ETNA CENTRAL CRATER

A high-altitude group tour, lasting about 5 hours, will make you discover the craters at the top of the Etna volcano, up to 3330 meters. Taking a special 4x4 vehicle from an altitude of 2000 meters on the north side we will arrive up to 2950 meters where our magnificent trek will begin. A complete experience recommended for couples or groups of friends or sporty people who usually walk or trek and are in excellent health. The day includes several stages. In addition to the excursion that will allow us to see breathtaking landscapes, there is a walk on the edge of the craters at the top of the volcano observing the emission of volcanic gas and the various concretions of minerals such as sulfur while listening to the sounds of the volcano's activity. Etna Central Crater is a group tour that lends itself very well to those who love half-day hiking and want to experience the magic of the volcano by walking on recent lava flows, on the lava desert and who love to conquer the peaks without long walks.

Points of interest

Walk on the craters at the top, emission of volcanic gas at an altitude of about 3330 meters
Trek of about 3 hours on recent lava flows, lava desert and sulfur concretions
Panorama of half the island, the Aeolian Islands and Valle del Bove from above

Duration: Approx. 6 hours

Period: From mid-May to mid-November

Schedule: da definire (09:00-15:00 approx.)

Where: Etna Sud/Nord meeting point at Rifugio Sapienza/Piano Provenzana

Difficulties: Medium/High (300-500 meters elevation gain and 6-8 km of distance)

Requirements: Suitable for sporty people who walk or trek habitually and in excellent health.

Important: Tour Forbidden to Heart Patients, Respiratory Problems (Asthma), Diabetics or High Blood Pressure

Group Tours

Cost: 89€ per person + 60€ Cost of high altitude transport (Cable car/4x4 Bus)

Includes: hiking shoes, sticks, RC insurance, protective helmet, hygiene cap.

Reservation: Send a message on whatsapp or call +39 378 0861560 (Fabrizio)

Required equipment: sportswear suitable for the season and high altitude, long trousers, 20 litre backpack,

T-shirt, windbreaker, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, snack/packed lunch, hat.

Program*

With the meeting with the volcanological guide (travel NOT included, possible Pick up at the accommodation with car/jeep is to be organized), begins the tour that will lead you to discover Etna at high altitudes.

The first step will be the purchase of tickets for the Special 4x4 vehicles and the climb that will lead us from an altitude of 2000 meters up to 2950 meters. During the bus ride it will be possible to admire the eruptive scenery of 2002 and the entire volcanic landscape up to high altitudes.

The second step It starts once you get out of the vehicle; On the trek, the guide will take you to visit the craters at the top of the volcano to be walked on the crater rim with protective helmets, material that will be provided by the guide. Here we will observe the emission of volcanic gas, the sulfur crystals and the sounds of the volcano, a beautiful and exclusive experience that can hardly be repeated in other volcanoes in the world. During the excursion the local guide will introduce you to the geological characteristics and eruptive history of our volcano and you will be able to admire unique landscapes in the world with a splendid panoramic view of the entire Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas.

The third step will be on the way back and provides a view of Valle del Bove from a panoramic point. Here you will have a packed lunch (not included in the price) and after this stop you will proceed again in trekking over a sandy gully to reach the Special 4x4 vehicle for the return to the starting point, thus ending the guided tour.

*The program may be subject to change at the discretion of the guide, depending on weather conditions or volcanic activity.