TRAVERSATA DEL CORCHIA
Type: Speleo Experience – Traverse
Difficulty: Expert
Total duration: approximately 8 hours
Approach hike: 1 hour 10 minutes
Return hike: 25 minutes
Highest abseil: 55 meters
Price: €150 per person
Minimum group: 4 people
How the Corchia Traverse works
The Corchia Traverse is a guided speleo experience that begins with an initial technical briefing and equipment check.
After an approach hike of approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, participants enter the underground system of the Antro del Corchia to undertake the actual subterranean traverse.
The route alternates between vertical rope progressions, abseils into deep shafts (up to 55 meters), horizontal passages, and vast, monumental chambers. The exit is through a different access point, followed by a return hike of about 25 minutes. The total duration of the experience is approximately 8 hours.
EQUIPMENT PROVIDED AND INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
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Caving suit
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Helmet* with lighting system
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Harness*
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Safety slings and carabiners*
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Shared equipment (ropes, first aid kit)
*All personal and collective protective equipment used complies with current regulations.
WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING? - SPELEO EXPERIENCE
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Comfortable mountain clothing (note: it will almost certainly get dirty!)
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Hiking boots
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No rings on hands unless wearing gloves; in any case, a pair of thin gloves, such as gardening gloves, is recommended
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Glasses should be secured to the head to avoid losing them; contact lens users are advised to use disposable lenses with a spare pair
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A plastic bag to store dirty shoes or other items after the experience
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A change of clothes to leave in the car
INFORMATION
Awareness of Risks and Hazards
Participation in the Corchia Traverse – Expert Speleo Experience implies full awareness of the risks and hazards associated with caving in an underground environment.
By deciding to take part in this activity, the participant acknowledges the challenging nature of the experience and accepts its inherent risks, even if properly mitigated by the organization and guides.
Main risks and hazards associated with the activity:
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Slips, falls, or impacts against rocks
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Sprains, strains, or injuries to limbs
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Intense and prolonged physical fatigue
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Rope progression and abseiling into vertical shafts
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Exposure to cold, humidity, and variable environmental conditions
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Confined spaces and enclosed environments
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Difficulties in communication and evacuation in underground settings
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Extended response times in case of emergency
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Psychophysical stress and possible onset of anxiety or panic
The guide and the organization follow all safety and prevention procedures required for this type of activity; however, zero risk cannot be guaranteed in a natural, remote, and unmodified environment.
REQUIRED:
Health Requirements and Participation Conditions
To participate in the Corchia Traverse – Expert Speleo Experience, participants must be in good and normal health.
Absence of heart and/or respiratory conditions incompatible with prolonged and intense physical effort is required, as well as no fear of confined spaces (claustrophobia).
Participants with allergies who, for safety reasons, carry life-saving or anti-shock medications must notify the organization and the guide in advance.
Important Warnings About the Underground Environment
⚠️ Warning: The experience takes place in a remote and challenging underground environment, inherently complex and isolated.
If even a single participant encounters difficulties, the guide may decide at any time to interrupt the excursion to resolve or mitigate the issues.
For this reason, full cooperation, responsibility, and team spirit are required from all participants throughout the experience.
Any health problems (falls, sprains, panic attacks, etc.) cannot be managed by the Emergency Medical Service with the same response times guaranteed in urban environments, due to the nature of the underground setting.
HOW TO REACH US - SPELEO EXPERIENCE
LEVIGLIANI (LU)- Monte Corchia
Il punto di incontro è nel parcheggio di Levigliani (LU)
CURIOSITA'
What is Speleology? ✅
Caving (Speleology)
Speleology, from the Greek spélaion (cave) and lògos (study), is the discipline concerned with the exploration, documentation, protection, and dissemination of knowledge about the underground world. As a science, it studies subterranean cavities, which are classified into:
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Natural cavities, such as caves and abysses, formed by geological processes.
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Artificial cavities, structures created by humans, such as mines, aqueducts, or catacombs.
Speleology focuses particularly on the origin and nature of these cavities, encompassing various branches of knowledge, including geology, hydrology, and biology.
The main types of speleology include:
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Urban speleology (or artificial cavities): focused on the exploration and study of man-made underground structures.
