The Cengia dei Contrabbandieri is a legendary via ferrata route that takes advantage of a natural ledge overlooking Lake Garda, crossing horizontally over the Dos de Calà face. It is beautifully carved into the cliff rock that plunges into the waters below, surrounded by the flight of seagulls that nest here.

The route owes its name to what was once used as a trail by salt and tobacco smugglers. Today it can be tackled safely thanks to passage pitons that protect the most exposed points.

The trail, also named for Massimiliano Torti, the mountaineer who enhanced it and to whom it is dedicated, consists of a horizontal rock route that largely exploits a slender and barely noticeable artificial ledge. This is a trace-prototype of a road later never built, which was to connect Limone sul Garda to the Ledro Valley.

Technical description:
The ledge is equipped with a long series of bolts, making it easy to proceed by conserve, and only at the most challenging points is it equipped with ropes, where one proceeds as on a via ferrata, possibly equipping the passages with stirrups.
Numerous steps make this hike of medium difficulty and not suitable for beginners.

Route type: loop
Length: 4 km
Height difference in ascent: 350 m
Downhill elevation gain: 350 m
Highest point: 400 m
Lowest point: 150 m
Type of surface: dirt road

Technical advice:
The rock climbing equipment needed consists of harness, helmet, sufficient one 30-35 meter length of rope, carabiners, 10 quickdraws.

Municipality of departure: Riva del Garda
Starting location: Pregasina
Municipality of arrival: Riva del Garda
Finish location: Pregasina

Recommended period:
April to November. The best time is the stable days of September, October and November. If you decide to go between July and August we recommend the afternoon.

Where to park:
At the statue of Our Lady at the Pregasina viewpoint.