petra jordan visit

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

The Opinionated Travelogue of a Photo Maniac

• Middle East
• North America
• South America
• Pacific Islands
• FOOD & WINE
• TRAVEL GUIDES
• TRAVEL RESOURCES
• Rants & Raves
• Travel Blogger Interviews
• Contact Form
• Privacy Policy
• Featured Elsewhere

How to Visit Petra Like a Pro – Guide to Jordan’s Lost City

Last Modified: January 21, 2023 //  by  Anda //   22 Comments

Most people who travel to Jordan want to visit Petra. In fact, I don’t think I’d be wrong in saying that that Petra is the very reason why most people travel to Jordan these days. This alluring city that laid hidden for centuries, has been attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors ever since it was discovered. There is a reason why Petra is one of the world’s most amazing destinations .

Unfortunately, very few of those who flock to the mysterious city of Petra are truly prepared for this visit or know what to expect. So in this post I’ll try to cover all the questions you may have about visiting Petra.

Table of Contents

A Brief History of Petra

What to expect when you visit petra, top sites to visit in petra, where to stay in petra, when is the best time to visit petra, how to reach petra, admission fees and hours of visitation, how much time do you need for visiting petra, what to wear when visiting petra.

Petra was once the thriving capital of the Nabatean Kingdom . Nabateans were the people who inhabited the area until 100AD, when the Romans invaded it and took over Petra.

Because of its location at the crossroads between Arabia, Egypt and Phoenicia, Petra was a major caravan centre during the Roman period. However, in time the city’s importance declined and Petra was ultimately abandoned and forgotten.  Since it wasn’t marked on any modern maps, Petra remained ‘hidden’ to the Western world for more than 500 years.

In the 19th century, a Swiss explorer by the name of Burckhardt discovered the prehistoric city of Petra accidentally. In the last two centuries since its discovery, Petra has seen more visitors than it has seen in its 3000 years of existence!

Petra is a vast conglomerate of elaborate tombs and religious high places half-built and half-carved into red sandstone cliffs. But no matter how much you read about Petra, or see pictures of it, that first glimpse of the lost city of the Nabateans will take you by surprise.

Petra is really big!

The first thing that will grab you when you first visit Petra is its size. Even the tombs and the public buildings that line Petra’s main street look like they were built for giants. Petra is huge, stretching for at least 60 square kilometers through canyons, along river beds and up the mountains.

There are lots of hiking trails in Petra

Most of the sites in Petra are close to the main street and don’t require any special effort to visit. Other sites, like the Monastery , or the viewpoint for the Treasury , that can only be reached by hiking steep trails, with numerous steps.

There are also some sites, like the High Place of Sacrifice , that can only be accessed by going off-road, on unmarked trails. Those trails are almost impossible to follow if you don’t know what to look for. If you are interested in going off-road, I suggest hiring a local guide.

Expect to walk mostly in the sun

There is barely any shade in Petra, so be prepared to do a lot of walking in full sun. This makes hiking in Petra really difficult during the summer months and even in the fall. You get no break from the sun, so wearing a hat or a scarf and lots of sunscreen is a must! Also, drinking lots of water

Petra is packed with working animals

There is an abundance or working animals in Petra that are used for tourist transportation. While they are a source of income for the Bedouins, there is much debate as to how well these animals are kept and cared for. Donkeys and mules haul tourists up 900 steep and eroded steps to the Monastery, horses and camels carry tourists through the city, by pulling carriages and carts.

There seems to be a need for some tourist transportation in Petra. Especially for elderly people who can’t climb up steps or walk long distances. However, we mainly saw young, strong people riding the donkeys.

Some of these animals looked really abused and deprived of food and water. We personally witnessed the whipping of an exhausted donkey that was struggling to hike the steep steps to the Monastery. I would strongly discourage people able to walk from riding these animals!

There are quite a few places to eat and drink in Petra

I don’t think anybody comes to Petra to eat and drink, but it’s good to know that if you want to grab a bite or have a drink, there are several eateries on the site. You’ll see them along the Street of Façades and beyond, but you’ll also receive a free map with your ticket so you can locate them. We brought a few snacks and lots of water, so didn’t try any of these eateries.

Petra is really big, so unless you have several days to explore the site, you should choose some bits to focus on. You can concentrate on the ones along the main pathway towards the centre of Petra past the Street of Façades and the grand Royal Tombs.

The Bab Al Siq and the Obelisk Tomb

Right after you pass the Visitor Centre, you’ll start walking along a wide path known as the Bay Al Siq. There are several monuments and tombs in this area, among which you’ll notice the Obelisk Tomb . The tomb has four pyramidal obelisks, which were funerary symbols of the Nabataeans.

The entrance passage to the hidden city of Petra is via a towering, narrow canyon called  the Siq . The path twists and turns between strangely eroded cliffs for over a kilometer.

Walking the Siq is one of the most pleasant experiences in Petra. The 150 m high emerging walls close to a few meters apart, blocking out sound and light. It’s about the only place in Petra where you’ll enjoy shade.

The ‘Treasury’

At the end of the Siq the path narrows becoming completely dark. As you step out into the sunlight you’ll find yourself in front of the  Khazneh , or the Treasury . That first glimpse of the Treasury through the narrow passage is a sight you’ll never forget.

Carved directly into the cliff, the 40-meter high Treasury was never a treasury, but rather a beautifully ornate tomb which became Petra’s most iconic site.

The Street of Façades

From the Khazneh, the pathway broadens into a wider area lined with large tombs carved into the rock. The area which is known as the Street of Façades , is a cliff face with a cluster of tombs considered to be the oldest ones in Petra.

The Theater

Further down the road is Petra’s spectacular Theater , built by the Nabataeans around the 1st century AD. The Theater which was later enlarged by the Romans, can seat 8,500 people!

The Royal Tombs

After passing the Theater, on the right side of the wadi you’ll notice the great massif of Jebel Al Khubtha. Within its cliffs are carved some of the most impressive burial places in Petra, known collectively as the ‘ Royal Tombs ’. They look particularly impressive in the afternoon light.

The Colonnaded Street

Downhill from the Theatre is the Colonnaded Street , that marks the centre of the Ancient City. 

The street ends at the Roman Gate, built in the 2nd century A.D. Originally, the gate had huge wooden doors and side towers and marked the entrance to the sacred courtyard of the temple.

The Monastery

The hike to the Monastery was the highlight of our visit to Petra. Hidden high in the hills, the Monastery is one of the most spectacular monuments of Petra.

The Monastery (called  Ad Deir  in Arabic) is half-carved, half-built out of rock. The design is very similar to that of the Treasury, but far bigger. The structure was built in the 3rd century BC as a Nabataean tomb.

Hiking to the famous Monastery is quite exhausting, involving climbing almost 900 steep steps! Nonetheless, the hike is really beautiful, allowing bird-eye views of the entire archeological site.

The nearest town to the archeological site of Petra is Wadi Musa (Valley of Moses). The town sits on a very steep hill at the bottom of which is the main entrance to Petra.

There are plenty of hotels in Wadi Musa to choose from, but you should choose a hotel that is near Petra . Prices range from $55 to over $380/night and don’t necessarily reflect the quality or cleanness of the rooms.

We didn’t want to spend a lot of money since Jordan is an expensive country anyway, so we chose an $85/night hotel (Al Rashid). However, despite the good reviews on TripAdvisor, we weren’t happy with it. The hotel was clean, but very old and outdated. If you want a nice hotel room, you’ll probably have to pay over $130/night.

There are several nice hotels in Wadi Musa, like Petra Guest House Hotel , La Maison Hotel , or Petra Boutique Hotel , which are also within 2 miles from the archeological park entrance.

Spring and fall (March to May and September to November) are the best months for a trip to Petra. The days are warm, but the nights are cool. Although temperatures get into the high 20°C during the day, it’s not too hot for hiking.

The summer months in Petra are very hot. In June, July and August temperatures may get as high as 40°C. While you may have Petra all to yourself, hiking in that kind of heat is brutal.

In the winter months (December to February) Jordan experiences more rain and sometimes even snow. Nonetheless, winter is also a great time to visit Petra. The cool temperature is perfect for hiking. 

The best times at the site are in the early mornings, before the crowds arrive, and late afternoons when most tourists already left.

Petra lies about 230 km south of Amman, the capital city of Jordan, and 120 km north of Aqaba, the southernmost city in Jordan. Depending on how you choose to travel to Jordan , there are several ways to reach the archeological site of Petra.

The fastest way to get to Petra from any point in Jordan is to rent a car and drive yourself there. If you are coming from Amman it’s a 3-hour drive on Desert Highway, or 2-hour drive from Aqaba.

You can also hire a taxi that will drop you at the visitor center parking lot. If you choose this option, try to negotiate the price before you get into the cab. The cost they quoted us was 35 JD ($50) one way, from Aqaba to Petra.

The cheapest way to travel to Petra is by JETT Bus that runs daily between Aqaba and Petra or Amman to Petra . The cost from Aqaba is 18 JD ($24) round trip. From Amman the ticket is probably more expensive.

The easiest way to get to Petra is to join a guided tour. This option is much more expensive, but it’s the most convenient one. You let someone else do all the planning and you sit back and enjoy your day. There are tour packages available from Amman and  Aqaba  in Jordan, or  Jerusalem , Tel Aviv and  Eilat   in Israel.

The ticket price for one day in Petra is 90 JD. If you are staying in Jordan overnight, the ticket price is only 50 JD for a day, 55 JD for 2 days, and 60 JD for 3 days. So the longer you stay, the more you save. Children under 12 are free.

You can buy your tickets at the Visitor Center with cash or credit card. If you are planning to visit other sites in Jordan, I recommend buying a  Jordan Pass . The pass will give you free entry to Petra and many other sites, including Jerash and Wadi Rum.

The Visitor Center is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in summer, and from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in winter. Visitors need to leave the site by 7:00 p.m. in summer and 5:00 p.m. in winter.

On Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. you can experience Petra by Night . This beautiful candlelight show with music played by the local Bedouins allows you to visit the Siq and Treasury away from the hordes of tourists.

There is so much to see in The Rose City of Petra! I wish I knew this when I was planning our Jordan itinerary ! Many people spend only a day in Petra, but if you want to do some of the hikes you’ll need much longer than that.

We started at 6:30 a.m., right after the gates opened, and were hiking and exploring straight through until 6 p.m. We saw A LOT, but we still missed several sites we were hoping to see. Ideally, you should spend two full days in Petra to properly explore the sites and enjoy what you see.

You’ll be walking a lot in the heat and on uneven terrain when you visit Petra. Therefore, wearing loose, comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes is a must, if you want to enjoy your visit. I’ve seen people hiking in sandals, or sneakers, but from my experience hiking boots are the best choice for Petra.

You should also try to dress in layers. The weather may be a little cool in the morning, but after the sun goes up it gets very hot. Remember, this is a desert and the sun is very cruel.

Bring a hat, a scarf and lots of sunscreen with you. Also, buy a hiking pole from the main entrance. They sell for $7-8 and are totally worth the investment. Your joints will thank you on the steep trails of Petra!

Planning a trip to Petra? You may want to read these Tips for Traveling to Jordan

If you found this information helpful, pin this article to help other travelers to Petra:

Looking for some other exotic destinations? You may also like these:

• Morocco 10 Day Itinerary • Two Weeks Israel Itinerary for Independent Travelers • The 23 Most Important Places to Visit in Jerusalem • Best Day Trips from Tel Aviv

Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind "Travel Notes & Beyond," a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

Reader Interactions

Giancarlo Pena

March 5, 2023 at 10:59 pm

Hi! I am planning to go to Abu Dhabi during the first week of April and would love to do a day trip to Petra. I would fly in at 9:00 am and take the red-eye back at 11:00 pm. Would that be enough time?

I know I would have to drive there and back from AMMAN airport, so would tickets be available by then, or should I buy tickets prior to my arrival?

Thank you so much!

March 8, 2023 at 12:55 pm

Hi Giancarlo, Petra is bigger than you think and visiting it takes at least one full day. From what I see your schedule is pretty tight. Driving from Amman to Petra takes around 3 hours (one-way), so if you arrive in Amman at 9:00 you’ll be in Petra the earliest around noon (possibly later). The park closes at 6:00 p.m., so that will leave you with 5 hours, at the most. Considering that you have to catch a plane at 11:00 p.m., I’d say your visit would be not only very rushed but also very stressful. As for buying tickets ahead of time, I don’t think it would be necessary. Most visitors come to Petra early morning, so around noon you won’t be faced with long lines.

November 22, 2021 at 9:00 am

I’m really grateful you mentioned the donkeys in the context of not using them – I visited yesterday and my experience was completely ruined by what I witnessed towards the donkeys and camels; the behaviour of the handlers is disgusting, and I would also urge absolutely everyone to avoid financing this abuse at all costs. This is a great review in general, and you’re absolutely right about needing multiple days to explore fully, my legs are still aching 24 hours later after the back entrance hike to the front gates, and I still didn’t see everything!

November 22, 2021 at 9:08 am

Thank you for your comment. I’m saddened by the fact the the animal abuse continues in Petra. I was hoping it was just an incident, although I’ve heard other people complaining about it.

January 14, 2020 at 3:36 am

For quite sometime now I have been dreaming of Petra. I so want to get there. And see the lost city with its abandoned wonders. I even dreamt of the treasury once… something about me on a horseback. Seeing all this in your post, reminds me to start planning and maybe fulfill that dream this year. I am definitely gonna take the tips that you have shared and yes, petra at night is on!

Anda Galffy

January 14, 2020 at 8:38 pm

Hope you’ll get to visit Petra soon, Ami.

January 11, 2020 at 4:14 pm

I never would have guessed that Petra gets snow! Regardless of when I visit, I know I definitely want to see the night light show. It looks even more mysterious being a hidden city at night with the candlelight.

Yukti Agrawal

January 11, 2020 at 12:53 pm

What a timely post, as I was planning to visit Jordan in a very short period of time. The Obelisk Tomb really looks interesting and it would be great to take beautiful photos of ancient ruins. Walking through narrow zig-zag alleys of the Siq also looks beautiful thing to do here. Amazing photo of The Treasury.

Bhushavali N

January 11, 2020 at 2:50 am

Ofcourse, like everyone else, Jordan is in my wishlist as well! And you’re right, that place totally needs a dedicated study about it before visiting there, even as a tourist. Without knowing the history, importance and the excavation of it, its just pointless! Good to know that there are donkey rides available. While we mostly walk, sometimes it gets a bit exhausting with our toddler!

January 10, 2020 at 8:24 pm

This is so cool! Your blog is very informative and detailed. As seen in pictures the people were like ants because of these huge structures. Hopefully I’ll be able to have a tour there soon.

Marion Halliday

January 10, 2020 at 12:38 pm

I’ve always been fascinated by Petra and I’ve seen many photos over the years, but I still had no idea of the sheer scale of the city! While the traditional tourist sites look amazing, I particularly like the idea of going off the main trail to some of the less visited sites like the High Place of Sacrifice and the Lion monument. I can see how easy it would be to spend at least 2 or 3 days there – that’s a great travel tip 😀

January 10, 2020 at 6:35 pm

Thank you Marion.

January 9, 2020 at 4:26 pm

When I first time saw Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and heard for the first time the nickname of Petra the “Rose City,” Perta became my must-see place to visit. I hope I will do it soon. I would love to see The ‘Treasury’ and The Royal Tombs Accessed and narrow canyon called Al Siq because I love slot canyons. I like to taste local food, so it’s great to know about the Street of Façades. Your article is very detailed and will be helpful during trip planning for sure.

January 9, 2020 at 7:16 pm

Thank you, Agnes. I’m glad if you could use the information for your trip.

Linda (LD Holland)

January 9, 2020 at 6:20 am

We loved our visit to Petra. But I wish I read your blog post before we went. We didn’t have control over the timing since we went on a tour. And mid-day was crazy busy. And hot. We really did not understand how big the site was. And how much of the walk you did without cover. I agree that one day may not be enough if you really want to hike and spend some time at the site. I guess it just means we need to go back. There was so much more of Jordon to explore as well.

January 9, 2020 at 11:20 am

It’s great that you could visit Petra even for a short time, Linda.

January 9, 2020 at 1:43 am

This has been on my radar for years and there are still good flight prices to Jordan from London, UK. However I am waiting for my daughters to grow up a little bit more so I am going to hold off for a few years, not because I want them to see Petra in it’s amazing glory but also to educate them. I really cant wait to give them history and geography lessons whilst on the road and give them the early start in life. 🙂

January 9, 2020 at 11:21 am

I know what you are saying, Danik. It’s difficult to travel to Jordan with two little kids.

January 8, 2020 at 11:54 pm

Really informative guide! I really loved Petra and I could recommend the Movenpick as a good local hotel – amazing food too.

January 9, 2020 at 11:25 am

Thanks, Fiona. I should check it out for next time.

Rhonda Albom

January 8, 2020 at 2:58 pm

Petra has been on my bucket list for years. Thanks for all the good advice. I think I will have to stay for at least 2 days. I am going to look at your recommendations for nearby “nice” hotels as I wouldn’t want to have to make the same trip from Aqaba multiple days in a row.

January 8, 2020 at 7:46 pm

You are long due for a trip to Jordan, Rhonda. I know how much you want this trip and hope you’ll get there soon.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

All rights reserved © Travel Notes & Beyond. The material on this website is protected by copyright law. Republishing the content on this blog (including text, photography, etc.) is strictly prohibited.

AFFILIATE PROGRAM DISCLOSURE

Some of the pages and posts of this blog contain links to products and services that may be useful for my readers. When clicking on these links you will have the option to purchase or register for a service at no extra cost to you, but doing so can help me offset the costs associated with running this blog. Thank you for your support!

• Attractions

The ancient city of Petra is one of Jordan’s national treasures and by far its best known tourist attraction. Petra is the legacy of the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people who settled in southern Jordan more than 2,000 years ago. Admired then for its refined culture, massive architecture and ingenious complex of dams and water channels, Petra is a UNESCO World Heritages Site and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Inhabited by the Nabateans, Edomites and Romans, Petra brought together the knowledge and skill of these civilizations to create this world wonder. Caravans laden with incense, silks, spices and other exotic goods would rest at Petra.

This site is one of Jordan’s UNESCO world heritage sites, for more information click here .

Virtual Tour

• Accommodation
• How To Get There
• History & Culture
• Eco & Adventure
• Conferences & Events
• The Jordan Trail

Al-Siq to Treasury Trail (Main Trail)

This trail is the most visited trail in Petra, the trail starts from the visitor center of Petra through The Siq to The Treasury. While most tourists think that the trail ends at the ancient city’s main attraction, The Treasury, the main trail continues past the Siq, Royal Tombs, Colonnaded Street and ends by Qasr Al-Bint (The Girl’s Palace).    Duration: This depends on the pace of the tourist but can take up to an hour from the visitors’ center to the Treasury. Level: Easy 

Contact information/ how to book:  Tickets can be purchased at the Petra Visitors’ Center Location

Petra Museum

Located at the main tourist street and only three minute walk from the main gate to Petra. Opening Times are seven days a week throughout the year from 8:30am until 7:30pm It contains 280 artifacts, dating back to different ages, the exhibition consists of five halls showing the history of Petra and information about the nabatean's life and their civilization. Website Location Virtual Tour

Petra Kitchen – Cooking Lessons

The Petra Kitchen enriches Petra visitors' experiences by offering nightly cooking classes and dinners, sharing authentic local cuisine in a casual, family atmosphere. Visitors work alongside local chefs to prepare dishes found on a typical family’s menu using fresh local ingredients. By sharing recipes and flavors the people of Petra are presenting their history and culture to visitors and encouraging guests to return home to share the tastes of Jordan with friends and family. Guests who join for a multi-night cuisine course will share in food sourcing at the local markets and preparation with the chef to learn how dishes are assembled, from the earth to the plate.

Contact information/ how to book:  Website: petrakitchen.com Email: [email protected] Telephone: 00962 3 215 5900   Location

Al-Khubtha Trail

This trail starts from the Visitors’ Center and takes you into the ancient city of Petra through the Siq and past some magnificent monuments. This includes what is known as the ‘street of facades’, as well as a theater craved out of the rock, after which you will explore the intricately carved ‘royal tombs’, which include the Urn Tomb, Silk Tomb, Corinthian Tomb and Palace Tomb, before reaching Al-Khubtha High Place and Cistern to enjoy the breathtaking view. The trail takes around 4 -5 hours to complete Difficulty: Hard

Contact information/ how to book:  Please book a guide through the Petra Visitor’s Center Location

Ad-Deir Main Trail

This trail begins at the end of the Main Trail, from the museum inside Petra, which is located next to The Basin restaurant. It leads you northwards up ancient steps and after a short walk you reach the Lion Triclinium, which is set in a small side wadi on the left. Continue past this up the carved stairway to reach a hermitage with chambers excavated in the rock and decorated with many carved crosses. You then move on upwards to reach Ad Deir, which lies a short way beyond and offers a fantastic view over the area. This trail can be self-guided.  Difficulty: Moderate

Contact information/ how to book:   It is optional to book a guide through the Petra Visitors’ Center.  Location

Ad-Deir Back Route

This trail takes you off the main track to reach Ad-Deir, or the Monastery, via a back road route. The trail begins at Kharrubat al-Fajja, which is 50 meters west of the main road to Beidha, and ends at Ad-Deir. The beginning of this trail is easy, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful landscape of the area and the mountain views overlooking Wadi Araba as you walk. It also takes you through an agricultural area. Donkeys can be used for the round trip, taking you from the starting point to the beginning of the steps that lead to Ad-Deir and back again. From the visitor center you can go by car or bus to the beginning of this trail, which starts at a site that is just off the main road leading to Beidha. Duration: 4-5 hours  Level: Hard Guided only

Contact information/ how to book:  A guide can be booked through the Petra Visitors’ Center  Location

Henna Fantasia Show

Henna Fantasia is a daily activity "show" in Petra at the Grand Hall of the Old Village Resort. Experience the folklore dances performed by Henna men and women, each dance will have its own unique customs and accessories giving the full experience of old traditional folklore. Your dancing skills will be tested at the end of the show.

Phone: 0096798888965 Email: [email protected] Website:  http://www.hennafantasia.com/

Ad-Deir to Kharubat Al-Fajjah

The first part of this trail follows the route of the Main Trail, all the way to Qasr Al-Bint. You then begin an upward climb to the Monastery climbing ancient steps as you pass the Lion Triclinium on the way up to Ad-Deir. Then instead of returning the way you came, this trail takes you past the view point and on to Umm Sysaban, where you will see the remains of an ancient walled settlement. It ends at Kharrubat al-Fajjah, which is located just off the main road leading to Beidha, from where you will need a car or bus to take you back to the visitor center. Duration: 7-8 hours Level: Hard  Guided only 

Contact information/ how to book:  A guide can be booked through the Petra Visitors’ Center Location

Beidha – The First Trail

This trail begins at Umm Qussa and ends at Slaysel. The starting point is 40 meters to the west of the main road to Beidha. The beginning of the trail is easy and takes you to Bir al-Arayis, one of the many ancient Nabataean water cisterns found in the area. The trail then leads to Siq al-Barid where you will see one of the most beautiful mural paintings in Petra. From there you will move on to the Neolithic Village of Beidha, and then continue walking through Wadi Slaysel until you reach Slaysel itself, where you will be able to enjoy a wonderful view over Wadi Araba. Duration: 2.5 – 3 hours  Level: Moderate  Guided Only

Contact information/ how to book:  Visitors can book guides for this activity at the Visitors’ Center.  Location

Petra by Night

To visit Petra during daylight is awe-inspiring; to experience it at night by the light of 1,800 candles is truly out-of-this-world! Walk through the Siq to the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) following a candle-lit path and enjoy the haunting music of the Bedouins at the Treasury. Tours start at 8.30pm and finish at 10.00pm every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Allow yourself plenty of time to walk through the Siq - you don't want to miss the show!

Contact information/ how to book:  Tickets can be purchased at the Visitors’ Center or through your hotel.  Location

Beidha – The Second Trail

This trail begins at the Beidha Neolithic Village, near to Siq Al-Barid, which is the largest Nabataean site in Beidha. A few services are available here, including toilets, soft drinks and a parking area. You can reach the Siq Umm al-‘Alda entrance by car or bus and then hike to the Baja Neolithic site, which is 30 minutes walking distance away. You will pass some magnificent rock structures on your way to Baja. After exploring the site you follow the same track back to Siq Umm al-‘Alda and then drive to Shkarat Msaied, which is 15 minutes away from Siq Umm al-‘Alda by road. On your way to Shkarat Msaied, driving along Namala road, you can take in the beautiful surrounding landscape and mountains covered with juniper, oak, and wild pistachio trees. Beyond Namala Road you will experience the ancient Nabataean, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic caravan route, which descends to Wadi Araba and Bir Madhkur and continues on to the Negeb and Gaza, forming part of the main caravan route that connected Petra with Gaza on the Mediterranean. Nowadays, this road is used to connect Petra with Wadi Feynan, the Dead Sea in the north, and Aqaba in the south. Duration: 4 – 4.5 hours  Level: Moderate  Guided Only

Astronomical Tour in Petra

A Jordanian archeologist and astronomer, specialized in the history of Petra and the Nabatean civilization, has been doing his research about Petra - his home land - over the last 20 years to introduce the real history of Petra through new theories that are based on science and modern studies. This is an experience that is guaranteed to blow your mind by showcasing the greatness of one of the most unique civilizations in history. For more information, please click here .

Experiences From Travellers

Top Tips For Visiting Petra, Jordan: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Thinking of visiting Petra, Jordan? From how to get there, to ticket prices and the best time to visit, this guide will help you plan your trip to Petra. 

From what to wear and what to see, to how to get there and how much it costs, find out all the answers in this ultimate travel guide to Petra.

I visited the ancient ruins of Petra last month, and before I left the UK I found myself in a Google frenzy.

I was searching all sorts of things…

What should women to wear in Jordan?

