Trekking to the Summit Craters with Departure from Etna South – Nicolosi

Meeting at the parking lot in front of the Esagonal Bar at 08:30, 1900 mt.

Departure planned at 9:00.

Initial briefing and buying of the tickets for the cable-car (round-trip) 

Arrival at a height of 2500 mt with the cable.

Start of the trekking route of 5 km till the Summit Craters – altitude 3250 mt.

Trekking downhill for 6,5 km till the arrival point of the cable at a height of 2500 mt.

Trip back to the starting point by cable-car, 1900 mt.

Minimum altitude of the start of the trekking: 2500 mt – maximum altitude reached: 3300 mt (it may vary) – minimum altitude reached by trekking: 2500 mt.

Positive difference in height: 800 mt (it may vary) – Difference in downhill: 800 mt (it may vary)

Total time: 5h/6h

Total kilometers: 11,5 km

Difficulty: For excursionists accustomed to walk at altitude – E (Excursionists)

Useful informations : 1) Possibility of returning back with the 4×4 vehicles from Torre del Filosofo (2900 mt) till the cable-car (2500 mt) with an additional cost of 18€ per pax (at customer’s charge).  [This option may not be available due to recent volcano eruptions that have changed the morphology of the terrain].

Our adventure will begin from 1900 meters at 9.00 am, after one initial briefing we’ll take the cable till a height of 2500 mt. where it will start the trekking along the path that from Torre del Filosofo leads to the Summit Craters of the Etna, through the lavic fields, issued by the recent activities of the South East Crater.

After traveling for about 5 km, at a height of 3250 mt, we will reach the western portion of the summit crater terrace, where it will be possible to admire the stateliness of the Central Crater of the volcano and to understand fully the associated phenomenology. This place, rich in charm, put together the man’s curiosity and the mysterious face of the volcano.

The trekking will continue along the crater wall, before starting the downhill on the steep, but funny trip back path, constituted by ash and volcanic scoria, along the  southern portion of the summit cone, that will allow us to walk back till a height of 2500 mt for a total of 11,5 km (round-trip). Then You will come back from 2500 mt till Rifugio Sapienza (1900 mt) with the cable.

Licensed Volcanological Guide

Trekking sticks

Helmets

Insurance in case of accidents

Entry/Admission – Mount Etna

Trekking shoes

Extra socks

Not recommended for those who do not perform motor activities regularly.

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.

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.

Because 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 guides are entitled to stop the excursion for any reason that could compromise the safety and therefore the physical integrity of an individual or of the entire group.

The total time of the trekking trail will depends on the general pace.

The excursion will be carried out according to the limits laid down by the ordinance in force.

The route is also suitable for children aged 12 and over who are used to walking.

The route consists of the ascent and the walking along the crater edges, this may cause dizziness to susceptible individuals.

This type of itinerary, in relation to the type, is suited to people in good physical health, not suffering from particular diseases (cardio-vascular ones, breathing ones, or hypertension).

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.

Pregnant women who have passed the third month of pregnancy are not allowed to take part to any excursion activity.

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.

Lunch bag

Layered outfit (short sleeved t-shirt, long sleeved thermal t-shirt – fleece sweatshirt or sweatshirt) – Winter clothing (especially in autumn or spring)

Trekking shoes

Gloves or winter hat (especially in autumn or spring)

Windbreaker or quilted jacket

Water – minimum 1,5 L (per each)

Possibility of renting shoes + jackets on site

Snack

Gaiters

Trekking sticks

K-way (rainproof jacket)

Backpack 25/30 L

Sunglasses

Sunscreen / lip balm

Hat and gloves (it may vary according to the season)

Extra socks

Long pants

Extra t-shirt

 Handkerchief or bandana (to protect yourself from the dust or the volcanic gases)

In the event of adverse weather conditions, we will advise you in order to communicate the cancellation or postponement of your excursion, at the earliest possible date.

There is no advance payment for the reservation, after communicating your reservation to our number: +39 345 5741330 you will pay directly the guide who will be with you the day of the excursion.

There is no prepayment of the reservation (except for agencies, groups or private services). The guide will take you inside the office of the Funivia dell’Etna for the payment of the return tickets, just before the departure.

In case of many requests, the participants will be divided into smaller groups with different guides, according to the languages in order to avoid the formation of large groups of people.