Gobustan & Mud Volcanoes Tour (tickets included)

Baku , Azerbaijan

Gobustan & Mud Volcanoes Tour (tickets included)

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(62 reviews)

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About this experience

Explore Gobustan museum, ancient petroglyphs and mud volcanoes on a private 4-hour tour with a local guide. Gobustan National Park is one of Azerbaijan’s most popular sights attracting thousands of tourists annually. It is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. The stone carvings found in this area date back to between 5,000 and 20,000 years ago. One of the most exhilarating images is the ritualistic dance of early humans. There are a lot of similarities between Gobustan stone carvings and images found in other parts of the world. The boat motif is a typical example of Bronze Age art.

Throughout this journey, you will be guided by a professional and local English speaking tour guide. After the visit to Gobustan, you will also get direct experience with mud volcanoes (no worries, these volcanoes are actually cold!).

Our guide will also share useful information about the country, its culture and life in general to make your stay in Baku much more interesting and exciting!

Available options

Private Tour

Private Tour<br/>Time slots: With private option you have more time slots to choose from<br/>Pickup included

Group tour

Group size: max 8 pax<br/>Pickup included

What's included

0.5 lt bottled water

A free exclusive souvenir postcard

Air-conditioned vehicle

Local friendly guide

Entrance tickets

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We will utilize a private car/private minibus (depending on the number of people joining the tour) to reach Gobustan National Reserve. At Gobustan Museum you will get a broad information from your tour guide and explore life of Gobustan's ancient inhabitants through interactive screens and expositions.

After visiting Gobustan museum, you will advance to the mountain in order to see real rock paintings in the open air museum. The petroglyphs (stone carvings) located in Gobustan are as significant as Chauvet Caves, and were left untouched for milleniums until discovered in the 1930s. You will have a chance to witness those prehistoric engravings, including images of old inhabitants that seem to be dancing a tribal dance!

Later on, the tour will proceed to the mud volcanoes area which is 20 mins away from Gobustan National Museum. Azerbaijan keeps the first place in the world for the number of mud volcanoes. About 300 mud volcanoes are to be found in Azerbaijan – at the shore, in the sea and on islands. During this trip you will get a great chance to see these rare and active volcanoes from very close distance. Some people swear by the mud's medical benefits, so it might be worth to try it on your skin!

Important Note:

On wet seasons/rainy weather conditions, the Mud Volcanoes can be very muddy and impossible to reach by car. Therefore, in case of rainy weather/bad road conditions the trip to mud volcanoes will be substituted with a visit to Bibiheybat Mosque on the way back to the city center.

Your tour will end at Sahil Park, one of the central parks of Baku. We can also drop you off at your accommodation, if you prefer so.

What's not included

Food and drinks, unless specified

Available languages

Guide guide

DE RU EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

22 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

40 reviews

5★

4★

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2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

If you don't need a pickup, then you will meet your guide at the exit of Sahil metro station.

Important notes

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• During autumn and winter seasons boots are recommended to wear for comfortable walking around mud volcanoes

About Baku

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is a vibrant city where modernity meets tradition. Situated on the Caspian Sea, it's known for its futuristic skyline, historic sites, and rich cultural heritage, including the ancient Maiden Tower and the iconic Flame Towers.

Top Attractions

Maiden Tower

A 12th-century monument that is a symbol of Baku. Its exact purpose remains a mystery.

Historical 1-2 hours Moderate (5 AZN)

Flame Towers

Three futuristic skyscrapers that are landmarks of modern Baku. The towers are designed to resemble flames, a reference to Baku's ancient history as a center of the fire-worshipping Zoroastrian religion.

Architecture 30 minutes to 1 hour Free to view from outside

Old City (Icheri Sheher)

The historic core of Baku, a UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient walls, narrow streets, and historic buildings.

Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore, attractions within have varying costs

Baku Boulevard

A scenic park along the Caspian Sea with walking paths, cafes, and entertainment options.

Nature 1-2 hours Free to enter, activities have varying costs

Heydar Aliyev Center

A stunning piece of modern architecture designed by Zaha Hadid. The center hosts exhibitions, concerts, and conferences.

Architecture 1-2 hours Moderate (depends on the event)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Plov

A fragrant rice dish cooked with saffron, meat, and vegetables. It's often served at special occasions and is considered a national dish.

Main course Contains meat, can be made vegetarian upon request

Dushbara

Tiny dumplings filled with minced meat and served in a broth. It's a popular street food in Baku.

Soup Contains meat, can be made vegetarian upon request

Baku Piti

A traditional soup made with lamb, chickpeas, and noodles, served in a clay pot.

Soup Contains meat, can be made vegetarian upon request

Baku Dolma

Grapes leaves or vegetables stuffed with a mixture of minced meat and rice, cooked in a spicy tomato sauce.

Appetizer Contains meat, can be made vegetarian upon request

Popular Activities

Hiking in Gobustan National Park Exploring mud volcanoes Visiting the Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory Strolling along Baku Boulevard Enjoying a cup of tea in a traditional teahouse Relaxing at a local hammam (bathhouse) Exploring the Old City Visiting museums and historic sites

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

This is the best time to visit Baku with pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Crowds are moderate, and the city hosts several festivals during these months.

18°C to 28°C 64°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

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

Currency

Azerbaijani Manat (AZN)

Time Zone

GMT+4

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Baku is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Exercise caution at night, especially in less touristy areas.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps
• Be cautious of strangers offering help or services

Getting there

By air

Heydar Aliyev International Airport • 20 km from city center

By train

Baku Railway Station

By bus

Baku International Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The metro is efficient, clean, and affordable. It's the best way to get around the city quickly.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bina Taxi, Yandex.Taxi

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Old City (Icheri Sheher) Nizami District Khatai District

Day trips

Gobustan National Park

60 km from Baku • Full day

A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring ancient rock carvings, mud volcanoes, and a unique desert landscape. It's a great place for hiking and exploring.

Lankaran

220 km from Baku • Full day or overnight

A city in southern Azerbaijan known for its lush greenery, historic sites, and the nearby Hirkan National Park. It's a great place for nature lovers and history buffs.

Shamakhi

120 km from Baku • Full day

A historic city known for its ancient Juma Mosque, the Yeddi Gumbaz mausoleums, and the nearby Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory. It's a great place for history lovers and those interested in astronomy.

Festivals

Baku International Jazz Festival • October Baku International Film Festival (BAFTA) • October Novruz Bayrami • March 20-21 (or around the spring equinox)

Pro tips

Visit the Flame Fountain in Baku Boulevard, a unique attraction where natural gas flames continuously burn from a stone fountain
Try traditional Azerbaijani tea in a local teahouse, such as Sazaghan Teahouse or Chaykhana #1
Explore the Old City on foot, taking in the narrow streets, historic sites, and local markets
Take a day trip to Gobustan National Park to see ancient rock carvings and mud volcanoes
Visit the Heydar Aliyev Center, a stunning piece of modern architecture designed by Zaha Hadid