An alternative to the summit craters during the eruption: a 4x4 ride to the base of the summit craters (2900 m), then a 12 km downhill trek through a remote area of Etna among lateral craters, solidified lava flows and hornitos.

4x4 ride to the base of the summit craters (2900 m)

12 km downhill trek through a remote area of Etna

Lateral craters and solidified lava flows

Visit inside a hornito

Bottoniera craters of the 2002 eruption

Certified Volcanological Guide

Italian, English, French

Cost

€ 100 per person

Duration

about 5 hours

Difficulty

Challenging (good fitness required)

4x4 round trip included

Tour overview Etna 4x4 + Trek: Lateral Craters and Hornitos

An excursion designed for the eruption period, when the summit craters of Mount Etna are closed for safety reasons. It combines a 4x4 ride up to the base of the summit craters with a long downhill trek through a remote and rarely visited area of the volcano.

We meet at Piano Provenzana (north side, 1800 m) at 8:00 AM. We ride a 4x4 up to Piano delle Concazze, at 2900 m, at the base of the summit craters: here we stop for photos and to talk about the geology of the summit craters. Then we take the 4x4 again and descend to about 2600 m, where the trek begins.

From 2600 m a roughly 12 km route starts, entirely on foot and downhill, back to Piano Provenzana at 1800 m. We cross a remote area of Etna where hardly anyone walks: lateral craters with solidified lava flows and the hornitos (small welded spatter cones, real lava "little ovens") typical of that area. We also go inside a hornito. We continue towards the Bottoniera craters of the 2002 eruption, with a picnic break along the way. Total duration about 5 hours.

Itinerary

Meeting at Piano Provenzana, 8:00 AM

Meet the guide at Piano Provenzana (north side, 1800 m) for the briefing before departure.

4x4 ride to Piano delle Concazze (2900 m)

4x4 transfer from 1800 m up to the base of the summit craters, at 2900 m.

Base of the summit craters: photos and geology

Stop at the base of the summit craters for photos and to talk about the geology of the volcano.

4x4 descent to 2600 m

We take the 4x4 again and descend to about 2600 m, the starting point of the trek on foot.

12 km downhill trek among lateral craters and hornitos

A roughly 12 km downhill route through a remote area of Etna: lateral craters, solidified lava flows and hornitos, including a visit inside a hornito. Picnic break along the way.

Bottoniera 2002 craters and return

We continue towards the Bottoniera craters of the 2002 eruption and walk back to Piano Provenzana (1800 m).

Essential Information

What's Included

4x4 round-trip transport (Piano Provenzana – 2900 m – 2600 m)
Certified Volcanological Guide
Guided trek of about 12 km
Languages: Italian, English, French

Not Included

Food and drinks (bring your own picnic)

What to Bring

Warm clothing (layers recommended)
Hiking boots with ankle support
Sun hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Food and 1.5 litres of water per hiker
Bandana or buff (for volcanic dust)
Long pants
Backpack (minimum 20 litres)
Gloves

Items can be rented or purchased on site

Important Info

Excursion offered as an alternative to the Summit Craters during the ongoing eruption, when the summit is closed for safety.

About a 12 km downhill trek: participants must be in good physical condition. Not recommended for people with heart, blood pressure, knee or back problems.

Minimum age: 12 years old.

The itinerary and maximum altitude may vary due to volcanic activity, weather conditions or safety requirements. Maximum group size: 10 people.

Quick FAQ for this tour

Why this excursion instead of the Summit Craters?

During the ongoing eruption the summit craters of Etna are closed for safety reasons. This is a more complete alternative: you still ride a 4x4 up to the base of the summit craters for photos and geology, then do a long downhill trek through a remote area of the volcano among lateral craters, solidified lava flows and hornitos.

How challenging is it?

It is a roughly 12 km trek, entirely downhill, from 2600 m to 1800 m, with a total duration of about 5 hours. There are no tiring climbs, but the length still requires good physical condition and proper trekking shoes. Minimum age 12.

What do you see during the trek?

You cross a remote area of Etna where hardly anyone walks. You see lateral craters with solidified lava flows, the hornitos (small welded spatter cones, real lava "little ovens") typical of that area, with a visit inside one of them, and the Bottoniera craters of the 2002 eruption. A picnic break is planned along the way.

How should I dress?

Warm layered clothing: at altitude the temperature drops even in summer. You need hiking boots with ankle support, long pants, gloves, a sun hat and sunglasses, sunscreen and a buff for volcanic dust and gases. Bring a picnic and at least 1.5 litres of water per person.

What does the €100 price include?

The €100 per person includes the 4x4 round-trip transport (Piano Provenzana – base of the summit craters) and the guided 12 km trek with a certified Volcanological Guide. Food and water are not included.