Northeast Rift Craters
Visit the Rift Craters on the Wildest Side of Etna Volcano
A fascinating experience along one of the most pristine sectors of the volcano. This excursion to the Northeast Rift Craters leads through ground fractures, lava flows, and lateral craters, offering a comprehensive view of the volcanic processes that have shaped Etna over time.
An ideal route for those seeking a geologically rich trek on Etna , enhanced by a visit to a lava cave for total immersion in the volcanic environment.
RIft Excursion Details:
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Difference in altitude: approximately ± 500 m
- Route length: approximately 6 km
- Duration: 5 – 6 hours
Included in the excursion price
The price of the excursion includes:
- Authorized volcanological guide
- Accident insurance
- Ascent by 4×4 vehicle (one way) from 1800 m to 2825 m
- Trekking poles
- Protective helmets
- Trekking shoes
- Jackets
- Extra socks
Rift Craters itinerary
The route
The excursion begins with a ride aboard special 4×4 vehicles from an altitude of 1,800 meters to approximately 2,800 meters, along the panoramic road on the north side. During the journey, the volcanologist guide will provide initial explanations of the environment we’ll be traversing, until we reach the Volcanological Observatory area.
From here, the first stretch on foot begins, with a hike up to an altitude of approximately 2,900 meters, where you make a panoramic stop with a view of the summit craters, the most recent lava flows, and the whole of Sicily (visibility varies depending on weather conditions).
Next, with a short transfer by 4×4 , you’ll move to the side of one of the large craters on the north side, the starting point of the main trek.
The route continues entirely on foot along the Northeast Rift , crossing craters from the February 24, 1947, eruption, fractures in the ground, and ancient volcanic vents. Equipped with protective helmets , you’ll enter a perfectly preserved volcanic cone and the vents that gave rise to the lava flows.
The trek continues along the rims of large explosive craters and slopes of volcanic ash, crossing areas affected by numerous historical eruptions until reaching Piano Provenzana, for a total of approximately 6 km of walking .
IMPORTANT WARNINGS
- This activity is not recommended for those who do not regularly practice physical activity.
- Route in an unstable volcanic environment, caution is required
- The excursion may be subject to changes or interrupted for safety reasons.
- Duration varies depending on the pace of the group
- Activities carried out in compliance with current ordinances
- Children aged 6 and up are welcome.
Attention:
The route involves passing along crater rims and may cause vertigo for sensitive individuals.
Strongly not recommended for people with cardiovascular or respiratory diseases or hypertension.
Contact lenses are not recommended for gas and volcanic ash.
Not permitted for pregnant women after the third month of pregnancy.
Plan a safe and comfortable excursion
To best tackle this excursion on the Etna Rift , it is important to be adequately equipped.
- Layered clothing
- Trekking shoes
- Windbreaker or down jacket
- Gloves and hat
- Snack or packed lunch
- At least 1.5 liters of water
- Trekking poles
- K-way or waterproof jacket
- 25/30 litre backpack
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Spare socks and shirt
- Long trousers
- Handkerchiefs or bandanas for dust and gas
You should know that…
- In case of adverse weather conditions, you will be promptly notified
- You must leave a valid contact information when booking.
- No advance payment (except groups or agencies)
- Payment will be made directly to the guide on the day of the excursion
- In case of many requests, participants will be divided into subgroups, each accompanied by a qualified volcanological guide, also based on the languages spoken.
Book your excursion to the Etna Rift
If you’d like to explore the volcano’s wilder side, fill out the contact form and request availability for the excursion to the Northeast Rift Craters .
We’ll provide you with all the information you need to best organize your volcanological excursion to Etna with a volcanological guide .
Request information
If you’d like to join one of the guided excursions or receive more details, please fill out the form.
I’ll help you choose the experience that best suits your needs.