Path of the Smugglers at Lake Garda: Rock climbing with a guide

Four hours of climbing, traversing and scrambling along a path cut into rock above the lake

The Path of the Smugglers is a four-hour guided rock climbing activity above Lake Garda, where you climb and traverse a route cut into the rock face with short but exciting pitches and dizzying cliff edges overlooking the water. Helmet, harness and ferrata set are included. A live guide leads in English, Italian or German. The route requires moderate fitness and climbing experience or willingness to learn with instruction. Minimum age is 12.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike the Path of the Smugglers

• Reach Ponale road access point
• Follow the path overlooking Lake Garda
• Navigate short climbs and rocky sections
• Enjoy views of dizzying cliffs and lake

The experience

The path cuts into the rock high above Lake Garda, occasionally disappearing where it demands short but exciting climbs. The almost horizontal stretches open onto unexpected drops: the cliffs fall away to the water below, and the exposure is real. You move with a guide who handles the technical setup. The ferrata set, helmet and harness come with the booking. The route is unequipped, so it suits climbers with experience or those ready to work with a guide through the moves.

Reaching the path means driving the legendary Ponale road first, a winding approach that sets the scale of what you are about to climb. Once on the route, the wild beauty of the rock and the lake below is what stays with you, not a manicured trail but a genuine climbing line where the stone and the exposure demand focus. The four hours move between scrambling sections and short technical pitches. The guide reads the group and paces the day so everyone finishes strong.

What’s included

• Helmet, harness and ferrata set.
• live guide in English, Italian or German.
• instruction and belay management throughout the four-hour route.

Before you book

Days and timesSaturdayDeparts at 13:00

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Under 12: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “in front of Camping Arco”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Mmove - Into Nature

Is this one for you?The guide leads in English, Italian or German, so book the language that matches your group. The route demands moderate fitness and comfort with climbing and exposure, making it suited to active travelers with some experience or those ready to learn movement on rock with instruction.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, German and Italian.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What exactly is the Path of the Smugglers route like?

The Path of the Smugglers is a climbing route cut into the rock face above Lake Garda, with short but exciting climbs, scrambling sections and traverses along cliff edges. The route is not equipped with fixed anchors, so it requires either climbing experience or instruction from the guide. The exposure is genuine and the drops to the water below are visible throughout.

What gear do I need to bring, and what is provided?

Helmet, harness and ferrata set are included with the booking. You should wear sturdy climbing shoes or hiking boots with good grip and bring water. Snacks are not included, so pack what you need for the four hours.

Do I need climbing experience to do this route?

The route suits climbers with moderate experience or those willing to learn with a guide's instruction. The guide leads the technical sections and manages the setup, so you do not need to be an expert, but you do need moderate fitness and comfort with exposure and climbing movement.

How do I reach the starting point?

The route is accessed via the Ponale road, a winding mountain drive above Lake Garda. Your guide will direct you to the meeting point. Confirm the exact location and parking when you book.