petra jordan inside tour

Inside Petra – The Ultimate Guide

Posted on Last updated: December 26, 2022

Categories Guides , Jordan , Middle East , Travel Guides

Wandering inside Petra is undoubtedly one of the most impressive notches on my travel belt. The raw beauty of the ancient wonder is hard to compare to anything else in the world. I remember the first time I saw the “Rose City”. I was around ten years old, and I was watching “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”. In case you haven’t watched it (you most definitely should), Indi and his father are searching for the Holy Grail, and they found it in this amazing rock-carved structure. Yes, they found the Grail inside Petra.

The building looked so outwardly I didn’t even consider it to be a real thing. It was another Holywood magic. 

A few years later, when the   New Seven Wonders of the World  were voted, I found this is not some Holywood set, but a real place in Jordan . And while there are no cup-guarding knights in it, it really is one of the most breath-taking places in the world, especially for  adventurous travelers !

What is Petra

Duh, Petra is the gorgeous hand-hewn building from Indiana Jones. The one on the picture above. Right? Well, not exactly. This is Al-Khazneh or “The Treasury”. It is part of Rose City, but it’s definitely not Petra. Petra is an ancient city full of myths and wonders. A honeycomb labyrinth of archaic marvels covering the ground of over 260 sq km. Well-preserved tombs, temples, and Roman ruins blended with dazzling natural sites and colorful Bedouin culture to create this one-of-a-kind wonder that deserves a top place on your bucket list.

Who built Petra

Petra was created by a western Arabian nomadic tribe called  Nabataeans .  The Nabataeans were prominent traders, and when they arrived in the area, they used their knowledge and skills to accumulate vast wealth.

Over the next 500 years, the former nomadic tribe built one of the most advanced cities on the planet.

It was located in the middle of the perfect trade route, connecting Asia with Greece, the Roman Empire, and Egypt, but the location was far away from perfect. The city occupied a natural canyon in the middle of the desert, hardly a pleasant environment to live in.

Since Nabataeans were not the average BC people, though, Petra was way ahead of its time. The ancient tribe invented their own cursive script (the forerunner of Arabic) and trained skillful engineers. They built dams, water channels, and a complete hydraulic system that was enough to supply 30,000 people in the middle of the desert. Absolutely incredible!

Where is Petra

Petra is located in Jordan. It’s kinda in the middle of nowhere although there’s a small touristy village right next to it – Wadi Musa. To explore Petra the right way, you need a few days, so Wadi Musa would be the perfect place to stay in.

Jordan Visa

Jordan offers a visa on arrival for plenty of countries (check the list  here ). The cost of the visa is 40 JOD / 56 USD. If you get the  Jordan Pass , however, you won’t have to pay anything. Your visa is free, Petra is free, Wadi Rum is free, and over 30 other touristic attractions are also free.

Castaway Tip This one is very important. The Jordan Pass gives you plenty of value, but if you arrive in Jordan through Aqaba, you don’t need the pass. Aqaba is part of something called ASEZA (Aqaba Special Economic Zone), and you don’t have to pay any visa fees.  See more about ASEZA .

How to get to Petra

The Wadi Musa village obviously doesn’t have an airport, so you have to make your way there somehow. I like to research (and prebook) all my transports before I arrive, but in Jordan, that turned out to be quite the challenge. Once there, it turned out arranging transport was as easy as Sunday morning. You just ask in your hotel or check with your Bedouin host, and they will get you all the info you need. For those of you who prepare everything beforehand (like me), here’s how to get to Petra. The most convenient way (most people use) is to rent a car, of course. You can skip all the public transport research and enjoy the scenery alongside the road. To find the best offers in Jordan, check the  Discover Cars tool , which will compare all the providers in the country.

How to get from Amman to Petra

Chances are high that you’ll start your journey from the capital of Jordan. Amman is located around 240 km ( 150 miles) from Petra, and your trip will be a little bit more expensive than the Aqaba one. Your options are:

• Bus Jett Bus  is the only bus company in the country (at least I didn’t find any other). Their buses are comfortable, and the prices are reasonable. The only downside is that the Amman – Petra bus departs at 6:30 AM. If you have no problem with this, the fare is 11 JOD ( 15 USD), the journey takes about 4 hours, and stops at various places inside Wadi Musa. The last stop is the Visitor’s Center’s parking, just in front of Petra.
• Car You can rent a car at the airport and drive yourself to Petra. If you chose this option, I suggest taking the scenic Kings Highway route. You can also hire a taxi to get you there. I haven’t tried this option, but you can book one  here   or check with your hotel to compare prices. All hotels in Jordan are ready to assist you with those inquiries
• Public Minibus This is the budget way to travel to Petra. The minibusses depart from the Mujamaaa Janobi station and cost around 5 JOD (7 USD). They make many stops along the way and are not as comfortable as the Jett buses but will get the job done. The earliest departs around 9:00 AM, but there’s no fixed timetable. If you want to use the minibusses, double-check with your hotel about the departure station and prices.
• Tour By far, the most popular way to get to the Lost City. If all you want is to take a walk inside Petra, without any stressful preparations or transportation nuisances, this is for you. Every hotel would have a tour to recommend, but I suggest to book yours online. Getting a tour on the spot is always a gamble. Getting one online, that has dozens of positive reviews, is a guarantee you’ll have a good time. This is the best one  I found from Amman. If you are enough people, you can even get the  Ultimate Jordan Tour  and save some money.

How to get from Aqaba to Petra

If you arrived via Ryanair or you crossed the border from Israel, you’ll find yourself in the coastal city of Aqaba. It’s located 125 km (78 miles) from Petra and has the same transportation options as Amman.

• Bus Jett bus operates in Aqaba too. The difference from Amman is they don’t really have an Aqaba-Petra route listed, so you can’t prebook it online. They do have a bus traveling on the route, though. All you have to do is go to the  Jett Bus office  and ask for it. Departure time was 8:30 AM when I used it, but timetables may change. Price is 12 JOD (17 USD)
• Car Just like in Amman, you can rent a car from the airport. Expect to pay around 20-30 JOD (35-40 USD) per day. Taxi can be prebooked  here   or at your hotel.
• Public Minibus The local transport from Aqaba to Petra departs from a  station  located next to the Golden Rose hotel and the Police station. There are no timetables here. When the driver decides there are enough people for the route, the minibus departs.  Fare is 5 JOD (7 USD).
• Tour And again, if you don’t want to burden yourself with bus offices, taxi haggling, or public transports, the easiest way to take a walk inside Petra is via tour. The disadvantage of the tour is that you have limited time to explore Rose City. On the plus side, though, you get picked from your hotel, you get a guide to show you the interesting stuff, and you have your lunch sorted out. Here is one of the most valuable Aqaba to Petra tours  you can get.

How to get from Wadi Rum to Petra

The desert of Wadi Rum is the other top highlight of Jordan. If you decide to start with some desert camping first, you have limited options to get to Petra.

