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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:

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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.

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• 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

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.

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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!

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• WORLD HERITAGE

Go Inside Jordan's Stunning City of Stone

The caves, temples, and tombs of Petra reveal an impressive civilization.

The “Rose City” is a honeycomb of hand-hewn caves, temples, and tombs carved from blushing pink sandstone in the high desert of Jordan some 2,000 years ago. Hidden by time and shifting sand, Petra tells of a lost civilization. Little is known about the Nabateans—a nomadic desert people whose kingdom rose up from these cliffs and peaks, and whose incredible wealth grew from the lucrative incense trade.

Raqmu, or Petra (as the Greeks knew it), grew into the Nabateans’ most prominent city, linking camel caravans between the Mediterranean and Arabian Seas, from Egypt to Syria and beyond to Greece. Control of water sources and an almost magic ability to vanish into the cleft rocks ensured the Nabateans remained unconquered for centuries.

The Romans arrived in 63 B.C., signaling a new era of massive expansion and grandiose construction, like the theater that sat more than 6,000 spectators, as well as some of the city’s most impressive facades. Carved into the rock face, the Treasury and the Monastery both have unmistakable Hellenistic features, with ornate Corinthian columns, bas-relief Amazons, and fanciful acroteria. Knowing that such architectural feats were achieved by carving from the top down makes it even more impressive.

Petra’s engineering phenomena are legion, including the sophisticated water system that supported some 30,000 inhabitants. Carved into the twisted passageway of the Siq, the irrigation channel drops only 12 feet over the course of a mile, while underground cisterns stored runoff to be used in drier times of the year.

Camels rest in front of the Treasury, a structure carved into the Petra sandstone by ancient Nabataeans in the second century A.D.

And yet it’s the raw beauty of Petra that draws in so many millions of visitors—the entire city of ruins is a work of art, painted on a natural stone backdrop that changes color every hour. The elegant Silk Tomb swirls with streaks of red, blue, and ocher, while vivid mosaics still pave the floors of a Byzantine-era church.

Christianity came to Petra in the third and fourth centuries and flourished, but the city waned after an A.D. 336 earthquake and under the early Islamic dynasties of the seventh century.

Petra was only rediscovered by Swiss explorer Johann Burckhardt in 1812, and it continues to spill its secrets. Even now, archaeologists have explored less than half of the sprawling site, and in 2016, with the help of satellite imagery, a monumental structure was found still buried in the sand. It’s no wonder that Petra remains Jordan’s top tourist attraction and one of the most revered of the World Heritage sites.

How to Get There

Petra is a three-hour drive from Amman and two hours from the Red Sea port of Aqaba. Buses run the route daily, along with organized tours and private taxis. The Jordan Trail passes through Petra, allowing hikers to connect with Dana or Wadi Rum.

How to Visit

Reducing Petra to a single day trip is a common mistake. Remember that Petra spreads out for over a hundred square miles—four times the size of Manhattan. While donkeys, camels, and horse buggies can hasten travel time between highlights, most of Petra’s sites are best reached on foot. Come ready to hike some steep terrain.

• Nat Geo Expeditions

Spend at least one night in town, and plan your sightseeing as a series of hikes. Petra’s licensed guides have exceptional knowledge and will add a deeper dimension to your visit by showing you secret tombs and hidden details you would never find on your own. Don’t miss the “Petra by night” show that delivers a haunting and unforgettable visual.

When to Visit

Petra is open year-round, so choose your own adventure: Spring and fall offer the most temperate weather, with fantastic light. Summer is beautiful but can turn unbearably hot. January and February are the coolest months, with the occasional downpour. Remember the high elevation means nights are cold. Sunrise and sunset are when Petra truly glows with changing color, so come early and stay late.

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• WORLD HERITAGE SITES

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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…

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Petra and beyond

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

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• Things to do in Casablanca, Morocco – 5 of the best reasons to visit!