How hot is it in Petra?

Do I need to cover my head?

Can I buy food once I’m inside Petra?

Is there water for sale?

How to get to Petra?

How much is the Petra entry fee?

How long does it take to tour the site?

Is it safe to travel to Petra in Jordan?

So many questions! Surprisingly I couldn’t find a Jordan travel blog with all the answers!

I thought it’d be helpful to impart some of my newfound knowledge for any of you who are planning on visiting Petra soon.

How much is the Petra entrance fee (2023)?

As of 2023,  a one-day ticket to visit Petra costs 50 JD (£57 / 70 USD). As there is so much to see, many people opt to visit for multiple days. A two-day ticket costs 55 JD and three-day ticket costs 60 JD.

Children under 12 enter free. Petra By Night tickets cost 17 JD (more info on that below). Remember to take your passport in order to purchase your ticket.

Oh, and if you’re a resident of Jordan it’s super cheap… just 1 JD!

How much does it cost for a guided one day tour of Petra?

Usually, private tour guides for the main trail cost 50 JD. You can organise everything at the visitor centre when you arrive. If you want to plan something in advance, with transport and a tour guide, there are plenty of Petra day tours you can book to travel to the site with.

For example, I visited with Abraham Tours who were very friendly and efficient. Find out more about my experience here .

What time does Petra open and close?

Petra’s Visitor Centre is open each day from 6am to 6pm during the summer and 6am to 4pm in the winter. This is the place to buy Petra tickets, arrange a guide or pick up a Petra map, and what I’d consider to be the Petra opening hours.

However, there doesn’t seem to be an official ‘closing time’, but there are instructions at the front gate saying you need to leave the site by 7pm in summer and 5pm in winter, unless you’ve got a ticket for Petra By Night. 

When is the best time to visit Petra?

I’d recommend getting to the site as early as possible. We arrived at 8am and avoided lots of the big tour groups, making for a more pleasant experience.

It can get extremely hot during the day so you’ll want to prioritise the bigger treks in the morning and late afternoon. Also, avoid rainy days as the valley is prone to flooding.

How much is a horse and carriage, donkey or camel in Petra?

You actually get a horse ride included in your ticket at the entrance, but it’s often thought of as a bit of a scam! The owners will ask for costly tips, so if in doubt agree the final fee before you accept the ride, or avoid altogether.

A horse and carriage from the entrance to the Treasury costs 20 JD (two ways) and 40 JD to get to and from the main basin area.

As there are lots of trails, many of them steep with numerous steps, many people choose to travel by donkey. As camels and horses can’t travel up steps, and there is much debate as to how well any of the animals are kept, it’s best to walk unless you’re not very mobile.

How long does it take to walk to The Treasury?

At a reasonable pace, it’ll take you around 30 minutes to walk from the entrance, along The Siq, to The Treasury.

How long does it take to get to The Monastery?

At a reasonable pace, it takes around 1 hour 30 minutes from the basin area (just beyond The Treasury) to reach The Monastery. There are 800 rock cut steps to get up there. The thing to remember about Petra, is that you’ll be on your feet all day, so wear comfy shoes.

What are the key sites I have to see on my first visit to Petra?

The Siq, The Treasury, The Monastery, High Place of Sacrifice and the Royal Tombs. It’s too much to see in a day but if you have the chance to stay a few, then that’s the dream itinerary!

What should a woman wear to visit Petra?

While it may be warm, most women were still respectful of the Jordanian culture and chose to cover up. I wore a long skirt with leggings, my Converse trailers, a T-shirt and cardigan.

I took a scarf too. I’d recommend sturdy trainers or walking boots rather than sandals or flip-flops. Here’s some inspiration…

I actually wrote a post to help you pack for Petra:  What Clothes Women Should Pack To Visit Jordan

What should a man wear to visit petra.

Again, most men were in trousers rather than shorts, with a T-shirt and sturdy trainers or walking boots. Here’s some inspiration…

READ MORE: What To Wear In Jordan – A Men’s Packing Guide

How to get to petra, jordan.

Want to know how to get to Petra, Jordan? Many visit Petra as part of an organised tour – but that’s not the only way! There is the option of public transport from Amman and Aqaba, or you can hire a car and drive.

Driving from Amman to Petra takes about three hours, or it’s just under two hours from Aqaba.

If you’re looking for public transport to Petra,  JETT Bus leaves from Abdali station in Amman at 6.30am and arrives to Petra around 10.30an. It then returns to the city at 5pm.

Or from Aqaba, public buses leave from the central market and travel to Petra. More info here .

You can book a group tour to Petra from Amman here , from Eilat here or Jerusalem here . There are also some from Tel Aviv, Israel if you’re looking at visiting Petra from there. 

How much time do I need if I’m visiting Petra for the first time?

How long is a piece of string?! I only had around 6 hours at Petra, but could have easily spent several days. We raced around the site, keen to pack as much in as possible, but it would have been nice to explore at a leisurely pace.

I’d opt for two or three days, and stay at a hotel nearby so you can enter the site early in the morning.

READ MORE: A Tour Of Petra, Jordan

What trails are there in petra and how long do they take.

I could write all this info out, but as I snapped this handy pic at the entrance, I’ll let that to the talking. 

What is Petra By Night?

Every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday there’s magical light show at Petra, with 1500 candles lighting the route to along The Siq to The Treasury.

Along with the beautiful views, there are tales from local Bedouin people and live music.

The experience begins at 8.30pm from Petra Visitor Centre and finishes at 10.30pm. Tickets cost 17 JD. You can find out more here: Petra By Night .

If you want to book in advance for Petra by Night,  you can book here. 

  A post shared by Visit Jordan (@visitjordan) on Sep 5, 2016 at 3:20pm PDT

What should I bring to Petra?

• Big bottle of water
• Scarf   

How safe is Petra?  

I’d read a few blogs before travelling, and had a pretty mixed impression on safety at Petra. I was with my boyfriend so didn’t feel nervous, and saw plenty of solo female travellers exploring the site.

I think the biggest dangers are to do with being scammed and ripped off, so as long as you know what price you’re aiming for when you’re haggling, you should be fine!

There are parts where the ground is quite even and rocks are crumbling, so be sure to wear sensible shoes and look where you’re going.

Where should I stay in Petra?

Camping isn’t permitted within the site, so the best option is to book a hotel or camping experience nearby. Have a search, or scroll down for my suggestions…

Luxury – £70+ per night

Movenpick Resort Petra  – If you’re wondering where to stay in Petra, you can’t get any close to the site than this!

Just two-minutes walk from the entrance, this 5-star hotel is perfect for those wanting to relax in style after a busy day exploring. There are several restaurants, a swimming pool and all the other amenities you could possibly need!

Bed and breakfast: 126 JD / £143 / 177 USD.  Check latest prices here.

Petra Marriott Hotel – Another 5-star hotel in a stunning location, this smart hotel has an outdoor pool and a restaurant, plus comfortable stylish rooms, some with Jacuzzis. Check latest prices here.

Hayat Zaman Hotel & Resort – A 5-star hotel in a traditional stone style, set in the hills with a pool and spectacular views, this is another great option for staying near Petra. Rooms start around £70 so it’s great value too. Check latest prices here.

The Old Village Hotel & Resort – This stone hotel is one of the most charming places to stay, and is just over a mile from the entrance to Petra. There’s a gorgeous indoor pool, terrace with beautiful views and a restaurant on site. Check latest prices here.

Mid-Range – Between £30 and £70 per night 

  P Quattro Relax Hotel  – A 17-minute walk to Petra, this is a comfortable mid-range hotel with a buffet breakfast, free wifi and an indoor pool.

Bed and breakfast: 50 JD / £57 / 70 USD.  Check latest prices here.

Petra Sella Hotel – Really convenient for visiting Petra, this hotel is around 10 minutes walk to the entrance. There’s free WiFi, AC and views of the mountains, plus it’s close to the town too. Check latest prices here.

Budget – under £30 per night

Seven Wonders Bedouin Camp  – This camp is an incredible place to stay out in the desert, yet only 15 minutes drive to Petra’s entrance. The traditional Bedouin tents are warm and comfortable, and the location is truly magical!

Bed and breakfast: 20 JD / £22 / 28 USD  

Rocky Mountain Hotel – Located in the centre of Wadi Musa (not to be confused with Wadi Rum!) this Petra guest house has free WiFi, AC and a rooftop terrace with spectacular views of the mountains. They also have a free shuttle twice a day to and from Petra which is a great bonus! Check latest prices here.

I’d also recommend checking out some of the options on Airbnb – lots of them are great if you’re travelling as a group or family, are on a budget or don’t want to eat out all the time. I found a few options that would be perfect for groups, including this one that sleeps 16+ people. There are also several cosy apartments that would be ideal for couples. You can search here…

What can I buy at Petra?

There are a number of stalls within the site selling water, tea, Turkish coffee, scarves, jewellery, antique coins and other nic-nacs. We bought a lovely scarf for 5 JD (a price we negotiated). We also had a free cup of tea thrown in!

Is there Wi-Fi at Petra?

You’ll find Zain free Wi-Fi points around Jordan, and my phone picked it up next to the Visitor Centre at Petra.

Once out in the site, a few small stalls and café claimed to have Wi-Fi but I didn’t test it out. It was nice not to be looking at my phone all day!

And finally… Are there toilets at Petra?

Yes, of course! Don’t panic if you get caught short. There are toilets around the site, but they’re not everywhere, so pick up a map at the start and plan your route.

There are plenty by the entrance and I found one by The Monastery, which was a makeshift portaloo. It had toilet paper and a bowl outside to leave a small tip for the pleasure!

Read more: 21 Interesting Facts About Petra, Jordan Read more: A tour of Petra, Jordan Read more: What clothes to wear in Jordan

Enjoyed this Jordan travel blog all about visiting Petra? Pin it…

Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

36 thoughts on “Top Tips For Visiting Petra, Jordan: The Ultimate Travel Guide”

I appreciate this post! I am going at the end of the month and this is just the info I needed and I am more excited now about staying the camp. Happy Travels

Thank you! It is such a unique experience!

Were you able to sign up for ‘Petra by night’ while on your tour with Abraham tours? We”ll be doing an abraham tour of Petra/Wadi Rum. Did you get to shower? was there running water to brush teeth and stuff….I wish I got more information as to what to expect with Abraham Tours…

Hey Andee! There was a shower with running water at the camp we stayed in near to Petra. It was fine for brushing teeth and washing faces, but as it was chilly outside I chose not to shower that evening! Some people did though – hope that helps. I didn’t sign up for the night time visit to Petra but it may be something you can organise directly with Abraham. It’s an amazing experience so enjoy it!

It literally looks like something out of Aladdin!! So magical!

It really is one of the most incredible places I’ve ever been. It’s a tricky one to plan though so hopefully this will help a few people out 🙂

Wow Jordan was never on my radar, but this guide got me interested in it. Thanks for the great and full guide.

Thanks so much! It really is a proper bucket list place! I loved it.

Thank you so much for all the tips Chloe, this is so useful! Petra is definitely on my bucket list. Did you feel safe while traveling in Jordan? P.S. thanks also for writing a small section on how to dress – I’ve seen pictures of girls wearing totally inappropriate stuff uhh.

Thanks so much! Glad you found it useful. I’m working on a whole feature on What to Wear in Jordan for that reason precisely. I was shocked at how disrespectful people were of the culture, just to get that perfect Instagram shot. So bad!

The image of Seven Wonders Bedouin camp is so beautiful! Are they candles that are lit on the cliffs behind? Definitely need to visit Jordan one day!

Thank you Lisa – it was such a wonderful experience. They looked like candles but I think they were large fairy lights as it’d be hard to clamber up to the top to light candles! It’s well worth a trip – totally magical experience and you’d love the photography opportunities there.

I’ve always wanted to visit the Treasury ever since watching Indiana Jones haha, it looks so awesome!!

Ahhh it is soooo amazing! I knew it would be special but it went beyond expectations. Hope you get the chance to visit one day 🙂

What stunning photos! I play Uncharted and this absolutely reminds me of that. I’d love to visit Petra but I’ve always been reluctant to plan because it’s so meticulous! This is a really cool straightforward guide, though!

Thank you so much! I hoped it would cut the jargon and give people a simple to follow guide. I found a lot of the info around very very confusing! Hope you get the chance to visit one day – so worth it, I promise!!

Did you get a camel or donkey ? If so how much should we pay? with the animals take us the whole trip? is there water or food for the animals or do we bring it with us?

Hi Sarah, we paid 15 JD for two donkeys up the Al-Kubtha trail (the viewpoint overlooking The Treasury). The camels don’t go up steps so I think you’d just ride those down on the main paths. Assuming they’re a similar price! You don’t need to worry about food or water for the animals as far as I know their owners take care of everything. I was a little unsure of their welfare generally, and if you have time/energy I’d suggest walking the routes. We were in a hurry to get to the viewpoint so took a donkey but I wasn’t sure about it all! Have an amazing time though, Petra is incredible!

Unless you cannot walk, don’t even consider the ‘free’ ride to the Treasury – it was much slower than walking and then we were hassled to book a return time, which limited us. But we had a great day!

Best guide I’ve read on Petra so far, and I’ve read many. Only missing the visa info, but this was so good, its ok 😉

Beautiful sights!

So, you can just walk right up to the visitor center and buy a ticket to get in?

Hey Tim – yep buy them on the day if you want!

The culture of Jordan is quite interesting to learn and explore. This is the type of place that i love to travel with. Keep us updated.

Thank you for such informative blog. It is really very useful… Hope to have a grt time at Petra in October.

Thanks so much! I hope you have a wonderful time!

Very informative. We plan to travel end December. Wondering if two days would be sufficient as days are quite short and one has to get out by 5 pm. What would be timings for the night visit?

Hi Nalin, thanks for your comment. Glad you found the post useful. I can’t find the timings for Petra by night in Dec sadly. I think it’d be enough time though. We only had a day there and rushed to see everything – 2 would have been perfect! Have an amazing time!

Thank you for your great info. Off to Jordan very soon and although easy to get info about most things, everyone else has not mentioned toilets in Petra. Was getting a badge concerned! Now able to go with an easy mind. Thanks so much.

Haha it’s the little things like that which are the difference between whether it’s a comfy and relaxed day or not! Have a wonderful time – it’s SUCH a special place!

As for tickets, you really should mention the Jordan Pass – or did I miss that somewhere? It’s just 70 JD for one day, or 75 for 2 days, it also covers the 40JD visa fee on arrival, and it allows you into dozens of other sites around the country for free (I used it today at the Citadel and Roman amphitheatre in Amman, for example). So it’s a major savings off the ticket price at Petra as long as you purchase it online before you arrive in Jordan. Thanks for the other info!

Great highlights and tips! Thanks for sharing about your experience and tips to seeing Jordan! It’s a magical place.

Thanks for your informative blog on Petra

– ? love from India

What do you recommend doing in Jordan other than Petra. We have three full days. Thanks.

I really enjoyed Amman and Jerash. I didn’t make it to the Dead Sea or to Wadi Rum, but they’d be on my list for next time!

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Getty Images/Aurora Creative

Petra, the great Ancient City that lies half-hidden in the wind-blown landscape in southern Jordan, is one of the world's most treasured Unesco Heritage Sites. Voted by popular ballot in 2007 as one of the 'New Seven Wonders of the World', it has retained its magnetism even through times of strife in the wider region.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Petra. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

The spectacular sandstone city of Petra was built in the 3rd century BC by the Nabataeans, who carved palaces, temples, tombs, storerooms and stables from…

The Ancient City

The 1.2km Siq, or canyon, with its narrow, vertical walls, is undeniably one of the highlights of Petra. The walk through this magical corridor, as it…

High Place of Sacrifice

The most accessible of Petra’s High Places, this well-preserved site was built atop Jebel Madbah with drains to channel the blood of sacrificial animals…

Hidden high in the hills, the Monastery is one of the legendary monuments of Petra. Similar in design to the Treasury but far bigger (50m wide and 45m…

Originally built by the Nabataeans (not the Romans) more than 2000 years ago, the Theatre was chiselled out of rock, slicing through many caves and tombs…

The most distinctive of the Royal Tombs is the Urn Tomb, recognisable by the enormous urn on top of the pediment. It was built in about AD 70 for King…

Royal Tombs

Downhill from the Theatre, the wadi widens to create a larger thoroughfare. To the right, the great massif of Jebel Al Khubtha looms over the valley…

Known locally as Al Khazneh, this tomb is where most visitors fall in love with Petra. The Hellenistic facade is an astonishing piece of craftsmanship…

Plan with a local

Experience the real Jordan

Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

Latest stories from Petra

Filter by interest:

• All Interests
• Adventure Travel
• Art & Culture
• Beaches, Coasts & Islands
• Food & Drink

Mar 28, 2023 • 7 min read

From wine tastings to wilderness adventures and wild nights out, these are the best places in the world to travel with friends.

Oct 29, 2019 • 9 min read

Jun 5, 2019 • 6 min read

Jun 5, 2019 • 7 min read

Aug 3, 2018 • 6 min read

Jun 5, 2018 • 6 min read

Mar 3, 2018 • 5 min read

Jan 30, 2018 • 7 min read

Oct 11, 2017 • 5 min read

Nov 30, 2012 • 6 min read

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Petra

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks.

Get to the heart of Petra with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

Petra and beyond

Visiting Petra in Jordan: Everything you need to know

Posted on Last updated: October 13, 2023

A first-time guide to visiting Petra archaeological site in Jordan, with all the information you need to know, from how to get there and where to stay to the best time to visit and how much it costs.

* This site contains affiliate links , where I get a small commission from purchases at no extra cost to you.

The spectacular carved rock tombs of Petra in Jordan often top travel wishlists. But unlike many dream destinations, it’s actually fairly easy and not too expensive to visit Petra. There’s accommodation from tented camps to five-star resorts, there’s good public transport or it’s simple to drive yourself, it’s safe and the people are incredibly welcoming.

So if you want to visit Petra, which is the best way to do it? While plenty of companies offer organised tours, it’s also an easy place to visit independently. Here’s everything you need to know when planning a trip to Petra – including how to get there, the closest hotels, best times to visit and even the best places for a drink after a long day exploring.

What you need to know about visiting Petra

Where to stay in Petra

A whole town – Wadi Musa – has grown up to cater for visitors coming to Petra. The town has hotels of all types and budgets, which start right next to the entrance and stretch up into the hills, as well as plenty of places to eat, souvenir shops and travel agencies.

Luxury: The Mövenpick Resort * is just across the street from Petra. It’s a big five-star hotel with over 180 rooms and seven restaurants, bars and cafés on site, as well an outdoor pool and a roof terrace with amazing views where there’s often live music at sunset.

Mid-range: The four-star Petra Guest House * is a close as you can get to Petra, next door to the visitor’s centre. It has a mix of rooms and self-contained chalets overlooking the mountains around Wadi Musa, along with a restaurant, terrace and cave bar.

Budget: If you have a car then the hotels a bit further away up on the hillside are good value and come with stunning views. The Rocky Mountain Hotel * is a simple, family-run guesthouse with free tea and coffee on the roof terrace and free shuttles to Petra.

Looking for somewhere to stay near Petra?*

How to get to Petra

If you’re staying in central Wadi Musa, Petra’s just a short walk away. Hotels further out often run a free shuttle to the visitor’s centre a couple of times a day, though it does mean you’re limited to fixed times. Otherwise there are plenty of taxis outside the visitor’s centre, especially in the afternoons, and you’ll pay around JD5 (£6/$7) within Wadi Musa.

If you are driving to Petra, it’s 236km (around 3 hours) from the Jordanian capital Amman to Petra via the faster Desert Highway or 255km (4.5 hours) via the slower but more scenic King’s Highway . Or the coastal resort of Aqaba to Petra is a 126km drive (2 hours).

There’s a free car park in Petra opposite the bus stop, in front of the Petra Moon hotel. This bus stop is also where you can catch the JETT buses which connect Wadi Musa to Amman and Aqaba if you’re travelling around Jordan using public transport. The buses are comfortable and reliable, and you can pre-book a seat in advance on their website.

The bus from Amman to Petra takes three hours, departing Amman at 6.30am and returning at 5pm, and costs JD10 (£11/$14) one way. Aqaba to Petra is also a three-hour journey, departing Aqaba at 8am and returning at 5pm for JD15 (£17/$21) one way.

Or if you’re limited on time and looking for an easy way to visit Petra, there are various tour packages available which include transport and entry tickets. There are day trips from Amman * and Aqaba * in Jordan or Eilat * and Tel Aviv * in Israel. Or longer tours which give you two/three days at Petra, sometimes combined with a visit to Wadi Rum.

How much do tickets for Petra cost?

Petra is one of those places where the longer you spend there, the better value it is. A one-day entry ticket costs JD50 (£57/$71) per person, but a two-day ticket is only JD55 (£64/$78) and a three-day ticket is JD60 (£69/$85). Children under 15 get free entry.

Note that these are the prices you pay if you’re staying in Jordan; if you’re on a day trip and not staying in the country overnight then the price is JD90 (£103/$127). You also pay the higher fee of JD90 if you visit Petra on the day that you arrive in the country, but if you go back the next day you can get a refund of JD40 (£46/$56).

You can buy tickets at the visitor’s centre using either cash or credit card. You can also pick up maps, guide books and hire a guide here, costing JD50–100 (£58–£116/$71–$141).

If you’re going to be visiting other sites in Jordan, you also can get a Jordan Pass which includes entry to Petra plus 40 other sites and museums, including Jesash, Amman Citadel and Wadi Rum. The pass cost JD70 (£81/$99) for one day entry to Petra, JD75 (£87/$106) for two days or JD80 (£93/$113) for three days, and you can buy them online.

When is the best time to visit Petra?

The best time to visit Jordan is during the spring and autumn months – March, April and May or September, October and November. At this time of year it’s usually dry but not too hot, with average high temperatures from 19°C–28°C (66–82°F).

Summer can get very hot with average high temperatures peaking at 33°C (91°F) in July and August, and very little shade on the site so avoid the hottest part of the day. Winter is the quietest season for visiting Petra but can be cold and rainy. January sees around eight rainy days and average temperatures ranging from 2–13°C (36–55°F).

When time does Petra open and close?

Petra is open every day, with the ticket office opening from 6am to 6pm in the summer and from 6am to 4pm during the winter. The site closes around sunset and the quietest times to visit Petra are usually in the early mornings and late afternoons.

Petra is also open on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights when the Siq and Treasury are illuminated by candles for Petra by Night . Tickets cost JD17 (£19/$24) and the tour starts at 8.30pm and finishes at 10.30pm. It’s really popular so I’d recommend hanging back so you can experience the magic of the Siq away from the scrum of visitors.

How long should I spend in Petra?

Many people visit Petra on a day trip , but as it’s such a large site you need to prepare for a long day and focus on the highlights – the walk down the Siq to the Treasury, the Amphitheatre, Colonnaded Street, Qasr al-Bint and Royal Tombs. If you have a full day you can also add in the walk up to the Monastery, which is around 45 minutes each way.

Staying overnight in Wadi Musa the night before means you can get to the site early before the day-trip crowds – you could also add on Petra by Night if you’re there on the right day.

If you have time, then two or three days gives you time to see Petra’s sights at a more leisurely pace. You can also add in some of Petra’s hikes like the steep trail to the High Place of Sacrifice (4–5 hours) or the Al Khubtha trail (2–2.5 hours) for those famous views down to the Treasury. And with longer you could also visit Little Petra, 9km away.

Read more: How to spend one day in Petra, Jordan: Itinerary and tips

What should I wear at Petra?

As you’ll be walking over sandy and rocky ground and covering a few miles, walking shoes or sturdy trainers are the best bet. As Jordan is a Muslim country, it’s advisable to cover your shoulders and knees – I wore a long-sleeved cotton top and trousers. It’s not necessary for women to cover their hair, though a scarf is a useful shield from sun and dust.

Early mornings can be cool if you’re visiting Petra in spring or autumn so an extra layer is useful, or a raincoat in winter. There’s very little shade around the archaeological site, so bring a hat or scarf and sunglasses, and don’t forget plenty of sunscreen.

How much walking will I have to do?

Petra stretches over a massive 60 square kilometres so you’ll end up doing a lot of walking. It’s around 2.5 miles/4km from the entrance to the site to the basin, the further point. Plus you’ll need to add on extra mileage for sightseeing diversions and any of the climbs up to the Monastery or the viewpoints overlooking the Treasury.

Previously you could take a horse and carriage from the visitor centre to the Treasury, but these have now been replaced by electric golf buggy-style carts. A ride in the carts costs JD25 (£29/$34) and it cuts out around 30 minutes’ walk – particularly welcome at the end of the day as it’s bit of a slog uphill on a sandy path after a long day of walking.

There are also camels, donkeys and horses around the site with handlers offering rides back to the Treasury or up to the Monastery. But we don’t recommend using them as there are concerns about animal welfare, with animals being forced to carry heavy loads and climb steep steps in the hot sun. Their hooves are also damaging the stone around Petra.

If you do decide you want to take a ride, do check that the animals look healthy, well fed and well cared for, as there have been reports of mistreatment. The animal charity PETA run a clinic at Petra where you can report any abused or injured animals.

Can I get food and drink at Petra?

Most hotels in Petra will supply a packed lunch if you ask the night before, and there’s a line of stalls outside the entrance where you can pick up drinks and snacks like chocolate and crisps. Prices inside the site are higher so it’s worth stocking up before you go in.

Bottled water is widely available at stalls in and outside the site, but it’s a good idea to bring a refillable water bottle with a purification system so you can fill up with tap water, both to save money and to cut down on plastic waste which is becoming an increasing problem.

There’s a mixture of places to eat and drink inside Petra, from Bedouin tea stalls and simple kiosks to cafés, and there’s even a full restaurant near the museum called The Basin, run by the Crowne Plaza hotel, where you can have a buffet lunch and glass of wine.

What else should I know about visiting Petra?