• Bus You can use a bus to Petra for only 8-10 JOD ( 11-14 USD). It departs between 9:00 and 9:30 AM and takes about 2 hours. The catch is that there must be people coming from Petra to Wadi Rum. If there’s no one on this specific day, there won’t be any bus. This is a popular route, and I’m pretty sure there is a bus almost every day, but it’s a good thing to have it in mind. If it turns out there’s no bus, the Bedouins would let you know and arrange a taxi.
• Car As mentioned before, the Bedouins in Wadi Rum can arrange a taxi to take you to Petra (or anywhere else). The price should be around 40 JOD ( 56 USD).

   See Also:   Wadi Rum Camping – All You Need to Know

How to get from Israel to Petra

Eliat and Tel Aviv are another popular starting points for exploring Petra. Jordan may be a Muslim country, but their relationship with Israel is excellent. Having said that, crossing borders is always an annoyance. It requires time and money, so I tend to avoid it. The best way to see Petra from Israel is via tour. No doubt here. You’d be guided through the borders, and you’ll save tons of time.

If you’re in Eliat, I recommend  this one . Those guys would help you cross the border as fast as possible and would provide an English speaking guide to show you around Petra. The tour also covers the Petra entrance fee (130 USD), so it’s an enormous value.

If you find yourself in Jerusalem, I recommend this  3-day Jordan Highlights tour . Since you’re gonna waste time (and money) on the border anyway, why not see everything Jordan has to offer? You’ll tour not just Petra, but also the ancient Roman city of Jerash. The icing on the cake is Spending the night in a bedouin camp at Wadi Rum and trying a typical Bedouin dinner (cooked in the desert sands).

Same tour  is offered from Tel Aviv too. The price may look a little bit steep, but if you try to do all of the activities on your own, you’ll find out you’ve spent a similar amount. 

Advantages of doing things on your own – you have way more time to explore what you find interesting, disadvantages – a lot of hassle crossing the border, finding transportation, and accommodation. It’s up to you. If you decide to cross the border on your own,  here’s a little bit of extra information .

Where to Stay in Petra

Now that you find how to reach Wadi Musa, it’s time to see where to stay. Wadi Musa has only one income stream – Petra. Everything in the village is centered around tourists. The prices are no exception. I didn’t find a single place in town with reasonable food prices, so my conclusion is it’s best to dine in your accommodation(most of them already include breakfast). The most important thing to check, when booking a place to stay, is the distance to Petra. You want something as close as possible so you can get early and get ahead of the crowds. Nothing else in town is worth your time, so focus only on Petra.

Petra Guest House Hotel

If you want to explore Petra in style, this high-end hotel is the best one for you. Located right at the entrance of the “Rose City”, you can’t get a better location. You’re guaranteed to be the first visitor! The hotel also has a cave-bar, set in a 1st-century Nabataean house. How cool is that? See the latest price

Esperanza Petra

Esperanza may not be inside the Visitor’s Center, but it’s pretty close by. Less than 15 minutes of walking would get you there. They also have various room types and plenty of dinner options. A very accommodating host who is ready to help with everything you need is the icing on the cake. See the latest price

   See Also:   The very best Dubai itinerary

What’s inside Petra

The treasury.

The Treasury is also known as Al Khazneh and is the most prominent structure inside Petra. It’s so famous that most people think the Treasury IS Petra, not just a part of it.  Actually, I’m pretty sure a large portion of you are reading this post because you were curious to see what’s inside the Al Khazneh, not Petra. That’s ok. I used to make the same mistake too. 

Since its appearance on Indiana Jones, the Treasury became the face of Petra and the main reason for millions of tourists to plan their journey to the Rose City. That’s completely understandable. Al Khazneh is such a beauty. The Hellenistic facade maybe 2,000 years old, but it’s incredibly preserved. You can see plenty of fine details and appreciate the amazing craftsmanship it took to create this unique wonder.

 It’s believed that Al Khazneh is the necropolis of King Aretas IV, one of the most distinguished Nabataean kings.

Wait a moment. What do you mean a necropolis? Isn’t this the Treasury supposed to be a…treasury?

Nope. The name came from the Bedouins, who believed an Egyptian Pharoah had hidden his riches there. If you look at the urn at the very top of Al Khazneh, you can see bullet holes left from treasure-hunters who believed it was full of gold and gems.

So, can you go inside the Treasury of Petra?

Unfortunately, you can’t. It was allowed until 1997, but because people used to shout inside, thus creating eco and damaging the ceiling, it’s now forbidden.  It’s not a big loss, though. There’s nothing inside the Treasury. No ornaments, no reliefs. Nothing. Just plain rock. You can check it in this  old youtube video .

The Treasury, being the most famous structure inside Petra, is almost always swarming with people. If you go on a day-trip, there’s nothing you can do, but if you are staying in Wadi Musa, get up early, and you might be up for a treat. To enjoy this awe-inspiring world-wonder free of people is truly a mesmerizing experience.

 There are a few top-notch photo spots at Al Khazneh. You can find them in my detailed Petra photo guide .

The Siq is the ancient entrance to Petra. It’s a 1.2 km ( 0.75mi) canyon that starts with the remains of an ancient arc and snakes its way to the ancient city. The Siq is one of the biggest highlights in the area, and I suggest you take your time going through its rose-colored walls. I know you may be a bit impatient to see Petra, but the 1.2km hike is an absolute joy.

Make sure to notice the little archeological treasures left by the Nabataeans. If you are a history-lover, you’ll love the water channels, the remains of the terracotta pipes, and the various small altars laying around.

You can hire a carriage to take you through the Siq (20 JOD), but I strongly recommend not to do it. I didn’t like how the poor horses were treated, and anyways, you want to savior this walk, not rush it.

The Monastery

The Monastery, also known as Ad Deir, is the second most famous structure inside Petra. Its facade looks a lot like the Treasury. They share the same Hellenistic style facade, but the Monastery is a little bit bigger.

Ad Deir was built sometimes in the 3rd century BCE, and just like Al Khazneh, it’s considered to be a monumental Nabataean tomb. It derives its name from the crosses carved inside. It’s believed that Petra’s Monastery was used as a church during Byzantine times.

A lot of the Petra visitors never make it to the Monastery. It’s located at the end of the city, and it’s impossible to reach on a day tour. If you have more time, though, prepare for an 8 km (5mi) hike and more than 800 steps. There’s an option to rent a donkey to carry you there, but I plead you not to do it. It felt so wrong watching the poor little things slipping on the rock stairs, carrying overweight tourists. The hike may not be the easiest one but better push yourself and do it than torturing the innocent animals.

Once you reach Ad Deir, you can sit for a drink at the Bedouin cafe right in front of it.

Don’t miss the hill across marked with signs “the most beautiful view in the world”. It’s not a big one, and the view is truly remarkable.

   See Also:   15 curious facts about Petra

Royal Tombs

Wandering inside Petra, you’d see plenty of tombs (if you have a guide, he’ll point all of them out). The ones you should care about are the four royal ones. Easy to spot from afar, the Royal Tombs are a labyrinth of 1 century AD mausoleums.

