Shamakhi District Is Home to a Capybara Farm — Azerbaijan’s Most Unexpected Animal Attraction

A capybara farm is operating in Azerbaijan’s Shamakhi district — offering travellers a genuinely unusual encounter with the world’s largest rodent, just two hours from central Baku. Nestled among the ridges of the Caucasus mountains, the farm is home to a colony of capybaras: animals that have become global icons precisely because of how unbothered they are by everything around them.

What makes capybaras so special

Adults weigh up to 65 kilograms and are social, non-aggressive, and remarkably calm around people — including young children. Birds land on their heads. Cats nap beside them. Small visitors approach with caution and leave with a kind of quiet amazement that is genuinely difficult to describe and very easy to remember.

The route and what else to see

The farm sits in the Shamakhi district, one of Azerbaijan’s most scenic and historically significant regions. The route from Baku passes vineyards, ancient mosques, and mountain villages. A short detour to Meysari village adds a second unusual stop: an alpaca farm that rivals the capybara farm in sheer unexpectedness. Two exotic animals in a single day trip — not a bad way to spend a weekend.

The site is particularly well-suited to families with young children. The animals are comfortable around people, and the open, calm environment makes for a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.

Full guide in the Travelers Club

Karavan Rent A Car in Baku has published a complete guide to this route — covering the exact location, practical route advice, and everything needed to plan the trip from Baku. Read the full guide in our Travelers Club.

🗺️ More Azerbaijan routes: Travelers Club
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