Petra is well-equipped with toilets, with toilet blocks at the visitor’s centre, near the Theatre and museum. There are also portaloos at the start of the Siq and at a couple of cafés.

There are souvenir stalls all over Petra (and sellers can be pushy) but one worth a stop is a jewellery stall by the museum run by New Zealander Marguerite van Geldermalsen. She came to Jordan as a backpacker in the 1970s and ended up marrying a Bedouin who lived in a cave in Petra. She’s written a book about her experiences called Married To A Bedouin .*

And finally, if you’re in need of a drink after a long day of walking, some of the nicest places to stop on the way out are the Movenpick Hotel’s Arabian-style bar or the Cave Bar by the Petra Guest House – a 2000-year-old Nabataean tomb converted into a bar.

Save for later

You might also like

One week in Jordan: A 7-day Jordan itinerary

Is Jordan expensive?: A 6-night Jordan budget breakdown

How to spend one day in Petra, Jordan: Itinerary and tips

Wednesday 27th of December 2023

Thanks a lot. The blog was useful during my trip in Oct 2022.

Lucy Dodsworth

Saturday 30th of December 2023

That's great to hear!

Wednesday 13th of December 2023

Hi Great site i am a walker however trying to Gage how far need to walk I am visiting April next year trip from cruise port with TUI which are the must sees? and how long from the entrance i am not sure where coaches park either?

Wednesday 20th of December 2023

Hi the coaches park fairly close to the entrance and there are golf buggies available to take people to the Siq (which is definitely the most famous spot) – this post might be useful if you are limited on time and looking to focus on the highlights https://www.ontheluce.com/one-day-in-petra-itinerary/

Monday 16th of October 2023

Heya, what a fantastic site, full of info. We will be travelling to Petra shortly, and getting a rental car, and travelling with children (aged 10), is there parking if we get a hotel away from the visitors centre, and how easy is it to get around with said children. Can we park close to the entrance?

Thank so much

Thursday 26th of October 2023

Hi Nicola, yes the parking area is close to the entrance, near the bus stop, so there's not too far too walk to the visitor centre.

Tuesday 15th of August 2023

I will be in Jordan And Petra for two weeks mid 2024. What is available as transport to get from Amman to Petra and around both areas? Not driving myself though.

What do you suggest other than these two sites?

Thank you! As much info as possible appreciated.

Tuesday 5th of September 2023

Hi, the JETT buses run daily from Amman to Wadi Musa (the town at Petra), departing at 6.30am and arriving at 10.30am, and returning around 5pm. A single ticket is JD 10. You could also take a tour which includes transport. If you have time you could also add on a trip to Wadi Rum or Aqaba.

Tuesday 14th of March 2023

Thank you! This article is illuminating, comprehensive, and encouraging. Greatly appreciated!

Wednesday 22nd of March 2023

Thanks so much!

Visiting Petra in Jordan (2024) – the ultimate travel guide

The Rose City of Petra in Jordan has enchanted visitors, since the ruins of this ancient Nabataean city were rediscovered by Europeans in the nineteenth century. As Jordan’s top visitor site, it’s one of the highlights of any visit to the country and one that lived up to our expectations. To help you make the most of visiting Petra in Jordan, we’ve put together this travel guide with all our top tips.

Despite the crowds, ubiquitous souvenir stalls and animal ride sellers, Petra seemed to increase its charms and mysteries the more we explored beyond the Siq and Treasury. But to make the most of your visit you do need to plan ahead for where to stay and how long to come for, as well as the top things to see and other things to look out for.

Our aim in this article is to cover most of the things you need to know before you visit, on arrival and while inside the archaeological site of Petra. Let’s go and discover your inner Indiana Jones!

This article may contain affiliate links that provide commission on purchases you make at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

We also have another article about Petra, that covers the top things to do in Petra in much more detail including our recommended itineraries. Read: 20 best things to do in Petra – plus itinerary ideas

Table of Contents

Petra travel guide – tips before you go

In this section you’ll find our tips to help plan your trip, such as accommodation , getting there , tickets and how many days you need to visit Petra.

Where is Petra?

Petra is located in the south west of Jordan, 230 km (3 hrs drive) from the capital of Amman in the north or 130 km (2 hrs drive) from the Red Sea resort of Aqaba to the south.

Most international travellers fly into either Amman or Aqaba, then visit the Petra archaeological site as part of a circular tour of Jordan, visiting Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba and the Dead Sea.

Where to stay in Petra

The town that serves the archaeological site of Petra is Wadi Musa and this is where the majority of visitors stay. When transport to Petra is mentioned, the bus or taxi will actually take you to the town of Wadi Musa.

Wadi Musa is roughly divided into the lower town, which is closest to the Petra entrance and visitor centre, and the upper town which is around 15 minutes walk up the hill.

We would recommend staying in the lower town, since the last thing you want after a long day walking around the huge Petra site is an uphill walk to your hotel. There are a range of hotels, shops and restaurants in the lower town and you’ll be 5-10 minutes walk from the Petra Visitor Centre and entrance.

If you are on a tight budget you may decide to stay in the upper town, since this area offers more choice of budget accommodation. You’ll also find a wider range of restaurants up the hill. There are taxis available outside the Petra Visitor Centre, so you can take one of these between the lower and upper town, if you don’t want to walk.

In the lower town we can recommend the following hotels, with something for all budgets:

Esperanza Petra – A good budget hotel with rooftop restaurant in the lower town of Wadi Musa (we stayed here)

Petra Guest House Hotel – A mid range hotel with famous cave bar located next to the Petra Visitor Centre

Mövenpick Resort Petra – A luxury hotel with swimming pool that’s opposite the Petra Visitor Centre

How to get to Petra

By car to petra.

It’s easy to hire a car in Jordan (we managed it!) and use it to organise a self drive trip of the country that includes Petra. If you’re flying into Amman, it’s probably easiest to arrange a hire car from Queen Alia international airport, located just south of Amman.

From the airport, it’s an easy drive south, on the main Route 15 dual carriageway. An alternative road south (there are only two) is the more scenic ‘King’s Highway’ that runs through smaller towns and villages. From Aqaba, you can also easily hire a car and drive north to Petra.

By Bus to Petra

There is one bus a day in each direction between Amman and Petra with JETT .

The bus leaves Amman from Abdali bus station daily at 6.30am and the journey takes around 3 hours. On the return journey the bus leaves Petra at 5pm, from the bus station just above the visitor centre. Cost for a 1 way trip is 10 JD.

If you are coming from Aqaba to Petra the daily bus leaves at 8am and from Petra to Aqaba leaves at 5pm. The journey takes around 3 hours and cost is 15 JD.

If you don’t want to drive yourself and prefer to have a taxi transfer, the JETT website has some easily bookable options for taxi transfers from Amman or Aqaba to Petra.

You can also ask your hotel to arrange a taxi transfer to take you to Petra. It’s also easy to arrange a taxi transfer to take you directly from Queen Alia International Airport (just south of Amman) to Petra, which is a 2.5 hour drive.

Take a group tour to Petra

If your whole holiday has been arranged as part of a tour, then transport will be taken care of. But if you arrive in Jordan as an independent traveller with no fixed plan, you can still take a group tour like the ones below.

3 day tour of Jordan from Amman – This tour includes an overnight stay and visit to Petra. The second night is spent in a desert camp at Wadi Rum, with a visit to the Dead Sea on the way back to Amman.

2 day tour of Jordan from Amman – This tour includes half a day visiting Petra, with an overnight stay and visit Wadi Rum and a quick stop at the Dead Sea.

Petra full day tour from Amman – For those with very limited time, this day trip from Amman is a good option, although bear in mind the drive is 2.5 -3 hours each way, so this will be a long day.

Petra full day tour from Aqaba – This day trip from the Red Sea resort of Aqaba allows for a 3 hour tour of Petra, so you’ll only get to see a few highlights.

Most tours start in Amman and take in Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea over the 2-3 day period. This could be a good option for solo travellers, but bear in mind you may only get half a day to see Petra.

That’s a shame, since Petra is a large and amazing site, that deserves at least 2 days to see the highlights. So if booking a group tour, check how long you will actually spend at Petra.

Read about our canyoning adventure at Wadi Mujib in Jordan

Need help to design your dream holiday? We’ve partnered with UK travel advisor Luxeco Holidays to create your personalised itinerary

How long do I need to visit Petra?

We recommend spending 2 full days in Petra, if you want to see the main highlights at a comfortable pace. We had 2 days and 3 nights in Petra and felt it was about right.

If you have 3 days you can see the main highlights and additionally explore some of the interesting hiking trails that take you a little off the beaten track.

If you have only 1 day, you will need to start early and stay late to do justice to the site. Alternatively, you may need to leave some key sites such as the Monastery out of your itinerary.

Bear in mind that Petra is a huge archaeological site covering over 200 km square, with the main trail through it being around 8km in length. However long you stay, prepare yourself for a lot of walking!

Best time to visit Petra

The best time to visit Petra is Spring (March – May) or Autumn (September to November) when the days are warm and sunny but not too hot for sightseeing. The evenings and early mornings can be cooler at this time, so be sure to pack a few extra layers.

In Spring the desert is at its greenest after winter rains, with wildflowers and oleander blooming. Rain mainly falls between November and March, but there can be occasional rain showers outside these months. Heavy rain brings the danger of flash floods in the narrow wadis or ravines around Petra, so watch the forecast and follow local advice.

We visited in August when the temperatures rose above 36 degrees celsius and can say from experience that it’s not the ideal time for sightseeing due to the heat! It wouldn’t have been our first choice but we were visiting Jordan for a friend’s wedding. We tried to beat the summer heat of Petra by getting up early and entering the site at 6.00am when it opened.

Petra travel guide – tips for when you arrive

In this section you’ll find our tips to organise your visit to Petra once you arrive, including buying tickets , opening hours and the Petra Visitor Centre .

Petra Visitor Centre

The Petra Visitor Centre is the point of entry to the Petra archaeological site, in the lower town of Wadi Musa. A short distance from the Petra Visitor Centre is the JETT bus station and several free car parks. Outside the visitor centre is an ATM machine.

On entering the Petra Visitor Centre (you may need to have your bag checked) there’s a courtyard with several souvenir shops and cafes. The centre itself has a ticket office, where you buy your ticket (if you don’t have a Jordan Pass). Both cash and cards are accepted, but there’s a small extra fee if you pay by card.

In the same hall as the ticket counters is a booth where you can engage one of the official guides at set rates that are posted on the wall (starting at 50JD for a 3 hour tour of the main Petra sights). You can also hire a guide for some of the more difficult hiking trails within Petra.

At the back of the visitor centre is an information counter and exhibition hall which gives background about the history of Petra. This is a useful place to stop on the way out, if you don’t have time to visit the Petra Museum, which is right by the Visitor Centre and also free.

Also within the Visitor Centre is a counter for sale of Petra by Night ticket, but these only go on sale a few hours before the event itself.

Tip: If you visit in hot weather as we did, both the visitor centre exhibition room and Petra Museum are blissfully air conditioned after a long hot walk back from the Siq.

Opening Hours for Petra

The Visitor Centre and Petra archaeological site opens at 6am and closes at 4pm in winter and 6pm in summer. While your ticket will be scanned on the way into the site, on the way out there did not seem to be any check of who had left the site.

Having said that, there is no lighting within the site and staying overnight in Petra is forbidden, so you shouldn’t linger after the official closing time.

Ticket costs for Petra

The jordan pass.

Before you plan your trip to Jordan and Peta, you need to know about the Jordan Pass . The Jordan Pass is available to purchase before you enter the country and includes the cost of your tourist entry visa and ticket to Petra, as well as free entry to some other attractions in Jordan.

You can buy the Jordan Pass online before you travel and the cost varies depending on how long you want to stay at Petra. A Jordan Pass for 1 day in Petra is 70JD, for 2 consecutive days at Petra is 75 JD and for 3 consecutive days at Petra is 80 JD. Since the Jordan Pass includes the cost of tourist entry visa, you need to buy before you arrive in Jordan.

If you buy your ticket for Petra at the visitor centre, the price is 50JD for 1 day, 55 JD for 2 days and 60 JD for 3 days. With the cost of the tourist entry visa being 40 JD, this means you save at least 20JD if you buy the Jordan Pass and possibly more if you use it to visit multiple attractions.

Buying tickets at the Petra Visitor Centre

If you find that the Jordan Pass does not work for you, you can just buy your ticket to Petra at the visitor centre. If in doubt about how many days you will be visiting Petra, I’d book the ticket allowing 2-3 days, since each extra day only costs 5 JD more.

The prices mentioned above are for visitors who stay at least 1 night in Jordan. Non-accommodated visitors or local residents pay a different rate. Children under 12 go free. You need a Petra general ticket (either via the Jordan Pass or the ticket office) to attend Petra by night but there is an additional charge to buy the Petra by night ticket.

If you are visiting Petra as part of a pre-booked tour, check whether the entry ticket to Petra is included in your tour fee.

Important: You need to show your passport at the visitor centre when you buy the tickets, or when you show your Jordan Pass to pick up the ticket.

Petra Jordan – tips for visiting the site

In this section of our Petra Jordan guide, you’ll find our tips once you are inside the Petra archaeological site, including what to see , how to plan your time in Petra and maps to navigate the site.

A brief history of Petra

It’s amazing that the history of the Nabataean people, who built Petra, is so little known, considering they once dominated the region.

Originally pastoral nomads, the Nabataeans grew rich by controlling the lucrative overland spice trade from Asia to the Mediterranean. Their capital, Petra was built from the 1st century BC, as a hidden city on the trade route, where merchants could rest safely before moving on across the desert.

As the spice trade shifted westwards to easier routes along the Red Sea and Dead Sea, the Nabataean Empire declined, and the Romans eventually annexed their territory. Petra continued as a thriving Roman settlement, until an earthquake in the 4th century AD destroyed much of the city.

In later centuries Petra was abandoned and taken over by local Bedouin who used some of the tombs and buildings as houses. But a visit in 1812 by a Swiss Explorer who entered the city disguised as an Arab pilgrim, awakened the interest of 19th century European travellers in Petra.

Artists such as David Roberts who visited Petra in 1839, created paintings and lithographs that are still sold in Petra today and put the ‘Rose-Red City’ on the wish list for many Victorian travellers.

Top things to see in Petra

For more information about these highlights, read my article about 20 best things to do in Petra – plus itinerary ideas

Petra in one day

If you just have one day, I’d walk down the Siq to the Treasury, then take the trail up to the High Place of Sacrifice. After coming down by the same route, bypass other attractions as you walk to the Basin area and have a rest and snack at one of the 2 restaurants.

Then climb up to the Monastery and after seeing it, come back by the same route. For the rest of the afternoon, explore the Royal Tombs, allowing a further hour to walk back from there to the Visitor Centre. Phew! that was a long and tiring day!

• The Siq – This narrow gorge leads the traveller into Petra, ending with the much photographed view of The Treasury. The gorge was created as a natural split in the rock, with layers of different coloured sandstone.
• The Treasury (Al Khazna) – The best known view of Petra, this is the monument that you meet first, carved into the face of the cliff. The small rooms behind the facade were made as the tomb of a king in the 1st century, and the name derives from the legend that treasure was once concealed in some part of the building.

• High Place of Sacrifice – After the Treasury, a path leads up through a gorge bringing you to a plateau with amazing views of the ancient city below. At the highest point is a rock altar that was used for religious ceremonies and sacrifice.
• Royal Tombs – Carved into the cliff face are four major tombs, with large chambers that you can enter, although they are now empty. You’ll admire the intricate rock carving from the 1st and 2nd century AD and the swirling coloured layers of stone.
• The Monastery (Ad Deir) – At the furthest end of the site from the Treasury, 800 steps lead up a gorge on an arduous hike to the Monastery. This carved facade of a tomb rivals the Treasury in its size and magnificence, and is so called because it was later used as a church.

More Petra highlights if you have time

If you have additional time after covering the key highlights above, here’s what you should see.

• The Theatre – a theatre built by the Nabataeans and repurposed by the Romans, that could hold up to 4000 spectators.
• The Great Temple – the remains of the ancient temple complex with columns and remains of the stone walls, built in the 1st century BC by the Nabataeans.
• The Colonnaded Street – the remains of a colonnade that was built by the Nabataeans as the city’s main shopping street.

• The Church – built around the 5th century, with a well preserved mosaic floor.
• The Treasury Viewpoint – behind the Royals Tombs is the start of a trail (Al Khubtha Trail) which takes you on stone steps up to a viewpoint looking down on the Theatre. After a further scramble downhill to a Bedouin tent on the cliff edge, you get a view over the Treasury. Be warned it’s an arduous trail that takes 2-3 hours round trip. There’s another more accessible viewpoint which you climb from the Treasury area, but you may need to tip a local ‘guide’ to take you up there.

• The Petra Museum – this excellent modern museum is right by the visitor centre and is free to visit. It tells the story of the Nabataeans and history of Petra, with all the main artefacts that were found at the site. The Museum stays open quite late, allowing you to visit after your day at Petra.

Highlights outside the main Petra site

These are well worth visiting and could be fitted in on your second day, bringing you into Petra by the ‘Back Door’ and down to the Petra Old City area by lunchtime. After refreshments at one of the Basin restaurants, you can visit further sites such as the Temple and Colonnaded street, before returning via the Treasury and Siq.

• Little Petra (Siq Al-Barid) – This smaller gorge area with carved tombs and facades is a short drive from the main Petra site and is much quieter and smaller. It’s well worth a visit and there’s a free car park, or a free minibus shuttle that will take you there from the back of the Petra Visitor Centre (first shuttle 7.30am).

• The hike from Little Petra up to the Monastery – From Little Petra a 20 seat 4 wheel drive vehicle is available to drive you (cost 5 JD cash) to the start of the hike up to the Monastery. From where you are dropped off the trail is obvious and easy to follow, bringing you up to the Monastery by the so called ‘Back Door’ of Petra. The trail winds along the side of the cliff, with stunning views. Being a lot less crowded than the main Petra site, this was one of our personal highlights. You need to have already purchased your Petra ticket to take this trail, since tickets are not sold at Little Petra.

Petra by Night tickets

Petra by Night is a chance to experience the area in front of the Treasury after dark, lit up by hundreds of flickering candles. You need to have a general ticket for Petra to attend, and you need to buy an additional Petra by night ticket. The cost of the Petra by night ticket is 17 JD with children under 10 going free.

Petra by night happens every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, so it’s worth timing your visit for one of these days. The experience starts at the visitor centre at 8.30 pm when you are allowed to walk down the track, into the Siq and on towards the Treasury. The event is finished by 10.30pm, when you leave the Treasury area to walk back to the visitor centre.

Our Petra by Night experience

We had a fun experience and were glad that we had done Petra by night. Arriving at the Visitor Centre 20 minutes before the start time, we found that a long queue was already developing.

Once the gates were opened we walked down the path which was lit on both sides by flickering candles. Some of the rock carvings en route were also illuminated. Passing through the Siq we reached the Treasury where hundreds of lamps were burning on the sandy ground in front of the Treasury.

We took a seat on the rows of stools, which were arranged towards the back with empty space in front. The space in front of us was gradually taken up by those who arrived later and had to sit on mats the ground.

The performance involved an introduction to the history of Petra, followed by a performance of some traditional music. We were also served a complimentary cup of mint tea. Throughout, the Treasury was lit up with a succession of different colours.

The narrator made a point of telling us that this would not be some slick light show but an authentic cultural experience. While this was the case, it all felt quite low key, considering that it happens so regularly for so many people.

You might imagine a quiet and magical experience, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of Petra by candlelight. The reality was hundreds of people in a confined area, all chatting and taking photos. Throughout the performance, latecomers were constantly being ushered through to find a seat in front of us, which was quite distracting.

My advice is to arrive as early as possible to take your photos and get a seat in the front row of the stools (unless you want to sit on the ground). Then relax and take the whole experience as it comes, without too many pre-conceptions.

Map of Petra Archeological site

Paper maps are available in several languages including English from the Petra Visitor Centre. We could not find any copy of this map online, so we’ve taken a photo of it below.

Below is our own map showing locations of the key things to see in Petra,as well as restaurants and toilet locations. There are also numerous stalls selling souvenirs, drinks and snacks, which are too many to mark on the map. For more detail, click on this link or on the map below.

Visiting Petra – more tips for a great visit

In this section of our Petra Guide you’ll find other tips to ensure you have a great visit to Petra, such as what to wear , the facilities available and avoiding common scams .

What to wear for Petra

There are two main considerations about what to wear when visiting Petra. One is respect for the local Muslim culture and the other is the weather conditions.

Out of respect for the local Bedouin, it is better for both men and women to cover their shoulders and knees, with no revealing or figure hugging outfits for ladies. Although many local women and men wear a scarf or head covering, it’s not required for visitors to do so, unless you want to shield your head from the sun, dust or rain.

Having said that, Petra is a major tourist attraction and we saw a few people oblivious to the local culture wearing vest tops or short shorts as they would at home. There’s no official who will stop you, but you may get unwanted stares and attention from the young men and teenage boys who ride around trying to sell donkey rides.

If you want to wear long shorts in the burning heat of the summer, that seemed acceptable for men. Most women we saw wore loose long trousers, skirts or cut offs and t-shirts or loose shirts that covered their shoulders.

As Petra is open all year round you’ll also need to dress for the weather, both variable temperatures and potential rain showers. If heavy rain is forecast it’s likely the site will close due to the danger of flash floods.

In the desert the temperatures in spring and autumn can vary greatly, from early morning when it’s chilly, to the middle of the day when you’ll only need a t-shirt if the sun’s out. So the best approach is to dress in layers, with a sweatshirt or light jacket and perhaps a scarf, that you can remove as the temperatures rise.

A hat or scarf to cover your head is also recommended as the sun can be quite strong. On sunny days don’t forget your sun screen. The terrain is stony and rough in places, so trainers, walking shoes or hiking sandals are the best footwear.

How to avoid the crowds at Petra?

While spring or autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures to visit Petra, these are also the when the site is most crowded. Here are a few tips to avoid the crowds at Petra.

• Start early when the site opens at 6am. This way you will have walked through the Siq, photographed the Treasury, and moved on to other sites before the main guided groups come through mid morning.
• Stay late or arrive later in the day. The site closes around sunset, at 4pm in winter or 6pm in summer but most of the crowds will have dispersed by mid afternoon.
• Consider taking a break in the middle of the day. This might mean that you return to the visitor centre and rest at your hotel, although it requires a long walk back to the entrance. Perhaps it’s better to find a quiet spot off the main trail to rest and relax with a leisurely picnic.

• Get off the main trail by taking one of the hiking routes up the hill, such as up to the High Place of Sacrifice. It’s surprising how few people do and how quickly the crowds thin out.
• On your second day, enter Petra by the “Back Door” as we did for a gentle hike to the Monastery, then descend the 800 steps, going against the flow of the crowds coming up from the valley.
• Visit the site independently, so that you can make your own schedule. While guided tours are convenient for transport, you are likely to be visiting Petra at the busiest time of the day.

Animal rides at Petra

Around the whole site of Petra there are lots of local Bedouin who will offer you a ride on a donkey, horse or camel. It’s possible that on such a big site at Petra, you may be flagging at times and welcome the opportunity to rest and take one of these rides.

This is one of the main ways that the local Bedouin make money in Petra, but you will read a lot of discussion online about animal welfare and the ethics of animal rides in general. We generally avoid animal rides and didn’t take any in Petra, but if you are considering it, here are a few things to think about:

• If you choose to take an animal ride, try to pick one that looks well cared for. If you see any mistreatment, signal your disapproval to the animal handler or report any major issues at the Visitor Centre.
• Bear in mind that donkeys would traditionally carry goods much lighter than the average western tourist. Carrying heavy travellers up and down steep slopes to the Monastery or other high places in hot weather is exhausting work for them. So maybe it’s OK for children or lighter adults, but if you’re a bit heavier I’d give the donkey a break and walk.
• The routes up to the Monastery, High Place of Sacrifice and trail above the Royal Tombs have steep stone steps, and are narrow with steep drops in places. Going up might feel OK but I think that going down the steep stone steps on a donkey or horse would be quite hair-raising, even the Bedouin do it without a care in the world!

• There are horse drawn carriages that run between the Basin area and Treasury and I feel this would be more acceptable to take a ride at the end of a long and weary day, since the route is relatively flat. You can also order a golf buggy style Club Car to take you from the Visitor Centre to the Treasury and back.
• At the end of the Siq there are horses waiting to take you back to the Visitor Centre. Admittedly, this could be quite an attractive proposition if you are feeling tired at the end of the day. Technically the price of the horse ride is included in your ticket for Petra. However, a mandatory tip is expected (upwards of 5 JD per person) and will be demanded. Therefore it’s best to establish an acceptable tip with the handler before you accept the ride.
• With any animal rides, such as a photograph on a camel in front of the Treasury, it’s best to agree the cost before getting on the animal. We didn’t take any animal rides so I don’t know the going rate, but you can always ask other travellers you see at the end of their ride, or check with a few different animal handlers.

Where to eat in Petra

There are a couple of restaurants to eat within the Petra archaeological site, but many more stalls that will sell you a bottle of water, canned drink, mint tea or fresh orange juice. Bear in mind that due to the nature of the archaeological site, the places that have access to electricity and running water are limited.

As a minimum for your day in Petra, I would pack some snacks and a couple of bottles of water in your bag, especially if you plan to take any of the hikes off the main route. Most hotels offer a packed lunch at a reasonable cost for you to order the night before, which is what we took into Petra.

You will find cafes that serve drinks at the Treasury, the path for the High Place of Sacrifice, opposite the Royal Tombs and in the Basin area at the start of the walk up to the Monastery.

Of these the only ones that are proper restaurants, serving a full meal and snacks are the two in the Basin area: The Nabataean restaurant and the Basin restaurant .

In the town of Wadi Musa that serves Petra, there are numerous restaurant options to choose from for your evening meal.

Are there toilets in Petra?

