Volcanological Excursion on Etna

Visit to the Rift Craters on the Wildest Side of Etna Volcano

A trek of about 7 km along the North-East Rift Craters between lava flows and unique landscapes.
The excursion includes a visit to a small lava cave for a complete experience on Etna!

Escursione-sullEtna-visita-i-crateri-del-rift

Price of Etna excursion:

Adults: €50

Children up to 12 YEARS: €45

(Excluding Transport Service)

Departures scheduled every day at:

8:00

Duration:  5-6 Hours

Difficulty:

Hikers

Difference in altitude: +/- 500 m approx.

Trekking route: 6 km approx.

Excluded in the Excursion Price

€50 for a 4×4 ticket (return ticket from 1800m to 2825m and from 2825m to 2500m)  

(To be paid on site at the starting point on the morning of the excursion).

Parking ticket

(€5 all day to be paid on site)

Included in the excursion price

Authorized Volcanological Guide
Insurance in case of accidents

Hiking Equipment Needed

Trekking poles

Protective helmets

Trekking shoes

Windbreakers

Extra socks 

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Excursion Details:

Volcanological Excursion on Etna | Visit to the Rift Craters on the Wildest Side of Etna Volcano

Itinerary

The route is a valid alternative to the Summit Craters, and is among the most complete and fascinating that can be offered on the volcano, suitable for those who want to walk among craters, fractures in the ground, lava flows and visit exceptional volcanic feeding conduits, where once the molten magma mass boiled.

The trek of great volcanological and geological interest, involves climbing on special 4×4 vehicles from an altitude of 1800 meters to an altitude of 2800 meters (for a total of 8 km of road) accompanied by your volcanological guide who will begin the explanations on board, until arriving at the Volcanological Observatory located at high altitude.

From this point the first trek will begin from an altitude of 2800 up to an altitude of approximately 2900 metres, where we will stop at a panoramic point, with a view of the summit craters, the recent lava flows and the spectacle of Sicily seen from above (visibility varies depending on weather conditions).

After this first walk we will move again aboard the 4×4 vehicle that will take us to the side of one of the large craters on the northern side of Etna, where the longest trek will begin, planned entirely on foot to the initial starting point.

During the tour you will visit the fracture called (Rift) of the northern side of Etna, the craters of the eruption of February 24, 1947, you will enter with your protective helmets inside the chimney of a perfectly intact volcanic cone, you will enter inside the mouths that produced the lava flows.

The excursion will continue, on the edge of large explosive craters, through descents composed of slopes of volcanic ash, between the craters generated by countless lateral eruptions: 1914/24- 1809-1874-1879-1911-1923-1974/75 up to the most recent of 2002 for a total of 6 km of route up to Piano Provenzana.

The groups will be distributed to the various Guides based on the number and language of the participants in order to avoid the formation of large groups.

Warnings

Departures scheduled upon reaching a minimum of 4 participants

Trekking is  not recommended  for those who do not regularly perform physical activity.

The excursion requires  good  physical preparation, as it is a route that develops at  high altitude,  it will be easy to experience symptoms of  fatigue .

Caution is required   as the soil is volcanic and often loose and unstable.

The excursion may be subject to changes at the discretion of the Guides or be interrupted if environmental, atmospheric or volcanic conditions change, which could compromise the  safety  of the entire group.

The total duration of the trek will depend on your pace.

The excursion will take place within the limits set by the  ordinances  in force.

Suitable for children aged 6 and over .

The route includes climbing and passing along the crater rims, which could cause  vertigo problems  for sensitive individuals.

This itinerary, in relation to the type and altitude , is suitable for people in good physical health, who do not suffer from particular pathologies ( strongly not recommended for those who suffer from problems :  cardiovascular ,  respiratory  or  hypertension ).  

We do not recommend  the use of  contact lenses  because of the gases released by the volcano and the ash which, if blown, could easily cause problems.

Pregnant women who are beyond the third month of  pregnancy are not permitted to engage in any type of hiking activity.

To ensure the success of the excursion and the correct performance of the activity, it is good practice to know your  health conditions perfectly  and to inform the Guide if necessary, all this to reduce the onset of any problems and avoid running  risks .

Tips for a Safe and Comfortable Hike

When planning a hike, it is essential to be well-prepared for different weather conditions and to ensure maximum comfort. Here is a list of essential items, with a special focus on the first six, that should never be missing from your backpack.

 Layered Clothing

Wearing layers is essential to adapt to temperature changes during your hike. A short-sleeved shirt combined with a thermal or long-sleeved shirt allows you to regulate your body heat based on the weather conditions.

 Trekking Shoes

Hiking shoes are essential for stability and comfort on uneven terrain. Investing in a good pair of shoes can prevent injuries and make your hike much more enjoyable.

Windbreaker or Down Jacket

A windbreaker or a down jacket is essential to protect you from the cold and wind. Choose a lightweight and easily foldable model, so you can always take it with you.

Gloves and Hat

Depending on the season, gloves and a hat can make a difference in maintaining body heat. They are especially useful in autumn and spring, when temperatures can vary greatly.

Snack

Bringing energy snacks is important to keep your energy up during the hike. Opt for protein bars or nuts, which are easy to carry and nutritious.

Water – Minimum 1.5 L (for 2 people)

Hydration is key! Make sure to bring at least 1.5 liters of water for two people to avoid dehydration during exercise.

Other Useful Elements

In addition to the six main items, consider bringing trekking poles, a waterproof K-way, a backpack of adequate capacity (25/30 L), sunglasses, sunscreen or lip balm, spare socks, long trousers, a waterproof jacket, a spare T-shirt and handkerchiefs or bandanas to protect yourself from dust or volcanic gases.

Being well equipped makes every excursion not only safer but also more enjoyable!

Contact us if you have any other doubts

You Should Know That...

In case of adverse weather conditions, we will notify you of the cancellation or postponement of your Etna excursion as soon as possible.

Make sure you leave your contact details when booking.

Advance Payment for the Reservation is not required ( except for Agencies or Groups ).  You will pay directly to the Guide who will be with you on the day of the excursion.

In the presence of a high number of requests for our Etna Excursions, we will proceed to divide the Participants into Small Subgroups, each accompanied by a Qualified Volcanological Guide, in order to prevent the formation of large aggregations.
All this will be done in accordance with the different Languages ​​Spoken.

How to Book an Excursion on Etna with Qualified Volcanological Guides?

 

To book your excursion on Etna you can choose the following services by providing the following data:

Name, Surname, Actual Date of the Desired Etna Excursion, Number of Participants and Reference Mobile Number

Plan your departure for Etna excursions and make sure you arrive on time.

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