Grotta Del Gelo - The Wonder of Etna

April 30, 2023
The route for this adventure allows us to traverse the characteristic landscapes of Etna, through forests, mountain huts, lava flows, dagale (islands of vegetation surrounded by lava), and valleys until we reach the Grotta del Gelo (2040 m). This cave is the only and truly unique perennial glacier in Sicily. Starting from Piano Provenzana, we will first ascend along a track and then follow a path that crosses the 2002 lava flow, heading towards Rifugio Timpa Rossa. From there, we will divert towards the Grotta del Gelo, passing near the ropey lava formations. The Grotta del Gelo, the southernmost perennial glacier in Europe, will be our intermediate destination. On the way back, we will follow the same path taken on the ascent, with a few detours that will allow us to see beech forests and old craters.

Fee: € 25.00 - Includes guide service, accident insurance, and organization. For insurance purposes, we kindly ask you to send us your full name and tax code (codice fiscale).
Costs do not include: travel expenses to and from the meeting point.
Meeting point: Sunday, April 30 at 09:00 AM at Piano Provenzana, first parking lot on the right (Etna). Click the link below for the Google Maps location.
https://goo.gl/maps/F1AALhwEt5t3iTbU8
End of excursion: 6:30 PM at the same starting point.
Lunch: packed lunch.
Loop route: forest track, marked and unmarked paths.
Difficulty: challenging.
Total elevation gain/loss: 780 m. ascent and descent.
Required equipment: trekking clothing, small backpack, hiking boots, trekking poles, flashlight, hat, sunscreen, sweater, waterproof jacket, and 2 liters of water (2.5 liters for those who drink more).
Notes: the excursion may be subject to changes due to unpredictable natural events; in such cases, an alternative route will be taken if possible. A few days before the excursion, we will send you an email with the latest information.
Guide: Salvatore Marletta: contact 3334987946 - Email: [email protected]
www.ciaotrekking.com