Coming from the center of Petra, the first tomb is the Urn Tomb. It’s the most picturesque one, and it’s the second most tourist-swarmed place in the city. It’s called like that due to the urn on its top (duh).

Beside the Urn Tomb is the Silk Tomb. The name derives from the beautiful colors of its sandstone, but it’s nothing special, really. 

Tomb number three is called the Corinthian Tomb. It’s named like that because when it was first found, it was mistaken there are Corinthian motives on the facade ( there aren’t). It looks a lot like the Treasury, but sadly the elements of nature weren’t as merciful here. The tomb may be very eroded, but it’s still my favorite one. It’s very photogenic, and a very friendly donkey lives right outside of it.

The last Royal Tomb is the Palace Tomb. It’s quite wide and has a very Roman design, similar to the  Golden House of Nero . You can get inside all tombs, but don’t expect anything breath-taking inside. Just some beautifully-colored rocks.

Roman Ruins

The roman ruins around Petra caught me by surprise. I love Rome and everything Roman, but I didn’t think I would find them here.

It turned out, sometime around 1st century AD, the Romans came to the area. As surprising as it sounds, they didn’t invade the Nabataeans (large amounts of gold probably helped) but coexisted with them. Nowadays, the center of Petra is full of Roman ruins. 

You start with a well-preserved amphitheater and continue through the Colonnaded Street. The main attraction of the street is the Roman columns (you didn’t saw that coming, right :D), which may not be the most best-preserved or most spectacular in Jordan, but are worth checking out.

Qasr el-Bint 

At the end of the Colonnaded Street is Qasr el-Bint, the main temple of the Nabataeans. Unlike their other buildings, the temple is not carved in rocks but built with golden sandstone blocks.

The deity to whom the Qasr al Bint was dedicated is a controversial topic. Some scholars believe it a temple of Dushares – the main Nabataean god. Others think the greek symbols inside show that the temple is dedicated to Zeus or even Aphrodite. I had no idea who is right; honestly, it doesn’t really matter. The temple is very cool, and you shouldn’t skip it.

The Byzantine Church

The church is not the most exciting structure of Petra, and if you’re on a day-trip, you can safely skip it. If you have enough time to explore, the church is located on the right of Colonnaded Street. Its main attraction is the 1,500 years old mosaics.

Petra Hikes

Besides the stunning ancient structures, the Rose City offers breath-taking nature and plenty of hiking trails. We already covered the top ones ( Main Trail and Monastery Trail), but if you decided to spend more time inside Petra, you could explore off-beaten ones too.

My favorite is the Al Kubtha Trail. It starts behind the Royal Tomb, climbs up the cliff, exposing panoramic views of the Roman Center in the process, and ends up above the Treasury.

Another one you can try is The High Place Of Sacrifice Trail. It has a lot of climbing but offers a panoramic view of the Royal Tombs. Officially you are not allowed to do any hike without guides, but no one would make a problem if you do. I didn’t see even one person hiking with a guide. All the trails are marked on the map you get at the Visitor’s Center. You can also check them  here .

The little caves you see everywhere in Petra are actually former Bedouin houses. When Petra became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, the government started relocating the Bedouins, leaving their homes empty. 

You can explore them all if you like. They’re nothing special from the inside but create excellent photo opportunities.

Have in mind that not all Bedouins got relocated, though.  Some of them decided to stay and still live in the caves today . Make sure the cave you’re about to explore is not someone’s home, or it may become awkward.

Petra by Night

Petra by Night is a unique show that let you enjoy the Rose City after dark. You follow a candle path through the Siq until you reach the Treasury (again lighten up by candles). Once there, you can sit on the mats and enjoy a music show.

Petra by night is a one-of-a-kind experience but requires a little planning. The show performs only on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. You can get a ticket from most of the hotels or at the spot (have in mind you also need to have a daytime ticket).

You can’t reserve your spot, but that’s not really necessary since the tickets are unlimited. The Petra gates open at 8:30 PM. You should be back at the Visitor’s Center around 10:30 PM.

The Bedouins

Petra is home to the Al B’doul Bedouin Tribe. They claim to be descendants of the Nabataeans and used to live in the caves around the ancient city. Today, they live in nearby villages but still work inside the world wonder. 

They will offer their services as guides. They will sell you trinkets, magnets, scarves and all kinds of souvenirs. They will get you on their donkey or camel, and give you a tour around. Bedouins consider themselves the caretakers of Petra, and everything goes through them.

Something to know about the Bedouins. They are very proud and very smart people. To survive hundreds of years in the desert requires a lot of wits and trust me, they have it.

If you want to buy something, prepare for a hard haggle. Striking a good deal with a Bedouin is close to impossible, but you can at least try.

Castaway Tip If you want to buy souvenirs, don’t do it at the Treasury. The furthest down Petra you go, the lowest the prices are. If you are planning to go to the Monastery, save the shopping for the trek there.

   See Also:   All the Best Photo Spots in Petra

How much does it cost to get inside Petra?

There are a few types of tickets to go inside Petra. You can get them from the ticket counter in the visitor’s center.

1-day ticket – 50 JOD / 70 USD 2-day ticket – 55 JOD / 77 USD 3-day ticket – 60 JOD / 84 USD

There is one more peculiar type of ticket. If you go to Petra on the same day you crossed the border, you have to pay 90 JOD / 126 USD. If you spend the night in Wadi Musa, you can come back the next day and get 40 JOD back. If you go back, though, you lose the whole 90 JOD. This one is designed for the day-tours from Israel, but it could be a bad surprise if you try to do Petra on the same day you arrive in Jordan.

Another way to get inside Petra is to use the  Jordan Pass . Depending on how many Petra days you want, the pass costs 70 JOD / 98 USD, 75 JOD / 105 USD, and 80 JOD / 112 USD (1, 2, and 3 days). If you arrive in Aqaba and you’re planning to explore more of Jordan’s highlights, the pass may come in handy.  If your point of entry is Amman, the pass is an absolute must, because it also waives the Jordan visa fee ( 40 JOD / 56 USD).

Is there a toilet in Petra?

This may sound like a funny question, but you’re about to spend a lot of hours inside Petra, so the query is valid.  There are plenty of toilets in Petra, so there’s nothing to worry about. On your way in, get a brochure-map, and all of them would be marked there.

Is Petra open every day?

Petra is open every day of the year (including Ramadan). Summer: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Winter: 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Is it safe to go to Petra?

Petra is a very safe place to visit. The Bedouins look after the Lost City and make sure everything there goes smoothly. I don’t think there are even pickpockets in Petra (you should be alert though).  The most significant safety risk inside Petra is the sun. The Rose city is located in the desert, so, heatstrokes and dehydration should not be taken lightly.

There’s also a particular Bedouin scam, girls should be aware of. Apparently, some young Bedouins like to seduce young tourist girls. Once the girls go back home, the Bedouins start asking for money because “their donkey died” or “their cave burned down” (how is that even a thing).

