfying. And just in case you want to complete both, start at the Puente de Dios. Since you will need to start with all possible strength to climb slopes continuously.
My experience to the Akchour waterfalls with a group of people
Will you have enough energy for both routes? Only you can know, but if you are one of those who like to rely on statistics. I can tell you that the time I did the route with more people there were 15 of us. With an average age around 30 years old. We started with the Great Cascade and no one had problems getting there, although fatigue was pressing.
When we returned, 4 of those 15 people also wanted to do the second route. Needless to say, I was not among those four. And when they left I said goodbye with the best of smiles. Imagining the number of teas and pastries I was going to drink with the rest of the group while we waited for them.
Of course, all except Ali, who is a sports teacher, screamed from the pain of stiffness from that very night every time we climbed or descended steps in Chaouen. Be warned!
The route of the waterfalls
If you opt for the route whose final objective is to see the Great Waterfall. You will get an experience linked to understanding the influence of the Kelaa River in the environment. Going at all times parallel to it and crossing it on numerous occasions.
First stage: towards the Petit Cascade
The beginning is characterized by its bucolic aspect, being protagonists in equal parts picnic areas, vegetation, and reservoirs. The well-known Petit Cascade or Petit Cascade is the final element of this stage.
This is probably the ideal section for those who want a pleasant walk in natural surroundings. Taking into account that the stage is quite flat. And perhaps for that very reason, it is a somewhat misleading letter of introduction to the whole activity. I will be clear: you will be eager to take pictures with idyllic natural backgrounds. Do not spend too many minutes on it, because you will lose the strength and time you will need later on.
Some people decide to take the Petit cascade as the endpoint of the route and return the same way. Especially people in poor physical shape or accompanied by small children. If this is your case, I recommend you to enjoy the activity with a dip and a tasting in one of the picnic areas.
Second stage: the difficulty increases
Once you leave the Petit Cascade behind, you will discover how the geography changes as the route narrows. The slope becomes steeper and the atmosphere gets wetter.
But what most characterizes this section is the obligatory river crossings that multiply. Usually solved with small concrete constructions that are born and rise from the bottom of the river. Although there are also large stones arranged on it. A little that way, closer to the water level and, therefore, much more slippery.
Be warned: there is a good chance that you will slip and get your feet wet. So wearing socks with a minimum thickness is highly recommended.
Final stage and return: the Grand Cascade
Finally, nature will become somewhat more disparate. And although the paths will continue to narrow (sometimes it will be inevitable that you will have to walk in line with extreme care since there are no handrails). And the muddy slopes make it necessary to hold on to the branches and trees that grow out of the walls to avoid stumbling. Other surprisingly flat and extensive landscapes will appear.
But what most identifies this section is the final reward. The Great Waterfalls of Akchour, a geological formation of more than 70 meters high. It is where the water flows through the layers of moss and mud which over the years have accumulated and petrified in front of a rocky wall.
In spite of the considerable effort, when you arrive you will understand that the trip has been worthwhile. Because in addition to the visual that is offered to you. You will share a festive atmosphere with the rest of those who have ventured and who will be celebrating and chatting. Singing and playing rhythmic instruments or even taking a dip in the reservoir that receives water from the waterfall.
The only thing left to do is to regain strength and retrace our steps. Because, perhaps the biggest drawback of this route, there is no possibility of taking an alternative way back.
The Bridge of God, the Akchour waterfalls
This route also runs parallel to the Farda River at all times. However, the perspective will be completely different. As it runs entirely along the side of a mountain until it reaches the so-called Puente de Dios. A natural construction resulting from the erosion of the river. It connects one side of the canyon with the other at a height of more than 30 meters.
They are, undoubtedly, different and complementary experiences. And if in the first case you will not be able to avoid looking at the details. Here, the perspectives that will be presented to you will be more general.
In addition, if you travel in a period of low rainfall, you can do the activity along with the flow of the river. It is a route more similar to the one that leads to the great waterfall. But more rugged and worse equipped. So that sometimes you will need to hold on to the walls to continue advancing.
I invite you to take a well-deserved dip when you reach the bridge. Although the water will probably be quite cold and it will take you some time to get used to its temperature.
A few tips for travelling to the Akchour waterfalls
I would not like to say goodbye without giving you a series of previous recommendations. Most of them may seem obvious, but I think it never hurts to list them:
Wear comfortable clothes and footwear, as well as thick socks. Because you will probably suffer a slip that will take your foot straight into the water. Also, if the weather is nice, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to wear suitable clothes to take a good and well-deserved dip.
It is also a good idea to bring a hat and sunscreen, as you will not always have vegetation to shade you.
Include snacks, sandwiches, and a bottle of water in your backpack. Although along the route you will find picnic areas offering food and drink, not all of them are open. And since the difficulty of the route implies a frequent intake of calories and water. It is advisable to carry them and thus only worry about finding a picnic area for lunch.
If you opt for the route to the Puente de Dios from below, wear booties. Sooner or later you will put your feet in the water. And the pain in the sole when stepping on the sharp stones will be considerable. In case you forget, you will probably find stalls selling them at the entrance to the village.
Keep in mind, especially in summer. The temperatures when planning the route: it is best to arrive at the Gran Cascada shortly before the sun begins to set, resting there while it does.
And now yes, with this last recommendation ends the entry on this activity, by all means, essential if you travel to Chaouen. A hug to all and see you in the next entry!
Difficulty: Medium/high
Entrance fee: Free. Cost of a guide, between 150 and 200 dirhams for the whole group.
When to go: All year round, although summer is the best time to do this route, which will also allow you to crown it with a dip in the many lagoons.
Akchour waterfalls is located in the vicinity of Chaouen. If you want to know more about this place, book one of our Morocco tours.
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