Lalibela , Ethiopia

Lalibela Rock Churches Guided Tour

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(15 reviews)

1d - 2d

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

One can say that every tourist who decides to visit our country comes here and sees these quite remarkable and also strange monolithic, semi-monolithic and cave 'buildings, churches of Lalibela' which still leave the scientists puzzled about their possible creation process and are therefore often called the 8th wonder of the world. The style of the excavation is unique: most of the churches are below ground level. Roha - Lalibelas old name - is around 800 years old and after Axum the second holiest city in Ethiopia.

It is a medieval town and one of the greatest historical sites in the Christian world. For the Ethiopian Christmas in January there are tens of thousands of pilgrims in town, sometimes walking for a month to reach the churches. In 1978 Lalibela, which lays at an altitude of 2520m, was listed as a world heritage site...

Available options

Lalibela Rock Churches Guided Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Coffee ceremony in a Local Family

Transfer from/to the airport

An English speaking professional tour guide

Visit to the town

Transport by private vehicle

Car with its driver and fuel

Detailed itinerary

The tour company

Stop 2

A guide from our team will meet you at Lalibela airport arrival with a car to bring you to your Hotel. The drive from the Airport to Laibela town (your hotel) would be 24 k/m, and takes around 30 minutes.

After check-in, start your tour to the UNESCO World Heritage site rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, visiting the Northwestern Cluster of churches, which is built by the symbol of the earthly Jerusalem:
-Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel, Bet Mikael & Bet Golgotha (entry not permitted for Women).

From 12 - 2pm the churches are closed and the key -man will go for lunch break.

We also will take you to one of the best restaurant for lunch (7olives Hotel).

In the afternoon, after lunch continue with the South-eastern Cluster of churches, built by the symbol of heavenly Jerusalem:

–Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos.

Finally, you will visit the most famous of all the churches –Bet Giyorgis (St George), constructed in honour of the patron Saint George.

After having visited all the churches, we take you to the villages where you will be able to see the way life of the locals very closely, and get invited for our famous traditional coffee ceremony.

In the Evening after dinner in Kana restaurant, we will invite you to try our famous home-made Honey wine, in one of the best traditional bar we have in town called Torpido. There you will also have the chance to see the Amhara tribes dance and enjoy our traditional music live. Then we bring you to your hotel.

Next day morning transfer to the airport.
* If you arrive in the afternoon in Lalibela, you will visit some of the churches from 2pm -5pm, then visit the rest of the churches before your departure to the airport.

We also organize an amazing ECO trekking tour to the highlands above Lalibela, Contact us for details or see our listed tour here on Tripadvisor Experience

The famous cross shaped church of St. George is one of the highlight of Lalibela churches.

What's not included

Entrance fee for Lalibela chruches

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

13 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

About Lalibela

Lalibela is a small town in northern Ethiopia renowned for its rock-hewn churches, which are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These churches, carved from living rock in the 12th and 13th centuries, are a testament to the town's rich history and religious significance. Lalibela is a pilgrimage site for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians and a fascinating destination for travelers interested in history, architecture, and spirituality.

Top Attractions

Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela

The Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela are a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of 11 medieval churches carved from living rock. These churches are a testament to the skill and dedication of the artisans who built them and are a significant pilgrimage site for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians.

Historical/Religious/Architecture Half day to full day ETB 200 (USD 7) for foreigners, ETB 50 (USD 2) for locals

Yemrehana Kristos

Yemrehana Kristos is a 12th-century church located about 40 km (25 miles) from Lalibela. Unlike the rock-hewn churches, this church is built in a traditional Ethiopian style and is known for its beautiful wooden ceiling and ancient manuscripts.

Historical/Religious/Architecture Half day ETB 50 (USD 2) for foreigners, ETB 10 (USD 0.50) for locals

Nakuto La'ab Monastery

Nakuto La'ab Monastery is a 13th-century monastery located on an island in Lake Ashenge, about 35 km (22 miles) from Lalibela. The monastery is known for its ancient manuscripts, religious artifacts, and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

Historical/Religious Half day ETB 50 (USD 2) for foreigners, ETB 10 (USD 0.50) for locals

Lalibela Museum

The Lalibela Museum is a small museum located near the rock-hewn churches, showcasing the history and culture of the town and its people. The museum houses a collection of artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that provide insight into the rich heritage of Lalibela.

Museum 1-2 hours ETB 20 (USD 1) for foreigners, ETB 5 (USD 0.25) for locals

Must-Try Local Dishes

Doro Wat

A spicy chicken stew made with berbere spice, onions, and garlic, served with injera.

Main dish Contains meat and gluten (injera).

Injera

A sourdough flatbread made from teff flour, used as both a plate and utensil in Ethiopian cuisine.

Staple food Gluten-free if made from pure teff flour, but may contain traces of gluten if made with other flours.

Tibs

Sautéed meat, usually beef or lamb, cooked with onions, peppers, and spices.

Main dish Contains meat and gluten (if served with injera).

Shiro Wat

A spicy stew made from chickpea flour, berbere spice, and garlic, served with injera.

Vegetarian dish Vegetarian and gluten-free (if made with pure teff injera).

Popular Activities

Hiking Exploring the countryside Visiting remote monasteries Enjoying the scenic views Relaxing in local cafes Participating in traditional coffee ceremonies Visiting the rock-hewn churches Exploring local markets

Best Time to Visit

September to May

This period offers the best weather for visiting Lalibela, with warm days and cool nights. The rainy season has passed, making it ideal for exploring the rock-hewn churches and enjoying outdoor activities.

15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Amharic
Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Ethiopian Birr (ETB)

Time Zone

GMT+3

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Lalibela is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low levels of violent crime. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist sites. It's important to take precautions to protect your belongings and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious when using taxis, and always negotiate the fare in advance.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and keep your valuables secure.
• Be wary of strangers offering help or services, as they may be trying to scam you.

Getting there

By air

Lalibela Airport • 5 km (3 miles) from the city center

By bus

Addis Ababa, Gondar, Mekele

Getting around

Public transport

Taxis are available in Lalibela but are not as common as in larger cities. They can be hired for short trips around the town.

Taxis

Available • Apps:

Rentals

Car

Neighborhoods

Central Lalibela Asheten Maryam

Day trips

Yemrehana Kristos

40 km (25 miles) • Half day

Nakuto La'ab Monastery

35 km (22 miles) • Half day

Asheten Maryam

30 km (19 miles) • Full day

Asheten Maryam is a rural area located about 30 km (19 miles) from Lalibela, known for its beautiful landscapes and hiking trails. It's a great destination for those looking to explore the countryside and experience the local way of life.

Festivals

Timket (Epiphany) • January 19 Meskel (Finding of the True Cross) • September 27 Genna (Ethiopian Christmas) • January 7

Pro tips

Hire a local guide to learn more about the history and significance of the rock-hewn churches and other attractions.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, as you'll be exploring the town on foot and visiting sites with uneven terrain.
Carry enough cash, as ATMs and card acceptance are limited in Lalibela.
Be prepared for cool temperatures, especially at night, as Lalibela is located at a high altitude.
Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites, and always ask for permission before taking photographs of people or religious ceremonies.