Now, Petra may be safe, but (like always) I suggest you get travel insurance. Having one is something that really ease-off your mind and lets you enjoy your adventure to the max. I currently use  HeyMondo  for my travels because they have proven themselves to me more than once over the years. The link above will give you a 5% discount, but If you have another favorite provider, that’s ok. Just make sure you have one because you never know what may happen.

When to visit Petra?

You can visit Petra all year round, but you have to be ready for some harsh weather. No matter the month you choose, rain would hardly be a problem. A desert is always a desert. The daily temperatures, however, can vary a lot.

Spring (March-May) One of the best seasons to visit. The average temperatures in March start from 6°C (49°F) / 18°C (64°F) and climb to 12°C (53°F) / 28°C (82°F) in May. If you start exploring from early morning, you’d need some layered clothing.

Summer (June – August) Summer is not a good season to explore Petra. The average temperatures in the summer are 18°C (62°F)/33°C (91°F), often going above 40°C (100°F). If you find yourself in Jordan during summer, make sure you explore Petra in the early hours and have plenty of water with you.

Autumn (September – November) The best season to visit Petra (weatherwise). Temperatures are still high in September (16°C / 60°F – 31°C / 87°F) but go down to much more tolerable numbers in November (8°C / 46°F – 20°C / 68°F).

Winter (December – February) Winter may be a little cold for a visit, but you are certain to have the lowest prices and very thin tourist crowds. The average temperatures are between 3°C / 37°F and 15°C / 59°F. If you’re not afraid of chilly weather, it is the best period for you.

Check out a detailed Petra weather info

Can you do Petra in a day?

The answer to this question depends on the type of traveler you are. If you just want to take a look at the world wonder, but you’re not that much into hiking, photography or history, one day may be just enough. Visiting Petra on a day-tour would show you only the main spots close to the entrance – The Siq, The Treasury, The Royal Tombs, and part of the Roman Ruins. If you’re not on a day trip, you’d have enough time to add the Monastery too.

To have a really good time inside Petra, I suggest a three-day visit. On the first day – get familiar with the Rose City. On the second – get up early, take some quality photos, and go all the way to the Monastery. On the third one – make a hike or two inside Petra.  Trust me, this place is soo worth it three days of your time.

What currency do you need in Petra?

In Petra (and Jordan), you need Jordanian Dinars (JOD). The Dinars are one of the few currencies in the world that is stronger than the US dollar and the Euro. Have this in mind when you’re buying something, it’s easy to overspend without realizing.

That’s all from me, I hope you enjoyed the marvels inside Petra . ———————————— If you haven’t planned your trip there yet, find out how I plan my trips! ———————————— I have 8 bucket list ideas for Jordan. See my impossible bucket list of 1700+ adventures!

Is Petra on your bucket list?

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Saturday 29th of October 2022

thanks so much for the online guide/blog, i bumped into it while searching for more detailed information about Jordan. When have you been there last time and is the visa obtained at ASEZA office mean that i can get to Wadi Rum / Musa / Petra for free then (because what i have understood from your Castaway tip, if i enter through Aqaba then i don't need Jordan pass for sightseeings? Does the visa give such right then? Thanks for the clarification.

Have a great day!

Thursday 3rd of November 2022

Hi Inna, Your visa in Aqaba i free, if you arrive in Amman you'll have to pay 40 JD for it. Petra's entry is 50 JD (for 1 day) Jordan pass (with 1 day Petra entry) costs 70 JD and includes Jordan visa If you arrive in Amman you pay 40 JD (visa) and 50 JD (Petra) = 90 JD so the Jordan pass saves you money. If you arrive in Aqaba you pay 0 JD (visa) and 50 JD (Petra) = 50 JD so the Jordan pass loses you money. The pass itself coveres extra attractions so if you want to visit them it may be a good idea to get one (you can check wich ones on their website) Wadi Musa is a town while Wadi Rum is a desert area, they don't have entry fees. The tours in Wadi Rum are booked through the bedoiun camps you stay in. The Jordan Pass does not cover them. Have a great trip and say Hi to Petra from me :)

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Petra Jordan Travel Guide: How To Visit The Lost City

The lost city of Petra Jordan is emerging as one of the most popular places to visit in the Middle East. It’s relatively safe and affordable, and there are some amazing things to see.

Petra is an incredible ancient city carved into the rocks in southern Jordan, and the ruins inside Petra Jordan can be explored by walking on foot or riding a camel.

It’s a bucket list item for sure, and this Petra travel blog and map will show how you can do it on your own, with or without a tour, and with a very modest budget and minimal planning. Read on!

What Is Petra Jordan? What Is The History?

Petra is a lost archaeological city in Jordan where ancient buildings were carved into the rock walls as early as 400 BC.

The most iconic thing at Petra is the Treasury (pictured above), which is known in Arabic as Al-Khazneh. This view is famous because of all the cool photos that appear on Instagram.

But what most people don’t realize is that the Treasury is just one of the buildings. Petra was an actual city, and at one time, it’s thought that almost 20,000 people lived at this hidden city in the rock!

Petra, Jordan was abandoned in the early centuries AD, and became unknown to the world until it was rediscovered by a Swiss explorer in 1812:  

I was without protection in the midst of a desert where no traveller had ever before been seen…   An excavated mausoleum came in view, the situation and beauty of which are calculated to make an extraordinary impression upon the traveller, after having traversed for nearly half an hour such a gloomy and almost subterraneous passage as I have described.   In comparing the testimonies of the authors cited in Reland’s Palastina, it appears very probable that the ruins ….. are those of the ancient Petra… Explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt

  Epic, huh? That’s why the monuments at Petra have been featured in Indiana Jones and other adventure movies.

I mean, just look at it!

Day Tours To Petra Jordan

First of all, if you’re on a tight schedule and want to skip the extra steps involved in arranging your own trip to Petra, or if you’d rather travel with a vetted tour company, there are options for doing that.

There are a number of companies that offer prearranged day tours to Petra Jordan , with pickup and dropoff at the airport included. They also have a 3-day Petra Jordan tour that includes Wadi Rum , the Dead Sea, and more.

If you’d rather make your own arrangements and do everything yourself (which is ultimately a bit cheaper), then that’s covered next.

Where Is Petra Jordan?

Petra is located in southern Jordan, about 200 kilometers (125 miles) south of the capital city of Amman.

It’s carved into the rocky walls of a desert canyon just outside the nearest town of Wadi Musa.  

How To Get To Petra Jordan

There is no airport at Petra, so international flights to Jordan will generally go to Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman city. You can shop for flights to Amman at Skyscanner.

The drive from Amman to Petra takes about 3-4 hours, and you can make the journey by car (more convenient) or bus (more affordable). I’ll explain these transport options in more detail below.

It’s also possible to visit Petra overland from Israel, and there are 1-3 day tours starting from Tel Aviv .  

• Private Taxi

If you have a hotel booked at Petra, you can ask the hotel to send a driver to pick you up at the Amman airport and bring you there. My Petra hotel arranged this for me for the fairly typical price of 75 JD ($105 USD).

You can also find a taxi driver at the Amman airport to take you to Petra, but the prices will be similar.