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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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!

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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!

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Visiting Petra? Here’s everything you need to know

Is there a better movie scene than the end of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade? I think not.

When the four main characters rode out of the canyon on horseback into the sunset to that iconic movie score, I wanted to BE there. I couldn’t think of a better ending to that trilogy or a more fascinating setting for a film.

I spent my childhood assuming that the marvelous rock temple at the end of a long canyon must be fictitious, an elaborate Hollywood creation.

Fast forward a few years, and I realized it’s an actual real place on this planet. The desire to see it for myself festered into an all-consuming obsession until I walked down that narrow canyon and saw it with my own eyes.

Walking through the Siq to the Treasury

You are probably familiar with the intricately carved rock facade of the Treasury from iconic Petra photos. Inside, there is no extensive obstacle course that kills everyone who walks through it, and there is no knight at the end guarding the holy grail. But it is still a mystical, almost otherworldly experience to see it as you emerge from the narrow 1.2 km long siq.

Visiting the country on Intrepid’s 8-day  Explore Jordan trip gave me a taste of the entire country and its magic. The highlight was having two days to explore Petra extensively, both with a brilliant guide and on my own. Here’s what I learnt, and what you need to know:

The basics of visiting Petra

One of the most famous archaeological sites in the world and voted one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, this incredible site was carved into sandstone and established as early as the 3rd or 4th century B.C. The site remained mostly unknown to the rest of the world until 1812 when it was “discovered” by a Swiss explorer disguised as an Arab traveler.

The town of Wadi Musa is the base for visiting Petra. There are plenty of well-priced hotels within easy walking distance to the gates of Petra.

My Intrepid group enjoying Petra

Best time to visit Petra

Petra can be excruciatingly hot during the summers and downright frigid in the winters. The shoulder seasons are by far the best time for pleasant warm weather, for example March-May or September-November.

The best times of day to explore Petra are right when the gates open at the crack of dawn (6am) and in the late afternoon when the sun is not as scorching and the crowds have died down.

SUBSCRIBE TO INTREPID’S NEWSLETTER FOR TRAVEL GUIDES, COMPETITIONS, GIVEAWAYS & MORE

How long to visit for

Although you could likely see a great deal of Petra in one day if you’re ambitious, I feel like two days is perfect. One day should be spent getting accustomed to the site with a guide and learning about the history. The second day should be spent hiking to some of the more remote sites like the monastery, experiencing mind-blowing views, and capturing great photos.

Awe-inspiring Petra

Getting a guide

Even though you can visit Petra on your own, it is absolutely advisable that you have a guide to visit Petra to learn about the incredible history of this Unesco World Heritage site. The history is so fascinating and complicated, you’d be missing a great deal without a historian to tell you about it. You can hire a guide from the visitor center starting at 50 J.D (about $70 US).

Because I was visiting Petra with Intrepid , I already had a local guide, Ahmed, I knew personally and could ask lots of questions. He could tell us facts ahead of time, prepare us for certain experiences, advise us on what to do or not do, and recommend hikes for the following day.

VISIT JORDAN WITH A LOCAL GUIDE ON ONE OF INTREPID’S SMALL GROUP TOURS

How much does it cost

The entry ticket to visit Petra can be purchased at the Visitor Center upon arrival. Tickets are cheaper if you are staying overnight in Jordan rather than visiting on a day trip. A single day entrance fee is 50 J.D, 55 J.D for two days, or 60 J.D for 3 days. You must have your passport to purchase your ticket and they accept cash or credit cards.

What it’s really like at Petra

What to bring to Petra

Water. It is for sale in Petra, but the cost is marked up a bit. Comfortable shoes are one of the most important things you could bring. Despite the fact that one of the girls in my group hiked in ballet flats all day and rocked it, I’d still advise to choose your shoes wisely.