There are public toilets in several places throughout the Petra archaeological site, normally with an attendant who keeps them clean and in good order. Before you enter the site there are toilets in the Visitor Centre, then a portable toilet at the entrance to the Siq.

After seeing the Treasury, there are further public toilets at the turning for the High Place of Sacrifice, opposite the Royal Tombs and in the Basin area before the climb to the Monastery.

At the Monastery we did not see any public toilets but heard that there is a portable toilet. You may need to bring your own toilet paper or give a small tip for the attendant to give you some.

Other facilities in Petra

At most of the places mentioned that have a cluster of cafes and public toilets, there is also a wifi hotspot , although we did not try this out as we had good phone signal for most of the time.

If you have any health issues, it is best to return to the Visitor Centre for help, or there is a First Aid Clinic near the Basin Restaurant.

If you want to stop for a picnic, we did not see any organised picnic areas with tables and benches. However, there are plenty of places to perch on a rock or ledge throughout the site.

Throughout the whole site are numerous souvenir stalls run by the local Bedouin and if you are ever in doubt of the main path, you can usually tell by the location of the stalls!

Paper maps are available at the Visitor Centre, which give the locations of all the facilities.

Are there guided tours for Petra?

There are many organised group tours that take you to Petra and other key tourist attractions, such as Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea. We didn’t use these ourselves, but could be a good option if you are travelling independently and don’t have your own transport.

Hiring a guide at Petra

Once you arrive at the Petra Visitor Centre, there’s an official guide stand opposite the ticket counters. Here an official guide is available to talk you through the options and answer questions. The prices and trail options are also clearly posted on the wall of the kiosk.

Prices start at 50 JD, for a 3 hour tour with an official guide to explain the history the main sites of Petra. If you are a small group and especially interested in history, this could be a good option. Because there were just two of us, we found it a bit expensive and so relied on the explanations in our guidebook.

Most of the shorter trails around Petra can also be explored independently. However there are some where a guide may be advisable, if they are more remote or you are not a confident hiker. The price of a guide for the different trails varies but as an example a 5 hr trail costs 120 JD or a 6-8 hr trail costs 150 JD.

We personally find that an experienced guide adds a lot to the experience, but for these prices you will get best value if you are a group of 4-6 people.

Unofficial guides in Petra

Within the Petra site, it’s possible that you may be approached by local Bedouin offering to guide you. If they don’t have an official guide’s badge, you take these unofficial guides at your own risk, as the cost and quality of service may be variable.

The exception is those who stand in the Treasury area and will offer to take you up to the viewpoint immediately above the Treasury. We didn’t try this, and if you know the way you are probably free to walk up yourself. But if you want to take the most popular social media photo looking down on the Treasury, it may be better to pay a pre-agreed tip to be taken safely to the best spot.

Sustainable travel in Petra

The responsible traveller will want to ensure that such an amazing site as Petra is preserved for generations to come. With this in mind, here are a few tips for an eco-friendly visit.

• While there are rubbish bins in Petra, I personally think it’s better to take all your rubbish out of the site where it can be properly disposed of through your hotel. You should certainly not drop any litter, especially on the less visited hiking trails.
• Plastic water bottles are a big issue, since there is no recycling that we were aware of in Petra. On the one hand I would not recommend drinking tap water in Jordan, in case you get a tummy upset (we did). However if there’s a safe source of filtered water in your hotel, it’s better to fill your bottles there before entering the site. You can also use a water bottle with a built in filter. Another option is to rehydrate on the local beverages of hot mint tea or freshly squeezed orange juice at one of the stalls in Petra.
• Erosion in a desert landscape can be an issue, so if you go on any of the hiking trails, be sure not to wander off the trails which are usually obvious and well marked. Climbing is not allowed due to the risk of rockfalls.

• If you like to buy souvenirs of your trip, try to choose items that are made in Jordan. There are many handicraft projects in Jordan that provide a much needed income for women living in rural communities. We saw many scarves and other souvenirs on sale throughout Petra that did not appear to be locally made. Anything locally made will also normally have a sign to tell you this, or you can ask the stallholders.
• If you choose to hire one of the animal rides in Petra, be mindful of animal welfare and choose an animal that looks well cared for. See my other comments in this article about animal rides.
• There are a lot of teenage or younger boys around the Petra site, generally involved in the family business of animal rides, souvenir shops or cafes. I prefer not to do business at any stalls where I can see children working, if they look as if they should be in school.
• It would be disrespectful to take photos close up of local stallholders and Bedouin around Petra, unless you ask permission first. If there’s someone who is obviously giving a public performance such as playing traditional music, a tip would be expected if you stop and take a photo. If you want to take photos close up of animals such as camels, you should also ask permission and be prepared to tip.

Is Petra safe?

In general we felt very safe at Petra and in Jordan in general, since the country has a very low crime rate. Petra is the country’s flagship tourist site, which is well managed and has tourist police within the site.

Jordan, while a stable country, is unfortunately surrounded by neighbours where conflicts and wars may flare up, so you should always check your Government’s advice on travel in the region.

Here are a few other issues to watch out for.

• The Bedouins running the donkey, horse and camel rides can be very persistent, to the point of nuisance. So if you have no intention of using their service, it’s best not to get into too much banter and walk away politely if they become annoying.
• The animal rides are mostly run by young men, who tend to especially target younger women in conversation, to a point that can verge on harassment. As an older woman accompanied by my husband I didn’t feel it too much but heard other women complaining about it. One way to avoid cultural misunderstandings is to dress and behave in a more modest way. However if you feel you are being harassed as a woman, even after a few polite “no thank yous”, it’s best to avoid further conversation, move into a busy area and gravitate towards an older Muslim woman or other travellers.
• In a culture where bargaining is expected and the price of anything is what you’re prepared to pay, be alert to obvious scams. It’s best to stick to the official guides that can be booked at the visitor centre, as anyone else offering their services within the site may not be qualified. The cost of souvenirs and animal rides is also fluid, but you can cross check typical prices with other travellers.

• You should take care of your belongings, as at any crowded tourist site, since pickpocketing is always a risk. Be sure to report any thefts to the tourist police or at the visitor centre.
• As a desert landscape with deep wadis and ravines, Petra has in the past been affected by flash floods after heavy rain. Watch the weather forecast and if rain is due, it’s best to postpone your visit. The authorities are hugely aware of this risk and will close the site if any danger is forseen. However be sure to seek and follow local advice and be aware of the high risk if you get caught in a wadi (dry river bed) during a rainstorm.
• There are many hiking trails up steep paths that may at times have unfenced drops beside them. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear for the stony, rocky and sometimes slippery terrain, taking care on such climbs and descents.

• There are also a couple of viewpoints overlooking the Treasury, where people love to take that stunning social media selfie. I’ve done it myself with caution, but have been shocked how many people are willing to hang off a sheer cliff edge to get the perfect photo!

Recommended hotels for Petra

More information to plan your trip.

You’ll find more information to plan your trip on the following official tourism websites

• Visit Petra Official Tourism Website
• Visit Jordan Official Tourism Website
• Jordan Pass Official Website

Explore the 20 best things to do in Petra Jordan plus itinerary ideas for 2024

Guide Book for Jordan

We found it extremely useful to have a guidebook to Jordan. Signage at the top sites like Petra can be limited and hiring a guide can be expensive. We recommend and used the Lonely Planet Guide to Jordan .

Need a guidebook for Jordan? We recommend the Lonely Planet Jordan Travel Guide

You may also enjoy

• Eight things to see in Siwa Oasis in Egypt
• St Anthony’s Monastery of Qozhaya in Lebanon
• Things to do in Casablanca, Morocco – 5 of the best reasons to visit!

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

Click to subscribe to our monthly newsletter, news and reader offers

No products in the cart.

How to Visit Petra in Jordan: A Comprehensive Guide

Discovering the wonders of petra: a guide to exploring the ancient city of jordan.

Petra, the ancient city carved into red sandstone cliffs in Jordan, is a bucket list destination for many travelers. This ancient city, once the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom, is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the human spirit. With its towering temples, intricate tombs, and awe-inspiring Treasury, Petra is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, and natural beauty.

If you’re planning a trip to Petra, here’s what you need to know to make the most of your visit.

• Plan your visit: Petra is located in the southern part of Jordan and is accessible by car or bus from the nearby city of Wadi Musa. The site is open year-round, but the best time to visit is between October and March when temperatures are more moderate. During the summer months, temperatures can reach well over 100°F, visiting Petra strenuous and uncomfortable.
• Choose your entrance: There are two entrances to Petra, the main entrance and the back entrance. The main entrance is located near the Visitor’s Center and offers access to the Treasury, Monastery, and other popular sites. The back entrance, on the other hand, is a longer hike but offers a more secluded and peaceful experience.
• Wear comfortable shoes: Petra is a vast site and you’ll be doing a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water. The paths can be rocky and uneven in places, so sturdy shoes are a must.
• Get a guide: While it is possible to visit Petra on your own, hiring a guide can greatly enhance your experience. Guides can provide context and insight into the history and significance of the various sites, as well as take you to lesser-known areas of the site.
• Allow enough time: Petra is a massive site and you’ll need at least a full day to see the highlights. If you have more time, consider spending a night in one of the nearby hotels so you can see the Treasury and Monastery by night, when they are lit by candles.
• Be respectful: Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s important to respect the rules and regulations in place to preserve this ancient city. This means not climbing on the ruins, not taking souvenirs, and respecting the local Bedouin communities.

Visiting Petra is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and with a little planning, you can make the most of your time there. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates natural beauty, Petra is sure to leave you in awe. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and head to Jordan to experience the magic of Petra for yourself.

Top Attractions in Petra

Petra, located in Jordan, is a famous archaeological site that is known for its unique blend of natural beauty and man-made structures. Here are some of the top attractions in Petra:

• Treasury (Al-Khazneh) – This is the most iconic building in Petra and is featured in many movies and photographs. It’s a massive structure carved into the rock and is considered one of the most impressive monuments in the ancient world.
• Monastery (Al-Deir) – The Monastery is Petra’s second largest monument and is a truly breathtaking sight. It’s a massive rock-cut structure that is over 50 meters tall, making it one of the largest in Petra.
• Royal Tombs – This is a complex of tombs that are carved into the cliffs and are a testament to the architectural skills of the ancient Nabataean people.
• High Place of Sacrifice – This is a platform on top of a mountain that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. It was used for religious ceremonies and sacrifices in ancient times.
• Street of Facades – This is a row of tombs that are carved into the cliffs and are known for their elaborate facades. They provide a glimpse into the art and architecture of the ancient Nabataean people.
• Petra Archaeological Museum – This museum showcases the history and culture of the ancient Nabataean people and provides visitors with an in-depth understanding of the site and its significance.
• Siq – The Siq is a narrow, winding canyon that leads visitors to the Treasury. It’s a beautiful and dramatic entrance that sets the stage for the stunning monuments that lay ahead.

These are just a few of the top attractions in Petra. The site is truly a marvel of the ancient world and is a must-visit for anyone interested in history and archaeology.

One Nation Travel provides the best tour packages for Jordan , including visits to Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, and more.

The Call of the Ancient Echoes

In the heart of the desert, Petra stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the natural beauty that envelopes it. From the awe-inspiring architecture carved into the very cliffs to the captivating history that echoes through its canyons, Petra is more than just a destination; it’s a journey through time, a canvas of human creativity, and a sanctuary of natural wonders. As you walk the ancient paths once tread by Nabataeans, Romans, and countless adventurers, let the spirit of exploration guide you to discover not just the secrets of Petra, but also the boundless potential within yourself to seek and marvel at the beauty of our world.

Top 3 Must-Experience Tours in Jordan

Similar Posts

Top Destinations in Jordan for First-Time Visitors

Explore Jordan’s must-see sites with our guide for first-time visitors. Discover ancient Petra, float in the Dead Sea, and more in this captivating journey.

Should You Visit Egypt or Jordan? Unveiling the Wonders of the Middle East

Choosing between Egypt and Jordan for your next trip? This guide contrasts the ancient marvels and modern charms of both destinations in a concise overview.

Places To Visit in Jordan for First Timers: Discover Majestic Sites

Explore the best places to visit in Jordan for first-timers. Discover majestic sites, from Petra to the Dead Sea, in this captivating guide. Ideal for those new to the wonders of Jordan.

How to Plan a Trip to Egypt and Jordan: A Step-by-Step Guide

Experience the wonders of Egypt and Jordan in a single trip. Marvel at ancient pyramids, mystical deserts, and the majestic Petra. A journey through history awaits!

Petra Travel Advice: Unveiling Jordan’s Ancient Treasure

Uncover the secrets of Petra, Jordan’s ancient city. This guide offers essential travel tips for exploring the Rose City, its history, and hidden gems.

How Much Does A Trip To Jordan Cost?

Discover the average cost of a trip to Jordan. Our guide covers expenses, tips, and essential details. Plan your Jordan journey with smart budgeting!

START PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.

Take advantage of the search to browse through the World Heritage Centre information.

Share on social media

Unesco social media.

• Description

Inhabited since prehistoric times, this Nabataean caravan-city, situated between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea, was an important crossroads between Arabia, Egypt and Syria-Phoenicia. Petra is half-built, half-carved into the rock, and is surrounded by mountains riddled with passages and gorges. It is one of the world's most famous archaeological sites, where ancient Eastern traditions blend with Hellenistic architecture.

Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0

Habitée depuis la préhistoire, cette cité caravanière nabatéenne située entre la mer Rouge et la mer Morte fut dans l'Antiquité un carrefour important entre l'Arabie, l'Égypte et la Syrie-Phénicie. Mi-construite et mi-sculptée dans le roc à l'intérieur d'un cirque de montagnes percé de couloirs et de défilés, Petra est un site archéologique des plus célèbres, où se mêlent les influences de traditions orientales anciennes et de l'architecture hellénistique.

 تقع مدينة الأنباط هذه التي تمرّ عليها القوافل والتي كانت مأهولةً منذ ما قبل التاريخ، بين البحر الأحمر والبحر الميّت. وهي كانت في العصور القديمة ملتقًى مهمًّا بين شبه الجزيرة العربيّة ومصر وسوريا الفينيقيّة. تُعتبَر البتراء، المُشيّد نصفها والمحفور نصفها الآخر في الصخر داخل مدرّج الجبال الذي تخترقه الممرّات والمَعابر، من أشهر المواقع التاريخيّة حيث تختلط تأثيراتُ التقاليد الشرقيّة القديمة مع الهندسة اليونانية القديمة.

source: UNESCO/CPE Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0

佩特拉城位于红海和死海之间，它的历史可以追溯到史前时代，最初是由纳米泰人沙漠商队建立的，它位于阿拉伯、埃及、叙利亚腓尼基之间的交通要塞。佩特拉城一半向外突出，一半嵌入岩石中，周围群山环绕，山中道路蜿蜒，峡谷深深，是世界上最著名的考古遗址之一。古希腊建筑与古代东方传统在这里交汇相融。

Outstanding Universal Value

Brief synthesis

Situated between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea and inhabited since prehistoric times, the rock-cut capital city of the Nabateans, became during Hellenistic and Roman times a major caravan centre for the incense of Arabia, the silks of China and the spices of India, a crossroads between Arabia, Egypt and Syria-Phoenicia. Petra is half-built, half-carved into the rock, and is surrounded by mountains riddled with passages and gorges. An ingenious water management system allowed extensive settlement of an essentially arid area during the Nabataean, Roman and Byzantine periods. It is one of the world's richest and largest archaeological sites set in a dominating red sandstone landscape. 

The Outstanding Universal Value of Petra resides in the vast extent of elaborate tomb and temple architecture; religious high places; the remnant channels, tunnels and diversion dams that combined with a vast network of cisterns and reservoirs which controlled and conserved seasonal rains, and the extensive archaeological remains including of copper mining, temples, churches and other public buildings. The fusion of Hellenistic architectural facades with traditional Nabataean rock-cut temple/tombs including the Khasneh, the Urn Tomb, the Palace Tomb, the Corinthian Tomb and the Deir ("monastery") represents a unique artistic achievement and an outstanding architectural ensemble of the first centuries BC to AD. The varied archaeological remains and architectural monuments from prehistoric times to the medieval periods bear exceptional testimony to the now lost civilisations which succeeded each other at the site.

Criterion (i): The dramatic Nabataean/Hellenistic rock-cut temple/tombs approached via a natural winding rocky cleft (the Siq), which is the main entrance from the east to a once extensive trading city, represent a unique artistic achievement. They are masterpieces of a lost city that has fascinated visitors since the early 19th century. The entrance approach and the settlement itself were made possible by the creative genius of the extensive water distribution and storage system.

Criterion (iii): The serried rows of numerous rock-cut tombs reflecting architectural influences from the Assyrians through to monumental Hellenistic; the sacrificial and other religious high places including on Jebels Madbah, M'eisrah, Khubtha, Habis and Al Madras; the remains of the extensive water engineering system, city walls and freestanding temples; garden terraces; funerary stelae and inscriptions together with the outlying caravan staging posts on the approaches from the north (Barid or Little Petra) and south (Sabra) also containing tombs, temples, water cisterns and reservoirs are an outstanding testament to the now lost Nabataean civilization of the fourth century BC to the first century AD.

Remains of the Neolithic settlement at Beidha, the Iron Age settlement on Umm al Biyara, the Chalcolithic mining sites at Umm al Amad, the remains of Graeco-Roman civic planning including the colonnaded street, triple-arched entrance gate, theatre, Nymphaeum and baths; Byzantine remains including the triple-apses basilica church and the church created in the Urn Tomb; the remnant Crusader fortresses of Habis and Wueira; and the foundation of the mosque on Jebel Haroun, traditionally the burial place of the Prophet Aaron, all bear exceptional testimony to past civilizations in the Petra area.

Criterion (iv): The architectural ensemble comprising the so-called "royal tombs" in Petra (including the Khasneh, the Urn Tomb, the Palace Tomb and the Corinthian Tomb), and the Deir ("monastery") demonstrate an outstanding fusion of Hellenistic architecture with Eastern tradition, marking a significant meeting of East and West at the turn of the first millennium of our era.

The Umm al Amad copper mines and underground galleries are an outstanding example of mining structures dating from the fourth millennium BC.

The remnants of the diversion dam, Muthlim tunnel, water channels, aqueducts, reservoirs and cisterns are an outstanding example of water engineering dating from the first centuries BC to AD.

All the main freestanding and rock-cut monuments and extensive archaeological remains within the arid landscape of red sandstone cliffs and gorges lie within the boundaries of the property that coincide with the boundaries of the Petra National Park. The monuments are subject to ongoing erosion due to wind and rain, exacerbated in the past by windblown sand due to grazing animals reducing ground cover. The resettlement more than twenty years ago of the Bdul (Bedouin) tribe and their livestock away from their former seasonal dwellings in the Petra basin to a new village at Umm Sayhun was aimed in part at arresting this process.

They are also vulnerable to flash flooding along Wadi Musa through the winding gorge (Siq) if the Nabataean diversion system is not continually monitored, repaired and maintained.

The property is under pressure from tourism, which has increased greatly since the time of inscription, particularly congestion points such as the Siq which is the main entrance to the city from the east.

The property is also vulnerable to the infrastructure needs of local communities and tourists. A new sewerage treatment plant has been provided within the property to the north with the recycled water being used for an adjacent drip irrigation farming project. Further infrastructure development proposed inside the boundary includes electricity supply and substation, a community/visitor centre, an outdoor theatre for community events, picnic areas, camping ground and a new restaurant near the Qasr al Bint temple, all of which have the potential to impact on the integrity of the property.

Authenticity

The attributes of temple/tomb monuments, and their location and setting clearly express the Outstanding Universal Value. The natural decay of the sandstone architecture threatens the authenticity of the property in the long-term. Stabilization of freestanding monuments including the Qasr al Bint temple and the vaulted structure supporting the Byzantine forecourt to the Urn Tomb Church was carried out prior to inscription.

Protection and management requirements

Under Jordanian National law, responsibility for protection of Antiquities sites lies with the Department of Antiquities, a separate entity under the Ministry for Tourism and Antiquities.

The property is a protected area within the Petra Archaeological Park managed by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. However responsibility for the overall planning and implementation of infrastructure projects at the site rests largely with the Petra Regional Authority (PRA) - originally the Petra Regional Planning Council (PRPC) - but now expanded to cover the social and economic wellbeing of the communities in the locality.

Increased staff numbers have enabled campaigns of inspection and control and strategies have been developed to manage tourist access and local community involvement, including the location and design of community-managed shop/kiosks.

Regulations and policies developed under the Petra Archaeological Park Operating Plan will cover infrastructure projects undertaken by the PRA including electrification of the Petra Archaeological Park and works associated with water recycling farming projects including tree-planting. They will also cover visitor facilities such as park lighting, tourist trails and interpretative signage, restaurants and shops, community recreation areas and businesses, as well as public events and activities within the park.

There is a long-term need for a framework for sustainable development and management practices aimed at protecting the property from damage resulting from the pressure of visitors, while enhancing revenues from tourism that will contribute to the economic and social viability of the region.

• Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority's Facebook page
• Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority's website page

State of Conservation (SOC)

Protections by other conservation instruments.

1 protection / 1 element

• Cultural space of the Bedu in Petra and Wadi Rum

Read more about synergies

Complete Guide to Visiting Petra, Jordan – Everything You Need to Know!

• Facebook 135

Petra is known as “The Rose City” due to the carved rose-colored stone, and “The Lost City” because it was, well, lost for hundreds of years. Today, it is one of the “New” Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back to the third century BC as the capital city of the Arab Nabataeans, Petra was home to some 20,000 Nabataeans at its peak. It is today one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world! It was also chosen by the Smithsonian Magazine as one of the “28 Places to See Before You Die” .

The ruins of Petra in Jordan are a majestic archaeological wonder to behold – not just because of their massive size and intricate designs – but also to consider exactly how they were carved. You can see small etch markings lining the sheer rock face of the Treasury. Imagine men precariously perched 120 feet up, painstakingly scratching away at the sandstone.

Site excavations have been ongoing since the early 1900s and over 800 monuments have been identified and listed. Surprisingly, archaeologists have explored less than half of the site to date!

If seeing the spectacular ruins of Petra isn’t already on your Bucket List , it should be! And we’ll help you get there. How long do you need to see Petra? Where to stay? How to buy a ticket? – just follow this complete guide to Petra, Jordan. You’ll be sure to uncover all that the Lost City has to offer!

Short on time and don’t want to read the whole article? Here are a few recommendations:

• Purchase the Jordan Pass well in advance of your trip
• Opt for the 2-day Petra ticket option
• Skip Petra by Night (unless you’re determined to get ‘that photo’)
• Wear shoes and bring a hat or a scarf to shield you from the intense sun
• Start your day at 6 am so you can finish by 2 pm. Then spend the rest of the day relaxing by the pool
• Don’t skip the other amazing cities and ruins that Jordan has to offer!

And don’t forget to check out our web story: Ultimate Guide to ‘The Lost City’ of Petra, Jordan !

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

Petra, Jordan Travel Basics

How to get to petra.

The closest city to Petra is Wadi Musa. This is where you’ll need to book your accommodations.

From Amman, there is one JETT bus daily at 6:30 am to Wadi Musa. If you prefer to travel like a local, there are several minibusses to consider. They depart throughout the day (when they are full) from the South Bus station. Most taxi drivers in Amman don’t speak English. You can ask someone at your hotel to write instructions down for you in Arabic. You can also take a taxi all the way from Amman to Petra for around 70-100 JD. Be prepared to bargain hard!

From Aqaba, there are many JETT buses departing from Aqaba to Wadi Musa daily. Click here for a complete schedule.

Best Time to Visit Petra

Petra is open year-round although tourists flock to the area during the spring and fall when temperatures are mild. Summer can be unbearably hot, and January and February are the coolest months and get occasional rain. Regardless of the time of year, the high elevation means the evenings are chilly so don’t forget a sweater!

Where to Stay in Wadi Musa

When it comes to booking a hotel in Wadi Musa be sure to consider location, location, location! Follow our guide to explore Petra and start every morning bright and early. Proximity to the Petra gate is key to getting some additional zzz’s.

Mövenpick Resort Petra

 If you’re looking for the best of the best accommodations that Wadi Musa has to offer, then the Mövenpick Resort Petra should be at the top of your list. It is a luxurious 5-star hotel located directly across the street from the entrance to Petra. Gorgeous rooms, a picture-perfect pool, and spectacular city views await your arrival. You’ll love relaxing by the pool after your long, exhausting morning spent exploring the Lost City.

Check Prices on Booking.com

Petra Guest House Hotel

The only way you can stay closer to Petra is to snuggle up with a Bedouin in their cave – Petra Guest House Hotel is actually inside the Petra site! Sadly they don’t offer a pool, but the giant breakfast spread, awesome cave bar, and unbeatable location more than makeup for it. Make sure you reserve early as this hotel books up weeks in advance.

Petra Palace Hotel

 The best bang for your buck in Wadi Musa may be the Petra Palace Hotel – you’ll still be a short two blocks from the entrance to Petra but at a fraction of the price of the other two options mentioned above. The rooms are large but a bit dated but for the price you really can’t beat it! When you’re not wandering (sweating) around Petra you can escape the heat with a dip in their lovely pool.

Where to Eat in Wadi Musa

• For a fun and lively atmosphere and Western food in a cave try Cave Bar . It is located in the Petra Guest House Hotel right in front of the gate to Petra.
• To eat delicious authentic Jordanian food, great prices, and the friendliest staff , check out Beit Al-Barakah Restaurant .
• For a fun evening, why not take a traditional cooking class ? Contact The Petra Kitchen to get it scheduled.

Petra Entrance Fees and Hours of Operation

Know before you go.

