Hot springs and canyon trails in one Valencia day. I love the Maimona ravine hiking route for the real elevation and dramatic canyon views, and I love that the day ends with time at Fuente de los Baños thermal pools. The one drawback: the hike is not a stroll. You need moderate fitness and you should expect uneven, sometimes demanding terrain.

This is a guided day built around steady leadership. The licensed guide, including Jan (named in feedback), helps you pace the climbs and reads the ground so you can focus on the views instead of thinking about directions. You leave Valencia in an air-conditioned vehicle, the tour is offered in English, and it stays private for your group.

One practical note for your planning: lunch isn’t included. Coffee and/or tea are included, plus entrance to Fuente de los Baños, but you’ll cover your own meal when you stop for time by the river.

Key things I’d circle on your planning list

• Maimona ravine hike with big views plus a proper ascent and descent
• Entrance to Fuente de los Baños thermal baths included
• Optional swim in the river Mijares for the bravest (yes, it’s a separate dip)
• Air-conditioned transport from Valencia with an English-speaking guide
• Moderate fitness required, with uneven trails and real uphill segments
• Private group format so the day feels personal, not crowded

Why Montanejos feels like a real break from Valencia

If you only know Valencia as a city of beaches, markets, and big museums, this trip gives you the outdoors version of the same comfort: a guided day that gets you out of town without wasting hours figuring out bus times. Montanejos sits in a canyon-and-river setting where the walking route follows the dramatic shapes of the ravine and then drops you back toward the thermal area.

What makes this worth doing is the mix. You’re not just walking and then hoping you find a place to relax later. The day is structured so the hike builds the scenery and the thermal springs give your body a payoff. That combo is a big reason people treat it as a highlight rather than a box-checking excursion.

Starting in Valencia: the morning setup that keeps stress low

You start at Pg. de l’Albereda, 30D in El Pla del Real, with a 9:00 am departure. Pickup is offered, and you end back at the same meeting point, which is exactly what you want on a day where your legs are doing the negotiating.

The vehicle is air-conditioned, which matters when summer heat hits the region. You also get coffee and/or tea included, so you’re not starting the hike with empty batteries. You’ll carry a mobile ticket, and the tour runs in English, which helps if you’re traveling with a mix of languages in your group.

This is also listed as a private tour/activity. That means your pacing and comfort level matter more than fitting into a bigger herd. You get more control over how you take the climbs, pauses, and photo stops.

The Maimona ravine ascent: the climb with the payoff views

The day starts with an ascent from Montanejos up to the top of the canyon formed by the Maimona ravine. From the start, you’re moving along huge rock walls, and the route is designed to keep you looking out toward the river corridor instead of staring at the trail the whole time.

This is the segment where you’ll feel the “moderate fitness” label in your legs. Reviews specifically flag it as challenging, even when the guide chooses a slightly easier line. The terrain is uneven, and the climbs ask for steady effort rather than short bursts.

How to make it easier on yourself:

• Keep your pace a little slower than you think you need. You’ll get better views when you’re not red-lining.
• Bring water and take small sips during pauses. Even if it feels cool at the start, you can warm up fast once you’re climbing.
• Wear footwear with real grip. This isn’t a place for slick-soled shoes.

If you’re a confident hiker, this feels like the fun part: that moment when you’re high enough to see how the river cuts through the canyon. The higher viewpoints are part of why the day works.

Crossing the Maimona River and your lunch stop by the water

After the first climb, you descend to cross the river Maimona. It’s not just a route change; it’s also a shift in mood. You go from canyon-wall walking to something more open, with water and mountain scenery coming into focus.

There’s a stop for lunch with the scenery and mountain water around you. Lunch itself isn’t included, so you’ll want to treat this as your meal break rather than a pre-paid buffet. If you prefer a hot meal, plan to buy something there or bring items you can eat comfortably on a hike break.

This part is a good example of why guided days can be better value than DIY. With the guide leading, you don’t spend your lunch hour wondering where people usually eat or whether it’s safe to roam. You can eat, reset, and then focus on the next climb.

Fuente de los Baños: thermal springs time with an included entrance

Now comes the recovery part. Fuente de los Baños is your thermal springs stop, and the entrance is included. This is the heart of the “hike and soak” concept, and it’s timed so you get that contrast: exertion first, then heat.

The best way to think about this segment is as body management. You’ve done an active climb and descent, so the springs give your legs a chance to loosen up. It also turns the day from a workout into a full experience—especially if you’re traveling and you want something that feels like more than just photos.

What to do to enjoy it:

• Plan your swim time. Don’t rush it. A slow soak after a hike is the point.
• Bring or use swim items you can dry off afterward. Even if you don’t know the exact facilities, you’ll appreciate having something that makes changing easier.
• If you’re sensitive to water temperatures, note that the river dip later (Mijares) is optional and described as for the bravest.

Also, coffee and/or tea are included during the day, which helps you enjoy the break without cutting your energy too early.

