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Offered languages
- English
- Italian
- French
The excursion begins at 1,900 m. After check-in with your guide, take the cable car to 2,500 m, where the high-altitude trek begins.
Climb approximately 500 m across snow-covered lava fields, volcanic craters, lava channels and steaming fumaroles releasing hot gases. The route approaches 3,000 m, near the South-East Crater, one of Etna’s most active cones, when permitted by volcanic conditions and official restrictions.
Experience the contrast of snow and lava on Europe’s highest active volcano, discovering landscapes shaped by recent eruptions and observing volcanic features from safe, authorized areas.
Descend entirely on foot from around 3,000 m to the cable-car station at 2,500 m, then return by cable car to the starting point.
Duration: ~5 hours
Distance: ~6.5 km
Elevation gain: ~500 m (variable)
Difficulty: E – For fit hikers comfortable with sustained walking at high altitude.
The itinerary may change due to weather, snow, volcanic activity and safety regulations.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Your guides will be waiting for you in the parking lot in front of the bas Esagonal, in the so-called Piazzale del Rifugio Sapienza. In case of problems you can contact us at +39 345 5741330
Itinerary
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1Mount Etna
Start at 1,900 m. After check-in and ticket arrangements with your guide, take the cable car to 2,500 m, where the hike begins. Climb about 500 m through lava fields, craters, lava channels and steaming fumaroles towards 3,000 m, near the base of Etna’s South-East Crater. Explore Mount Etna’s spectacular upper slopes, high on Europe’s tallest active volcano. The route stays above 2,500 m, offering remarkable summit views. Admire the South-East Crater, source of numerous recent eruptions, from a safe distance. Access to the cone is restricted due to volcanic hazards, including intense heat, unstable terrain and potential collapses. The maximum altitude and route depend on current access regulations, volcanic activity and weather conditions. Return: descend on foot to the cable-car station at 2,500 m, then ride back to the starting point. Duration: ~5 hours • Distance: ~6.5 km • Ascent: ~500 m (variable) • Difficulty: E – for fit hikers experienced at high altitude.
5 hours • Admission ticket included
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- The trek is not recommended for those who engage in little physical activity.
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- The trek is not recommended for those who engage in little physical activity.
- Although the excursion does not require any particular physical preparation, caution is advised, as the volcanic terrain can often be uneven and unstable.
- The itinerary may be adjusted at the guides’ discretion or suspended if environmental, weather, or volcanic conditions change and pose a risk to the group’s safety.
- The excursion will be conducted in accordance with the limits established by the regulations in force.
- Suitable for children over 7 years old who are accustomed to walking.
- The route includes ascending and walking along the crater rims, which may cause dizziness in sensitive individuals.
- This itinerary, given its nature and altitude, is suitable for individuals in good physical health who do not have specific medical conditions, such as cardiovascular, respiratory issues, or hypertension.
- For a safe and enjoyable excursion, it’s important to be aware of your health conditions and, if needed, share them with the guide. Doing so helps prevent problems and reduce risks.
- The use of contact lenses is not recommended due to volcanic gases and ash, which can easily irritate the eyes. If you do wear them, it is advisable to use them in combination with sunglasses.
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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