Sunscreen, sunglasses, a sunhat, and something to cover your shoulders from the sun are also essential. A little backpack for your camera, water, medication you may need, and cash to purchase things is also handy. That’s basically it.

READ MORE: A DEFINITIVE PACKING GUIDE FOR VISITING JORDAN

Entering Petra: What to expect

After entering the gates to Petra, you’ll follow a path that gradually descends down into the stunning Siq (canyon) that leads to the city of Petra. The total distance to the famous Treasury is approximately 2km. You can purchase a ticket for a carriage ride for 40 J.D round-trip.

A Treasury view, from the Siq

Inside Petra: What to expect

You’ll inevitably meet local Bedouins in front of the Treasury. They may try to sell you trinkets or to get you to pay for a camel ride or pictures (Intrepid advises travelers to think very carefully about animal welfare , so please read up). Bedouin women selling items at their stalls may also beg you to stop and look and they can be quite persistent. They are very friendly though and may invite you to sit and enjoy some tea.

There are small restaurants and shops selling refreshments and food inside Petra. The visitors center will give you a map that lists these as well as restrooms. You can also bring a packed lunch if you prefer.

READ MORE: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO 7 DAYS IN JORDAN

What to wear

Gazing in wonder at the Treasury

A little more touristy than say, Amman or some of the other Jordanian cities, you don’t have to be quite as conservative. Exercise common sense and dress respectfully and comfortably for hiking and sun exposure. This is not the place for mini skirts and high heels. Petra is dusty and usually hot.

Wear comfortable, close-toed shoes because of how dusty and rocky it can be as well as light, breathable clothing and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.

Top 5 Sites in Petra

This is the long narrow rock walled canyon that leads from the entrance of Petra to the first facade, the Treasury, and the beginning of the city of Petra. It is both carved by nature and by the Nabataeans. I can’t quite explain the anticipation that builds as you venture further into the siq.

READ MORE: WHAT IT’S REALLY LIKE VISITING JORDAN AND EGYPT ON AN INTREPID TRIP

The Treasury

The first facade you will encounter will likely be the reason you had your sights set on Petra in the first place. The famous Treasury, or Al Khazneh, teases you with glimpses between the walls of the siq until the view opens up and the entirety of the Treasury emerges. It is literally breathtaking. I remember feeling a sense of awe and amazement that I’d finally arrived somewhere I’d dreamt of going for so many years.

My Intrepid group hiking to the Treasury

The High Place of Sacrifice

One of the best views in Petra and the site where animal sacrifices likely took place, this is a 30-45 minute hike up. I didn’t complete this hike after two other grueling climbs, but I wish I had. The path begins near a souvenir shop by the street of facades and the theater. The top offers an alter for sacrifices and unparalleled 360-degree views.

READ MORE: 8 THINGS TO DO IN JORDAN THAT AREN’T PETRA OR THE DEAD SEA

The Monastery

Beat the heat and start your trek to the second most visited facade in Petra first thing in the morning. The journey is as impressive as the destination. After roughly 800 (somewhat miserable) steps, you’ll arrive at the less famous but stunningly beautiful monastery. Continue even further to a viewpoint for fantastic pictures of the monastery below. You can do this hike completely on your own. Follow the main path through Petra all the way to the end and you’ll find signs directing you to the trail.

Al-Khubtha Trail

Also known as the Treasury Overlook, this hike is the one I most recommend. For those who still have functioning feet after climbing to the monastery, you should consider the view point above the Treasury. The majority of visitors don’t know about this trail, so you may have it to yourself or see very few people.

Find the trail for the Royal Tombs which starts across the road from the Nabataean Theater. Look for the sign for the trail name “Al-Khubtha” and continue up what seems like the longest rock staircase on the planet. Eventually you’ll come to a Bedouin stall at the end of the rocky path. Hang out and enjoy an incredible view of the the Treasury below. Feeling the breeze and the peaceful silence from so far above is nothing short of magical.

