It originates in the Sierra de Almijara and enters Mediterranean Sea just west of the town of Nerja.

Most of the river runs through the Sierras of Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Natural Park, which is always open to the public.

[3] The river has eaten out the limestone of the Sierra de Almijara] to create a deep canyon.

[5] A walk up the river to the "Vado de Los Patos" (Duck's Ford) pool starts at the "los Almachares" asphalt road, which runs under the A-7 motorway to a concrete factory, turns to gravel and leads to the entrance to the park.

[1] At 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) the "Vado de Los Patos" pool is fed by a small waterfall, and provides a place for swimming.