This small, landlocked country is one of the oldest in the world, and there is a surprising beauty in its stark rocky countryside, where the fruits of human culture and cultivation stand out in contrast against the stony background. Orchards and vineyards provide unexpected color, and historic cities and monasteries perch on scenic mountaintops or in temperate rain forests. In Yerevan, the capital, street life is blossoming, with outdoor cafes sprouting up during warmer months.
Armenia's infrastructure for tourism is developing rapidly, and the number of visitors is expanding even faster. Outside the capital, there are few amenities for travelers. Most visitors base their stay in Yerevan, taking day trips out to the regions. However, new highways and Western hotels across the country are changing this pattern.
