craters
see how great and wonderful the nature
Departures planned from Piano Provenzana each every day at 8:00. Ascent with special off-road vehicles along the panoramic street on the northern side of the volcano, till a height of 2825 mt. From this point it will start the ascent by walk for 5 km uphill on a path surrounded by volcanic scoria and bombs. The total climb uphill is of 490 mt till we will arrive to the edge of the Central Crater of the Etna, at a height of 3347 mt. There we will stop to admire the greatness, the uniqueness and the processes of the volcanic environment, united to the spectacle of the view you can enjoy from the roof of Sicily (the visibility could change according to the weather or volcanic conditions). The downhill will be made on soft scoria and volcanic ashes, passing thorough Piano delle Concazze (at 2750 mt, the base of the Volcanological Observatory). Then we will continue inside of one of the sandy big channel, characteristics of the North-East side of the volcano and surrounded by endemic plants and seasonal torrents, before of reaching the downhill path and the beech forest up to Piano Provenzana, arrival point of our excursion.The excursion includes a total of 12 kilometers of walking (round trip) for 5/6 hours, absolutely suitable for those who are used to walking regularly in the mountains, not recommended for those with vertigo, physical health or fatigue problems.
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 (except for: agencies, groups or private services), after communicating your reservation you will pay directly the guide who will be with you the day of the excursion.
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.
Meeting at Piano Provenzana 1800 mt at 7:30.
Departures planned from Piano Provenzana every day at: 8:00- 8:15.
Ascent with special 4x4 vehicles.
Arrival at a height of 2825 mt.
Start of trekking till the Etna Summit Craters at 3315 mt.
Downhill on ground made by sand and volcanic scoria.
Arrival at Piano delle Concazze at 2750 mt.
Arrival at Piano Provenzana, at 1800 mt.
Total time of the trekking trail: 5/6 hours
Total kilometers uphill: 5
Total kilometers (round-trip): 12 km (it may vary)
Maximum altitude reached: 3315 mt.
Minimum altitude reached: 1800 mt.
Difference in height: 490 mt (it may vary)
Difference in downhill: 1500 mt (it may vary)
Difficulty: E (EXPERIENCED HIKERS)
Included in the price:
Authorized Volcanological Guide
Trekking poles
Protective helmets
Accident insurance
Trekking shoes
Jackets
Extra socks
Excluded in the price
Lunch
Bottled water
Snack
K-way (rain jacket)
Windbreaker
Backpack
Hat and Gloves (especially in autumn and spring)
Recommended equipment:
Snack/Lunch bag
Water - minimum 1,5 L per person
Layered outfit (short sleeved t-shirt, long sleeved or thermal t-shirt) - (it may
vary according to the season)
Trekking shoes Windbreaker or quilted jacket
Hat and gloves (according to the temperature) - Especially in spring and
autumn
Mandatory equipment:
Trekking sticks
K-way (rainproof jacket)
Backpack 25/30 L
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Lip balm
Extra socks
Long pants
Rainproof jacket
Extra t-shirt
Handkerchief or bandana (to protect yourself from the dust or the volcanic gases) Warnings
Trekking is not recommended for those who does not do mountain hiking regularly.
The excursion requires a good preparation on a physical level. Because of it results to be a high height path, it would be easy to experience symptoms of fatigue.
It is required also to be careful, since it is volcanic soil, often inconsistent and unstable.
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.
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 suited for children over 12 years old.
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 disease (it is strongly discouraged to those who suffer from cardio-vascular problems, breathing problems 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 Guides know about them, in order to reduce the occurrence of any problem and to avoid any risks.