After a few days in the throngs of Marrakech we decided to take a day trip to the mountains. We hired a driver and went to the Ourika Valley which is about 40 miles southeast of Marrakech. It is known for wonderful views of the Atlas Mountains and at the end of the road, there are waterfalls. Here is a stop along the way with great views of the mountains and a fairly terrifying bridge to cross.
So as is true with all of Morocco, there is a hussle. So our driver stopped at about six places along the way to see if we wanted to buy something or see something or do something. A beautiful "Berber" house with lots to buy!
We were required by the government to hire a guide to take us to the waterfalls. Howard is here with...yes... Mohammed, our guide. He was a kind, soft-spoken man who helped us climb over the large rocks on the way to the waterfalls. All the way there we were greeted by vendors selling "stuff".
Here is where we crossed the river to go see the waterfalls. Guide books show this area as though you are the only ones there. In reality, there are a trail of tourists and non-tourists climbing up the hill with little restaurants along the way!
And then here we are at the first set of waterfalls.
And then here we are at the first set of waterfalls.
And my personal favorite sign of the trip...
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