Etna - Trekking to the summit craters (only guide service) experienced hikers

based on 272 reviews

Duration:5 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Location: Sicily, Italy

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Trekking in small groups!

Ascent with off-road vehicles along the panoramic path on the northern side of the volcano, till a height of 2825 mt. From this point we start the ascent on foot on a path surrounded by volcanic scoria and bombs. After doing 470mt positive level difference, we will reach the edge of the Central Crater (main crater of the volcano), at an altitude of 3300 mt. There we will stop to admire the uniqueness and the processes of the volcanic environment. the descent is planned on foot from 3300 to 1800 meters for about 7 kilometers, passing through large gullies full of soft volcanic sand to the starting point of the excursion.

Total kilometers (round-trip):12 km
Max altitude reached:3300 mt
Min altitude reached:1800 mt
Total climb uphill:470 mt
Total climb downhill:1500 mt - The long descent could be harder than the climb, as you descend 1500 meters of negative altitude.
Difficulty: Absolutely suitable for experienced hikers.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Itinerario Crateri Sommitali
The starting point of this excursion is scheduled in Piano Provenzana at 8:00/8:15 AM, as a basis we have the: Kiosk Bar Mareneve. This excursion allows you to admire and visit the side less frequented by the mass of tourists. The route includes an off-road climb up to an altitude of 2825 meters. From this point you walk up into a lunar landscape, made of lava flows, volcanic ashes and volcanic bombs. After a climb of 4,5 kilometers and 480 meters of elevation gain, we arrive at the edge of the great Central Crater of Etna. The descent is planned on foot from 3300 to 1800 meters for about 7 kilometers, passing through lunar plateaus and large gullies full of soft volcanic sand to the starting point of the excursion. The excursion includes a total of 11,5 kilometers of walking (round trip) for 5/6 hours, absolutely suitable for those who are used to walking regularly in the mountains, not recommended for those with vertigo, physical health or fatigue problems.
2. Mount Etna
The starting point of this excursion is scheduled in Piano Provenzana at 8:00/8:15 AM, as a basis we have the: Kiosk Bar Mareneve. This excursion allows you to admire and visit the side less frequented by the mass of tourists. The route includes an off-road climb up to an altitude of 2825 meters. From this point you walk up into a lunar landscape, made of lava flows, volcanic ashes and volcanic bombs. After a climb of 4,5 kilometers and 480 meters of elevation gain, we arrive at the edge of the great Central Crater of Etna. The descent is planned on foot from 3300 to 1800 meters for about 7 kilometers, passing through lunar plateaus and large gullies full of soft volcanic sand to the starting point of the excursion. The excursion includes a total of 11,5 kilometers of walking (round trip) for 5/6 hours, absolutely suitable for those who are used to walking regularly in the mountains, not recommended for those with vertigo, physical health or fatigue problems.
3. Piano Provenzana
The starting point of this excursion is scheduled in Piano Provenzana at 8:00/8:15 AM, as a basis we have the: Kiosk Bar Mareneve. This excursion allows you to admire and visit the side less frequented by the mass of tourists. The route includes an off-road climb up to an altitude of 2825 meters. From this point you walk up into a lunar landscape, made of lava flows, volcanic ashes and volcanic bombs. After a climb of 4,5 kilometers and 480 meters of elevation gain, we arrive at the edge of the great Central Crater of Etna. The descent is planned on foot from 3300 to 1800 meters for about 7 kilometers, passing through lunar plateaus and large gullies full of soft volcanic sand to the starting point of the excursion. The excursion includes a total of 11,5 kilometers of walking (round trip) for 5/6 hours, absolutely suitable for those who are used to walking regularly in the mountains, not recommended for those with vertigo, physical health or fatigue problems.