• At the time of writing, the conversion rate in Jordan is about $1.40 USD to 1 Jordanian Dinar (JOD) and 1.2 EUR to 1 JOD. We’ll be referring to currency in Jordanian Dinars so be sure to convert accordingly when budgeting for your trip!
• Learn a few key phrases to get around Jordan. “Sale-em wall a come” is a nice way to say “hello” (technically it means something like “peace be with you”). “Shoo kran” is “thank you”. And “ma sell em” is “goodbye”.
• Most of Jordan is incredibly conservative and women are expected to cover their shoulders and knees. However, Petra is a tourist destination so most of the visitors dress in typical hot-weather Western attire.
• Check out all of our Tips for First-Time Travelers .

Petra Entrance Fees

• 1-day pass: 50 JOD per person (if you are not staying overnight in Jordan, then it will cost 90 JOD)
• 2-day pass: 55 JOD per person
• 3-day pass: 60 JOD per person
• Petra by Night: 17 JOD per person

Included in the Price of your Petra Ticket

• Entrance to the park
• Use of bathrooms in the park (no need to tip unless you really want to)
• A short horseback ride from the gate to the Siq entrance (although you’ll be expected to tip)
• A guided tour along the main trail (offered every hour from 7 am until 4 pm)

Our recommendation: two days exploring Petra is just right to see everything without burning yourself out. We’d also recommend that you purchase the Jordan Pass prior to your visit to save some dough.

The Jordan Pass

What’s Included:

• Your 40 JOD visa to enter Jordan if you purchase the pass prior to entering the country . You must stay a minimum of three nights (4 days).
• Entrance to 40 tourist attractions in Jordan. But the most popular (and expensive) sites that are included are Petra, Wadi Rum , and Jerash.
• 70 JOD if you opt for a 1-day pass to Petra
• 75 JOD if you opt for a 2-day pass to Petra
• 80 JOD if you opt for a 3-day pass to Petra

Is it worth it?  Yes! If you do just simple math and add up the cost of your visa (40 JOD) and the cost of a 1-day pass to Petra (50 JOD), you’re already at 90 JOD. The price for the Jordan Pass would be 70 in that case. So you’re already saving 20 JOD.

Plan to try to purchase at least a week in advance of your trip as their website can be persnickety. We were frantically attempting to purchase ours in the airport before our flight. However, we kept getting errors so unfortunately, we weren’t able to actually obtain one.

Petra Visiting Hours

Petra is open on a daily basis from 6am to 6pm during the summer (from March 29), and 6:30am to 4pm in the winter (from October 27). Petra by Night runs every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:30pm until 10:30pm.

Terms to Know

• Siq – a narrow gorge. The main entrance to Petra is through a Siq that was formed by a natural geological fault split apart by tectonic forces (as opposed to water erosion). There are several other “siq” hikes in Jordan.
• Nabataeans – the nomadic Arabs who built and inhabited Petra. They were known for their ability to carve structures into solid rock and their efficient water-collecting methods to create an artificial oasis in barren desert landscapes.
• Bedouin – the Al B’doul Bedouin tribe claim to be descended from the Nabataeans. The Bedouin people have lived among the caves and tombs of Petra for over 170 years. They were forced to move to the nearby settlement of Umm Sayhoun when Petra became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. Today they travel to Petra (many appear to continue to sleep within the site) every day to sell their wares, act as tour guides, and entertain tourists with camel and donkey rides.
• Sandstone –  the rose-colored stone from which Petra has been carved.

What to Expect Once You’re Inside the Petra Gate

• A lot of dust. Your feet and the bottoms of your legs will be covered in it. Shoes are highly recommended.
• Extreme heat. You can buy water from loads of vendors throughout the park but you should be sure to pack sunscreen. A hat or a sunbrella would help as well.
• Trash. We were surprised that such a beautiful, protected (and expensive) area would be covered in so much trash. Just remember that the Bedouin people actually live in many of the caves here. It’s probably very difficult to properly dispose of all the waste that is generated.
• A variety of smells. While there are several toilets available throughout the park, it seems that many people prefer to urinate (and worse) in the caves that you’ll be exploring throughout your time here. Be prepared for a stinkfest and be careful where you walk when you’re inside.
• Bedouin people trying to make a dinar. You can’t walk more than 20 feet without a local offering you a camel or donkey ride or a “locally made” good for sale. Be sure to ask the price before accepting a ride or taking a photo with one of the locals that are clearly dressed for a photo op.
• A clash between the Bedouin people and the local guards. While the park has plenty of rules that tourists are expected to follow, it seems that pretty much anything goes for the Bedouin people. For example, there is a hike off to the left of the Treasury that clearly has a sign saying “no entry” but you’ll get offers from Bedouins to take you up for a fee (we paid 10 JOD but the price started at 25). But if you get caught by one of the guards while going up or coming down you’ll get a scolding (just tell them you are coming from The High Place of Sacrifice). You’ll also likely get offers to stay overnight in a cave although the official rules clearly state that it is forbidden.

Must-see Petra Ruins

• Al Khazna (aka “the Treasury”) – it’s the first ruin that you will see once the Siq opens up. It is the most famous and photographed ruin in Petra.

• Ad Deir (aka “the Monastery”) – it’s one of the largest and best-preserved monuments in Petra. The hall was later converted into a Christian chapel and crosses were carved into the rear wall. There are 800 steps that must be climbed to see the Monastery. The trip is exhausting but worth it. You can opt for a donkey ride if you don’t feel comfortable making the trek.

• The Royal Tombs – four amazing facades adjacent to each other and considered to be tombs. They were likely used for a variety of purposes. The tombs include The Urn Tomb, the Silk Tomb, Corinthian Tomb, and Palace Tomb.

Best Viewpoints in Petra

• “The Best World View” tent at the top of the Al-Khubtha Trail

• The High Place of Sacrifice
• The “View” tent on the mountain overlooking the Monastery

Eating and Drinking Options in Petra

• Basin Tent and Nabataean Tent are both restaurants offering hot food.
• Water, tea, coffee, soft drinks, and juice are offered at multiple tents throughout the park. Prices generally range from 1-2 JOD per drink.
• Most hotels offer a “boxed lunch” for a small price that includes a sandwich, juice, fruit, and other snacks. They can be available for you to pick up at the front desk at any time that you request.

Complete 2-Day Petra Itinerary

Plan to arrive at the park just before 6 am to purchase your two-day ticket. If you have the Jordan Pass, you can head straight to the gate. Don’t be surprised if the ticket attendant is a few minutes late.

Shortly after you enter the site you’ll be greeted by several men offering you a horseback ride to the Siq. Technically this ride is free but you’ll be expected to tip the man leading the horse around 5 JOD. The hike is rather short, about a mile from the gate, so we didn’t see very many people taking advantage.

The walk into Petra is at a slight downhill incline which is lovely on your walk-in but exhausting on your walk-out. Take your time along the trail. Be sure to look around you while you walk – you’ll notice many small ruins all along the way. Also, note the natural aqueducts lining the trail that supplied the city with water.

The canyon walls of the Siq will narrow and soon the magnificent Treasury will come into view. This magnificent structure was originally built as a mausoleum and crypt but the Arabic name Treasury derives from several legends involving pirates and treasure. Also fitting as it was featured as the final resting place of the Holy Grail in the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

Even though you’ve got an early start, there will no doubt already be a few people here taking photos. Take your time here getting the shots you want, it only gets crazier as the day progresses.

Once you’ve had your fill of the Treasury from the ground, it’s time to head to the top of the mountain behind you to check out the views from above. Walk straight there – this hike is 2.2 miles and steep so it is better to do it early to avoid the mid-day heat.

The map from the Visitors Center shows that the Al-Khubtha Trail requires a guide but it’s easy to do on your own. It is well marked and highly trafficked so you should have no issues finding the “World Best View” tent at the very top (which you’ll come to immediately after the tent touting “The Best View” – it’s not). The owner is a super friendly guy and this tent is his livelihood so buy a delicious (cardamon) coffee and soak in the views right on the edge of the cliff!

After taking way too many photos of the Treasury from above and enjoying your coffee break in the shade, head back down the same way you came. Explore the ruins that you passed by in your rush to get up the mountain. The Royal Tombs are four amazing facades adjacent to each other and include The Urn Tomb, the Silk Tomb, Corinthian Tomb, and Palace Tomb. The Silk Tomb is easy to spot from the rich, dramatic color of the sandstone. 

The Street of Facades turns into the Colonnaded Street and you’ll stroll along both to see the Theater (which could seat 3,000 people), the Market Area, and the Great Temple. But don’t start the long trek up to the Monastery just yet, save that exhausting hike for tomorrow. 

You’ll likely be done by the early afternoon so head back to your hotel for a much-needed siesta and a dip in the pool! If you plan to come back later on the same day, be sure to mention it to the men at the ticket booth so they will remember you.

Again, start your day bright and early at 6 am. As you probably noticed yesterday, the early hours of the morning in Petra provide cooler temperatures and fewer crowds making the entire experience significantly more enjoyable. After again oohing and awing at the Treasury, walk down the Street of Facades to the sign on the left pointing you in the direction of the High Place of Sacrifice Trail.

The High Place of Sacrifice (al-Madhbah) is one of the highest accessible viewpoints in Petra and offers spectacular views of the ancient city 560 feet below. The purpose of this place was for religious ceremonies and possibly even human sacrifice.

Rather than turning back the way you came, continue to the steps leading off the back of the mountain into Wadi Farasa which turns the hike into a two-hour loop ending at the Qasr al-Bint at the base of the Monastery Trail hike. This loop hike will take you to far less trafficked architectural wonders that most tourists miss during their visit.

However, before you begin your descent into the valley below, take note of the two obelisks that instead of simply being placed there, the entire side of this mountain-top was leveled around them to leave them sticking up. An amazing (and seemingly unnecessary) undertaking to say the least. They most likely represent the two chief male and female Nabatean deities; Dushara and Al-Uzza.

Along this loop trail take note of the Lion Monument carved into a wall along the stairs which likely served as some sort of fountain with water flowing out of its mouth. You’ll also see the Garden Triclinium, the Roman Soldier Tomb, and a tomb that lacks a decorated facade but has a uniquely carved interior – this is not common for other Petra tombs and the reason for it is unknown.  

Once you reach the Great Temple and Qasr al-Bint, you’ll continue on up the Ad-Deir (Monastery) Trail. You’ll be climbing around 800 steps to reach the top so if you are feeling weary you can opt for a donkey ride from one of the many touts wandering around at the base of the trek. There is a tent offering beverages and snacks with a prime view of the Monastery if you want to rest your feet at the end of this grueling hike.

If you have more energy, head up to the “View” tent on the mountain above you for tea and a chat with a sweet Bedouin teenager and views of both the Monastery and the canyon below.

You’ve had a long day of hiking! If you’ve missed anything in the past two days or have any last-minute souvenirs to purchase, do it all on your way back to the Siq.

Petra by Night

Visitation hours.

Offered Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights starting at 8:30 pm and ending at 10:30 pm.

Entrance Fees

• Petra by Night is not included in your ticket to Petra and costs an additional 17 JOD per person.
• You do not need a reservation to attend Petra by Night as there is no cap on the number of people allowed in on any given night.

What to Expect at Petra by Night

To give you an idea of what to expect, I am going to recount our experience during Petra by Night. Keep in mind that we visited during the month of October which is considered high season in Jordan and there were probably 300 other people in attendance that evening.

We saw a video in the Visitors Center that made it appear that the first people to get to the Treasury would be seated on the sand in the front row and then subsequent visitors would sit in rows behind. So we assumed that if we got in first-ish, we’d get the best views of the Treasury lit up by the candles scattered in front.

So we decided to begin waiting in line at the gate entrance at 8 pm to ensure a good spot. When we arrived there were no others there but shortly after the throngs of tourists began to arrive, and by 8:15 pm, the line was massive. At around that same time the “guide” began leading the mile trek to the Treasury after tickets were checked.

The walk to the Treasury was quite strange. We started at the front but after 10 minutes or so, we began being passed by eager photographers charging ahead (ignoring the instructions from the “guide” to walk two-by-two behind him). It felt like we were all in a sort of run/walk/elbow-your-neighbor-out-of-the-way for the entire mile and I seriously doubt that any of us enjoyed the candle-lit walk.

By the time we emerged from The Siq we grabbed a spot on the carpet in the front row right next to a photography tour that had already been there for about 30 minutes. We were pretty excited that we had such a great spot – right in the middle with an unobstructed view of the Treasury!

After about five minutes of fiddling with our camera settings and snapping a few photos, we noticed that our “guide” began shuffling the late arrivals into the center of the candles – thus creating several rows of people right in front of us! So much for arriving early to get the best seat, the best seats actually went to those to got there late and probably didn’t have a frantic walk from the gate.

We then had about 20 minutes of picture-taking time while the “guide” yelled “no flash!” over and over again before the start of the show. The show consisted of a long flute (or something resembling it) performance and then an unintelligible story from the “guide” that ended in asking us all to close our eyes and make a wish. When we opened them, the Treasury was lit up in colorful spotlights – perfect for cell phone selfies but not great if you are there for photography purposes.

We were all allowed “free time” to get up and roam around to take photos. They also opened up the souvenir stand nearby in case anyone was in urgent need of a new scarf or Treasury-shaped trinket.

People started slowly leaving and finally, at 10 pm, they turned off the strobes (but not the fluorescent lights from the souvenir stand). We finally had our chance to snap some photos! But also at 10:00 on the dot, they started yelling that the show was over and that everyone needed to leave. We were lucky that the photography tour stuck around and we set up the camera near them and kept telling the aggressive cleaning crew “just one more photo, just one more”. Finally, at 10:15 pm, we had no choice but to start the trek out.

Was Petra by Night Worth it?

Were we able to sneak in some amazing photos? Yes. Would we ever go again? No.

A Brief History of the Lost City of Petra

Dating back to the third century BC, Petra was the capital city of the Arab Nabataeans, home to some 20,000 Nabataeans at its peak. Later, it was occupied by the Romans. Controlling commercial trade routes that passed through it, Petra became a major trading hub for frankincense, myrrh, and spices and flourished. The addition of sea-based trade routes and a crippling earthquake in 363 AD led to the downfall of the city which was eventually abandoned.

By the middle of the 7th century, Petra was largely deserted and was a “Lost City” to all except the local Bedouin people who moved into the abandoned ruins. A Swiss explorer named Johannes Burckhardt rediscovered Petra when he posed as an Arab and found a Bedouin guide to take him inside. Excavation began and more and more structures continue to be unearthed to this day.

We hope you have an amazing visit to the “Lost City” of Petra, Jordan!

Share this on pinterest.

About the Author:

Val grew up in Portland, Oregon but moved to Oahu on a whim back in 2013. She sold her house and all of her belongings and bought a one-way ticket. Since then she’s taken two around-the-world trips and has visited 60-ish countries while living out of a duffel bag. Val started documenting the Wandering Wheatleys travels back in 2013 as a way to update friends and family about her whereabouts and to relay humorous daily interactions. The only readers were her mom and her mother-in-law but that didn’t stop her! These days you’ll find Val dreaming up future trips, creating new travel content, managing a team of amazing travel enthusiasts, and chasing around her two adorable but naughty kids.

View all posts

Related Posts

The 10 Best Vacation Destinations in April (2024)

The Lost City: A Petra One-Day Itinerary

Ultimate Guide for The Wave, Arizona: Permits, Lottery & Hiking

14 thoughts on “complete guide to visiting petra, jordan – everything you need to know”.

This post has been extremely helpful in getting a full perspective on Petra. I know know why one should devote a few days to exploring the city and its amazing monuments, What a great viewpoint from Al-Khubtha trail! I’m sure it would be getting very very busy.

Great Petra guide. I missed the place of high sacrifice. But loved the Monastery and treasury overlook hikes. I had a totally different experience at Petra by Night and found it totally magical. We arrived a little later and didn’t rush down the siq and hung towards the very back wall to take pics the entire time. I loved that they served tea. In the middle I also took my Tripp’s into the siq and took pics looks towards the treasury. I felt alone with the sound of the flute and it was almost spiritual. Great write up though!

Did you find a Arabic phrase book that was useful & easy to use?

We had one but I think Google Translate is much easier to use…

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• WHERE TO GO
• WHERE TO STAY
• EPIC HOTELS
• DIY HOLIDAY ITINERARIES
• WORLDSCHOOLING
• PHILIPPINES
• MALAYSIA ITINERARIES
• THAILAND ITINERARIES
• BALI ITINERARIES
• CAMBODIA ITINERARIES
• VIETNAM ITINERARIES
• ISRAEL ITINERARIES
• JORDAN ITINERARIES
• FAMILY FRIENDLY HOTELS
• FLYING WITH KIDS
• BUDGET TRAVEL TIPS
• BEST TRAVEL GEAR
• BUDGET HOTELS
• LUXURY HOTELS
• VILLAS WITH PRIVATE POOLS

JORDAN , START HERE | , TRAVEL DESTINATIONS | , WHERE TO GO

Petra in jordan – in-depth visitor’s guide 2024.

Table of Contents

Visiting Petra in Jordan is EPIC but not straight forward. Before we visited Petra, we had loads of questions. And we struggled to find a concise guide with all the answers we needed. So we thought we would fill the gap and write the ULTIMATE in depth visitors Guide for Petra in 2024. We are a full time travel family. We have many year of experience visiting intrepid, beautiful and complicated places. And Petra definitely has it’s complications!

There are some important things that you need to know before you visit Petra, so please read this guide carefully. Visiting Petra is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most people. And yet many people make mistakes and don’t get the most from their time in Petra. This article draws on our own experience and knowledge – including the highs and lows.

We spent a lot of time in Petra, really getting to grips with the lay of the land and how things work. We’re very excited to share our own knowledge and experience. We really hope this guide saves you time, money and stress. AND better still, that we can help you have an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience at Petra.

If you’re planning your Jordan trip you may also be interested in this 7 day Jordan itinerary

Why Visit Petra in Jordan?

Petra is one of the Seven Wonders of The World. Petra, often referred to as the “Rose City,” is a remarkable archaeological treasure nestled in the heart of southern Jordan. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place of profound historical and cultural significance.

Petra has a rich history that dates back to the 4th century BC when it was the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom. This ancient civilization left behind a city carved into the rose-red cliffs of southern Jordan. Petra’s intricate architecture and engineering marvels, such as the famous Al-Khazneh (The Treasury) and the Monastery, are a testament to the advanced skills of the Nabateans. The city’s strategic location along the trade routes of the ancient world contributed to its cosmopolitan atmosphere, blending various cultural influences. The rock-cut facades and monuments in Petra tell the story of a thriving and innovative civilization that mastered the art of carving entire structures into solid rock.

Visiting Petra really is like stepping back in time and discovering the marvels of an ancient civilization.

Main Things to See in Petra

The entrance to Petra, this narrow gorge, winding through towering sandstone cliffs, provides a dramatic and suspenseful introduction to the ancient city. You need to walk through the Siq to get to the Treasury. The walk is around 2 km.

2 The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)

This iconic facade, with its intricate carvings and mysterious legends, welcomes visitors to Petra. It’s a breathtaking sight when you emerge from the Siq, a narrow gorge, and catch your first glimpse of this grand structure.

3 The Treasury Viewpoints

Several cliff-top viewpoints allow a great view of the treasury. This can be intense as local guides may ask for a lot of money to let you through. They are also a little risky (more on this soon).

4 The place of High Sacrifice

Located at the summit of a towering mountain, this site offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Petra and its surrounding landscapes. It is believed to have been a sacred area where the Nabateans performed religious ceremonies, including animal sacrifices.

5 The Royal Tombs

Admire the intricately carved facades of the Royal Tombs, which reflect the artistic prowess of the Nabateans.

6 The Roman Theater

A well-preserved Roman-style amphitheater, offering insights into the cultural shifts that Petra experienced over the centuries.

7 The Street of Facades

Lined with countless tombs and caves, this street showcases the variety of structures carved into the rock.

8 The Monastery (Ad Deir)

An intrepid (and fairly challenging) 5km hike leads to the Monastery, a massive rock-cut monument with stunning panoramic views of Petra. It’s a testament to the grandeur of Nabatean architecture.

Map of the Petra Archeological Site

You can get FREE site maps at the entrance

How Do You Get to Petra in Jordan?

Don’t miss our detailed in depth guide – How to Travel from Amman to Petra AND our full guide on The BEST transport options in Jordan

There are three main ways to travel to Petra in Jordan, and the best way depends on your budget and your desire for flexibility and convenience. Here is a summary of the three main ways to travel from Amman to Petra:

1 Travel by Bus

The most budget-friendly choice is taking the Jett bus. Jett is the only company on this route. A one-way ticket costs 10 JOD (£10 or $12) for both adults and children (2-10 years old). If you’re booking from outside Jordan you will need to book your tickets as a tour 18 JOD each way (£18 or $20). You can buy tickets on the Jett website . Note that children aged 6-12 travel for free. Keep in mind that tour bookings with Jett include only the bus ride with no additional services. The Jett bus drops passengers off at the Petra Archaeological Site car park.

Jett has two pickup points in Amman: Abdali station: Convenient if you’re staying in the Amman Old City area. A taxi from there to Abdali station costs about 2 JOD. 7th Circle office: Located in a shopping district, with pickups occurring a bit later. The bus departs from Amman at 6:30 am and returns from Petra at 5 pm, with a journey time of approximately 4-5 hours each way.

To learn more don’t miss our full guide on travelling around Jordan by bus

2 Take a Taxi

While less budget-friendly, a convenient option is arranging a day trip with a local taxi driver. Negotiate the schedule and price in advance, ensuring your driver understands all of the details, including waiting times in Petra. Expect to pay around 100 JOD for a full day trip from Amman to Petra (around £100 or $120). Ask drivers around the Old City and speak to multiple drivers to negotiate a fair price. It’s super important to communicate clearly about the number of passengers, ensure your driver speaks sufficient English, and check the vehicle’s safety standards, such as seat belts.

Find out everything you need to know about taxis in Jordan

3 Book a Tour

Booking a tour to Petra is another way to explore the site. Make sure to confirm what’s included in the tour, as options vary. Look for tours with early start times to maximize your time in Petra. Tour prices can range from £100 – £350 (or $120 – $400) per person, depending on group size and itinerary.

How Much Does It Cost to Visit Petra in Jordan?

The prices for a Jordan Pass are as follows:

• 70 JOD (1-day entry to Petra)
• 75 JOD (2-day entry to Petra)
• 80 JOD (3-day entry to Petra)

This includes a Visa Waiver (no visa needed) as long as you stay in Jordan for at least 3 nights.

However, if you do not get a Jordan Pass, you will need to pay for a Visa and then also pay for an entry ticket to Petra. The prices are as follows:

• Jordan Visas cost 40 JOD for a single entry visa.
• Entry to Petra costs 50 JOD (1 day), 55 JOD (2 days), and 60 JOD (3 days).

If you are planning to visit Petra for one day, it will cost you 70 JOD in total with a Jordan Pass. However, if you buy a Visa and then pay for entry, it will cost you 90 JOD.

How Does the Jordan Pass Work?

Don’t miss our guide – Is the Jordan Pass worth it?

If you purchase a Jordan Pass, it allows you to enter Jordan without a Visa as long as you stay for at least three nights. The Jordan Pass includes access to a wide range of attractions, including Petra. You can choose whether to get a pass that has one, two, or three days’ access to Petra. When you buy the Jordan Pass, you can also opt to pay a little extra to include access to the Bethany beyond the Jordan baptism site (cheaper than buying a ticket on arrival).

It is very easy to buy a Jordan pass directly from the website . Once you have completed your purchase, you will be emailed a PDF copy of your pass, which includes a QR code. All you need to do is present your pass at immigration when you arrive in Jordan and then present your pass at any of the included attractions, and you’ll be given free entry.

If you’re traveling with kids under 12 years old, the Jordan Pass is not good value for money, as kids under 12 years old get free access to attractions, including Petra. However, if you do not buy a Jordan Pass for your kids, you will need to purchase a visa.

What Are the Best Places to Stay in Petra?

You really can get a lot for your money in Petra. Don’t miss these Amazing luxury hotels in Petra

Here are the BEST places to stay in Petra (Wadi Musa) in order of roughly increasing price:

• Petra Rest Home: Great value for money, budget, yet very comfortable. Lovely views and only a 15-minute walk from the Petra entrance. They also have a family triple room. Book your room on Agoda or on booking.com .
• Petra Elite Hotel: Clean, luxurious, and simple. Great facilities and great value for money. Reserve Petra Elite on Agoda or on booking.com .
• The Old Village Hotel: Charming luxury hotel with authentic traditional features and an outdoor pool. Free shuttle to Petra. Book a room on Agoda or on booking.com .
• Petra Marriott Hotel: Pictured above. Amazing luxury 5-star hotel south of Petra. Outstanding facilities and service. Reserve the Marriott on Agoda or on booking.com .
• Mövenpick Resort Petra: Superlative Middle Eastern style super luxury hotel situated right outside the Petra archaeological park. Book the Mövenpick on Agoda or on booking.com .

How Long Do You Need to Spend in Petra?

It is possible to see Petra in a single day. Many people take day trips to Petra from Amman and even from Israel. There are a few disadvantages to taking a day trip to Petra like this. Firstly, you will need to spend many hours traveling; this can be very tiring. Secondly, you will only have a few hours in Petra; you will be able to see the treasury, but there is not the time to explore the whole archaeological site. Thirdly, if you take a day trip to Petra, you end up visiting during the busiest and most intense hours of the day, and during the summer, these are also the hottest hours.

If possible, we strongly recommend that you spend at least one night in Petra and visit nice and early on your second day. It doesn’t cost a lot more to get a two-day pass. We really enjoyed visiting Petra in the early hours of the morning before it got too hot and crowded.

How Much Walking Do You Need to Do in Petra?

When you have visited the treasury, there is a minimum walking distance of 4 km (2 km each way). The walk is fascinating, leading down Al Siq (a narrow rocky canyon). The route from the entrance to the treasury is straightforward, and you don’t need to worry about navigation. The first 500m of the walk is relatively exposed. This section of the walk is quite challenging during the summer, especially in the hottest hours of the day. The next section of the walk through the Al Siq canyon is very well shaded and it is very impressive.

