2-Day Lalibela Tour: Rock-Hewn Churches from Addis Ababa

Medieval churches carved a thousand years into red volcanic rock, within walking distance of each other.

A 2-day tour from Addis Ababa to Lalibela, Ethiopia's UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you explore clusters of rock-hewn churches carved into volcanic stone nearly a millennium ago. Day one covers the north-western churches. Day two includes an early service, the south-eastern cluster, and a hike to Asheton Maryam, a church set into a cliff face at nearly 4,000 meters. Your guide is English-speaking, and accommodation and meals are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Flight and rock-hewn churches tour

• Fly from Addis Ababa to Lalibela
• Explore north-western rock-hewn churches

Day 2: Church visits and hiking

• Attend early morning service
• Visit south-eastern cluster of churches
• Visit Bet Giyorgis church
• Hike to Hudad Lodge via Asheton Maryam

What’s included

• Your domestic flight from Addis Ababa to Lalibela, entrance fees for both Lalibela and Asheton Maryam, accommodation at a top-tier hotel, breakfast and dinner each day.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport, English-speaking guide throughout, and airport tax.

Times

• Every day 09:00

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Before you book

Group Up to 15 3 private ›

Live guide English Another language? ›

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point. You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Book up to 4h before

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

Good to know

Low physical effort Infants must sit on laps

Operated by Danakil Depression Tours

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

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The experience

The tour starts with a flight from Addis Ababa to Lalibela, where your guide meets you for an afternoon exploring the north-western cluster: Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, and Bet Danaghel. These churches are carved directly from the red volcanic rock underlying the town, their significance explained by local guides as you move between them. If your dates align with one of Lalibela's religious festivals, you'll witness ceremonies few visitors ever see.

Day two begins with an early morning service before you visit the south-eastern cluster: Bet Gabriel-Rufael, Bet Merkorios, Bet Amanual, and Bet Abba Libanos. The centerpiece is Bet Giyorgis, the most famous and best-preserved of all the churches. The one you've likely seen in photographs. In the afternoon, you hike to Hudad Lodge, a walk that ranges from 1.5 to 5 hours depending on your pace and fitness. Your guide will adjust the route to match your preference. Along the way, you visit Asheton Maryam, a church carved into a cliff face at an elevation of nearly 4,000 meters, before spending the evening in the hills surrounding Lalibela.

The tour includes your domestic flight, all entrance fees, accommodation at a top-tier hotel, breakfast and dinner each day, and transport in an air-conditioned vehicle. Your guide speaks English and will be with you throughout. Infants travel on an adult's lap.

Top questions

What are the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela?

Lalibela's churches are medieval structures carved directly from the volcanic rock beneath the town, built nearly a thousand years ago. They are concentrated within walking distance of each other and form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The churches are organized into clusters (north-western and south-eastern), and include Bet Giyorgis, the most well-preserved and famous of them all.

How much hiking is involved on day two?

The hike to Hudad Lodge on day two can take anywhere from 1.5 to 5 hours depending on your starting point and pace. Your guide will arrange the route to match your preferences, so you can choose a shorter walk or a longer one through the hills.

What happens on the first day in Lalibela?

After flying in from Addis Ababa, you spend the afternoon exploring the north-western cluster of churches: Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, and Bet Danaghel. Your local guide explains the historic significance of each site as you walk between them.

Is Asheton Maryam difficult to reach?

Asheton Maryam sits at an elevation of nearly 4,000 meters on a cliff face and is visited during the afternoon hike on day two as part of the route to Hudad Lodge. The hike itself is adjustable in length and difficulty based on your fitness level and preferences.

What meals and accommodation are provided?

You stay at a top-tier hotel in Lalibela and receive breakfast and dinner each day. The tour covers all accommodation and meals, so you can focus on exploring the churches and landscape without arranging food separately.