CHECK OUT INTREPID’S RANGE OF SMALL GROUP ADVENTURES IN JORDAN

Petra by Night

On Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 8:30pm each week, Petra offers a special event called Petra by Night. There are mixed reviews of the experience, however I thought it was uniquely charming. Seeing the Siq and ground in front of the Treasury lined with candles is something that’s totally different. You shouldn’t miss it. If you’re a photographer, hang to the very back or far right side out of the way and set up your tripod.

READ MORE ABOUT WHAT PETRA BY NIGHT IS REALLY LIKE

Petra is a place that enticed the deepest part of my adventurous soul for years. My inner Indiana Jones has never been happier than when I caught those first glimpses of an elusive marvel I’d dreamt of seeing for years.

Petra is a World Wonder for all the right reasons and highly deserving of its title. I would go again in a heartbeat.

Ready to explore this stunning site? Check out Intrepid’s range of small group tours in Jordan.

(All images c/o Jessica Carpenter at myfeetwilleadme.com )

Feeling inspired?

Jessica Carpenter

Jessica is a travel blogger and part-time pharmacist based in a tiny ski town in Eastern Washington State. After losing her husband to cancer, she made a commitment to work less and experience more. 6 continents later, she is slowly checking things off her mile-long bucket list. Jessica's obsessions in life are her dog, Griffey, traveling, dessert, coffee, and waking up in a tent in the mountains. Follow along on Instagram @jessica_traveler or myfeetwillleadme.com.

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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!

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Ultimate Guide to Visiting Petra: The Treasury, Monastery & More!

Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

Long before I got to Jordan, I knew I’d be impressed by the Lost City of Petra. Everything about this ancient city fascinated me, from the history, the architecture, and of course the iconic sights of the Treasury and the Monastery.

In 2007, Petra was officially named one of the New Seven Wonders of The World and while I’m often a bit skeptical of awards like those, after visiting Petra, there’s no question that Petra belongs on the list! Petra has since become one of the most sought-after cultural sights in the Middle East and in my opinion, it’s a bucket-list-worthy destination.

Before I went to visit Petra for the first time, I figured that the Treasury was the star of the show — that you’d walk through the Siq, see the iconic rose-pink building carved into the rock, and well, that would be it. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade made it seem that way.

Was I EVER wrong! The Treasury is just one small part of a gorgeous landscape filled with architectural treasures. I rode a donkey. I gaped at the Monastery. I had tea in a cave with a family. I even left Petra with new Jordanian friends.

I want you to have as good a time in Petra — and Jordan — as I did. Here’s everything you need to know before you visit Petra, along with some of my fondest memories.

Visit Petra: The Treasury and Monastery

The Treasury is Petra’s most famous icon. Pictures don’t do it justice!

To get to the Treasury, you need to make your way through the Siq, a long, narrow chamber lined with towering cliffs inside Petra.

The winding path through Petra’s Siq is 1.2 km long and will take you around 20 minutes if you gun it — longer if you stop to enjoy it and take pictures. The views are breathtaking and it’s the perfect introduction to the beauty of Petra.

You’ll be walking through the Siq for what seems like forever, twisting and turning and wondering if you’ll ever make it out.

And then, after another nondescript corner, suddenly it’s there. And in its full glory: The Treasury!

Here’s the video.

As many magical moments as there were in Petra, and all over Jordan, seeing the Treasury appear in that peachy light for the first time gave me goosebumps. It’s one of the best reveals I’ve seen around the world.

The crazy thing is that the Treasury is just a small, small part of all that Petra has to offer. So don’t stop here. Keep going!

The Monastery

No visit to Petra is complete without setting your sights on the largest monument in the Lost City, the Monastery.

With over 800 stairs to climb, it’s a bit of a hike to get to it, but so worth it. The Monastery is just as impressive as Petra’s most famous building, the Treasury and its remote location keeps the crowds away. The views at the top are unforgettable, too.