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Cave diving (speleosubacquea): dedicated to exploring submerged environments, such as underwater caves or siphons.
This discipline represents a fascinating combination of adventure and scientific research, while promoting the conservation and enhancement of unique and fragile environments.
WHERE WE ARE
The Antro del Corchia is an impressive system of karst cavities located in the heart of Monte Corchia, in the Apuan Alps, Tuscany, just a short distance from the sea.
With a depth of 1,210 meters, over 20 entrances distributed along the mountain, and a network of galleries extending for more than 80 kilometers, it is one of the largest and deepest karst systems in Italy.
This underground complex includes three major interconnected caves: Abisso Claude Fighiera, Abisso Rodolfo Farolfi, and the Antro del Corchia.
The Antro del Corchia is a true speleological gem, a labyrinth of natural wonders and a testament to the power of karst processes.
What is a Speleo Experience? ✅
The Corchia Traverse represents one of the most complete and advanced speleo experiences in Italy, designed for those seeking an activity with a high technical and emotional challenge.
Expert Speleo Experience: a higher level of caving
This Expert Speleo Experience is designed for people with rope experience who want to challenge themselves in a real, complex, and highly valuable speleological environment.
The route requires autonomy, physical endurance, and the ability to navigate the underground setting, offering in return an intense and authentic experience.
The traverse combines:
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Vertical caving
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Rope progression
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Exploration of large underground chambers
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Complete traversal of the subterranean system
Why Choose a Speleo Experience in Corchia?
Choosing a Speleo Experience in the Antro del Corchia means experiencing caving in one of the most important karst systems in Europe.
Monte Corchia is an international reference point for speleology, studied for decades due to its complexity, depth, and extensive development.
This experience is ideal for those seeking:
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Authentic, non-touristic caving
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A speleo experience in an extreme natural environment
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A high-intensity outdoor activity
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A guided yet technically real experience
FAQ – Speleo Experience Traversata del Corchia
What is the Corchia Traverse Speleo Experience?
The Corchia Traverse is an expert-level speleo experience taking place in the Antro del Corchia, one of the most important speleological systems in Europe. It is an advanced caving experience in a natural, non-touristic environment.
Is the Corchia Traverse a tourist cave?
No. This speleo experience is not a tourist visit; it is a real caving activity that requires experience, physical preparation, and autonomy in rope progression techniques.
Who is this Speleo Experience suitable for?
The experience is only suitable for participants in good health, without heart or respiratory conditions incompatible with physical effort, and without fear of confined spaces.
How long does the Corchia Traverse Speleo Experience last?
The total duration is approximately 8 hours, including the initial briefing, approach hike, underground progression, and return hike.
What is the difficulty level of the Speleo Experience?
The difficulty level is Expert. The Corchia Traverse is a technical and demanding speleo experience, not suitable for beginners or those without previous rope experience.
Are there rope abseils during the Speleo Experience?
Yes. The experience includes vertical rope progression, with a maximum abseil of 55 meters, as well as horizontal passages and large underground chambers.
Where does the Corchia Speleo Experience take place?
It takes place in the Antro del Corchia, on Monte Corchia, in the Apuan Alps Park, Tuscany—an area of high speleological and natural value.
Is equipment provided for the Speleo Experience?
Yes. All necessary speleological equipment is provided, including harness, helmet with lighting, rope progression devices, and collective technical materials.
What should I bring to participate?
Participants should bring:
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Technical clothing suitable for caving
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Hiking boots or sturdy shoes
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Gloves
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Water and energy snacks
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A change of clothes for after the activity
Is the Speleo Experience safe?
The experience is led by expert guides and follows strict safety procedures. However, as it takes place in a remote natural environment, zero risk cannot be guaranteed.
What happens if there are difficulties?
If even one participant experiences difficulties, the guide may stop the speleo experience at any time to ensure the safety of the group.
How much does the Corchia Traverse Speleo Experience cost?
The cost is €150 per person.
Why choose a Speleo Experience in Corchia?
Because the Antro del Corchia is one of the most complex speleological systems in Europe, and the Corchia Traverse is one of the most complete and advanced speleo experiences in Italy, ideal for those seeking an authentic and technically real caving adventure.
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