How much does it cost to enter Lake Ritsa in 2026 and what other expenses should you plan for?

A trip to Lake Ritsa is not cheap, and besides the entrance fee to the national park, you need to budget for transportation, food, and entertainment. Let's break down all the expenses so you can plan your budget in advance.

? Cost of entry to Ritsa National Park (2026)

The lake is located within a protected area, so entry is paid. Payment is made at the checkpoint upon entry. The prices are as follows:

Cost of entry to Ritsa National Park

Category	Price
Adult ticket	700 rubles
Children aged 8 to 12	200 rubles
Children under 8	Free

? Transportation costs

You can get to the lake in different ways, and the budget depends heavily on this:

• By your own car: The main expense is gasoline (about 60 km from Gagra one way along the serpentine road) and paid parking — 200 rubles for the whole day. The parking lot is located 600 meters from the embankment; parking closer to the lake is prohibited, and traffic police are on duty there (see on the map).
• By taxi: A trip from Gagra with waiting and back will cost 6,000 – 10,000 rubles. You can order a car through local taxi services (A-Taxi, Garuda), the price one way is from 2,800 rubles.
• Group excursion: The easiest option. The price starts from 1,300 rubles per person, but the entrance to the park (700 rubles) is paid separately. Total minimum 2,000 rubles per person.

?️ Food and drinks

There are several cafes and barbecue spots on the embankment, but the prices are steep. Approximate prices in 2026:

• Hot dish: 500–700 rubles
• Barbecue per portion: 400–600 rubles
• Tea or coffee: 150–200 rubles

Tip: if you want to save money, bring your own snacks. There are no full-fledged canteens or budget establishments right by the lake.

? Entertainment and souvenirs

• Catamaran: One of the main activities. Price — from 500 rubles per person for 30 minutes. There is a trick: if you go to the end of the embankment, you can bargain and get it cheaper.
• Souvenirs and honey: Prices for souvenirs and local honey at the markets along the way to the lake are noticeably higher than in Gagra or Pitsunda. It's better to buy there.
• Toilets: There are no public free toilets. You can use the toilet in a cafe (usually free for customers) or find a secluded spot in the forest.

You can learn more in our reliable and honest guide in the article Lake Ritsa in Abkhazia: a complete guide for independent travelers. There we detailed all the nuances, opening hours, and what else to see along the way.

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