One way to get to the Monastery is walking — and it’s a pretty long but doable hike. Alternatively, you can take the “easier” way, as I did.

Taking a Donkey to the Monastery in Petra

I decided to take a donkey up to the Monastery instead. I had never ridden a donkey before — figured the novelty factor paid off for my laziness.

My guide, Ibrahim, told me that taking a donkey uphill and walking down is easier and the best choice overall. Since I will take that man’s advice on just about anything related to Jordan, I agreed.

And the statement that is reiterated to me again and again on my travels proved true once again:

Just because it’s easier, it doesn’t mean it’s easy.

Holy crap, riding a donkey up stairs is HARD! You’re jostled all over the place and you’ll fall off if you don’t hunch over and hold on tightly.

It’s terrifying — for some reason, the donkey insists on walking on the very edge of the stairs, and if you fall off, you’ll plunge to a serious neck injury, if not your death.

“He’s going to step off the edge!” I kept shrieking to my guide, Haldoun.

“It’s okay, the donkey knows the way!” he would reply, in between telling me stories about his American girlfriend. (“She moves so fast, Basma! I know her one day and she wants to kiss me!”)

I was giving Haldoun relationship advice while trying not to fall off, and biting my lip to keep from laughing.

It was the furthest thing from graceful, and probably the least attractive I’ve ever looked. But I couldn’t stop laughing!

All I can say is that if you decide to visit Petra and ride a donkey to the Monastery, you better know what you’re getting into! It should cost you about 5 Jordanian dinars ($7.50) if you get a good bargain.

Visit Petra by Night

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 8:30 and 10:30 PM, Petra hosts a unique evening experience that’s not to be missed.

You walk through the Siq once again, this time in near-darkness, and visit the famed Treasury while it’s illuminated by candlelight. There’s soft music playing in the background and tea is served to all visitors. It’s beautiful to photograph and the peaceful atmosphere gives you another way to connect intimately to this land.

Petra by Night tickets can be purchased from the visitors center for 17 Jordanian dinars ($22). These tickets are unlimited so no prior reservation is required but you need to have first purchased the day pass to experience Petra by Night.

Under normal circumstances, Petra by Night is one of the most magical things to do in Jordan, but it didn’t exactly happen that way for me.

My Petra by Night disaster

I had planned on visiting Petra during the day, as well as the evening. The weather had been good all week, but it began to rain lightly as we arrived in the ancient city.

My guide, Ibrahim, grabbed me a scarf and said that despite the rain, Petra by Night would in all likelihood still happen.

Ibrahim dropped me off with a group of young backpackers (“All of you, take care of my daughter!” he called out as he walked away. “Thanks, Dad — see you in a bit!” I returned) and we made our way to the Siq.

It was a lengthy, dark journey to the Treasury. You walk through the winding Siq, feeling like you’re at the bottom of a canyon, and it will probably take you around 30 minutes to reach the Treasury, as it’s a bit more of a challenge in low light.

When visiting Petra by Night, this path is covered with lanterns: candles inside paper bags. It was easy to find our way through the Siq with these lights to guide us, and I chatted with the backpackers, who, like many tourists, were visiting Jordan in conjunction with an Egypt trip.

It was still raining lightly, not quite enough for an umbrella, so I simply bundled my scarf around my head and kept walking.

And there it was: the Treasury. Only as we walked in, it began to rain much harder.

What had started out as mildly annoying had become irksome — I was getting soaked through my jacket and freezing cold. My umbrella was up, but most people didn’t pack these, and they were huddling together along the edge of the rocks.

At that point, sh*t got real. Thunder rang out and it began downpouring as lightning flickered overhead.

How on Earth were we supposed to get back?!

At any rate, the locals didn’t seem panicked. They went on with the music show and served us tea, which I downed in a gulp.

I knew that if there were an emergency, they could drive in trucks if they needed to. Perhaps they’d do that with us.

