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Etna Volcano: South Side Guided Summit Hike

Guided cable car and 4x4 ascent to 2,800 m, two-hour hike to Etna summit craters at 3,340 m

4.6
Excellent
27 reviews
What guests loved most
Free cancellation available
Up to 24 hours before the start time
Duration: 6 hours

This experience starts from Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza (Etna Sud) and is carried out in compliance with the levels of volcanic risk. From there a cable car and a 4x4 jeep take you up to about 2,800 metres, after which a walk across lava flows and lunar-like terrain leads you to the Etna Summit Craters at around 3,340 metres.

At the summit you will walk along the rim of the Central Crater, stand before the dizzying Northeast Crater and see the famous Southeast Crater, which has produced the most recent and dramatic eruptions. Along the way you will encounter a striking volcanic environment: visible gas emissions, volcanic bombs and the vivid colours of the ground caused by sublimation of elements such as sulphur. On the descent the route includes the craters of Barbagallo and a crossing of a lava channel. From roughly 2,500 metres you’ll take the Etna cable car back to the starting point.

Why Visit

  • Compliance with official volcanic risk levels
  • Cable car and 4x4 jeep transfers included
  • Rim walk of Etna Central Crater at 3340 m
  • Close-up views of the Northeast and Southeast Craters
  • Lava flow crossings plus Barbagallo craters and a lava channel

What's included

  • Trekking boots
  • Trekking sticks
  • Helmet
  • Insurance
  • Volcanological guides

What's Not Included

    What's not included
    • Bottle of water
    • Snack and food
    • Cable car and 4x4 jeep tickets
    • Pick up transfer service
    • Wind jacket

    Accessibility

    • Public transit links nearby

    Tour available in your selected language

    English
    Italian
    French

    Additional information

    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

    People have to be in a perfect physical conditions. The level is medium-high

    Location

    Departure point

    Ashàra Etna & Stromboli Guides, Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza, Sicilia, 95030
    Departure from Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza at our Ashàra's Info point located close to Terrazza dell'Etna Restaurant

    End point

    Ashàra Etna & Stromboli Guides, Piazzale Rifugio Sapienza, Sicilia, 95030

    User ratings

    User reviews, Excellent, 4.6 out of 5 stars from 27 reviews
    Good value
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