We recommend wearing good walking shoes and comfortable loose-fitting clothing. It is possible to get a mobility Club Car from the entrance of Petra to the treasury. This costs 15 JOD one way (around £15 or $18) and 25 JOD two ways (around £25 or $30). If you plan to go as far as the Monastery, then the walk is over 10 km each way. This is a very challenging trek, and we recommend leaving plenty of time. Many people use donkeys, horses, or camels to visit the Monastery (we will discuss whether this is ethical later in this article).

How to Get the Best Photos at Petra?

Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE to getting the best photos at the treasury

If you don’t have a superlative selfie, have you really visited Petra? Seriously it’s hard to visit Petra and not want to capture it. We absolutely loved visiting Petra, and we also love taking fun family photos. 

1 Consider clothing

We just wanted to share a few photo tips for Petra to help you get the perfect pictures. Firstly, it’s important to consider clothing. You may want to buy a Jordanian headscarf to fit in. We recommend bold, vibrant clothing to get pictures that pop. If all of this sounds a little too serious, and you prefer landscape photography, it’s important to consider the time of day, the lighting, and the best location for shots.

Alternatively – you could just make sure you have the world’s cutest model for the best shots…

2 Arrive early

If you are looking for quiet and empty shots of the Treasury, then you’ll need to arrive nice and early before the crowds of tourists start photobombing. The front section of the Treasury is the best spot. If possible, aim to get to the entrance at 6:00 a.m. (which is the opening time). 

The walk to the Treasury is around 15 or 20 minutes. If you are purposeful at this time, the area in front of the Treasury should be very quiet and peaceful, and you should be able to get plenty of empty shots. If you visit the Treasury early in the morning, the whole cliff face will be completely in shadow. 

The area in front of the Treasury remains relatively quiet until around 8:00 a.m. or 9:00 a.m. By this time, larger groups begin to arrive, and the area starts to fill up and get a little more intense. If you are hoping to get a picture with a camel, these normally arrive between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. You will need to pay a little money to pose next to a camel (2 – 3 JOD or £2 – £3 or $2.50 – $4).

3 Find the best viewpoints

There are also a couple of viewpoints situated on the cliffs opposite the Treasury. These are the best spots for your classic Treasury photos. However, the locals in the area are very intense and often will not allow people to walk up to the viewpoint without paying. We heard a range of prices from 5 JOD – 20 JOD to go to the viewpoints (£5 – £20 or $6 – $25). 

Officially, locals shouldn’t charge for this, but they do. And they can be very intense too. If you are very calm, strong, and firm and insist you don’t need to pay, the locals may let you through. A friendly guide let us through without paying. This was just based on having a rapport with him. We also saw one woman very firmly saying that she didn’t need to pay, and she was allowed through with some resistance from the locals.

Can You Get a Guide in Petra?

Don’t miss our article on How to Avoid Scams in Petra

It is also possible to hire a tour guide at Petra. There are signs at the main entrance indicating that you should only go with official guides who are wearing an official badge. To get an official tour guide for Petra at the entrance, it costs 50 JOD for a few hours (roughly £50 or $60).

Is It Ethical to Ride Animals in Petra?

And now for the big question: what about animals at Petra? There are plenty of animals around Petra. Locals offer donkey rides, horse rides, and camel rides. You can also pay to pose next to camels in front of the Treasury. In our experience, the donkeys and horses are not particularly well looked after around Petra. We chose not to take any animal rides in this area. The donkeys were particularly poorly looked after, and some of them even had wounds on their bodies.

In contrast, the camels seemed to be reasonably well looked after. Camels are a more expensive commodity in Jordan, and owners tend to take pride in their camels. All the camels that we saw were in good condition, and many of them spent most of the day posing for photos in front of the Treasury with tourists.

What Facilities Can You Find at Petra?

The facilities at Petra are reasonably good. At the main entrance and ticket office area, there are toilets, shops, cafes, restaurants, and even hotels. In the area, once you have gone through the ticket inspection point, there is a toilet block just before you enter the Al Siq canyon. After this, there are no toilets until you have walked past the Treasury.

The next toilet block is near the Theatre area. Inside Petra, there is a small cafe opposite the Treasury. This cafe sells hot and cold drinks, and prices are relatively reasonable. You can get a small bottle of water for 1JOD (around £1 or $1.20) in Petra and 2JOD for a large bottle (around £2 or $2.50). It’s always worth bartering – especially in a tourist spot like Petra!

There are also lots of small market stalls selling gifts around Petra. Prices very much depend on your willingness and ability to barter.

Packing List for Exploring Petra

Here is a packing list if you are planning to explore Petra. This is not meant to be a comprehensive list. This is just a few ideas to help you get started:

• Hats and umbrellas for shade
• Light, loose-fitting clothing
• SPF 50 sun cream
• A water bottle with plenty of water
• A purse or wallet with plenty of cash
• Jordan Pass (where relevant)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Phone & camera

Can You Exit Petra and Then Re-Enter Later in the Day?

Is it possible to exit and then re-enter Petra in the same day? The answer is yes; this is possible. When you arrive, you will either need to buy tickets or present your Jordan Pass at the ticket office. The staff will then issue your tickets. There is a short walk to a ticket checkpoint. At this point, your ticket will be scanned, and you can enter the Petra archaeological Park. If you wish to leave the Petra archaeological park at some point in the day, you can just return to the ticket checkpoint and speak to the staff before you exit. Let them know that you plan to return in the same day.

If you have a reasonable amount of time at Petra, we actually recommend doing this. Arrive nice and early to enjoy the Treasury at the coolest and quietest time of the day. When things start to get busy and intense, you can exit Petra and find somewhere to cool off and rest. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes very close to the main entrance to the Petra archaeological Park. You could then return later in the afternoon when things are quieter again.

Opening Hours at Petra

• Open 6 am – 6 pm
• Site and ticket office open at 6 am
• Petra is open every day of the year, including public holidays.

What Is the Best Time of Day to Visit Petra?

Petra is open at 6:00 a.m. every day of the week. The best time to see Petra is between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. At this time, it is relatively cool, calm, and quiet. You will be able to get undisturbed photos of the Treasury. Locals may also be willing to offer you lower prices when it is quieter and less intense.

• 6 am – 7 am: Quiet, calm, and cool, plenty of empty shots, a few locals and guides around.
• 7 am – 8 am: More guides & animals, slightly busier. The light starts to move along the front of the Treasury.
• 8 am – 9 am: Area becomes hotter, busier, and more crowded. Plenty of guides and animals. The Treasury is often half in shadow (not great for photography).
• 10 am – 11 am: Intense, busy, and crowded. In summer, it is very hot. The Treasury is normally fully in sunlight by late morning. The area in front of the Treasury is also exposed.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Petra?

The best time to visit Petra in Jordan is during the spring and autumn months, specifically from March to May and from September to November. There are several reasons why these seasons are considered ideal for a Petra visit:

• Mild Weather: Spring and autumn offer pleasant, mild temperatures, making it much more comfortable for exploring the archaeological site. Summers in Jordan can be scorching, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C), while winters can be quite cold. Spring and autumn typically have daytime temperatures ranging from 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C), making outdoor activities more enjoyable.
• Avoiding Extreme Weather: Visiting during the summer months means dealing with intense heat, which can be exhausting and potentially dangerous. In winter, there’s a chance of rain, and while Petra can look beautiful in the rain, it might not be the best time for extensive exploration.
• Optimal Photography: The soft, warm lighting of spring and autumn enhances the beauty of Petra’s rose-red sandstone cliffs, creating perfect conditions for photography. The site’s colors come to life, and the lack of extreme heat or cold helps with equipment performance.
• Favorable Hiking Conditions: Many visitors explore Petra on foot, and the moderate temperatures during spring and autumn make hiking more enjoyable. Hiking to the Monastery or High Place of Sacrifice, for instance, is less demanding in these seasons.

However, it is also important to recognize that these months are the most busy and crowded, and prices may be a little higher during the peak season.

What Is Accessibility Like in Petra?

We already mentioned that there is quite a lot of walking to see the Treasury. The minimum walking distance is around 4 km if you plan to walk from the entrance to the Treasury and back. However, the accessibility is reasonably good. The route is suitable for prams and wheelchairs, and the path is well-paved all the way. If you are interested in seeing the cliff ledge viewpoints at Petra, then the accessibility is very limited. We do not recommend this with children, and it is not suitable for wheelchair users. At the main entrance, you can arrange a mobility Club Car to the Treasury. This costs 15 JOD one way (around £15 or $18) and 25 JOD two ways (around £25 or $30).

Is Petra a Religious Site?

Before you visit you may want to know whether Petra is a religious site . Petra is not considered to be a religious site in Jordan; however, it is a very significant site and very important to local Jordanians, so it is important to be respectful when you are visiting Petra. There are no religious ceremonies, acts of prayer, or worship at Petra. If you are visiting Petra, we recommend following similar cultural practices to other parts of Jordan. In Jordan, women should generally dress conservatively, although it is not a hard and fast rule. We do recommend keeping your knees and shoulders covered. There is no official dress code for visiting Petra; we recommend dressing appropriately for the weather conditions. It is also important to recognize that you are not allowed to enter the Treasury itself. This rule is in place to protect and preserve the Treasury.

Staying Safe at Petra

Don’t miss our full guide on Safe Travel in Jordan

Although Petra is one of the most important and significant attractions in Jordan, there are a few safety considerations that you need to be aware of. Firstly, the area immediately in front of the Treasury can get quite crowded, and there are lots of animals in this area. From time to time, the animals may gallop through this area, and this can pose a risk, especially if you are visiting with young children. There are also some semi-wild dogs in this area. These dogs can be quite aggressive and occasionally fight each other. Again, it is important to stay away from animals and supervise kids carefully in this area. Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE to Petra with kids AND also Things you need to know before you visit Petra with a baby

If you’re planning to visit one of the cliff ledge viewpoints, it is important to recognize that there are no safety rails either on the route to the ledge or at the ledge itself. Remember, your life is more important than your photograph, so always take care if you’re planning to visit these viewpoints.

Life loving, adventure chasing, Mum of 3 who loves travel. Over 10 years of travel writing experience. Emma now loves to give the best tips to help other travel loving parents plan adventures with their kids. Whether you need to find the best accommodation or just need to know how to pack your bag Emma is that travelling mum who love to help you.

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies
• Privacy Policy

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. More information about our Privacy Policy

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

More information about our Privacy Policy

Petra Jordan Travel Guide  – Petra Temples, Petra Hikes + Petra Tips

For most people, visiting Petra’s ancient rock-hewn city is the highlight of their Jordan itinerary. This monster Petra guide will help you get the most out of your visit to Petra. Learn about the best Petra temples and Petra hiking trails, check out the Petra map and read my top 15 tips to visit Petra, including how to avoid the dreaded crowds. Even better, I’ve included my Petra itinerary to show you how to see all of Petra’s highlights in just two days without rushing.

Petra has been on my bucket list since I first saw evocative images of the Treasury peeking out through the narrow siq entrance. I’ll admit that I had totally built Petra up in my mind, and was a little concerned that reality might not match my expectations. However, I wasn’t disappointed at all, not one iota. To the contrary, Petra actually exceeded my expectations.

I think this is down to two factors. Firstly, there’s oh so much more to Petra than the famed Petra Treasury and Monastery (as ah-mazing as they are). The Petra Archeological Park is absolutely littered with architectural gems from temples to tombs to theatres.

Secondly, Petra is a first rate hiking destination. The ancient city has surreal desert landscape and many trails off the main path including some climbs with spectacular views.  

We also really loved our Petra hotel, the Old Village Resort , which is kinda like staying in a luxe cave! See Tip 12 for more details.

Ahh … What is Petra? 

Petra was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom from around the 4th century BC. However, earthquakes in 363 and 551 AD largely destroyed the city. For centuries, Petra was lost to all but the local Bedouin tribes until being discovered by a British explorer in 1812.

As you’ll discover, Petra is remarkably well preserved. It’s full of architectural gems like the famed Treasury and Monastery, a Roman theatre, extravagant tombs, a colonnaded street, plus many temples and other structures.  

Petra Map and Information 

When you arrive at Petra, you’ll be given a good map (see photo below). The map shows the key sites and trails, along with walking distances, times and difficulty. The back of the map summarises the history of Petra and includes pictures and a short description of the key sites.

We also carried our handy Lonely Planet Jordan  travel guide around Jordan. Along with the map and signs around Petra, the Lonely Planet info was plenty for us. If you want a more detailed immersion in the history and sites of Petra, you can also join a tour or hire a guide. See Tip 8 below.

Best Petra Temples, Tombs and Buildings

We easily covered all of the Petra temples, tombs and structures below in two days in Petra. The sites below are roughly in the order they appear on the map above, although some are along side trails.

You’ll also pass a myriad of other rock hewn structures as you make your way through Petra, particularly if you venture off the Main Trail. It’s pretty spectacular how many ruins there are outside the famous Petra Treasury and Petra Monastery.

The Siq and the Petra Treasury – Al-Khazneh

The Siq is the 1.2km narrow canyon leading into Petra with soaring rock sides. Look out for rock carvings and structures as you walk through. I think it was only on our fourth trip through the Siq (you enter and exit through it) that we finally deciphered the camel caravan relief!

The Siq is rambling with tourists, horses and horse-drawn carriages. If you go outside peak hours (see Tip 5 below) you might just be lucky enough to have a section of Petra’s atmospheric entrance all to yourself.

The Siq opens into the dramatic entryway to the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), which is probably Petra’s most famous image. For me, it was just as spectacular as I imagined as the Treasury slowly materialised with iconic camels resting in front of it. Photographic evidence above!

The Treasury dates from around the 1st century BC. It’s a facade (a spectacular one at that) so you can’t enter the structure. (Despite what Indiana Jones may have led you to believe.)

You enter and exit Petra via the Siq and Treasury. Visit at a couple of different times of the day to enjoy the different shades of colour and light.

Petra Street of Facades

The Street of Facades is a row of Nabatean tombs carved into the rocks. You pass the Street of Facades as you venture further into Petra beyond the Treasury.

The Facades are not one of Petra’s most famous monuments, but were one of my favorite sites that I kept returning to marvel at. Understated, unique and unexpected. See Tip 3 below for a photo of the Street of Facades.

The High Place of Sacrifice

The High Place of Sacrifice was a religious site on a high mountain. The main reason to visit the High Place is for the sweeping views of the ancient city below. Be warned, there’s a steep climb to get there, but the reward is 100% worth the effort.

The Theatre

The Theatre is a Nabatean theatre along Petra’s Main Trail. At first blush, it may seem like other theatres you see around Jordan (like the Roman Theatre in Amman ), but there’s something pretty special about Petra’s Theatre. It’s the only theatre in the world that is carved into the rock, rather than built out by rock.

Royal Tombs

The Royal Tombs are four magnificent tombs just to the right of the Main Trail – Urn Tomb, Silk Tomb, Corinthian Tomb and Palace Tomb. Petra’s Royal Tombs are remarkably well preserved, and you can even go inside a couple of the rooms.

Colonnaded Street and the Great Temple

The Colonnaded Street is a street along the Main Trail lined by crumbling columns. It leads to the Great Temple which is one of the biggest monuments from the ancient city.

Believe it or not, the Great Temple was only uncovered in 1993, with excavations continuing for years after that. Makes you wonder what other architectural wonders are still hiding beneath Petra.

Petra Church

Petra Church is a small Byzantine church from around the 5th Century AD, and is only a few hundred metres off the Main Trail.

The Church is worth visiting for two reasons. Firstly, there’s some lovely mosaics on the Church floor. (If you like mosaics, don’t miss Madaba in Jordan.)

Secondly, ancient papyrus scrolls were uncovered in the Church, having been preserved after being carbonised in a fire. Petra Church was also discovered in modern times (1990s) and the scrolls are still being translated.

Petra Monastery – Ad-Deir

The Monastery (Ad-Deir) is Petra’s second most famous monument, and is surprisngly bigger than the Treasury at 48m high. As you may have guessed from its name, the Monastery was used for religious purposes by different religions throughout the century. Like the Treasury, the Monastery is a facade so you can’t enter it.

There’s a steep but not too long hike to get to the Monastery (see below). If you only do one walk off the Main Trail, this should be it.

Best Petra Hiking and Petra Trails

As you’ll see from the map above, Petra is lined with walking trails. As well as the Main Trail, you should aim to do the Monastery Trail plus at least one of the side trails for less crowds and epic views over Petra.

We walked the first four Petra trails below over our two days in Petra, which are the red, green, pink and orange trails on the map. There’s a few other trails on the main map of up to 10km each which I would love to have conquered if we had a couple more days in Petra.

If you love hiking, then I recommend that you also add Dana Biosphere Reserve to your Jordan Itinerary . We spent two nights hiking at Dana , and if there’s one thing I could change about our Jordan trip, it would have been to spend more time in Dana.

Petra Main Trail (Red Trail)

Distance and Difficulty:  The Petra Main Trail is 8km / 5 miles return from the Visitors Centre. Easy walk, largely flat. Allow 3 – 4 hours return, including time to see the sites along the way. If you are walking the length of the Main Trail without stopping, it will take roughly 1 hour from the Visitors Centre to the start of the Monastery Trail at a reasonable but not cracking pace. On our second day, it took us 30 minutes from the Visitors Centre to the Treasury and then 30-40 minutes from the Treasury to the start of the Monastery Trail.

Trail Description: Most people who visit Petra do the Main Trail and often the Monastery Trail (sometimes with the help of a donkey!). The Main Trail is your entryway to Petra. You’ll travel through the soaring Siq gorge, marvel at the Treasury, pass the Street of Facades, the Treatre, the Colonnaded Street and the Great Temple, and can take easy side trips to the Royal Tombs and the Church.

Petra Monastery Trail – Ad-Deir (Pink Trail)

Distance and Difficulty: The Petra Monastery Trail is 2.5km / 1.6 miles return from the end of the Petra Main Trail (4km in). Medium walk, steep with lots of stairs, but not too long (in my opinion, the Petra map says hard).  Allow 2 hours return from the start of the Petra Monastery Trail, or 2.5 – 3 hours if you walk a bit slower or want to linger at the Monastery. The one way uphill walk to the Monastery took us just over 40 minutes, including with two drinks breaks.

Trail Description: At the end of Petra’s Main Trail, you can continue on to the Ad-Deir (Monastery) Trail to see (obvs) the Monastery. The trail is steep and uphill, but there’s plenty of stalls along the way to stop for a drink or purchase a souvenir, and the distance isn’t too long. There’s also some great views along the way. 

Al Khubtha Trail (Green Trail)

Distance and Difficulty: The Al Khubtha Trail is 3.5km / 2.2 miles return. Medium to hard walk, some steep sections. Allow 2 – 3 hours return, including time to view the Royal Tombs and soak up the epic views of the Treasury below.

Trail Description: The Al Khubtha Trail is off the Main Trail to the right shortly after the Theatre. The trail goes past the Royal Tombs and then heads steeply uphill. Slightly hot and sweaty walking, but you’ll be well rewarded at the top with spectacular views over the Treasury below. It’s definitely worth buying a drink at the little ‘cafe’ at the top, so that you can cool off and take the  quintessential Petra photo (provided you’re not afraid of heights!). See Day 1 of our Petra Itinerary below.

High Place of Sacrifice Trail (Orange Trail)

Distance and Difficulty: The High Place of Sacrifice Trail is 3km / 1.9 miles one way. Hard walk, many steep sections. Allow 2 – 3.5 hours one way, including time to rest and view the sites, or longer if you are a slower walker. (Note: Petra map says allow 3.5 – 4 hours).

Trail Description: The High Place of Sacrifice Trail is a one way trail that bypasses much of the Main Trail and gives you the best broad views over the ancient city below. The trail starts shortly before the Theatre and ends near the start of the Monastery Trail. The High Place of Sacrifice Trail is one way so can be walked in either direction. Walk the Main Trail in the other direction.

Little Petra to Monastery

Distance:  8km / 5 miles one way. We visited Little Petra but did not have time for this hike, so I can’t comment on the difficulty.

Trail Description: The hike from Little Petra to the Monastery is often referred to as Petra ‘through the back door’. The hike starts from Little Petra which is around 15 minutes drive from Petra. After reaching the Monastery, you could then do the Main Trail in the opposite direction, and end at the Visitors Centre.

The Little Petra trail is a good option for those who want to do a one way walk and are not self-driving (as you’ll start and end in different places). Most people explore Petra from the Visitors Centre, which requires you to retrace the same bath pack. But, it is a spectacular path, and we were very happy to retrace it three times during our visit!

Jordan Trail – Dana to Petra Trek

Distance and Difficulty:  Epic 4 day hike over 70km. Hard to very hard.

Trail Description: The Jordan Trail is an epic cross-country hike from Um Qais in Jordan’s north to Aqaba in Jordan’s south. The full trail is over 600km and takes around 40 days. You can also do parts of the Jordan Trail. One of the most beautiful sections is said to be the Dana to Petra hike (or vice versa). At 70km and 4 days, this would be perfect if you want a longer and more challenging hike, and have a bit of time up your sleeve.

Top 15 Tips to Visit Petra Jordan  

1. best time to visit petra and petra weather.

Like most of Jordan, the best time to visit Petra for good weather is March to May (spring) followed October to November (autumn). However, surprise surprise, these are also the peak tourist seasons, in particular spring. We visited in October which was still hot during the day (but bearable even in the heat of the day) and fairly cool at night.

Summer (June to August) can get stifling hot, and winter (December to February) can be bitterly cold.

Like other parts of Jordan, Petra can be subject to flash flooding. Jordan experienced flash floods in November 2018 (the month after we visited). These floods resulted in casualties elsewhere in Jordan and the evacuation of thousands of tourists in Petra.

2. How to Get to Petra

Jordan’s a pretty compact country and is great for self-driving. (See my Jordan Travel Tips for more info.) Petra is very accessible from other places in Jordan that you are likely to visit. Petra is only 3 hours drive from Amman, 1.5 hours drive from Wadi Rum, 1 hour drive from Dana or 3 hours drive from the Dead Sea.

3. Getting Around Petra

Street of Facades

I recommend walking around Petra, as that’s a big part of the fun and experience. However, if you have mobility issues, are exhausted, or simply prefer not to walk, then there’s various animal-powered transportation options to get you around.

Ticket price includes a horse ride to and from the start of the Siq, although tipping is expected. You can also get a horse drawn carriage down the Siq, camel rides around the Main Trail, and donkey rides to pretty much anywhere, including up the steep tracks like the Monastery.

Treatment of the animals in Petra was mixed, and in some cases downright cruel. I personally was not comfortable with it (and besides, I love walking), but will leave you to make up your own mind. If you witness animal cruelty, take a note of the horse’s number or any other details and report it.

4. How Many Days in Petra?

I recommend that you allow two full days (and preferably 2 nights) to do Petra justice and avoid the temptation to rush. It is possible to see all of Petra’s highlights in two days at a comfortable pace if you enjoy walking. (See our 2 day Petra itinerary below).

However, you could easily spend three, four or even five days on your Petra tour if you wanted to walk more of the trails, take time to relax, or simply lurve architecture and ancient civilisations.

You can squeeze Petra into one day, but it will be a big day. If time’s tight, I would absolutely without a doubt spend just one day in Petra rather than missing it. I would not, however, recommend taking a day trip from Amman. At 3 hours drive each way, this is a little too ambitious in my book!

We spent two days in Petra and visited Little Petra on the third day. During this time, we walked the Main Trail, two side trails, the Monastery hike and did Petra by Night. (Around 35km hiking all up!)

We met some people who only had one night in Petra and managed to squeeze in the Main Trail, one side trail, the Monastery and Petra by Night. Phew! They did say that they were so exhausted from a long day walking that they didn’t really feel like heading back in for Petra by Night, which detracted from the experience.

5. How to Avoid the Crowds at Petra

There’s three main ways to avoid the crowds at Petra. Firstly, consider travelling outside the peak March to May period. The second peak season is October to November. If you really want to beat the crowds and can handle the heat, you could visit Petra in June or September.

Secondly, avoid arriving at Petra during the peak hours of 8am-10am. Most tours arrive at Petra at around 8am. Start your day at Petra either very early (opens from 6am, although may still be dark then) or in the early afternoon after the tours are dispersed inside Petra or have finished for the day.

Finally, hot step it off the Main Trail and explore some of the incredible hiking on the side trails above. In my opinion, this is the best way to avoid the crowds. Let’s face it, most people either don’t have time to explore the side trails or don’t have the fitness (or perhaps enthusiasm) required.

That said, Petra wasn’t actually as crowded as I expected. The crowds were nothing compared to (less impressive!) ancient ruins we’ve visited in Europe.

6. What to Wear in Petra  

Place of High Sacrifice Trail

Your Insta-pics might look magical if you’re wearing a long flowing dress. However, your feet and clothing will thank you if you go for something slightly more practical. I wore regular hiking clothes to Petra – leggings or shorts with a t-shirt and a scarf as a cover-up.

In other parts of Jordan I wore loose clothing and always had my knees and shoulders covered, but I felt pretty comfortable in Petra in shorts. Plus, the days get pretty hot, so I was happy to let my legs breath.

Hiking shoes with good tread are an absolute must if you want to explore Petra’s side trails. We hiked 35km over two days (after doing over 20km hiking in Dana). Even then I had sore little feets at the end.

While I may not have looked even remotely trendy, I was quietly patting myself on the back when I was confidently navigating the rocky terrain like a mountain goat (okay, more liked a less sure-footed slightly clumsy baby giraffe) and brushing the dust off my active wear.

7. Petra Entrance Fee

The Petra ticket is included in the Jordan Pass , which is well worth getting. If you don’t have the Jordan Pass, Petra is JD50/55/60 for a 1/2/3 day pass.

Petra by Night is an additional JD17, including if you have the Jordan Pass. You need a valid day ticket to visit Petra by Night, so make sure you also get to Petra for at least the afternoon to make it worth the money.