Expensive, isn’t it? But this is the quickest and easiest option for getting to/from the lost city of Petra.  

If you take the JETT bus, it’s 11 JD ($15 USD) for a one way ticket or 22 JD ($30 USD) for a round trip ticket. You can book the trip with them on their website .

Here is the bus schedule on the JETT website. You will also need a taxi driver to take you from the airport to the JETT office in Amman where the bus leaves from. Taxis are expensive in Jordan, so sadly this part may cost upwards of 20 JD ($28 USD).

I only took the JETT bus one way, when I went back to Amman from Petra. The bus was pretty comfy and really not hard to use at all.

If I ever visit Petra again someday, I think I would take the JETT bus both ways.  

• Rental Car

Another option is to rent a car and drive yourself.

The roads and driving in Jordan are pretty tame compared to other countries in the Middle East, so this is a decent option to consider. Car rental prices are reasonable.

I haven’t driven a car in Jordan yet, but maybe I can cover that in a future Petra travel blog post.

Map Of Petra

Here’s a rough map of the area. You’ll get a copy of this same Petra Jordan map when you reach the visitor’s center.

The main path is pretty easy to follow, and you’ll most likely be in the company of other tourists, especially after the sun comes up.

The main trail distance (from the visitor’s center to the museum) is 4 kilometers (2.5 miles). More info on walking distances later.

There are restrooms and a couple of small restaurants on the main path inside Petra. The food is very overpriced, but the souvenirs are really neat and they can be a bargain if you haggle hard.

Map of the Petra area. Courtesy of the Jordanian Tourism official website .

Visiting The Ancient City Of Petra

Hours of entry.

• Summer: 6 AM – 6 PM
• Winter: 6 AM – 4 PM

Entrance Fees

• Daytrippers (No Overnight Stay In Jordan): 90 JD ($127 USD)
• One Day: 50 JD ($70 USD)
• Two Days: 55 JD
• Three Days: 60 JD
• Jordan Pass: Free
• Children: Free (under 12)

You’ll need to show your passport or ID at the ticket office. You can pay by cash or credit card.

If you hold a Jordan Pass (highly recommended for most visitors!), then you don’t have to pay an entrance fee.

More information about Petra fees can be found on the official Jordanian tourism website .  

There’s no strict dress code at Petra, since it’s not a temple or mosque.

With that said, Jordanian culture is relatively conservative, so wearing modest clothing in public is a good idea and I would highly recommend it.

That would mean wearing something that covers your knees and shoulders.

You’ll see lots of camels walking around inside Petra Jordan

Distances & Walking Times

Here are some rough estimates for distance and walking times by foot.

They can change of course, depending on your fitness level and how many photo stops you make along the way.

• Visitor’s Center to Siq: 1 km (15 minutes)
• Siq to Treasury: 1 km (15 minutes)
• Treasury To Monastery Trail: 2 km (30 minutes)
• Monastery Trail: 1.5 km (30 minutes)
• Main Trail (Visitor’s Center to Monastery Trail): 4 kilometers
• Visitor’s Center to Monastery: 5.5 kilometers

You can reference the Petra map earlier in this travel blog to see where to find each of these places.

Once inside Petra, you can get around the ruins by riding a camel or walking on foot.

Camel/Donkey Rides At Petra

If fitness is an issue, you can pay to ride a horse, carriage, camel, or donkey for different segments of the Petra trail. I never used these, because the prices are just unreasonable.

When I went in 2018, they were asking a firm 20 JD ($28 USD) for a camel ride. For comparison, you can ride a camel at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt for 1/10th the price!

On the other hand, if you’re just itching to get your pic taken sitting on a camel in front of the epic Treasury of Petra, then this is your chance.

Donkeys are another popular way to get around Petra Jordan

Best Things To Do & See At Petra

At this point, you’re probably wondering what are some of the “must see” places in Petra Jordan.

This is not a complete list of every single rock, tomb, and interesting thing to see in the lost city of Petra, but these are just some of the highlights that stood out to me during my time there. Remember, no matter how awesome you think Petra is, trust me, you will get tired of looking at rock buildings after awhile.

One day at Petra is enough time to see most of the places on this list, but probably not all of them, so you’ll want to prioritize the things that look most appealing to you. Two days is plenty of time to see all of these.

These are listed in basic chronological order, with a few deviations from the main path where it’s necessary (Monastery and upper viewpoints).  

• The Bab al-Siq

This is an open road in the desert, stretching from the visitor’s center until the Siq (entrance to Petra). The name is Arabic for ‘gateway to the Siq’.

On the roadside you’ll pass some of the first carved monuments of the day, with some cool rock houses that look like they belong to Fred and Barney in the Flintstones.

There are some Bedouin guys standing around here giving ‘free’ horse rides to the Petra entrance, but the catch is that they will expect (and demand) a big tip afterwards. Just tell them no thanks and keep walking.

The Siq is the ancient entrance to the city of Petra.

This is a long, narrow pathway (basically like a Utah slot canyon ) that leads you to the hidden city. The steep walls on either side of this path are really impressive, and right away they make you feel tiny.

You can ride a horse drawn carriage through the Siq, again for a fee, but I don’t see much point unless you’re just very tired (maybe on the way back). Granted, the path is not completely flat, but it’s not steep or exhausting either.

• The Treasury

As you exit the end of the Siq, you’ll be greeted by a majestic carved monument called the Treasury ( Al Khazneh ). This facade is easily the most famous view inside Petra Jordan.

Surprisingly, there’s nothing inside Petra’s treasury. It’s an empty square chamber with a flat ceiling. Tourists generally can’t go inside Al Khazneh , either, but the outside is good enough to keep you busy taking photos for quite awhile.

The best lighting is early in the morning, when the rocks are a dark purple color. Later in the day, the rocks will change to a brown or bright orange color (in direct sunlight), and this looks a lot different. Both views are nice, but they’re very different. Try to see both if you can.

The Treasury (Al Khazneh) is the most famous view inside Petra Jordan.

• Above The Treasury

There are three different upper viewpoints where you can look down at the Treasury from the rocks above.

All of these views are fantastic, but they require a little bit of explanation to find. I’ll be writing a follow-up Petra travel blog post for this as well.

If you don’t mind paying a local tour guide, they can take you to any of these viewpoints easily with a short hike.

• The Street of Facades

After you get done gawking at the Treasury, you’ll enter the Street of Facades. It’s lined with various carved tombs and other monuments. There are a lot of these, and some of them are skippable if you’re just wanting to see the highlights of Petra.

• Tomb of Unayshu

This is a well preserved tomb, and one of the biggest carvings on the eastern side of the Street of Facades.

Most people seem to skip this section, but it’s worth a look if you have time! I think these are some of the best buildings in the Petra city ruins.

• The Amphitheater

As you continue walking on the Street of Facades, you’ll pass an amphitheater on the left.

This is a Roman-style theater that was built in the 1st century AD. You can’t go inside, but it’s easy to take photos of it from the street.

• The Royal Tombs

This is a series of tombs on the right side of the Street of Facades. The style looks similar to the Treasury, but these buildings are unfinished and not as nice.

