Makars Tourism Agency

Makars Tourism Agency is a family-owned outdoor adventure business with roots stretching back to 1991, when Jānis Makars, a veteran of Sigulda’s Tourist Centre and former senior instructor for sports events and boat tours, established his first family tourism venture. The company has grown steadily over the decades, adding a second campsite and canoe base in Ligatne in 2010 and expanding its activity portfolio to serve an increasingly international clientele. Today, Makars operates from two scenic riverside locations within the Gauja National Park, Latvia’s oldest and most celebrated national park, where the Gauja River winds through ancient sandstone gorges, forested valleys, and past mediaeval castle ruins. The core offering is river tourism by canoe, kayak, or rubber raft, with routes available from short half-day paddles to multi-day expeditions of up to seven days on the water. Popular one-day routes include the stunning Cēsis to Ligatne section, a 20-kilometre journey past impressive sandstone rock formations, and the Ligatne to Sigulda route, which takes paddlers beneath the famous Turaida Castle and past Krimulda Manor. All boats are equipped with life jackets and paddles, and the Makars team provides transportation between put-in and take-out points to ensure a smooth and well-organised experience. Both campsites offer tent and caravan pitches, with full facilities available on site. In winter, Makars also organises bobsleigh runs on the legendary Sigulda track, making it a genuine year-round adventure destination. The company is listed in leading European camping guides including ADAC, ACSI, ECC, and the Kosmos camping guide.