Leave the “Blue City” behind and explore the mountains: immerse yourself in Morocco's spectacular natural landscapes on this private 2 or 4 day trek from Chefchaouen to Akchour.
Hike Details
Day 1: Chefchaouen – Azilane
Having met at the indicated time at the Hotel Madrid in Chefchaouen, we'll leave the picturesque "Blue City of Morocco" behind and set off on the first day of our trek. The hiking trail will take around seven hours - don't worry, we'll make stops along the way!
The first section of the route, lasting three hours, will take us through the Talassemtane National Park. We'll stop in this designated Biosphere Reserve where you can eat the picnic you brought and refuel while we admire the magnificent views. After lunch, we'll head back on the route to the final destination of the day. During this second four-hour stretch, we'll pass through the small rural village of Afeska.
Day one will come to an end in Azilane, where we'll indulge in a well-earned dinner before relaxing in the mountain lodge for the night.
Day 2: Azilane – Akchour – Chefchaouen
After a hearty breakfast at the mountain lodge in Azilane, we'll set off on today's five-hour trekking route. The effort will be well worth it as our path leads to the famous God's Bridge: an incredible natural rock bridge towering above our heads in the Talassemtane National Park.
Not far from God's Bridge are the spectacular Akchour Waterfalls, natural pools and cascades whose sparkling emerald green waters are sure to captivate you. The region is also home to an abundance of wildlife and plants that we'll discover along the way.
Having made the most of our time here with a picnic lunch in the area, the trekking route will come to an end at 5:15 pm in the village of Akchour. From here, you'll have to take a taxi back to Chefchaouen. This journey takes 45 minutes and costs around 18 US Dollars (22 Euros) for groups of up to four people.
4-Day Route
If you go with this option, we'll stick to the same route described in the itinerary for the first day described above.
On the second day, we’ll hike from Azilane to Taourarte. After a good breakfast at the rural hostel in Azilane, we'll set out on our next hike. Make sure you're ready because this day will be a full 8-hour trek. We'll pass through another beautiful part of the Rif mountain range, with Taourarte's landscape showcasing those signature ocher and green tones
After a short break for your picnic, we'll head to a rural lodge in Taourarte, where we'll have dinner and spend the night at a cozy mountain inn.
Then, on the third day, we'll hike from Taourarte to Akchour. We'll start the day early, with breakfast at the lodge as the first light of dawn breaks. This day’s trek will be an 8-hour journey, divided into three stages of about 2.5 hours each. Along the way, we'll pause for a lunch break in the heart of nature. During the hike, keep an eye out for the Rif monkeys—if we move quietly, we might be able to get close enough to observe them from a safe distance!
The highlight of this route will be our visit to the famous Akchour waterfalls, the perfect spot for a refreshing swim after our hike! We'll then head to a mountain lodge in the village of Akchour, where we'll enjoy a delicious and comforting dinner before spending the night.
Finally, on the fourth day, we'll trek from Akchour to Chefchaouen. After a hearty breakfast shortly after sunrise, we’ll set off on the fourth stage of our journey: a 6-hour trek divided into two 3-hour segments. The first part of the day will be spent exploring the stunning landscapes around the "Puente de Dios" (Bridge of God), a natural footbridge that spans a breathtaking canyon.
After a break for your picnic, we'll begin the second stage of our journey back to the "blue city of Morocco," Chefchaouen. As a final touch to our adventure, we'll take a guided tour of this beautiful city, exploring its rich history. During the walking tour, we'll wander through the most iconic parts of the old town, including the Spanish Quarter and the Medina
We’ll wrap up our tour of Chefchaouen at the meeting point at 6 pm.
Accommodation and meals
The route includes 3nights of accommodation in mountain lodges:
- Azilane (1st night): Gîte d'étape Azilane or similar
- Taourarte (2nd night): Gîte Taourarte or similar
- Akchour (3rd night): Gîte d'étape Zaouia d'Akchour or similar
The stay in the 3 accommodations above includes dinner and breakfast.
Please note that 3 lunches on this route are not included. We recommend bringing your own picnics for these meals.
