Rock Churches of Lalibela Guided Tour: Explore UNESCO World Heritage Site

Embark on a guided tour of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the intricate carvings, passageways, and iconic paintings of these ancient structures.

Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Lalibela - Fly to Lalibela on Ethiopian Airlines 700 kilometers north of Addis Ababa. Tour the magnificent rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This group of eleven monolithic and semi-monolithic structures were carved directly into the stone of the mountainside at least 900 years ago. This complex boasts the largest…
What's Included
  • Experienced guide
What's Not Included
  • entrance fee
Additional Information

Tour the magnificent rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This group of eleven monolithic and semi-monolithic structures was carved directly into the stone of the mountainside at least 900 years ago. This complex boasts the largest monolithic church in the world, a maze of passageways and tunnels, intricately carved reliefs, and…

Location
Lalibela
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(36 Ratings)
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Coastal18169477951
Oct 25, 2025
Churches, culture, charm and a fabulous guide - We had a great visit over two days to see most of the monolithic churches on foot. They are a wonder and incredible to see and visit inside. There’s quite a lot of walking and removing of shoes to enter every church so wear sensible shoes. People were very friendly. We visited the local food market on the Wednesday to get a real insight into local life. The highlight of the trip was our visit to our guide, Maereg, to eat lunch with his family and understand the coffee roasting and preparing. The food was authentic Ethiopian snd was truly delicious.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Francisco
Oct 7, 2025
Unforgettable - Little disseminated but deserves to be known.We were lucky enough to visit the monolithic rock churches through the Essence Agency tours, and it was a fantastic tour going back 1200 years.Our guide Wondale gave us very important comments about the churches and the Marian Monastery. Really an unforgettable experience seeing that devotion of the people. We advise that Agency because the treatment was cordial and perfect.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
6dominiquee
Sep 28, 2025
Our guide Birhan in Lalibela - Very nice visit in exceptional conditions and with the bonus of the Meskel festival , a big thank you to our guide Birhan Fentaw who explained everything and who accompanied us to the party , very pleasant and competent , we owe him much the success of this visit!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Algeriatours16
Sep 12, 2025
Maereg truly made my visit special - I've just had two days one night trip in Lalibela with my phenomenal guide Maereg who provided me with a very informative and comfortable tour , I have learnt so much from him about different aspects of the churches, he really is a big professional and passionate about what he does , I can't recommend him highly enough I'm definitely coming again with more people next time
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kofid448
Sep 5, 2025
Really awe inspiring and spiritual experience - This experience far exceeded my expectations! The churches are surreal and to know they were hewn out of rock in the 12th/ 13th century with just basic tools and lots of manual labor is just absolutely awe inspiring. My tour guide, Maereg, was phenomenal in providing a lot of insight into the churches, the town and the people. We also had a chance to visit during Sunday Mass which made the experience even more special. It is amazing how these churches and practices have endured for such a long time. It was an awesome experience for me and l'd highly recommend the services of Maereg and his tour company while visiting Lalibela!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kofi_d
Sep 2, 2025
Really awe inspiring and spiritual experience - This experience far exceeded my expectations! The churches are surreal and to know they were hewn out of rock in the 12th/ 13th century with just basic tools and lots of manual labor is just absolutely awe inspiring. My tour guide, Maereg, was phenomenal in providing a lot of insight into the churches, the town and the people. We also had a chance to visit during Sunday Mass which made the experience even more special. It is amazing how these churches and practices have endured for such a long time. It was an awesome experience for me and I'd highly recommend the services of Maereg and his tour company while visiting Lalibela!
Review provided by Viator
Sam_chew_mun
Jul 28, 2025
Our Guide, Ermias, Made the Trip Unforgettable! - I had an unforgettable experience, thanks to the fantastic organisation of this tour. Everything was seamless from start to finish, yet they remained incredibly flexible when I requested a minor change to the itinerary. My guide, Ermias, was a true highlight. His deep knowledge of history and culture, combined with his passion for sharing it, made the trip even more meaningful. I highly recommend this company for a truly fabulous tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pauldinef
Apr 18, 2025
Loved it very much - I had Ermias as a guide. He’s not only a great picture taker and know every inch of Lalibela but also he’s a bird watcher. I learned about the city, the churches, history, and native birds.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tikicici2
Feb 25, 2025
Very professional, on time and precise schedule - Maereg was very clear and precise with all the tour details. He arrived on time for pickup and drop offs. Very reliable with perfect English. Very easy to get in contact before the tour. Very flexible schedule. Also the vehicle was very clean and excellent condition. 121 countries and this is one of the tours I ever had.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pioneer310612
Nov 3, 2024
Lalibella - I will remember my visit to Lalibela forever. I have to thank Maereg that when I made an error in the reservation, I could arrange the visit for another day. Also with his explanations and generosity... I was able to know about the kindness and cultural Ethiopia. His explanations were extraordinary...after the visit I just want to return to Etiophia. I totally recommend Maereg as a guide and Lalibela and the tour as impressive. I wish I came back!!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $46
up to 10 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).