Nope. We were released and told that we could walk back.

The only problem? The Siq had flooded.

Picture this scene: what was once a narrow but mostly dry canyon had now, essentially, become a furiously flowing ankle-deep river. The lanterns were long gone and with no shielding from the rain and water, the entire region has gone pitch black.

And we had to walk back through 1.5 kilometers of THAT.

I stupidly hadn’t brought my flashlight, so I used my phone to navigate the pathway through the Siq, jumping around the deeper parts of the river. (A smarter decision: wearing waterproof hiking boots.) I splashed around and ducked the sheets of water, trying to keep myself from tripping on hidden rocks.

The Siq is in danger of flooding whenever it rains. And I was terrified that I wouldn’t be able to find my way out — or worse, that I would end up trapped inside as the river rose higher and higher.

And then, after countless twists and turns and yelps and impromptu waterfalls, I burst out of the Siq. From here on, I knew I’d be safe.

I returned to our meeting point soaked to the bone. I didn’t have to say a word. Rami, my driver, took one look at me and began giggling.

“Yes, I thought it would rain,” Ibrahim said. “It rains in winter.”

“Then why did you let me go in there?!” I admonished him, smacking him on the arm.

Visiting Petra by Night… in the rain

If you are planning to visit Petra by Night — and particularly if you’re planning on visiting during the colder months (I went in November), please pay CLOSE attention to the weather. Wear waterproof boots and bring a flashlight, no matter what.

Where is Petra and how to get there

Petra is located just outside the town of Wadi Musa in Jordan. It’s one of the top destinations in the country, if not THE most touristed spot in Jordan, and Petra is easy to access either via public transportation or on an organized tour from Amman.

How to Get to Petra by Bus

If you’re coming from the capital city, Amman, there are daily buses that travel to Petra. The bus departs from Abdali Station in Amman and takes roughly 3 hours. You can book these tickets through JETT.

How to Get to Petra by Organized Tour

Personally, I recommend staying in Petra overnight and taking at least one full day to explore. If your time is limited, I recommend taking a one-day tour from Amman . It’s a long day — 12 hours — but this gives you six full hours to explore Petra on your own.

You can also choose to combine this with a Petra by Night experience or pair your visit to Petra with the picturesque Wadi Rum.

Best time to visit Petra

The best time to visit Petra is during spring (March through May) and fall (September through November). The weather at this time provides perfect conditions for exploring the area as it’s not too hot, not too cold, and not too busy.

Peak season in Jordan is during the summer months — June through August — and this is when Petra is at its most crowded. I recommend avoiding this time if you can; if you can’t (I hear you, teachers!), I recommend visiting earlier in June rather than July or August.

Personally, I visited Petra in November and spent most of my days in yoga pants and a fleece jacket, though it did get warm enough in the afternoon to wear a long-sleeved cardigan on top of a tank top.

Try to get to Petra early in the day so that you miss the crowds that will flock here later. This will be so much better for your photos.

The Petra Visitor Center is open from 6:00 AM daily and closes at 6:00 PM in the summer and 4:00 PM in the winter.

Jordan: The Perfect Introduction to The Middle East

Petra Entrance fee

A ticket for one day access to visit Petra costs 50 Jordanian dinars ($70) and these can be purchased at the Visitors Center. Yes, I know that’s very expensive. Trust me, visiting Petra is a once-in-a-lifetime experience — this ticket is worth every cent!

If you’re wanting to spend more time exploring Petra, the fee is slightly higher: 55 Jordanian dinars ($77) for two days or 60 Jordanian dinars ($85) for three days. Children under the age of 12 get in for free.

If you’re visiting Petra for the day from outside the country — like Egypt or Israel — and not spending the night in Jordan, the entry fee is 90 Jordanian dinars ($125).

What to Wear to Petra

There’s no official dress code when visiting Petra. But, to respect the local culture, it’s best to cover up a little bit more.

