7-Day Adventure Itinerary in Baku, Azerbaijan

  • Day 1: Yanar Dag
    30 minutes (13 miles) from Heydar Aliyev International Airport

    Yanar Dag, also known as the "Burning Mountain," is a natural gas fire that has been burning for centuries. Visitors can witness the flames and take in stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

  • Day 2: Gobustan National Park
    1 hour 15 minutes (40 miles) from Yanar Dag

    Gobustan National Park is home to thousands of ancient rock carvings and petroglyphs that date back to the Stone Age. Visitors can also explore the mud volcanoes and fossilized remains in the area.

  • Day 3: Baku Old City
    45 minutes (21 miles) from Gobustan National Park

    Baku's Old City, or Icheri Sheher, is a UNESCO-listed walled city with medieval architecture, narrow streets, and traditional Azerbaijani houses. Visitors can explore landmarks like the Maiden Tower and the Palace of Shirvanshahs.

  • Day 4: Absheron National Park
    1 hour (18 miles) from Baku Old City

    Absheron National Park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and bird-watching. Visitors can also see historic sites like the Ateshgah Fire Temple and the Yanar Bulag Spring.

  • Day 5: Mount Shahdag
    3 hours 30 minutes (135 miles) from Absheron National Park

    Mount Shahdag is the highest peak in Azerbaijan and offers breathtaking views of the Caucasus Mountains. Visitors can hike, climb, or ski, depending on the season.

  • Day 6: Guba
    3 hours 15 minutes (130 miles) from Mount Shahdag

    Guba is a quaint town known for its scenic countryside, rich history, and vibrant marketplaces. Visitors can see landmarks like the Juma Mosque and the Sakina-Khanum Mosque.

  • Day 7: Qala Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum Complex
    2 hours 15 minutes (87 miles) from Guba

    The Qala Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum Complex is a fascinating showcase of Azerbaijan's ancient culture and traditions. Visitors can see artifacts, exhibits, and workshops dedicated to pottery, weaving, and metalworking.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Yanar Dag (1 hour, 20 AZN)
  • Gobustan National Park (3 hours, 40 AZN)
  • Baku Old City (2 hours, 35 AZN)
  • Absheron National Park (4 hours, 45 AZN)
  • Mount Shahdag (6 hours, 90 AZN)
  • Guba (3 hours, 50 AZN)
  • Qala Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum Complex (2 hours, 25 AZN)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 355 AZN (~$209 USD)

Transportation

Travelers to Baku should consider renting a car for easy access to the surrounding areas. A car rental costs around 150 AZN (~$88 USD) per day. Taxis and public transportation are also available but may be less convenient for longer day trips.

Useful Tips

For those with extra time, consider visiting the mud volcanoes in Gobustan or taking a boat tour of the Caspian Sea. For those with less time, you can skip Mount Shahdag and Guba and spend more time exploring Baku's Old City and other nearby attractions.

Airports

Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) is the main airport serving Baku. It is located 13 miles east of the city center and offers a variety of domestic and international flights. The airport is modern and well-equipped, with plenty of dining and shopping options for travelers.

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