ADDITIONAL INFO

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
• This type of itinerary, in relation to the type, is suited to people in good physical health, not suffering from particular diseases (breathing ones, or hypertension).
• The excursion could be subjected to variations at the discretion of the Guides, or it could be interrupted in case of changes of the environmental, climatic or volcanic conditions, so as to undermine the safety of the entire group.
• For the success of the excursion and for its correct carrying out, it’s good to know perfectly your health conditions and, if necessary, let the Guide know about them, in order to reduce the occurrence of any problems and to avoid any risks.
• The excursion will be carried out according to the limits established by the ordinance in force published by the competent authorities in case of volcanic explosions, the volcano guides must respect it. In this case the guides must stop where it is still safe to arrive for the safety of the entire group.
• The route consists of the ascent and the walking along the crater edges, this may cause dizziness to susceptible individuals.
• We recommend not to use contact lens, because of the exhaled volcanic gases and of ash. This last one could easily cause problems, if pushed.
• The trekking requires a discrete preparation on a physical level. Being a path that develops at high altitude, it will be easy to accuse symptoms of fatigue. It is required attention, since it is a volcanic active area, subjected to constant gaseous exhalations and composed by a soil constituted by inconsistent and unstable rocks.
• Without adequate shoes you are not covered by insurance.
• Pregnant women who have passed the third month of pregnancy are not allowed to take part to any excursion activity.
• Because of the continuous and unpredictable evolution of the volcanic activity, the excursions could undergo variations, or, in extreme cases, be cancelled, at the discretion of the guide for safety reasons.
• The excursion is not suitable for children under 12 years old

CANCELLATION POLICY

Posted By : 560danielat
It was good and interesting, but for my opinion, a smaller group would be better, because in this group were 20 people. At the end, when we got down, it wouldn't be necessary to have a snack break, because after this, it seemed that we are in a rush.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-03 14:04:18

Posted By : heises
Astonishing scenery. Very professional operation. Poldo was a great guide / and prolific linguist. My wife was nervous through vertigo and was planning to pull out but Poldo gave her enough confidence to do it and checked up on her when we got to the really hairy bit - the caldera. Amazing moonscape scenery and really unforgettable experience
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-30 13:07:01

Posted By : jewadi
The trip was in May 2023. Unfortunately, I couldn't adjust it anymore.
THAT was the best trip to a volcano I've ever done!!! The guide was very nice and knew a lot. He also spoke English, Italian and French fluently (!) and thus told the whole tour three times. It was great. On the way up you felt like you were in Jurassic Park. Awesome! I can only highly recommend it!!!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-30 11:10:27

Posted By : SebRe
Great tour with experienced guides. The guide explained everything in Italien, French, and English. Overall it was a fantastic experience
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-27 13:36:16

Posted By : K988EOrogerk
The summit was completely cloud-free, which meant we had wind speeds of up to 95 km/h on the crater rim. At -5 degrees and so much wind, warm clothes are an absolute must. A down jacket with a hood, warm gloves, thermal underwear under the pants, and maybe ski goggles for the eyes are a plus. The trip was an absolute highlight for me; it was carried out very professionally and safely. The guides had radios, our guide had to go back to the vehicle with a woman, another guide took over our group until we were back. I would take part again at any time; I really enjoyed it.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-04 02:03:37

Posted By : vincent1030
This trek is fabulous, our eyes are still full of wonderful images. To be regretted, however: we had warned that we are no longer young (67 and 68 years old)! And it was frankly VERY / TOO sporty, without any downtime for us who actually arrived last... We had barely caught up with them when the merry band started again. In short, we came home frankly defeated!
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Posted On : 2024-05-02 10:36:38

Posted By : W5509ZJannal
We loved the tour! We did the winter tour on Mount Etna South and it was great fun! The mountain guide led us up and back down on an adventurous route. Through the snow and over lava, through a kind of grotto with a helmet until we reached the top. I would definitely do it again and recommend it to anyone who doesn't just want to drive up but also likes to hike. Thank you very much! The tour was great!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-02-23 13:08:26

Posted By : 754lingliz
The routes were thoughtfully designed and the view was stunning. The provider is well equipped with gears and available for those who are not equipped. Guide Danielle is knowledgeable and professional. Fully recommend it for anyone who wants a bit (but not too much) of challenges and good fun!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-12-29 13:37:18

Posted By : 31ninaw
We booked the hike to the main crater of the Etna (and back down to the parking lot at 1800m) and it was an amazing experience. We started the tour with a bigger group in the 4x4 and were then separated into smaller groups, each with their own guide. Our group had a size of 6 people which was really great. Our guide Luca was very experienced and explained a lot along the way. We always felt really safe. He lead us to different scenic viewpoints along the main crater and it was just an amazing, unforgettable experience! Even the hike down was a lot of fun. I cannot recommend this tour enough, definitely a must-do when you are in Sicily!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-12-11 07:56:17

Posted By : 499nejcs
On the day we arrived the weather was not great, strong winds. The guides proposed a new tour, not at the summit, so they proposed a refund and booking of a different cheaper tour that was ok due to the weather. They also provided any gear as necessary.

We had great explanations and stories with our guide Daniele! He was great!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-11-02 14:29:16