The second ascent and the pine forest descent back toward town

After the thermal stop, the hike continues with another ascent to the other side of the ravine. This segment gives you another set of views over the river Maimona. It’s like seeing the same story from a different chapter page—same river, new angles, and new lighting depending on the time of day.

Then you descend through a dense pine forest down toward the village near Fuentes de los Baños. This forest section is valuable because it changes the “feel” of the walk. Instead of wide-open canyon air, you get shade and a quieter rhythm under the trees.

Practically, the pine forest descent can still feel tough if your knees are tired. Take shorter steps and let gravity do less work. The guide’s job is also to keep the group moving safely, so follow their lead on where to step and when to stop.

The end of the walking brings you back into the village area, and then it’s a return ride to Valencia.

Optional river Mijares swim: for the brave (and the prepared)

One of the most memorable flexes of the day is the optional chance to bathe in the river Mijares for the bravest. This isn’t the included thermal pool. It’s described as an extra, and it likely means colder water than the springs.

If you want to do it, treat it like a quick challenge, not your whole recovery strategy. Have a plan:

• If you’re going straight from warm thermal pools, ease in slowly.
• If you have any sensitivity to cold water, consider skipping this and staying in the springs zone longer.

Even if you don’t do the river dip, you’re still getting a satisfying swim element because Fuente de los Baños is part of the included experience.

How long is this really, and what it feels like

The total time is listed at about 8 hours. The walking part often lands around the half-day hiking range, with the springs and breaks filling the rest.

Expect an “active day” rather than a light stroll. You’re doing an ascent from Montanejos, a descent to cross the river, another climb to the other side, and then a longer descent through forest. You can slow down and still enjoy it, but you should plan for the day to be physically demanding enough that you’ll want your thermal time afterward.

If you’re used to trails at home—hilly walks with some elevation—this should fit fine. If you’re mostly doing flat sightseeing, it’ll probably feel like a step up.

Price and value: is $143.29 worth it?

At $143.29 per person, this isn’t a bargain-basement outing. It’s priced like a proper guided half-hiking day with thermal access.

Here’s what’s included that supports the cost:

• Air-conditioned vehicle from Valencia
• Licensed guide
• Entrance to Fuente de los Baños
• Coffee and/or tea
• Private format for your group
• Pickup offered (so you’re not stuck coordinating your own transportation)

The big thing not included is lunch. That’s the one extra cost that can nudge your final total, but it’s easy to handle. For most people, paying for lunch on-site is still cheaper than trying to piece together transit, timed entry, and a guided route on your own.

So the real value question is this: do you want someone to lead you through a canyon route and make the timing work with thermal springs? If yes, the price makes sense. If you’re comfortable DIY-ing hiking logistics, you might spend less on your own—but you’ll likely lose the smooth day flow and safety of having a guide.

What to pack so the day stays fun

Based on the hike/swim rhythm, I’d plan like you’re doing two activities with one transition:

• Hiking shoes with grip (for ascents, descents, and uneven ground)
• A swimsuit and a towel or drying plan for the springs
• Water and a few snacks in case you get hungry before the lunch stop
• Sun protection (the canyon and outdoor segments mean exposure)
• A light layer for changing conditions, especially when you move between sun and pine shade

If you’re bringing a phone, consider a small waterproof pouch for the swim portions. You’ll want photos of the canyon views, but you don’t want to worry about water after you soak.

Who should book this hike-and-thermal day

This tour is a strong match if you want:

• A guided outdoor day that feels like it has a clear payoff
• A mix of hiking views and a real relaxation segment
• English-speaking support with a licensed guide

It’s not ideal if you:

• Prefer easy, flat walking
• Want guaranteed luxury-level rest stops
• Are looking for a fully guided lunch (since lunch isn’t included)

The review details I’m paying attention to are consistent: the hike is described as challenging and best for people who already hike. The guides’ selection of a slightly easier path doesn’t turn it into a beginner route. If you’re stepping up your hiking comfort for the first time, you might feel it.

Should you book this Montanejos hike and thermal springs tour?

I’d book it if you like active days that still end with a treat. The combination of a guided Maimona ravine hike and an included soak at Fuente de los Baños is exactly the kind of day-trip structure that makes travel feel worth it.

Skip it (or consider a gentler option) if you’re not comfortable with uneven ground and real ascents/descents. The springs help your legs, but they can’t change the fact that the hike is the main event.

If you’re in Valencia and you want a day that goes beyond streets and galleries—one that trades city walking for canyon views and thermal water—this is a solid choice.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?

The tour lasts about 8 hours.

What time does the tour start?

It starts at 9:00 am.

Where does the tour meet?

It meets at Pg. de l’Albereda, 30D, El Pla del Real, 46023 València, Valencia, Spain.

Does the tour include pickup?

Yes, pickup is offered.

What language is the tour offered in?

It is offered in English.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

What’s included in the ticket?

Included are an air-conditioned vehicle, coffee and/or tea, entrance to Fuente de baños, and a licensed guide.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s listed as private, with only your group participating.

What fitness level do I need?

You should have a moderate physical fitness level.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time. The experience also requires good weather; if canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.