Photo credit: Ana Filonov

Petroglyphs and Petro-Dollars

Azerbaijan, located on the western shore of the Caspian Sea, lays claim to vast reserves of oil and gas that serve as the main driver of its economy.  The result is a deeply traditional country that’s marked by bursts of modernity. In the capital city of Baku, you can shop in tiny, timeless markets that sit in the shadow of fancifully designed, cutting-edge skyscrapers, and the tourism infrastructure includes luxurious hotels and restaurants. Azerbaijan’s quaint villages and gorgeous countryside are home to beautiful old palaces and impressive religious structures, but the biggest highlight for many visitors is the overwhelming hospitality of the Azeri people and their fascinating cultural traditions – from carpet-making to mugham chants – practiced the same way they have been for hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of years.

Why travel to Azerbaijan with MIR

We regularly garner raves from travelers for our inspired Azerbaijan itineraries. Our destination experts can guide you through the hustle and bustle of Baku and then show you another world in the countryside, where a traditional culture is as vibrant today as it was a millennium ago.  MIR doesn’t just show you Azerbaijan’s sights; it introduces you to its people.

  • 35 years of Azerbaijan travel experience
  • Twice named one of National Geographic Adventure’s “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth”
  • Travel programs from Harvard, to Stanford to the Commonwealth Club have chosen MIR to guide them to Azerbaijan
  • Personalized travel planning from start to finish
  • On-the-ground support
  • Guides and tour managers that clients rave about
  • Quality you can trust
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Our Trips

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Create Your Dream Journey
Chat with one of our destination specialists by email or by phone at 1-800-424-7289 to start planning your travels today.
A heartfelt Baku welcome at the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center in Baku, Azerbaijan. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta
A typical Azerbaijani lunch of succulent grilled kebab on flatbread with pomegranates. Photo credit: Jered Gorman
Old Quarter of Lahij, famous for its UNESCO-listed copper craftsmanship. Photo credit: Jered Gorman
Evening descends on Baku's Flame Towers, reflected in a puddle on Martyrs' Lane. Photo credit: Jered Gorman
Sheki's exquisite Khan's Palace is renowned for its handmade stained-glass windows. Photo credit: Jessica Clark
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  • A heartfelt Baku welcome at the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center in Baku, Azerbaijan. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta A heartfelt Baku welcome at the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center in Baku, Azerbaijan. Martin Klimenta
  • A typical Azerbaijani lunch of succulent grilled kebab on flatbread with pomegranates. Photo credit: Jered Gorman A typical Azerbaijani lunch of succulent grilled kebab on flatbread with pomegranates. Jered Gorman
  • Old Quarter of Lahij, famous for its UNESCO-listed copper craftsmanship. Photo credit: Jered Gorman Old Quarter of Lahij, famous for its UNESCO-listed copper craftsmanship. Jered Gorman
  • Evening descends on Baku's Flame Towers, reflected in a puddle on Martyrs' Lane. Photo credit: Jered Gorman Evening descends on Baku's Flame Towers, reflected in a puddle on Martyrs' Lane. Jered Gorman
  • Sheki's exquisite Khan's Palace is renowned for its handmade stained-glass windows. Photo credit: Jessica Clark Sheki's exquisite Khan's Palace is renowned for its handmade stained-glass windows. Jessica Clark
  • Interior of the Jummah Mosque in Shamakhi, Azerbaijan. Photo credit: Jered Goman Interior of the Jummah Mosque in Shamakhi, Azerbaijan. Jered Goman
  • Martyrs' Lane Memorial in Baku, Azerbaijan. Photo credit: Jered Goman Martyrs' Lane Memorial in Baku, Azerbaijan. Jered Goman
  • Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center in Baku, Azerbaijan. Photo credit: Jered Goman Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center in Baku, Azerbaijan. Jered Goman
  • Looking north into Russia and the Caucasus Mountains from northern Azerbaijan. Photo credit: Jered Goman Looking north into Russia and the Caucasus Mountains from northern Azerbaijan. Jered Goman
  • Ancient streets in the silk road city of Sheki, Azerbaijan. Photo credit: Jered Goman Ancient streets in the silk road city of Sheki, Azerbaijan. Jered Goman

Traveler Reviews

  • "How could one not be awed by the petroglyphs in Azerbaijan… The depth of the history of this region is amazing."

    J. Jones

    Santa Cruz, CA

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