If you follow the trail that goes around the backside of these tombs, you can go see the Treasury and other parts of Petra from above.

• The Colonnaded Street

The Street of Facades eventually blends into the Colonnaded Street.

This was a paved street that in old times probably served as a market lined with shops and sellers. The gate and some of the columns are still standing.

• The Great Temple

Joining the Colonnaded Street, these are the ruins of a big temple in what used to be the city center of ancient Petra. There’s a big staircase and the remains of an open air plaza.

There are great views of the mountains in the distance, so definitely make a quick stop here, at least.

• The Monastery

The monastery is one of the most underrated parts of Petra Jordan. It’s bigger than the Treasury, and much less crowded.

Unlike the Treasury, which is carved directly into the rocks, the Monastery almost looks like a freestanding building.

If you hike straight to the Monastery first thing in the morning, you may even have it to yourself for hours.

The Monastery is one of the most underrated ruins inside Petra Jordan

• The High Place of Sacrifice

This was a panoramic viewpoint above Petra city where religious sacrifices of animals and incense were offered.

It’s a 30-60 minute hike to the top, and the views are worth it! Just come prepared for heat, and bring plenty of water.

Hotels In Petra Jordan

If you would like to spend more than one day at Petra (which I’d recommend), then you’ll need a hotel or other place to stay.

There are no hotels “in” Petra, since it’s a protected archaeological site, but you can stay in the nearby town of Wadi Musa, which is within walking distance of Petra.

Wadi Musa is not a big town, but it’s been built up by tourism at Petra, so there are plenty of good hotels and restaurants to choose from.  

Where I Stayed

I stayed at Rocky Mountain Hotel near Petra for 26 JD ($37 USD) per night, and it was a pretty good bargain compared to the other hotels I've tried in this area (Jordan is not the cheapest country to travel).

Rocky Mountain is a 20 minute walk to Petra , or you can use the hotel's daily shuttle service. Jane, the hotel owner lady, was kind enough to drive me to Petra herself and pick me up later. She's a New Zealander and obviously works very hard.

The hotel also helped me arrange my Wadi Rum jeep tour from Petra. All in all, it was just what I needed, and the staff were very helpful with arranging transfers, meals, and other things.

Prices may fluctuate from time to time, so just keep an eye out for a good deal.

I stayed at Rocky Mountain Hotel near Petra

The town of Wadi Musa. You can see the entrance to Petra in the distance.

Petra By Night

This is a night show where the Treasury of Petra is lit up by 1,500 candles and some songs are played. It lasts 2 hours and runs every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, from 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM.

I decided to skip this because a lot of people say it’s overpriced and disappointing, and I had already seen the Treasury on two separate visits. Now, as a travel blogger and semi-serious photographer, I kind of kick myself for not doing it.

If you’re into photography, it could be a good opportunity to take some cool photos of the Treasury lit up by candles. Otherwise, the general consensus seems to be that it’s poorly executed and not worth the entry price for most people. I wish the Jordanian tourism authorities would take some lessons from the folks who made the outstanding night show at Abu Simbel in Egypt .

The entrance fee for Petra By Night is 17 JD ($24 USD) for adults, and it’s NOT included in a regular Petra day ticket. Kids under 10 go free. More info can be found at the official Jordanian tourism website .

Petra By Night (© Shutterstock)

Bottled sand art souvenirs at Petra

A little puppy wandering the Petra city ruins

Is Jordan Safe?

Yes, I think Jordan is pretty safe.

Nowhere in the world is completely safe, but Jordan is a stable country that gets millions of tourists per year.

Terrorist attacks are possible, but that’s true anywhere. They don’t seem to be any more common in Jordan.

In the age of terrorism I would try to avoid hanging out in big crowds while traveling here, but again, that’s a basic safety tip that goes for just about anywhere nowadays.

Personally, I would rate Jordan much safer than Egypt , for example.

Read More: Safety in Jordan

Best Time To Visit Petra

Petra Jordan is nice any month of the year, but the best time to visit is in the spring (March – May) or fall (September – November). I went in early October and it was very pleasant. In the middle of summer, Petra can be very hot — up to 86 F (30 C).

Either way, the best time of day to visit is very early, before sunrise. Not only will you skip the crowds and heat, but you’ll also get a headstart on your day, and photos of the Treasury will look cooler. My favorite photos at Petra were taken shortly before the sunrise.

It’s the best time of day for photographing the Treasury because the rocks are a dark purple color. Later in the day, the rocks will change to a brown or bright orange color (in direct sunlight), and this looks a lot different. Both views are nice, but they’re very different. I’d recommend seeing both phases if you can.

You can also check the live webcam at the Treasury to get an idea what the lighting will look like at certain times of the day.  

Best Tours In Jordan

More petra travel blog posts.

Thanks for reading this Petra travel blog! Hopefully it’s helpful for planning your own trip.

Don’t forget to check out my complete Jordan Travel Guide and also my guide for the Wadi Rum desert , which is just a short distance from Petra!

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Inside Petra – The Ultimate Guide to Petra in Jordan

Step inside Petra with our ultimate guide to the Rose Red City of Petra in Jordan. Find out everything you need to know about visiting Jordan’s most famous and most breathtaking tourist attraction.

Inside Petra – The Stunning “Lost City of Petra”

To say that the ancient city of Petra is breathtaking is actually an understatement because it is beyond breathtaking. It is one of the most magnificent archaeological sites on the planet. Its discovery in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt literally stunned the world.

Such is the magnificence of Petra City, that a lot of people travel to Jordan purely for the chance to see and explore what is now often called the Lost City of Petra. Since its discovery, an entire town has grown and been developed to cater to the vast number of tourists who visit the site each year.

A Brief History of the Lost City of Petra in Jordan

Petra is the remains of an ancient city that was hand-hewn out of the rock walls of a long and often deep desert canyon. It is believed that work on the city started during the 4th-century BC when a tribe of nomadic Nabatean Arabs settled in the area and set up a trading hub along a major trade route.

Their success allowed them to accumulate great wealth. As their wealth grew, so they were able to expand their Nabatean city, carving tombs, temples, homes, and even an imposing Treasury out of the canyon walls. They also developed a complex network of dams, cisterns and conduits to manage water. This allowed them to have a reliable year-round water supply in this otherwise uninhabitable desert region.

In 312 BC, an envious Greek Empire attempted to invade and drive the Nabateans out but the Nabateans successfully defended their city and the Greeks withdrew. This is the first mention of this hidden city in recorded history.

Unfortunately, in the 1st-century (106 AD) the Romans decided to attack, and on this occasion the Nabateans were defeated and driven out of their magnificent Nabatean city. After capturing the city the Romans named it Arabia Petraea. The city then remained under Roman rule for the next 250 years until a major earthquake destroyed many of the city’s buildings.

By the time the 8th-century arrived, the beautiful Rose City of Petra had for the most part been abandoned. For next several centuries, the impressive ancient structures inside Petra only served as shelters for nomadic shepherds and their goats. It remained this way until its discovery in 1812.

