Azerbaijan Travel Guide

Azerbaijan OVERVIEW

Nestled smack-dab between Europe and Asia, where the western influences nudge their way along the former Silk Road into the country's ancient core, Azerbaijan is essentially a series of dichotomies which, as it shows, are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Having broken away from the Soviet shackles and fueled by significant oil resources, this 95% Muslim nation not only ensures religious freedom and thrives as the first successful democratic republic in the Islamic world, but is also slowly reinventing itself as a prosperous Eurasian entity.

Should you fear that hell-bent development has eradicated Azerbaijan's genuine feel, true it is not. To be sure, the leafy commercial hub, Baku, is thick with top-notch hotels, chic boutiques, and glam four wheels, but modernity is embraced here as much as the imperial past is respected, and flashy skyscrapers abut splendid UNESCO-protected heritage (a mix not necessarily up to everybody's tastes, but definitely adding a pinch of curiosity to the whole).

Besides it doesn't take a long journey from the capital to land in the world where life rolls on much as it has done for ages, with men tending cattle, women going about their household routines, and kids welcoming accidental visitors with an amazed look in their coal-colored eyes. From the grim Caucasus Mountains in the north, to the fertile valleys of the south and swaths of semi-desert in between, Azerbaijani landscapes ooze tranquility.

Which isn't to say it is all milk and honey. The quick-fire development of the energy sector makes non-energy exports more expensive, which deepens the gulf between the haves and have-nots. Also, tourism infrastructure in practically nonexistent, let alone language barriers. But Open Travelers don't get discouraged by such obstacles. Just strap on your backpack (a tent might come in handy, too) and get ready for an adventure. Head to the cloud-clad village of Xinaliq for jaw-dropping mountain vistas, explore the enchanting volcanoes of Qobustan for a bit of a thrill, and join Azeris on a spiritual climb up Five Finger Mountain for a handful of legend and lore. Alternatively, dock yourself in a Baku hotel and make comfortable outings to the country's highlights. It's as simple as that.