Mount Etna: Central Crater Guided Hike for Advanced Hikers

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Trek up to the summit craters of Mount Etna (3,300 meters) and admire the volcanic phenomena on a trip from Linguaglossa. Explore a side less frequented by tourists and enjoy the charm of the volcano.

Highlights

  • Reach the real summit of the volcano at an altitude of 3300 meters
  • See all the active summit craters of Etna
  • Observe the ceaseless activity of the volcano
  • Listen to scientific explanations about the evolution of the volcano
  • Trek in a stunning moonscape

Description

Set off on a grand, one-of-a-kind adventure on Mount Etna, with spectacular features suitable for expert hikers. Discover volcanology with your licensed volcanological guide and immerse yourself in the evocative natural scenery among the lava flows of Etna. From the meeting point, which has an altitude of 1800 meters, go up on special 4x4 vehicles along the 8-kilometer-long panoramic road of the north side of the volcano up to a height of 2,825 meters. From this point, begin the 5 km uphill walk on a path surrounded by volcanic slag and large bombs to the edge of the great Central Crater of Etna. The total uphill altitude difference is 490 up to the edge of the main crater of Etna at 3,315 meters. Once there, stop to admire the grandeur and magnificence of the processes associated with the volcanic environment: gas emissions and low- and high-temperature fumaroles surrounded by the brilliant colors of the sublimates. Enjoy the rooftop view of Sicily if weather conditions or the amount of volcanic gas emissions permit. After admiring the spectacle of the summit, begin your journey downhill along the slag and volcanic ash slopes, to the base of the Volcanological Observatory, where you stop for lunch. Then, continue inside one of the large sandy channels, characteristic of the northeast side of the volcano. Surrounded by endemic plants and seasonal streams, you will reach the downhill path to Piano Provenzana, the endpoint of the excursion. The total time of the trekking route is 5 to 6 hours and the total kilometers (round trip) are 12 km of which 5 km is uphill and 7 km is downhill (variable values). The difficulty level is for experienced hikers accustomed to regularly going to the mountains. The maximum reached altitude is 3,315 m while the minimum reached altitude is 1,800 m. The downhill altitude difference is 1,500 m (may vary).The long descent could be harder than the climb, as you descend 1500 meters of negative altitude, from an altitude of 3300 meters to an altitude of 1800 metres, strongly not recommended for those who suffer from joint problems and especially knee problems!.

Includes

Volcanological guide Guided hike Trekking poles Protective helmets Trekking shoes and extra socks Warm jackets Backpacks

Important Information

  • The trekking is for moderately trained hikers (being a path that develops at high altitude, it will be easy to accrue symptoms of fatigue)
  • The price includes only the cost of the guide service and not the cost of the transport service that you will pay on the spot directly to your guide who will take care of the purchase of the tickets
  • The decent with off-road vehicles is optional for those who want to take transportation back down please let your guide know in case you want to take the bus for the descent
  • The parking ticket will be paid on the spot after the excursion
  • This excursion could be subject to variations in case of changes in the environmental, climatic, or volcanic conditions
  • The route consists of the ascent and walking along the crater edges, this may cause vertigo.
  • The excursion will be carried out according to the limits laid down by the ordinance in force
  • This excursion may be cancelled if the minimum number of 4 is not met

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

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