If you visit Petra on a day trip from the border (e.g. from Israel or off a cruise ship) and do not stay overnight in Jordan, you’ll need to fork out a hefty JD90 for your ticket.

8. Petra Tours and Guides  

We personally didn’t feel like we needed a guide for our Petra tour. It is very easy to find your way around and there’s plenty of information available. We were happy with the Petra Map that all visitors receive, the signposts around Petra, and the additional information in our Lonely Planet Jordan travel guide.

You can also download the new Visit Petra app which is filled with helpful info for your trip, and check out the Visitors Centre (13 below).

However, if you want a Petra tour guide, then it’s very easy. You have two options. Firstly, you can book a group tour in advance, either through your local accommodation or online through TripAdvisor or another provider. Secondly, you can hire a private guide. It’s easy to pick up a private guide at the entrance to Petra, or again you can book one in advance.

9. Food and Drink

You can either bring food and drink with you into Petra, or purchase everything you need in Petra. Petra is like a little village and is filled with stalls selling cool drinks and basic food, plus souvenirs and knick knacks like magnets, scarves and ornaments. You’ll need lots of water to avoid dehydration with the heat and long walks.

Since we were doing a lot of walking, we decided to only carry our initial supply of water to lighten our backpacks. If you’re on a budget, I recommend bringing a packed lunch, water and sports drinks. Water in Petra costs around 1JD and non-water drinks were usually 2JD, but up to 4JD in a couple of places – mainly the hilltop cafes with stunning views, where it’s totally worth buying a drink for the views.

We were regularly parched and downed a LOT of water and sports drinks (plus a little bit of fizz!). I estimate that we spent over $150 for two people over the two days on drinks and snacks.

10. What to Bring to Petra

You don’t need to bring anything special to visit Petra. Pack a small backpack with sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and a scarf to cover up, tissues and hand sanitizer, plus your phone or a good camera. I often travel with just an iPhone, but was very happy to lug my DSLR around for better photos.

See Tip 9 above for food and drink, and Tip 6 above for what to wear to Petra.

11. Petra Bathrooms

I’m happy to report that there’s several bathrooms and toilets throughout Petra. Most are kept very clean with western toilets.  We only encountered one rather manky eco-toilet near the Monastery. 

12. Where to Stay in Petra

Petra is in Wadi Musa town, and most people stay in Wadi Musa. Wadi Musa has plenty of hotel and restaurant options. There’s a wide range of hotels ranging from budget to mid-range to luxe. Wadi Musa accommodation is more expensive than other parts of Jordan. Hotel pricing is seasonal, and you may get some bargains in the off season.

Luxe Petra Hotels: Some hotels are right on the doorstep of the Petra Visitor Centre, like the Movenpick Resort Petra . Sadly, this was booked out when we visited.

We booked a little late (one month in advance for an October trip) and had slim pickings. We were luckily able to secure a room at Petra Old Village & Resort , which ended up being one of my favorite hotels of our trip. It was at the ‘fancier’ end of our accommodation options, and we loved the cave like rooms.

I was also pretty chuffed to have a comfortable haven to retreat to after long dusty days of hiking, especially as our previous 4 nights had been in camps. Petra Old Village is on the outskirts of Wadi Musa but is only a 5 minute drive to the Petra Visitors Centre.

If you want a hotel with dramatic views over the Petra valley, check out the Petra Marriott Hotel . This hotel is slightly out of town, but looks lovely.

Mid-Range Petra Hotels: I was originally looking for something a little cheaper (but not super budget). I did a lot of research and narrowed my options down, but sadly my first choices were already booked out. (Or not so sadly in the end since I loved Petra Old Village!)

I liked the look of Petra Bed and Breakfast , Petra Sella Hotel , My Home Hotel and Al Rashid Hotel . All of these hotels had good reviews (unlike many of the hotels that were left when I booked!) and were reasonably priced.

13. Petra Visitors Centre

The Petra Visitors Centre is at the entry of Petra. I recommend visiting for a brief overview of Petra’s fascinating history. We visited the Visitors Centre at the end of Day 2 which was great as we understood more about the history by then.

14. Petra Cave Bar

Our absolute favorite way to finish each day was with a drink and snack at the Cave Bar just outside Petra’s entrance. (They serve booze, whoop whoop!!) The Petra Cave Bar is the oldest bar in the world and is built into a 2000 year old Nabatean tomb. This makes it a pretty atmospheric place to have a drink!

The official Cave Bar opening time is 3pm. However, we were there shortly after 2pm one day and they served us drinks. The Cave Bar also serves food, so is a good spot for a late lunch or early dinner after a long day of hiking.

Drinks are slightly on the pricey side but alcohol is hard to come by in Jordan, and I woulda paid pretty much anything for a beer and mojito after an exhausting day in Petra. Visit from 3pm – 4pm to enjoy happy hour with 2-for-1 drinks.

15. Little Petra

Little Petra is a short 15 minute drive north from Petra. It’s worth stopping by for a gander if you have a spare hour or two on your way to or from Petra.

As the name suggests, Little Petra is a (much much!) smaller version of Petra. You enter via a mini-Siq, explore a couple of rock-hewn monuments, and can take a short walk to see views of the valley. (Perhaps not the ‘best views in the world’, but you’ll see this sign several places around Petra and Little Petra!).

It only took us around 45 minutes to explore Little Petra. The highlight was the painted ceiling inside one of the caves, known as the Painted House. The paintings were only discovered in the 1980s and made public in 2000s. The Little Petra painted ceiling is the only surviving Nabatean wall paining. The frescoe has intricate floral motifs and cupid like figures, and is in very good condition.

Petra Itinerary – Day 1

By now, you should be all across the main sites of Petra and have a good idea of how to make the most out of your Petra tour. Here’s how we put that all together in an awesome 2 day Petra itinerary.

Key Details 

Route and Key Sites:  In the afternoon, walk the start of the Main Trail (Siq, Treasury), followed by the Al Khubtha Trail (Royal Tombs and Treasury from above) and Petra Church (afternoon). In the evening, join Petra by Night .

Time Required: Took us 4 hours for the afternoon and 2 hours for Petra by Night. Allow longer if you’re a slower hiker or like to linger at temples.

Hiking Distance: Around 18km – 12km for the afternoon and 6km for the night.

Afternoon – Siq, Treasury, Royal Tombs, Al Khubtha Trail

Aim to arrive in Wadi Musa mid to late morning, so that you have time to settle into your accommodation before hitting up Petra. We arrived at 11:45am to avoid the throngs of tourists who descend upon the Treasury in the morning.

After uncovering the delights of the Siq and Treasury, we decided to focus our first afternoon on the Royal Tombs and the uphill Al-Khubtha Trail. At the top of the Al-Khubtha trail, you should absolutely fork out 2-3JD for a drink at the local cafe and perch on the edge of the cliff with AMAZING views over Petra.

I was a little shocked (in a good way!) to find that there were only two people at the cafe when we arrived, and we even had the place to ourselves for a bit. When we set out on the Al-Khubtha Trail, I wasn’t actually aware that it ended with Treasury views, so I was pretty wowed when we arrived.

Evening – Petra by Night

After 4 hours of walking in the heat, we had a drink at the Cave Bar and returned to our hotel to relax. We went back for Petra by Night.  Petra by Night runs every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday night from around 8:30pm to 10:30pm, and costs an additional JD17.

Petra by Night essentially involves walking the Siq lined by candles, and sitting outside the Treasury (also lined with candles) to watch the Petra by Night Show. While the official opening time is 8:30pm, we arrived at 8:10pm and walked straight in. This meant that the Siq was relatively quiet and we secured a good spot near the front of the Treasury.

Petra by Night gets very mixed reviews. It is very pretty and atmosphere with the Treasury lit up by candles and music playing . I’m glad we went, but for me it’s more a ‘nice to have’ rather than ‘wow’. You might get more out of the experience if you’re more ‘woo woo’ than me (as one of my friends would say) and into all that spiritual jazz.

It’s tricky to take photos that do it any justice (or in my case, even show the Treasury at all). Unless you’ve got the skills to pay the bills, I suggest just enjoying the serenity and atmosphere rather than getting frustrated with photos. We sat for an hour and soaked it all up, and then left early before the official show finished. Again, this mean that it was lovely walking through the Siq without the crowds.

Petra Itinerary – Day 2 

Key details.

Route and Key Sites:  Walk the full Main Trail (including round 2 of the Siq and Treasury, plus the Theatre, the Colonnaded Street and the Great Temple), followed by the Monastery Trail, returning via the High Place of Sacrifice Trail.  

Time Required:  Took us 7 hours at a reasonable pace with around 6 stops at cafes for drinks and snacks. Add longer if you want to have lunch in Petra, are a slower hiker, or like to linger at temples.

Hiking Distance: Around 17km. Exact distance varies depending on time walking around sites.

Morning – Main Trail and Monastery 

I recommend starting Petra Day 2 early. We arrived at the Visitors Centre at around 7am, so that there was some light as we walked through the Siq. We wanted to get to the Monastery before the crowds. Accordingly, we took a fairly direct route along the Main Trail to the start of the Monastery Trail. Along the way, we stopped at the sites we hadn’t seen on Day 1, including the Theatre and the Great Temple.

We started the Monastery Walk at 8:20am, and it took us just over 40 minutes including two drinks stops at little stalls. The walk itself is steep with many steps, but has beautiful views of the ancient city below to keep you going. The way people talk about it, I actually thought it would have been MUCH harder.

The Monastery itself is spectacular. Make sure you walk up the little hill behind the Monastery cafe to get the best views. We succeeded in beating the crowds! There were only a few people when we arrived at the Monastery around 9am.

If you’re an avid photographer, go in the afternoon for the best light. The Monastery was partly covered by shadows when we arrived. However, in my book, it was worth it to have the place virtually to ourselves.  

Midday and Early Afternoon – High Place of Sacrifice

After walking back down the Monastery Trail, we took the High Place of Sacrifice Trail. It’s a long and sometimes steep walk to the top, with some great rock hewn structures to see along the way. We did this walk in the heat of the day, so it was a little exhastipating.

However, I’m so glad we took this route as it’s a lovely hike and has the best views over the ancient city below. Another plus is that not too many people take this trail, or only do the steep uphill (from near the Theatre) rather than the full trail.

After the High Place of Sacrifice, I was well and truly ready for a rest. I was very grateful to rest my legs with a cold mojito and late lunch at the Cave Bar!

Phew, what a meaty post! I hope my Petra tour guide, tips and hiking trails advice helps you plan an epic once in a lifetime trip to Petra. (Rather than my approach of close to zero planning and figuring it out as I went along!) Enjoy!

This post contains affiliate links. That means that if you click on a link, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Like it? Pin it!

Share This Story: Use the Pin button above or share to your favorite platform below!

About the author: adventurous flashpacker.

Related Posts

Dana Jordan: Ultimate Guide to Hiking in the Stunning Dana Biosphere Reserve

How to Spend One Day in Amman Jordan – Self Guided Amman City Tour

Complete Jordan Itinerary: 10 Days in Incredible Jordan!

10 Best Places to Visit in Jordan – Ruins, Deserts, Beaches

Top 10 Jordan Travel Tips: What to Know Before You Go!

19 comments.

What a super handy guide to Petra! I’m going this March and am already super excited! I’m actually spending 3 days there – 2 days in Petra proper, and the first day I’m planning to do Little Petra and then do the back door hike to the Monastery. I was surprised to hear the cost of food and water at Petra. How much is a bottle of water once you’re in the site? Do they limit the size of backpack you can bring in? and, did you do Petra at Night? Would you recommend? thank you for sharing!

Thanks April! Glad you have three days there, it’s definitely worth staying for that amount of time, especially as the days can be long and exhausting. Yup, food and drinks are marked up, water I think was 1JD or so (although some places charge more, e.g. drinks usually more at the little cafes with amazing views) and we drank LOTS of it. I didn’t notice any limits on backpack size, we brought a regular sized day backpack and most people had backpacks with them – gets heavy if carry lots of water though. We did do Petra by Night … it gets really mixed reviews, but I’m glad we did it and would recommend it as it really is unique and pretty, if a little busy and touristy. We left before the light show started and it was lovely walking back through the siq without the crowds. Have fun!

Thank you! I have a 20L backpack that I use for nearly everything and didn’t know if Petra was like Machu Picchu where they limit the size of the pack. Good to know! I keep reading mixed reviews of Petra at Night but think I’ll give it a try anyways…I’m there, right? So why not. Thank you again for such a great, helpful guide!

Yup, you’ll be fine with a 20L backpack in Petra, that’s a pretty normal size day pack. I totally agree with you re Petra by Night – you might only visit once so I’d definitely go unless you’re on a really tight budget. Enjoy your trip!

The Royal Tombs and Monastery are gorgeous! Plus, I could definitely handle a drink at the cave bar after touring around. Sounds wonderfully authentic!

Gorgeous photos and such great info. I have been wanting to go FOREVER and need to make it happen soon. WIll definitely pin this for later:)

Thanks Cherene! Petra had been on my bucket list forever and I’m so glad we went, it was just as amazing as I hoped. Plus there’s so many other awesome sites to visit in Jordan!

Petra is an epic site, so it is no wonder this was epic ost lol. I am gutted I missed the cave bar when I was there, but then it was Ramadan so maybe it was closed. This was a great, thorough guide and it is making me want to go back!

I’m glad you loved Petra too! Epic is definitely the word to describe it. I did love the Cave Bar, nothing like a cold bevie in a unique bar after a long hot day’s hiking!

This is amazing! This is our bucket list trip for this year, and this has pretty much everything we need to know and have been wondering. Thank you so much for such a detailed post – saving this for when we go!

THanks Christine! Petra had been on my bucket list since forever, and it was one place that really exceeded my expectations – perhaps because I only really knew about the Treasury before I went and not all the other gems of Petra! Hope you get there this year and have an amazing trip.

This is such a fantastic guide on all the hikes! I’ve always wanted to get an idea of the different trails you could do in Petra to see the structures in the context of the broader landscape. This is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!

Thanks Margarita! Yes, Petra is wonderful for hiking. I hadn’t actually realised that until we were there and checked out the maps (shoulda done more planning!) so I’m glad we left enough time to conquer a couple of the best trails.

Hoping to go next year and this is a really helpful, comprehensive post. The itinerary is particularly useful. Thanks!

Glad it’s helpful! You’ll love Petra, such a magical place.

A very good explanation of the trails. Thank You We leave in 2 weeks for 3 weeks of hiking in Jordan. We have planned to stay in Little Petra at a camp but if I had read this earlier I would have stayed in Petra. We will manage getting back and forth I am certain.

Thanks! Little Petra is not too far away so you should be find going into Petra and will enjoy having somewhere to retreat to at the end of the day. Your trip sounds amazing – enjoy!

great article. Question: in winter the site is supposed to close at 16.00pm. Does this mean that by 16.00, everybody is outside and doors are closed. What if somebody is still at the Monastery at 15.30?

Great question! In winter, the Petra ticket booth closes at 4pm but the site itself doesn’t close until sunset, which gives you another hour or so in Petra depending on the month. Check the sunset time and make sure you leave the Monastery in time to make it back to the entrance by sunset, and perhaps take a torch just in case!

Leave A Comment Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

The ancient city of Petra is one of Jordan’s national treasures and by far its best-known tourist attraction. Petra is the legacy of the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people who settled in southern Jordan more than 2,300 years ago. Admired then for its refined culture, massive architecture and ingenious complex of dams and water channels, Petra is a UNESCO World Heritages Site, and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Inhabited by the Nabateans, Edomites and Romans, Petra brought together the knowledge and skill of these civilizations to create this world wonder. Caravans laden with incense, silks, spices and other exotic goods would rest at Petra.

Virtual Tour

as-Siq to al-Khaznah (the Treasury) Trail (main trail)

One of the most visited trails in Petra, starting from Petra’s Visitor Center, through as-Siq to al-Khaznah (the Treasury). While most tourists think that the trail ends at the ancient city’s main attraction, The Treasury, the main trail continues past the Siq, passing by the Royal Tombs, Colonnaded Street, and ends by Qasr al-Bint (the Daughter’s palace).

Duration: This depends on the pace of the tourist but can take up to an hour from the visitors’ center to the Treasury.  Level: Easy  Contact information/ how to book:  Tickets can be purchased at the Petra Visitors’ Center  Location

al-Khubtha Trail

This trail starts from the Visitors’ Center and takes you into the ancient city of Petra through as-Siq and past some magnificent monuments. This includes what is known as the ‘street of facades’, as well as a theater craved out of the rock, after which you will explore the intricately carved ‘royal tombs’, which include the Urn Tomb, Silk Tomb, Corinthian Tomb and Palac Tomb, before reaching al-Khubtha High Place and Cistern to enjoy the breathtaking view . The trail takes around 4 -5 hours to complete Difficulty: Hard Contact information/ how to book:  Please book a guide through the Petra Visitor’s Center  Location

Petra by Night

Visiting Petra during daylight is awe-inspiring; to experience it at night by the light of 1,800 candles is truly out-of-this-world! Walk through as-Siq to the Treasury following a candle-lit path and enjoy the soul-stirring music of the Bedouins at the Treasury. Tours start at 8.30pm and finish at 10.00pm every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Allow yourself plenty of time to walk through as-Siq - you don't want to miss the show!

Contact information/ how to book: Tickets can be purchased at the Visitors’ Center or through your hotel. Location

ad-Dayr main trail

This trail begins at the end of the Main Trail, from the museum inside Petra, which is located next to the Basin restaurant. It leads you northwards up ancient steps and after a short walk you reach the Lion Triclinium, which is set in a small side wadi on the left. Continue past this up the carved stairway to reach a hermitage with chambers excavated in the rock and decorated with many carved crosses. You then move on upwards to reach Ad-Dayr, which lies a short way beyond and offers a fantastic view over the area. This trail can be self-guided. Difficulty: Moderate Contact information/ how to book:  It is optional to book a guide through the Petra Visitors’ Center. Location

ad-Dayr back route

This trail takes you off the main track to reach Ad-Dayr, or the Monastery, via a back-road route. The trail begins at Kharrubat al-Fajjah, which is 50 meters west of the main road to al-Bayda, and ends at Ad-Dayr. The beginning of this trail is easy, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful landscape of the area and the mountain views overlooking Wadi Araba as you walk. It also takes you through an agricultural area. Donkeys can be used for the round trip, taking you from the starting point to the beginning of the steps that lead to Ad-Dayr and back again. From the visitor center you can go by car or bus to the beginning of this trail, which starts at a site that is just off the main road leading to al-Bayda. Duration: 4-5 hours Level: Hard Guided only Contact information/ how to book:  A guide can be booked through the Petra Visitors’ Center 

• Visit Jordan
• Welcome To Jordan
• Attractions in Jordan
• General Information
• Visa information
• Tourist Sites Entrance Fees

How do you rate the content of the page?

• Usefull Links
• Local communities satisfaction survey
• Social Media

Download Application

Contact information.

• Phone:   0096264603360
• Fax:   0096264648465
• 3th Circle -Jabal Amman
• Sunday to Thursday, from 8:30 to 3:30

This site is best viewed through a screen 768 ×1366

Supports microsoft internet explorer 10+, google chrome, firefox, safari, software required for browsing: adobe reader, site visits number: 4349828, last update: 2024/04/29, please call 06-55008080 or email [email protected] to report any technical problem.

Privacy policy Terms of use Evacuation responsibilaty Copyrights All Rights Reserved © 2024 Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship

Powered By Echo Technology

Under Maintenance

20 Essential Things To Know Before Visiting Petra In Jordan

Posted on Last updated: May 13, 2020

Petra in Jordan has become an increasingly popular tourist destination. It was the filming set for a number of famous movies, amongst which Indiana Jones, The Mummy Returns and Transformers.

However when you say Petra a lot of people, myself included, only think of the façade of the Treasury built into the orange canyon walls, since it’s what you see most often on social media.

There is actually so much more to visiting Petra than just the Treasury, waiting to be discovered.

If you’re planning a visit to Petra you probably have a lot of questions. This guide will cover all the essential things you need to know and my own personal top tips on visiting Petra like a pro.

• 1.1 What is Petra?
• 1.2 How do I get to Petra?
• 1.3 How much does entrance at Petra cost?
• 1.4 What are the Petra opening times?
• 1.5 What should I wear in Petra?
• 1.6 Are there places to eat and drink inside Petra?
• 1.7 Are there toilets inside Petra?
• 1.8 How much time do I need if I’m visiting Petra for the first time?
• 1.9 How much walking will I have to do to visit Petra?
• 1.10 Can I see everything in Petra without walking?
• 1.11 Is Petra safe?
• 2.1 Buy the Jordan Pass
• 2.2 Get to Petra from the “backdoor”
• 2.3 Be there early
• 2.4.1 The Siq
• 2.4.2 Al-Kazneh (the Treasury)
• 2.4.3 The Theatre
• 2.4.4 Royal Tombs
• 2.4.5 Colonnade Street
• 2.4.6 Monastery
• 2.4.7 High Place of Sacrifice
• 2.5 Bring water and snacks with you
• 2.6 Discover this secret viewpoint over the Monastery
• 2.7 See the Treasury from above
• 2.8 Don’t get a guide at the Visitor Centre
• 2.9 Visit Petra by Night
• 3 Where to stay in Petra

View over the Treasury, the most famous site in Petra, Jordan

Essential questions about visiting Petra answered

Before we jump into my top tips for visiting Petra like a pro, I figured we should cover some basic information about Petra itself and answer the biggest questions I know you’re dying to ask (because they’re the same ones I had before visiting Petra).

What is Petra?

Let’s start with the very basics; what exactly is Petra? Petra is a huge archaeological site in Jordan, it’s one of the seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It’s kind of a big deal. It was established in 312BC as the capital city of the Nabataeans, Arab people who inhabited the area, until 100AD Romans invaded it and took over Petra.

In the 12 th Century it was abandoned and left to the local people. Petra remained unknown to the western world until 1812 when the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt found it.

It then became known as the “Lost City of Petra”. It is also known as the Rose City because of the colour of the stones in which it is carved.

The Treasury of Petra, Jordan

How do I get to Petra?

Now that you know what Petra is, you’re probably wondering where it is and how you can reach it. First things first, you need to get to Jordan.

The easiest way to get to Jordan is to fly into Amman. If you’re coming from Europe there has recently been an increase in low cost flights (I flew from Milan in Italy with Ryanair for 80 GBP return)!

The Monastery of Petra, Jordan

Petra is located 230km south of Amman, roughly a 3-hour drive away. The easiest way to get to Petra from Amman is to rent a car and drive.

You can also hire a driver at the airport but it will obviously be more expensive. You can take a JETT bus from Amman to Wadi Musa but public transport in Jordan overall is very limited, I wouldn’t recommend this.

Alternatively you can book a tour beforehand to take you to Petra and other main landmarks in Jordan.  

A local kid riding a camel in Petra, Jordan

How much does entrance at Petra cost?

As of December 2018 entrance at Petra for tourists costs 50 JOD for one-day access, 55 JOD for two days and 60 JOD for three days. Tickets to Petra by Night cost 17 JOD and aren’t included in the standard entry ticket.

What are the Petra opening times?

The opening and closing times of Petra vary depending on the time of year. The Visitor Centre is open every day from 6AM to 6PM in summer and from 6AM to 4PM in winter.

The Visitor Centre is where you buy tickets, find a guide, pick up a map, buy snacks and souvenirs. Instructions at the front gate say you need to leave the site by 7PM in summer and 5PM in winter.

The trail that leads up to the Monastery of Petra

What should I wear in Petra?

There is no official dress code for Petra. It’s a historical site but not a religious one that will require you to cover up shoulders, head or legs.

Just make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes and clothes you will be happy to walk in for a long period of time.

I was there in December and was fine in long loose trousers and a t-shirt during the day, in the morning and when the sun went down it’s cooler and you will need a hoodie.

The weather wasn’t the best when I was visiting but if you’re planning on visiting in spring or summer make sure to bring sunscreen too!

Admiring the Treasury of Petra, Jordan

Are there places to eat and drink inside Petra?

Yes there are a lot of coffee shops and restaurants at the Visitor Centre and then more stalls throughout the site.

They’re all marked on the map of Petra but they’re not very regular, so make sure to bring some water and snacks with you, especially if you’re visiting Petra with kids .

One of the souvenir stalls in Petra

Are there toilets inside Petra?

Yes. There are toilets at the Visitor Centre when you arrive and then more throughout the site. They’re not very regular though so make sure to check their location on the site map.

Some are the chemical ones you find at festivals but there were also some very nice ones built in the rock by the Royal Tombs.

Canyon views over Petra from the top of the 800 steps that lead to the Monastery

How much time do I need if I’m visiting Petra for the first time?

It really depends on your level of interest in historical sites. I slept two nights in Wadi Musa (the town closest to Petra) and spent one evening at Petra by Night and a whole day visiting Petra and found it to be enough for me.

If you want to take your time exploring all the sites and viewpoints without rushing through all the hikes you should consider purchasing the 2-day Petra pass.

Admiring the Monastery of Petra

How much walking will I have to do to visit Petra?

The archaeological site of Petra is pretty massive; it covers 60 square kilometres with differences in terrain and elevation.

To walk from the Visitor Centre all the way to the Monastery (the “end” of the site) will take roughly 2 hours at a reasonable pace.

If you take into account the detours you will most likely take to go up to the viewpoints or to see some of the main sights and the 2 hours it will take to walk back to the exit, it will add up to a lot of walking.

I spent one day visiting Petra and walked a total 20km and 131 floors.

Simplified map of Petra in Jordan by On The Luce

Can I see everything in Petra without walking?

Almost everything. Inside Petra you will find numerous locals offering you a ride on a donkey, camel or in a carriage. If you don’t want to walk you can get to most places in the site with a bit of 4-legged support.

The price for these “Bedouin Ferraris”, as the guides will call them, varies depending on the animal and how well you can haggle.

