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

Overview

Trekking in small groups Ascent by off-road vehicles along the panoramic northern slope up to 2,825 meters. From there, the hike continues on foot through volcanic scoria and lava bombs, with a 500-meter elevation gain, reaching the rim of the Central Crater at 3,380 meters. After a stop at the summit to observe the volcanic landscape, the descent is on foot down to 1,800 meters (approx. 7 km), crossing large gullies filled with soft volcanic sand. Main data: • Total distance (round trip): 12 km • Maximum altitude: 3,380 m • Minimum altitude: 1,800 m • Ascent: +500 m • Descent: -1,580 m (the long downhill section may be more demanding than the climb) • Difficulty: Suitable only for experienced hikers Note: Participants who decide during the excursion to return by bus from 2,850 m to 1,800 m must pay €70 instead of €50.

Meeting and Pickup

Language Offered

English-GUIDE

Italian-GUIDE

French-GUIDE

Itinerary

Inclusion

Licensed Volcano Guide

Entry/Admission to Mount Etna

Trekking poles, trekking shoes, helmets, warm jacket, extra socks, extra backpack

Insurance in case of accidents

Exclusion

Transport service from your accommodation

Hat and gloves (during autumn, winter and spring)

Parking ticket (€5 for the entire day on weekdays and €8 on Sundays and public holidays.)

Off road vehicle (one way only) from1800m up to 2825m (50€per person to be paid on the spot)

Cancellation Policy

Refundable tickets

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

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