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Etna Summit Craters Trek: An Uphill Adventure at Volcanic Risk

4.9

35 Ratings

Città metropolitana di Catania

Embark on an uphill adventure at Etna Summit Craters Trek, exploring recent snow-capped flows, large craters, lava flow channels, and hot fumaroles. Experience suitable for experienced hikers.

Duration: 5 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Mount Etna - The excursion starts from an altitude of 1,900 metres. After making the payment and purchasing the return tickets together with your guide, you will take the cable car up to an altitude of 2,500 meters. Here will begin your uphill trek for 500 meters of positive difference in altitude, among recent snow-capped flows, large craters, lava flow channels, hot fumaroles with high temperature gas leaks, up to an altitude of 3000 meters - MAXIMUM HEIGHT REACHABLE AT THE MOMENT DEPENDING ON THE LEVEL OF VOLCANIC RISK ⚠️ - at the base of the South Crater- East, the most active at the moment on Etna. The descent from an altitude of 3000 meters on foot to the cable car is foreseen, for the definitive return to the starting point

Total duration: 5 hours
Total km: 6.5 km
Total elevation gain: 500 m (it may vary)
Difficulty: Experience absolutely suitable for hikers used to walking at high altitude - E (hikers).

Craters Silvestri of Mount Etna - The excursion starts from an altitude of 1,900 metres. After making the payment and purchasing the return tickets together with your guide, you will take the cable car up to an altitude of 2,500 meters. Here will begin your uphill trek for 500 meters of positive difference in altitude, among recent snow-capped flows, large craters, lava flow channels, hot fumaroles with high temperature gas leaks, up to an altitude of 3000 meters - MAXIMUM HEIGHT REACHABLE AT THE MOMENT DEPENDING ON THE LEVEL OF VOLCANIC RISK ⚠️ - at the base of the South Crater- East, the most active at the moment on Etna. The descent from an altitude of 3000 meters on foot to the cable car is foreseen, for the definitive return to the starting point

Total duration: 5 hours
Total km: 6.5 km
Total elevation gain: 500 m (it may vary)
Difficulty: Experience absolutely suitable for hikers used to walking at high altitude - E (hikers).

What's Included

Expert vulcanological guide included
Accident insurance for added safety
All entry fees to Mount Etna covered
Trekking gear provided: poles, shoes, helmets
Warm jackets, extra socks, and backpacks available

What's Not Included

50€ per person to be paid on site: tickets for cableway (round trip)
Parking ticket
Snowshoe rental at a cost of € 15 per person in case of deep snow (to be paid to your guide who will provide the equipment)
Transport service from your accommodation
Hat and gloves

Additional Information

The adventure begins at 1,900 metres above sea level. Upon payment and securing return tickets with your tour guide, you will be escorted up to 2,500 meters in a cable car. This marks the start of your uphill journey covering a vertical distance of 500 meters. You’ll traverse freshly snow-touched terrains, vast craters, lava conduits, and thermally dynamic fumeroles, reaching up to an altitude of 3000 meters - THE CURRENT HIGHEST ATTAINABLE POINT SUBJECT TO VOLCANIC RISK STATUS ⚠️ - at the bottom of South-East Crater, currently Etna’s most active region. A descent from 3000 meters altitude by foot, heading toward the cable car, is planned for a final return to the starting location.

Duration of trip: 5 hours
Total distance: 6.5 km
Total ascent: 500 m (subject to change)
Difficulty level: Appropriate for experienced high-altitude hikers - E (hikers).

Trekking is not recommended for those who do little physical activity.
However, the excursion does not require any particular physical preparation, attention is required since it is volcanic soil, often inconsistent and unstable.
The excursion may be subject to variations at the discretion of the Guides or be interrupted if the environmental, atmospheric or volcanic conditions change, such as to compromise the safety of the entire group.
The excursion will take place within the limits established by the ordinances in force.
Suitable for children over 7 years old who are used to walking
The route includes the ascent and passage along the crater rims, this could cause dizziness problems for sensitive individuals.
This itinerary, in relation to the type and altitude, is suitable for people in a state of good physical health, who do not suffer from particular pathologies (cardio vascular, respiratory or hypertension).
To allow for the success of the excursion and the proper conduct of the activity, it is good practice to be fully aware of your health conditions and possibly present them to the Guide, all this to reduce the occurrence of any problems and avoid taking risks.
We do not recommend the use of contact lenses because of the gases exhaled by the volcano and the ash which, if pushed, could easily cause problems to the eyes.

Location

Esagonal

Piazzale Funivia Etna

Your guides will be waiting for you in the parking lot in front of the bas Esagonal, in the so-called Piazzale del Rifugio Sapienza. In case of problems you can contact us at +39 345 5741330

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

4.9

(35 Ratings)

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1 star

Carmelo

May 21, 2024

Fantastic - Unique experience to absolutely try with a truly prepared and professional guide, who made us enjoy this experience to the fullest.