You’ll be having an active day in Petra, doing a lot of hiking, climbing, and possibly donkey-riding. I recommend wearing your preferred hiking or workout gear — long pants or cropped pants or skirts that go beneath your knee, and a top that covers your cleavage. Layers are best, especially in spring and fall when temperatures can change a lot.

Since I first wrote this post in 2011, Instagram has changed what people wear when they travel. If you’re looking to rock an elaborate gown as you pose in front of the Treasury, please be respectful of the people who live here and wear something that covers your knees and cleavage.

Here’s a guide of what I wore when traveling through Jordan and it should help when planning your trip to Petra.

Where to Stay in Petra, Jordan

If you’re visiting Petra, it’s best to base yourself in the small town of Wadi Musa. There are a range of accommodation options to suit every budget.

If you’re looking for a luxurious stay, the Petra Marriott Hotel is the perfect place to come home to after a long day out exploring the Lost City. The hotel is equipped with a stunning pool overlooking the valley in the distance, and the views from the rooms are equally as impressive!

If you’re looking for a mid-range place to stay in Petra, I recommend staying at the Town Season Hotel . It’s beautifully designed with elegant furnishings that will impress any traveler looking for a comfortable stay. They also offer a shuttle from the hotel to the Lost City of Petra which is an added bonus.

If you’re looking for a budget place to stay in Petra, I recommend Moon House . Here, you’ll feel true Jordanian hospitality! The hosts will go out of their way to ensure you have a memorable stay in Petra, offering helpful tips and assisting with transportation. The rooms are large, clean and comfortable and all you need if you’re traveling on a budget.

Jordan tours for solo travelers

If you’re not quite sure if you’re ready to travel Jordan completely solo, another option is joining a group tour! G Adventures is a company I use and recommend. Their tours are very solo-friendly, they keep their groups small, they’re sustainability-minded, and they have several tour options in Jordan.

Here are some of them:

• Highlights of Jordan (8 Days from Amman) – This week-long tour takes you to the best sights in Jordan including the Dead Sea, Karak, Petra, Wadi Rum and Aqaba.
• Jordan Multisport (8 Days from Amman) – This active adventure tour is for those outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy trekking and abseiling. The tour takes you from Amman to Wadi Rum, Petra, Dana Biosphere Reserve, the Dead Sea as well as Ajloun.
• Explore Jordan (8 Day from Amman) – This exciting tour offers great exploration and cultural interaction at the top destinations in Jordan including the Dead Sea, Madaba, Petra, Wadi Rum.
• Egypt and Jordan Adventure (15 Days from Cairo) – This 2-week tour takes you to all the top sights in Egypt and Jordan, starting with a visit to the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Nile River in Egypt, before exploring the Dead Sea, Petra, and Wadi Rum.
• See all Jordan tours here .

Is Petra Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Petra was one of the biggest highlights of my trip to Jordan, and I found myself thoroughly enchanted the whole day. Visiting Petra was so much more than I thought it would be.

Practical information for visiting Petra

The entrance fee to Petra is 50 Jordanian dinars ($70) for adults and kids under 12 enter for free. If you’re traveling from outside Jordan, entry is 90 Jordanian dinars ($125).

Operating hours are from 6:00 AM-6:00 PM in summer and 6:00 AM-4:00 PM in winter.

The best time to visit Petra is during the spring or fall when it’s not too hot. Try to get to the Lost City eary in the day to avoid the crowds.

Many thanks to the Jordan Tourism Board for hosting me in Jordan. All opinions, as always, are my own.

Do you have any questions or comments about visiting Petra? Drop me a message in the comments section below!

If you’re looking for more Jordan travel information, these posts may help plan your trip.

• Floating in the Dead Sea in Jordan
• First Impressions of Jordan
• Top 10 Travel Safety Tips for Women

• 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.

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January 12, 2015 at 9:41 pm

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