Your ticket to Petra actually includes a ride in a horse carriage, but the owners will ask you for expensive tips, so make sure to agree on the price beforehand.

It will cost you around 20 JOD to get a horse and carriage from the entry to the Treasury and around 5 JOD to get a mule from the Colonnade Street up to the Monastery.

Some spots such as the viewpoints over the Treasury or inside the Royal Tombs you will have to walk to.

Tourists using donkeys to go up to the Monastery of Petra

Is Petra safe?

When I told my mum I was going to travel to Jordan she got really nervous and started stressing saying it was a dangerous destination (although for an anxious Italian mum, everywhere is too dangerous).

So I did some research and found all sorts of articles online proving that Jordan is actually a very safe country.

It’s often perceived as a dangerous destination due to its location in the Middle East, neighbouring Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Israel. I personally never felt unsafe, in Petra or anywhere else in Jordan.

My experience is obviously limited to a 1-week holiday; if you want to read more about safety and travelling solo in Jordan, check out these articles by more seasoned Jordan travellers: Carpe Diem Our Way and Divergent Travellers .

One of the Royal Tombs in Petra and the souvenir stalls below it

One thing to note for female travellers is to always be wary of the guys that approach you saying they are guides.

It didn’t happen to me personally but I read about solo female travellers being approached by local guides offering them tea or dinner in a Bedouin cave, and then being either sexually assaulted or robbed.

During Petra by Night I distanced myself from the crowd a bit as I wanted to take photos of the Treasury and night sky and some local men did approach me with similar offers.

I politely declined and they left me alone without further pressing.

Like anywhere else you travel to always be careful and listen to your gut instinct, try to never put yourself in a position where you are alone with a man you don’t fully trust.

Glimpses of the Treasury of Petra from the Siq

My 10 top tips for visiting Petra like a pro

Having answered all your burning questions about visiting Petra (I hope!) it’s now time to jump into my 10 essential tips that will make your visit to Petra smoother and more enjoyable.

Buy the Jordan Pass

The Jordan Pass is an initiative by the Jordanian government to improve the tourist experience in Jordan.

There are different types of passes but generally speaking it will cover your tourist visa to Jordan and entry to a number of attractions throughout the country.

Petra is one of those attractions. I purchased the Jordan Wanderer for 70 JOD, which includes a 1-day entry to Petra.

If you think that 1-day entry to Petra would be 50 JOD and the tourist visa is 40 JOD (as of December 2018), you’ve already made your money back just with those two expenses.

If you’re planning on visiting other attractions in Jordan such as Jerash, the Amman acropolis or Roman theatre, and Wadi Rum, those will also be covered. You can buy your Jordan Pass  here .

| READ MORE: JORDAN PASS REVIEWED – IS IT WORTH IT? |

Part of the Colonnadet in Petra, Jordan

Get to Petra from the “backdoor”

If you want to have a truly unique experience in Petra, don’t start your day at the Visitor Centre like everyone else. Instead, why don’t you reach Petra from the backdoor?

This is a 10 km hike that starts in Little Petra and after 2 hours of stunning canyons and viewpoints will bring you to the Monastery of Petra, where most people usually finish their Petra tours.

Hiking to Petra from the “backdoor” from Little Petra

Enjoying the views on the hike from Little Petra to Petra

I can highly recommend this experience for three main reasons. The first one is that the hike itself is incredible.

There are some changes in elevation but the terrain is usually well paved and I would describe the overall difficulty level of the hike as moderate.

The natural landscapes of the rocks and canyons were to me almost as beautiful as the archaeological site of Petra itself.

The second reason is that you will reach the Monastery early in the day, when most people are still making their way from the standard route from the Visitor Centre and you will get it mostly to yourself.

Lastly the standard path that takes to the Monastery is composed by 820 steps, which you will now get to walk down and not up!

Mountain views on the hike from Little Petra to Petra

The hike however isn’t well marked, I wouldn’t recommend doing it without a guide as it would be very hard to tell which way you need to go.

You will need to book a guide beforehand since Little Petra doesn’t have a Visitor Centre like Petra, with guides just sitting around waiting for tourists.

If you’re interested message me and I’ll share with you the contact of our guide (he doesn’t have a website, doesn’t seem right to just list his phone number online, privacy and all that).

Be there early

I get it that not everyone wants to start a visit to a 60 square kilometres archaeological site with a 2-hour hike to reach the site itself.

If you choose to go via the standard route, make sure to get there early! All the big tours don’t get there till later in the morning so if you can be there as soon as it opens you will be able to enjoy the Siq and Treasury all to yourself.

Up close to one of the Royal Tombs in Petra, Jordan

What to see in Petra

Before visiting Petra all I knew about it was the Treasury. There is actually so much more to Petra than just the beautiful Treasury facade.

As I’ve already mentioned Petra is a 60 squared kilometres site, with numerous attractions in it. So how do you know what you should go see in Petra? Here I cover the main sites that you should see when you’re visiting Petra.

This is a 1.2km long canyon that starts just after the Visitor Centre and leads all the way to the Treasury.

It’s considered the entrance to Petra and walking through the towering pink and orange stones, to find the Treasury opening up in front of you is a truly magical start to your Petra visit.

Walking along the Siq; the entrance to Petra

The first glimpse of the Treasury from the Siq

Al-Kazneh (the Treasury)

This is the most famous attraction in Petra. It’s a 40m tall, symmetrical building carved directly into the rock face with detailed ornaments.

The name is actually misleading, as this wasn’t a treasury but a tomb for a Nabatean king. In the past tomb raiders that were searching for treasures tried sacking also the Petra Treasury, without much luck.

If you look closely you can still see bullet holes in the rock where they attacked it with machine guns, trying to trigger traps before they entered. As of December 2018 you can’t go inside the Treasury.

Admiring the beauty of the Treasury in Petra, Jordan

The Theatre

As you walk on from the Treasury the next main sight that will appear soon on your left is the theatre. With over 8,000 seats, it’s hard to miss.

The theatre in Petra, Jordan

Royal Tombs

These are just after the theatre on the right, and have elaborate facades carved into the rock similarly to the Treasury. There are four of them one next to the other, a sight that for me was almost as impressive as the Treasury!

However these suffered flood damage over the centuries and some of their facades aren’t as well kept, possibly part of the reason they are not as famous online as their neighbours.

There are steps that lead up to them and you can actually visit the inside of these tombs. Both in the area just below the Royal Tombs and even under some of the arches you will find souvenir stalls.

The four Royal Tombs in Petra seen from a distance

One of the Royal Tombs in Petra, Jordan

Inside one of the Royal Tombs in Petra, Jordan

Colonnade Street

The Colonnade is a street that runs through the centre of Petra, with columns on each side, as the name suggests.

The Colonnade street is mostly in ruins, due to the frequent flash floods that took place over the past thousands of years, and there are un-excavated sites on either side.

The Colonnade in Petra, Jordan

The Colonnade in Petra with the Royal Tombs in the background

Part of the Colonnade in Petra, Jordan

The Monastery is the attraction furthest away from the Visitor Centre. The standard route to reach it from the Colonnade includes 820 steps going up.

Reaching it will be quite the challenge but it’s well worth it! The Monastery is 50m high and has an extremely well preserved facade built into the rock, similar to that of the Treasury.

The name is once again misleading, it’s named the Monastery because of crosses carved inside the main chamber, which are believed to have been added later in the Byzantine era.

Originally, it is thought to have been a temple. Just across from the Monastery there is a tea shop with tents where you can relax in the shade after the tough hike up.

High Place of Sacrifice

The High Place of Sacrifice, as the name suggests, is the location in Petra where they used to carry out sacrifices. These almost certainly entailed libations, animal sacrifices and smoking of frankincense.

It is unclear whether they included human sacrifices too. The walk up to the Sacrifice takes around 45 minutes, but is very steep.

The trail is well marked but there are no railings, so it might not be the best hike if you aren’t confident on your feet or suffer of vertigo.

Once you reach the top you will be rewarded with sweeping views over the mountains, rocks and monuments of Petra.

I didn’t make it to the High Place of Sacrifice as I was short on time and after walking 20km in one day, I was pretty knackered as it was.

Views over Petra from the Royal Tombs

Canyon views in Petra, Jordan

Bring water and snacks with you

I know I said there will be stalls and coffee shops inside Petra, however you might find yourself walking for a while before you find one.

I personally find it much easier to just bring my own water and snacks so that if I get suddenly hungry or thirsty I have supplies with me and don’t have to search for a shop.

Small caves in Petra, Jordan

Discover this secret viewpoint over the Monastery

Once you reach the Monastery you will see signs pointing to a big rock a little way away and describing it as “Top of the world: best view in Petra”.

While the view from that spot is pretty good, there is another one that is much better.

If you’re standing with the Monastery at your back and you’re facing the rock that is advertised as the best view in Petra you need to look at the big rock on your left, behind the Bedouin tents.

Once you get closer to it you will find a trail and some steps that will take you to the viewpoint. There is some climbing involved but it’s fairly easy and won’t take you more than five minutes.

I personally like this view better as it’s closer to the Monastery and there is less stuff in the way of the view.

The best view over the Monastery of Petra, Jordan

See the Treasury from above

If you’ve seen photos of Petra on social media you’ve probably seen the photos of the Treasury from above. These all look very similar but are also slightly different every time.

The reason for this being that there are THREE main viewpoints that will allow you to get that Instagram-worthy shot of the Treasury from above.

The moment you reach the Treasury from the Siq local guides will come to you, show you photos of the viewpoints and offer to take you there for a small fee.

To convince you to hire them they will tell you that it is now forbidden to climb to the viewpoints without a guide. I was in a group with four other girls and we negotiated for a guide to take us to two viewpoints for 5 JOD each.

Our guide was committed to taking the perfect Instagram shot for us

If you’re looking at the Treasury the first and easiest viewpoint to reach is on the right. It will only take about 5-10 minutes to reach it however there isn’t really a marked trail, you will have to do some climbing over the rocks to reach it.

This is where your guide will step in and help you climb to the viewpoint. The viewpoint itself is a small rock plateau without much else.

This was my personal favourite because it’s not as high, and it allows you to get nice photos at the same level as the Treasury.

The first viewpoint above the Treasury of Petra, Jordan

The second viewpoint is on the left and a bit harder to reach, about a 15-20 minute hike. While some of it is well treaded or with steps there is a lot of climbing over rocks also here.

You will find a small Bedouin tent at the top of this viewpoint, where they sell tea and offer some shade after the hike. If you don’t purchase anything they ask that you make a 1 JOD donation for the taking a photo up there.

A cup of tea costs 1 JOD so you might as well get some tea.

The guides will offer to take that famous shot from above for you and you should let them, there is more climbing involved to take the perfect shot and to be honest, it looked pretty dangerous.

The second viewpoint over the Treasury of Petra

The third viewpoint is the toughest to reach but does not require a guide. It starts from behind the Royal Tombs and takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, with most of the trail being up steep steps.

I didn’t go to this viewpoint as it would have taken too long to get there and it’s very similar to the other two. It’s similar to the first viewpoint, just higher.

It’s also similar to the second viewpoint since it’s at the same height, just from the other side. It’s up to you whether you want to pay for a guide and do a shorter hike to the first two viewpoints, or do a longer hike solo.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BphiWvHlYHO/

Don’t get a guide at the Visitor Centre

I’m not saying you shouldn’t get a guide at all, quite the opposite. Compared to other historical attractions around the world in Petra there is a bit of a lack of explanations on site.

Most of the sites will have a sign somewhere in their proximity (if you can find it!) telling you a little bit about what it is, but we found they didn’t really go into a lot of detail and we were having to read more about it in our Lonely Planet Jordan guide or online.

I do recommend getting a guide in Petra, just not at the Visitor Centre, since these will have fixed prices and only take you to the standard tourist spots.

Wait till you reach the Treasury and here you will find guides willing to take you to the viewpoints over the Treasury, to the High Place of Sacrifice or anywhere else you want to go. You will also be able to haggle more on the price.

Walking through the canyons of Petra, Jordan

Visit Petra by Night

Petra by Night is a light show that is on every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday night from 20:30 to 22:30. They light the walk from the Visitor Centre, all along the Siq and up to the Treasury with 1,500 candles.

During the evening there is a live fiddle player, complimentary tea being served around and a short story telling session at the end. Entry to Petra by Night isn’t included in your day entry to Petra and costs an additional 17 JOD.

It’s a great opportunity to see Petra in a different light (literally and metaphorically) and with not quite as many people around.

Despite the lights from the candles you will still be able to see a lot of stars, which for me is always a magical experience.

Petra by Night

Where to stay in Petra

Wadi Musa is a town that has grown around Petra. It’s fairly small with only a couple main streets, but there are a number of hotels for every budget range.

One thing to note is that we couldn’t find any alcohol in any of the shops or restaurants in Wadi Musa, we were told only the big 5-star hotels serve it.

I didn’t mind it but if it’s something you think might impact your trip you might want to consider staying in one of the big hotel chains.

I personally stayed at the Peace Way Hotel . It’s reasonably priced, serves a good breakfast and is a short 5-minute drive away from the Petra Visitor Centre.

If you want something a bit more luxurious, closer to Petra and that will serve alcohol, the Movenpick or Marriott are your best bets.

If you want to have a completely different experience you could also stay in a Bedouin tent, for example at the Seven Wonders Bedouin Camp (or save the bedouin experience for when you do a Wadi Rum overnight tour )!

Check the latest accommodation prices and availability in Petra

“Bedouin ferraris” as the local guides refer to the donkeys in Petra, Jordan

Final thoughts on visiting Petra

Have you been to Petra before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

Visiting Petra was an incredible experience for me; the stunning natural beauty of the location combined to its rich history really makes it one of the most interesting places I’ve visited recently.

I wanted to put together this guide since before actually visiting Petra, I knew very little about it other than photos of the Treasury I had seen online. I hope you will find this guide useful in planning you own visit to Petra.

Enjoyed reading my 20 essential tips for visiting Petra? Pin it!

Putri Nuraini

Tuesday 28th of May 2019

thank you so much for this. really helpful - wanted to go there next year so have time to prepare. I was wondering how do you find a way to back door to entering petra. do I need guide - or I can do it myself ?

thank you:)

Hi Putri, thanks for the comment, glad you found it useful! I would personally recommend doing it with a guide, the trail isn't marked at all and it's quite hard to find if you don't know where to look. You might come across other groups doing the hike that you can tag along with but it's not a guarantee. Easier and safer to have a guide show you the route :) Safe travels, you will love Jordan!

carolyn schwartz

Tuesday 21st of May 2019

I am studying now before my trip mid June I found this VERY helpful I would add, from other sites, that the animals used to transport humans are often hit and scared. I would not recommend people use them, for as we are the tourists - if we stop using them for this reason perhaps treatment will improve. I have read a lot on this subject by National Geographic.

Monday 27th of May 2019

Hello, glad you found it useful! I couldn't agree more, like all forms of animal tourism I don't blame the locals using what resources they have to make a living, as long as there is a tourist demand it won't stop. Change needs to start from us. But I can also appreciate someone wanting to see all of Petra but not feeling up to the challenge of hiking everywhere in the Jordanian heat. It's a fine balance. I didn't witness any abuse on the animals while there but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen. Hope you have an amazing time in Petra, Jordan is so beautiful! Safe travels :)

Björn Ljunggren

Sunday 3rd of March 2019

Going to Jordan soon and this has been very helpful. Is it possible to get to The first viewpoint of the Treasury without a guide and is it hard to find?

Tuesday 5th of March 2019

Hi! Yes the first viewpoint is easy to reach and we did see people there without a guide, but there's a bit of climbing over rocks required that I personally wouldn't have felt comfortable doing it without someone showing me where to go. Hope this helps :)

Carolina Cervantes

Saturday 26th of January 2019

i appreciate the details on the various photo spots for the treasury, thank you!

Sunday 27th of January 2019

No problem, glad you found it useful! :)

• International

April 23, 2024 - Israel-Hamas war

By Sana Noor Haq, Christian Edwards, Tori B. Powell and Aditi Sangal, CNN

Our live coverage of Israel's war on Hamas in Gaza has moved  here .

US Senate passes $95 billion package that includes aid for Israel and other countries after months of delay

From CNN's Kristin Wilson and Sam Fossum

The US Senate passed, with wide bipartisan support, a $95 billion foreign aid package Tuesday night which includes aid for countries including Israel.

The legislation ties together four bills that the House voted on separately in a rare Saturday session, providing over $26 billion for Israel, nearly $61 billion in aid for Ukraine and more than $8 billion for the Indo-Pacific. 

The final vote was 79-18. Fifteen Republicans voted with three Democrats against the bill, while 48 Democrats and 31 Republicans voted for the bill.

It will now be sent to be signed by President Joe Biden, who applauded the package's passage on Tuesday and said that he will sign the legislation on Wednesday.

“This critical legislation will make our nation and world more secure as we support our friends who are defending themselves against terrorists like Hamas and tyrants like Putin,” Biden said in a written statement.

The death toll in Gaza continues to rise. Here's what you should know

From CNN staff

Israeli military operations in Gaza have killed at least 34,183 people after 200 days of war, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

The Government Media Office in Gaza said that, over the past 200 days, 14,778 children  had been killed  – as had 9,752 women. The Media Office also said that 17,000 children in Gaza had lost one or both parents.

Here are other headlines you should know:

• Developments on the ground: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a warning to people in parts of the area of Beit Lahia in northern Gaza to evacuate and relocate to shelters in other parts of the enclave. The Israeli military and journalists in Gaza reported extensive strikes overnight in several parts of the territory. Also, Israeli air strikes demolished the top three floors of the Al-Sahaba building in Gaza City, in the northern part of the enclave, Monday. The IDF also said it had “ successfully intercepted two suspicious aerial targets off the northern coast.” Elsewhere, Abu Obaida, the spokesperson of the Hamas military wing Al Qassam Brigades, urged continued attacks on Israel in his first video message in more than six weeks on Tuesday, marking 200 days of the Israel-Hamas war.
• More bodies found at Khan Younis hospital: Emergency workers on Tuesday recovered at least 35 more bodies from a mass grave within the  Nasser medical complex , in southern Gaza, after Israeli forces withdrew from the neighborhood earlier this month. The total number of bodies found increased to 310, Col. Yamen Abu Suleiman, the director of Civil Defense in Khan Younis, told CNN, adding that operations are ongoing.
• Latest out of Lebanon: The Israeli military says it killed two members of the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah, in southern Lebanon. In the the southern village of Hanine in Lebanon, an Israeli airstrike targeted a house that killed at least two people and injuring six others, according to state-run media NNA.
• Iranian threats: An Israeli attack on Iranian territory would have serious consequences and result in there being "nothing left" of Israel, Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi said Tuesday, according to reporting from Iranian state news agency IRNA reported. The warning came after Israel on Friday carried out a military strike inside Iran, a US official told CNN, although Israel has not officially claimed the attack.
• Humanitarian crisis: More than 270,000 tons of solid waste across the entire Gaza Strip remain uncollected, the UN's agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) said Tuesday, as Israel's military campaign has disrupted essential services in the enclave. The agency also reported that more than 75% of the entire population across Gaza has been displaced as of April 21, that relief operations there have been “severely restricted” by Israeli authorities and that the health system in the enclave has been crushed. 
• Humanitarian aid: Jordan  has conducted an airdrop of humanitarian and relief aid into Gaza on Tuesday, according to Jordanian state news agency Petra. Also, US military vessels are in the Mediterranean region and “standing by” and prepared to begin construction on the temporary pier off the coast of Gaza when given the order to do so, Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said Tuesday. 

"200 days of war, it feels like 200 years." Palestinian children mourn lost dreams

From CNN’s Mohammad Al Sawalhi, Abeer Salman and Sana Noor Haq 

Young children wearing sandals pucker their faces under the Gazan sun. Others drift barefoot across the courtyard of a sprawling school in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza.

CNN footage shows clothes on washing lines and dusty plastic tents fluttering in the wind. 

“Our lives are full of suffering, no drinking water, no livable place to stay,” says Mohammad Shabat, a displaced Palestinian. “There is no health, no education. How will these children live? How will they study? We had COVID, now we have war. We are mentally exhausted.  “I am 60 years old, I lived through wars before, but we never lived through this oppression.” 

Palestinians described months of forced displacement as they waited anxiously for news from relatives separated across the enclave, with no relief from Israeli strikes. 

Rahaf Shabbat, a young student who was forced to flee from Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza, told CNN she was heartbroken when the war disrupted her school year. “Today marks 200 days of war, it feels like 200 years... of fear and horror, rockets, martyrs, and deaths,” she said. 

Another Palestinian child, Rama Shabat, says she has not seen her loved ones for seven months. “We lost our dreams and our childhood. We miss our loved ones in the north,” Rama told CNN, as she broke down into tears.  

Hala Abdan, a lawyer, said her 20-year-old son’s left foot was amputated after he was injured by a drone strike in December. “I struggle to provide him anything, just like all the Palestinian people,” she said. “It has been 200 days full of suffering that one can barely bear... 200 days of catastrophe.” 

2 people killed in Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon, state media says

From CNN’s Ruba Alhenawi

An Israeli airstrike on the southern village of Hanine in Lebanon targeted a house, killing at least two people and injuring six others, according to state-run media NNA.

A woman and her 11-year-old niece were killed and at least six others were wounded ,  NNA reported. 

The incident happened on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. local time when the two-story house of Ahmad Ali Khashakesh in Hanine was struck with two rockets, according to NNA .

CNN reached out to the Israel Defense Forces for comment on the incident.  

Earlier Tuesday ,  the IDF announced that fighter jets struck Hezbollah military positions in the area of Markaba in southern Lebanon. Also on Tuesday, the IDF said it had “successfully intercepted two suspicious aerial targets off the northern coast.”

"They erased our memories": Palestinians on 200 days of Israel's war on Hamas

From CNN’s Ibrahim Dahman and Sana Noor Haq 

Nirmine Moussa said her children will never get used to the sound of Israeli strikes raining down on Gaza. The Palestinian mother was left homeless after her house in the north was destroyed in the early days of the war.  

“They erased our memories,” said Moussa, who is displaced in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza. “My children are not used to the sound of bombardment every second of the day. They live in a nightmare forever, after the IDF destroyed their dreams and their future, by destroying their schools and killing their friends.” 

After 200 days since Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza, Palestinians who spoke to CNN by phone say they feel exhausted by a war that has wiped out families and turned once-lively neighborhoods into rubble-filled wastelands.  

“Have I even survived without my father, without my house, without everything?” said Maram Faraj, 26, a writer displaced in the coastal town of Al-Mawasi. “Will I be the next genocide victim? If so, will my family be able to identify my body?” 

Raed Redwan, who is in the southern city of Rafah, said he is homeless and afraid. The teacher and academic said he has been living on the streets for more than six months, with no access to electricity or running water.  

“After 200 days of genocide in Gaza, I still ask why this happened? Who is responsible for continuous war in Gaza? Why did they leave us alone in this war?... There is no one able to help me, my baby, or my family,” Redwan said. “l’ve lost everything... But I still hold hope.” 

Construction on temporary pier for Gaza will begin very soon, Pentagon says

From CNN's Haley Britzky

US military vessels are in the Mediterranean region and “standing by” and prepared to begin construction on the temporary pier off the coast of Gaza when given the order to do so, Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said Tuesday. 

He also said the United States was “positioned to begin construction very soon, in the near future.”

Currently, officials are working through a checklist of processes and procedures, including security on the ground, coordination with partners supporting this effort and drawing up a timeline for implementation, Ryder said.

Ryder has said the expectation is for the temporary pier to be operational by the end of April or early May, and said Tuesday the military is on track to meet that timeline. 

The World Food Programme (WFP) will support the distribution of aid from the pier following weeks of diplomatic wrangling, the organization said Saturday.

The temporary pier, which will be several miles off the coast of Gaza, will receive both military and civilian vessels, Ryder added. The aid brought by those vessels will then be transported from the pier by US military vessels to the causeway, where non-military trucks — driven by non-profit organization personnel — will take the aid and then distribute it into Gaza.

Hamas military spokesperson urges continued attacks on Israel in first video message in almost 2 months

From CNN's Ruba Alhenawi

Abu Obaida, the spokesperson of Hamas’ military wing Al Qassam Brigades, urged continued attacks on Israel in his first video message in more than six weeks on Tuesday, marking 200 days of the Israel-Hamas war.

"We will keep attacking the enemy with different techniques as long as the aggression continues on our land," Abu Obaida said. Hamas fighters would "keep coming out to fight the enemy," he added.

He also praised Iran's  unprecedented strikes  on Israel earlier this month, saying the attack's "size and nature, established new rules and confused the enemy's calculations." Iran launched a large-scale drone and missile attack at Israel in retaliation for a suspected Israeli strike on an Iranian diplomatic complex in Syria . The Israeli military said 99% of the more than 300 projectiles fired were intercepted.

Abu Obaida also slammed Israel's role in the hostage release and ceasefire negotiations, saying Israel is "trying to renounce all his promises" and wants to "gain more time." Israel and the US have  blamed Hamas  for holding up negotiations by making unreasonable demands.

Jordan conducts aid airdrop into Gaza

From CNN's Ibrahim Dahman

Jordan has conducted an airdrop of humanitarian and relief aid into Gaza on Tuesday, according to Jordanian state news agency Petra.

The Jordanian Armed Forces conducted seven airdrops to multiple sites in northern Gaza, and said they would continue sending humanitarian and medical aid to Gaza through airdrops, ground convoys and through the Marka airport in Amman to Egypt's Al-Arish International Airport.

Jordan has conducted 87 airdrops into Gaza and took part in 209 international airdrops since October 7, according to Petra.

Petra reported that Tuesday's aid drop was conducted along with the US, Egypt and Germany.

"Focus on Gaza:" As tit-for-tat strikes between Israel and Iran appear to have concluded, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi told CNN, "The focus should remain on Gaza," as the strip edges towards famine.

Please enable JavaScript for a better experience.