Hike near the summit craters up to the maximum safe altitude currently foreseen

The excursion starts at 1,900 m, where—after check-in and ticket purchase with your guide—you board the cable car to 2,500 m. From here begins an extraordinary trek gaining about 500 m in altitude, crossing recent snow-capped lava flows, vast craters, dramatic lava channels, and hot fumaroles venting high-temperature gases. The climb reaches 3,000 m—the maximum altitude currently permitted depending on volcanic-risk levels ⚠️—at the foot of the South-East Crater, Etna’s most active and spectacular cone. This route immerses you in the highest active volcano in Europe, offering rare close-up views of ongoing volcanic processes and the powerful landscape shaped by recent eruptions. The descent is entirely on foot from 3,000 m back to the cable-car station, then by cable car to the starting point. Total duration: ~5 hours Distance: ~6.5 km Elevation gain: ~500 m (may vary) Difficulty: E (Hikers) – for those accustomed to sustained walking at high altitude.

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   Mount Etna

   5 hours

   Start at 1,900 m. After check-in/tickets with your guide, take the cable car to 2,500 m, where the trek begins. Gain ~500 m over lava fields, craters, lava channels and hot fumaroles to 3,000 m—the maximum altitude allowed by summit ordinances—at the base of the South-East Crater, Etna’s most active cone. This tour explores the upper slopes of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano and the second most active worldwide. The route stays above 2,500 m with safe, regulated summit views. From a safe distance, admire the South-East Crater, source of many recent eruptions; access to the cone is closed by Zafferana and Civil Protection due to extreme heat, instability, and potential collapses when magma is shallow. Descent: on foot from 3,000 m to the cable-car station, then cable car back to the start. Duration: ~5 h • Distance: ~6.5 km • Gain: ~500 m (may vary) • Difficulty: E – for hikers used to high altitude.

• 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.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.