In 1985 the Rose City of Petra in Jordan was granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status, and then several years later it was officially named as one of the 7 New Wonders of the World.

The Petra Theatre is situated 600 m from the centre of Petra. Substantial part of the theater was carved out of solid rock, while the scaena and exterior wall were constructed.

Visiting the Rose City of Petra

Vehicles of any kind are not allowed inside Petra or even beyond the visitor center. From the visitor center, you have to proceed on foot. However, horse, donkey, and camel rides are offered at the site but only in very limited numbers.

Most of our own Jordan tour packages and our Egypt and Jordan tours include a short horse ride from the Visitor Centre to the Siq, a distance of around 700 meters. The Siq is the gate/canyon entrance. Once you pass the Siq, you are then inside Petra.

The distance from the visitor center to the Treasury, which is located at the far end of the canyon, is roughly two kilometers. So, if you can get a horse ride from the visitor center to the Siq, you may want to consider it.

Inside Petra, One of the World’s Most Amazing Archeological Sites

Inside Petra is a honeycomb of rock-hewn temples, tombs, and other structures which were carved out of the canyon’s pink and red sandstone walls.

How much you get see when you are inside Petra will depend on how much time you spend at the site. Many guided tours last approximately two hours. During these two hours, your guide will ensure that you get to see some of the ancient city’s most impressive features.

A two hour tour will include the walk from the Siq to the Treasury which is the most breathtaking and most exciting structure inside Petra. You will also see features like the Colonnaded Street, the Royal Tombs, Qasr El-Bint, and the Amphitheatre. While these might be the most visually striking structures, there really is so much more to see inside Petra.

For example, if you have more time, you can walk up to the Monastery which is another very famous structure at the site. This walk takes about 45 minutes in each direction, but it well worth the walk and it will provide even more excellent photo opportunities.

If you are staying at Wadi Musa for you Petra visit, you could also add “Petra by Night” to your Petra experience. The Petra by Night tour lasts from 20h30 to 22h30 and is only available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. During these times, the Siq and the Treasury with its impressive facades are beautifully illuminated with candles, allowing you to take seriously cool photos. At the time of writing, Petra by Night tickets cost 17JD (+/-US$24).  

NOTE 1: Considering how much walking you are likely to do and the sort of terrain involved, it is strongly recommended that you visit with a good pair of walking shoes or a sturdy pair of trainers.

NOTE 2: There is very little shade at Petra. Because of this, sunglasses, sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are highly recommended.

The Petra Night Show is a magical way to see part of the rock city by candlelight.

How Much Time Do You Need at Petra?

How much time you need inside Petra really depends on how much you want to see. If you only want to see the most famous features like those mentioned earlier, then a few hours should be adequate. However, if you want to see and explore more of Petra, you will need at least a day or two. After all, Petra covers an area of approximately 60 square kilometers.

If you don’t mind doing a lot of walking, there are also some excellent hiking opportunities at Petra. While it’s always nice to have a friendly guide with you, it can work out quite expensive but fortunately it is typically okay to enjoy a hike without guides.

No matter how much time you intend spending in Petra, be sure to carry adequate drinking water with you, preferably in a good quality insulated water bottle or water bottles.

For those with time to spare, there is also the lesser known Little Petra about 10 km from the main Petra site. While it is not as impressive as the main site, there is a still lot to see.

Many people visit Petra by way of a day trip from Amman or Aqaba. However, if you want to spend a day or more exploring Petra then you should rather stay in Wadi Musa. There is plenty of hotel accommodation available for all budgets, with some hotels being within walking distance from the Petra Visitor Centre.

Glimpse of the Treasury from the Siq. Petra, Jordan.

Can Visitors Spend the Night Inside Petra?

Unfortunately, the Jordanian authorities don’t allow tourists to stay inside Petra unaccompanied at night. You can however book a cave stay with Bedouin hosts. Bedouin hosts who offer cave stays are very warm and welcoming, and they usually try to give you a truly authentic experience. With some cave stays, you will have the choice of sleeping in the cave, or sleeping outdoors under the stars.

How Much Does it Cost to Visit Petra

At the time of writing, the entrance fee for Petra was 50JD (+/- US$70) which allows you one full day inside Petra. If you plan on staying in the area a bit longer and/or you have a flexible travel schedule, consider purchasing a two-day or three-day ticket which costs 55JD and 60JD respectively. This allows you to spend two or three days inside Petra. Not only does this allow you to see more, but it also allows you to explore at a more leisurely pace.

Be aware that if you visit Petra as part of a day trip from a neighboring country, or if you visit on the same day you arrive in Jordan, the entrance ticket for Petra will cost nearly twice as much. However, if you are still in Jordan the following day, you can return to the Petra Visitor Center and you will be given a partial refund.

Getting to Petra

Most people who visit Jordan enter the country via Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan’s capital city, or they enter via King Hussein International Airport at Aqaba. If you have booked a tour, the tour company will provide transport to and from the site.

If you are traveling independently, you will have the option of using a taxi or a bus. If you opt for using a taxi, expect a one-way trip from Amman to Petra to cost upwards of 85JD (+/- US$120). The journey in a taxi or private vehicle takes about three and a half hours.

Catching a local bus is significantly cheaper but the journey takes longer and it’s a lot less comfortable.

If you are going to be visiting Petra from Aqaba, and you choose to use a taxi, expect to pay upwards of 50 JD (+/- US$70). The journey takes roughly two hours if you take the fastest route. Once again, buses are a cheaper but less comfortable option.

Inside Petra – FAQ & Interesting Facts

Visiting petra, what is petra jordan.

Petra is an Archaeological site consisting of the ruins of an ancient rock-hewn city that was founded during the 4th century BC by a nomadic tribe of Nabatean Arabs. 

Is Petra a wonder of the world?

Petra in Jordan became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 and in the early 2000s it was officially names as one of the Seven New Wonders of the World. 

Is Petra open for tourists?

Yes, the Petra Archaeological Park is open for tourists. As of the time of writing, a one-day entrance ticket cost 50JD, roughly US$99. Two and three-day tickets are also available. 

Is it safe to visit Petra?

Yes, Petra, like most of Jordan, is a very safe place to visit. As of the time of writing, no countries have issued travel warnings or travel advisories regarding Petra. 

What's inside of Petra?

Inside Petra you will find a collection of ancient tombs, temples, a monastery, and numerous our rock-hewn structures, with the most impressive being the now legendary Treasury.

Can you go inside Petra?

Yes, visitors are allowed inside Petra. However, visitors are no longer allowed enter the site’s most iconic and most famous structure, the Treasury.

How long to spend in Petra?

To see Petra’s most famous and most breathtaking sites, a two-hour guided tour should be sufficient. To see all of Petra would require at least two or three days. 

How to get to Petra?

Taxis, private vehicles, and buses are the only means of getting to Petra from cities like Amman and Aqaba. One can also book Petra tours which include transport to and from the site. 

Where is Petra Located?

Where is petra located.

