Lalibela, Ethiopia-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Lalibela

  • Places to Go: Arrive at Lalibela Airport and take a taxi or shuttle bus (around 10 ETB/0.50 USD) to your hotel.
  • Activities: Spend the day relaxing and getting accustomed to the local environment.
  • Where to Eat: Try traditional Ethiopian cuisine at one of the many local restaurants, such as:
    • Kaleb’s Restaurant: Offers a wide range of traditional dishes (around 100-200 ETB/5-10 USD per meal).
  • Where to Stay:
    • Lalibela Hotel: A comfortable and centrally located hotel with modern amenities (around 2,000-3,000 ETB/100-150 USD per night).
  • Things to Know:
    • Be prepared for crowds and noise in the town.
    • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Transportation: Taxis and shuttle buses are readily available for short trips within the town (around 10-20 ETB/0.50-1 USD).
  • Tips:
    • Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
    • Be prepared for altitude sickness if you’re not used to high elevations.

Day 2: Explore Lalibela’s Rock-Hewn Churches

  • Places to Go: Visit some of the famous rock-hewn churches, such as:
    • Beta Giyorgis: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive churches (free entry).
    • Beta Medhane Alem: The largest church in Lalibela (around 100 ETB/5 USD per person).
  • Activities: Take a guided tour to learn about the history and significance of these ancient churches.
  • Where to Eat:
    • Try traditional Ethiopian cuisine at one of the many local restaurants, such as:
      • Kaleb’s Restaurant (around 100-200 ETB/5-10 USD per meal).
  • Where to Stay: Same as Day 1.

Day 3: Explore Lalibela’s Hidden Treasures

  • Places to Go:
    • Tukul Gebriel: A hidden church with stunning views of the surrounding landscape (around 50 ETB/2.50 USD per person).
    • Yemrehanna Kristos: A beautiful chapel built into a natural rock face (around 100 ETB/5 USD per person).
  • Activities: Explore these lesser-known sites and take in their natural beauty.
  • Where to Eat:
    • Same as Day 2.

Day 4: Visit the nearby town of Hawzien

  • Places to Go: Take a day trip to the charming town of Hawzien (around 1,000 ETB/50 USD per person for transportation).
  • Activities: Explore the town’s markets and try some local delicacies.
  • Where to Eat:
    • Try traditional Ethiopian cuisine at one of the many local restaurants in Hawzien.
  • Where to Stay: Same as Day 1.

Day 5: More Rock-Hewn Churches

  • Places to Go: Visit more rock-hewn churches, such as:
    • Beta Maryam: A beautifully crafted church with stunning views (around 100 ETB/5 USD per person).
    • Beta Golgotha: The second-largest church in Lalibela (around 50 ETB/2.50 USD per person).
  • Activities: Take a guided tour to learn about the history and significance of these ancient churches.
  • Where to Eat:
    • Same as Day 2.

Day 6: Departure

  • Places to Go: Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions.
  • Activities: Return your rental car (if you rented one) and head back to Lalibela Airport for your departure flight.
  • Where to Eat: Same as Day 1.

Things to Know:

  • Be prepared for altitude sickness if you’re not used to high elevations.
  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.

Transportation:

  • Taxis and shuttle buses are readily available for short trips within the town (around 10-20 ETB/0.50-1 USD).
  • Rent a car if you plan to explore the surrounding area (around 5,000-7,000 ETB/250-350 USD per day).

Tips:

  • Be prepared for crowds and noise in the town.
  • Bring a water bottle and stay hydrated throughout your trip.
  • Try traditional Ethiopian cuisine at one of the many local restaurants.