SUMMIT CRATERS - ETNA NORD

Departure h.8:30 • Duration: 6 hours

Difficulty grade: Advanced

SCHEDULE

Meeting with the guide at the bar “La Terrazza dell’Etna”.
After a short briefing, the Etna summit craters excursion will begin, which will lead us to an altitude of 3000m.
With the Etna Cable Car we will quickly gain altitude up to 2500 m asl and then start the trekking up to the maximum altitude.
During the 2 hours ascent, we will make 2-3 intermediate breaks to enjoy the view and the extraordinary beauty that this place preserves/offers.
We will walk along lunar-looking lava fields, which will lead us under the summit craters.
During the descent we will stop to admire the sunset that from this altitude is just a rare beauty!
We will resume, equipped with torches, the downhill trek (without cable car) to the starting point, enjoying the spectacular scenery of the city lights.

The excursion Crateri Sommitali Etna is aimed at medium-trained hikers, accustomed to moving on soil with a sandy or debris bottom, where there may be the presence of paths and where the path can face sometimes exposed sections. Difference in altitude 500 m, negative 1000 m. Excursions are also possible for children from ten years of age.

The excursion include

Insurance
Excursion guide
Trekking pole
Everything specified in the schedule

Necessary gear

Trekking boots with high socks
Trekking pole (available rental in loco)
Rock helmet ( free rental)
Extra t-shirt
Long trousers (recommended)
Pull and anorak (k-way)
Backpack (10-20L)
Gloves and hat (recommended)
Sunglasses (recommended)
Sun protection cream (recommended)
Water, at least 1.5L
Snack and packed lunch

Useful information

In order to avoid risks, it is very important to be totally aware about oneself health conditions and to inform eventually your guide about them.
Here following some notes about safety.

Pregnant women
No hiking activity is allowed after the third month of pregnancy for security reasons and physical integrity.

Heart disease, asthma and vertigo
All hiking activities at any altitude are not suitable for people suffering from these diseases, both for low altitudes and higher ones.

Contact Lenses
The use of contact lenses is forbidden during any excursions, above all for those leading up to summit area, due to the presence of volcanic ashes spread by the wind.

Changes of schedule
Excursions schedules are subject to changes or interruptions at the discretion of the guide if weather conditions, environmental causes, or volcanic risks can represent any source of danger.

Moreover, the guide has the authority to interrupt the excursion for any reason risking to compromise the safety and so the physical integrity of a single person or of the whole group.