Originally known as Raqmu, Petra is located adjacent to a mountain known as Jabal Al-Madbah in southern Jordan, approximately 230 kilometers (143 miles) from Amman, the country’s capital city.

What country is Petra in?

Petra is located in southern Jordan, roughly 230 kilometers (143 miles) from the country’s capital, Amman, and approximately 125 kilometers (78 miles) from Aqaba on the Red Sea coast.

Where in Jordan is Petra?

Petra is located in southern Jordan, approximately 230 kilometers from the Jordanian capital, Amman. The closest town to the Petra archaeological site is Wadi Musa (Moses Valley).

What desert is Petra in?

Petra is located in Jordan’s Wadi Araba desert which is part of the Jordan Rift Valley that stretches from Aqaba to the Dead Sea, an area known for its barren landscape and its many sandstone canyons.

How far is Petra from Amman?

The road distance from Amman to Petra via the Kings Highway is roughly 230 km. If traveling via the far more scenic Desert Highway the distance is about 240 km but the journey takes a lot longer.

How far is Petra from the Dead Sea?

The distance from Wadi Musa to Amman Beach at the Dead Sea is roughly 198 kilometers. Wadi Musa, which foreigners often call Petra Town, is the closest town to the Petra archaeological site.

How far is Petra from Egypt?

Assuming you fly from Cairo International Airport in Egypt to Queen Alia Airport in Amman (473 km) and then travel from Amman to Petra (230 km), you will cover a total distance of around 503 km.

How far is Petra from Cairo?

The shortest travel distance from Cairo to Petra is 676 kilometers via Route 50M. This includes the drive from Cairo to Taba, the ferry crossing to Aqaba in Jordan, and the drive Wadi Musa (Petra).

How far is Petra from Israel?

The distance between Petra and Israel depends on which Israeli city you are traveling from. For example, Tel Aviv is 328 kilometers from Petra while Eilat is only 143 kilometers from Petra. 

How far is Petra from Jerusalem?

The Lost City of Petra in Jordan is located approximately 268 kilometers from Jerusalem if you travel along the Jordan Valley Highway (Route 65). If you travel via Route 15, the distance is 305.2 km.

Why & When Was Petra Built?

Why was petra built.

Petra was initially a Nabatean controlled stopping point on a major trade route where traders and their camels could rest up. As trade grew, so too did Petra, later becoming the Nabatean capital. 

When was Petra built?

While Nabatean Arabs were living in the region as early as 7000 BC, it’s believed that the city of Petra was founded during the 4th century BC. By the 1st century AD, it was a flourishing city.

How was Petra built?

Most of the structures that one sees at the Lost City of Petra were hand-hewn out of two types of pink/red sandstone which made up the bedrock on which the city was built.

What type of rock is Petra made from?

Most of the structures at Petra were all carved out of two layers sandstone. The lowest structures were carved from Umm Ishrin sandstone while the higher structures were carved from Disi sandstone.

Do I need any vaccinations?

Certain vaccinations are recommended but you don’t have to have these in order to visit. However, people traveling from certain countries will have to show proof of Yellow Fever immunization.

Only people traveling from countries that have Yellow Fever are required to show proof of Yellow Fever immunization.

We strongly suggest speaking to your personal healthcare provider concerning pre-travel vaccination for the following illnesses:

• Hepatitis A & B
• Measles, mumps and rubella

Please ask your tour consultant for latest Covid-19 requirements.

How many years did it take to build Petra?

Petra was initially founded during the 4th century BC and reached its peak during the 1st century AD. Nobody knows exactly how many years it took to build the city of Petra.

How old is Petra?

Nobody knows exactly when work on the city began, but we do know that it had become a flourishing city by the 1st century when the Greek Empire tried to capture it.

Who built Petra?

The ancient city of Petra was founded by a tribe of nomadic Nabatean Arabs who settled in the area to set up a trading hub on a major trade route. 

What was Petra used for?

Petra served as a major trading hub on an important trade route. Wealth accumulated from this resulted in rapid growth, with Petra soon becoming the Nabatean capital.

How many people lived in Petra?

At its peak during the 1st century AD, when the city covered an area of approximately 60 square kilometers, it is believed that Petra was home to roughly 20,000 inhabitants. 

When was Petra discovered?

After the ancient city of Petra in Jordan was abandoned, it was all but forgotten and remained unknown until it was rediscovered in 1813 by a Swiss explorer, Johann Ludwig Burckhardt.

Why was Petra Abandoned?

The last people to occupy the city were the Byzantines who slowly but surely moved away as new sea trade routes were established and the city’s significance as a major trading hub diminished.

Has Petra been destroyed?

Yes, much of Petra, and particularly its free-standing structures, were destroyed by the Galilee Earthquake, a pair of major earthquakes that struck on the 18th and 19th of May in 363 AD.

Is Petra in the bible?

Yes. Among other things, the High Place of Sacrifice at Petra is believed to be the place where Abraham sacrificed his son who was then saved by an angel.

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Experiences , Jordan , Middle East · February 19, 2024

Inside Petra in Jordan: The Complete Guide to Visiting Petra

Nestled in the rugged landscapes of southern Jordan , the ancient city of Petra stands as a marvel of human achievement and is considered on the of new 7 wonders of the world.

As you make your way through the winding Siq, a narrow canyon flanked by towering rock walls, the anticipation builds. Then suddenly the iconic Treasury building emerges like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

Venturing inside Petra in Jordan is like stepping back in time, but before you jump the gun, there are some key things you will need to know to plan a seamless trip. First there are crowds, then there are the scams, and then there are the complete back-way trails to reach famous viewpoints.

In this post, I will share with you everything you need to know about visit to Petra including when to visit to reduce crowds and first hand tips to help you plan a seamless trip!

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How to Get to Petra Jordan

How to get from aqaba to petra, where can you buy tickets to petra, where to stay in petra, the best time to visit petra, how long to stay at petra, weather in petra jordan, what to wear at petra, what to see inside petra, petra jordan faqs.

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How to Get from Amman to Petra

You are likely starting your trip to Jordan in the capital city of Amman. Amman is located around 150 miles from Petra and you have a handful of transportation options to choose from:

Getting to Petra By Tour

We booked our entire transportation around Jordan through a private tour. If you are interested in booking a longer tour through Jordan that coordinates multi-day activities, you may be interested in this 9-day tour through Jordan hitting on Petra and the Wadi Rum desert.

If you don’t want to stress with bus offices, taxi haggling, or public transportation, I would suggest booking a tour to venture inside of Petra. Here is a highly rated 1-day private tour from Amman to Petra and the nearby Wadi Rum desert or I would recommend something a little longer like the 3-day Petra, Wadi Rum and Dead Sea combine trip from Amman .

I know traveling can be unpredictable – so all experiences recommended can be cancelled 24-hours beforehand for a full refund.

Getting to Petra By Car

Petra is about 3 hours driving from Amman on the faster Desert Highway, or a 4.5 hour journey on the slower, but more scenic, King’s Highway. You can rent a car (I always use Discover Cars for the best pricing options) at the airport and self-drive to Petra.

There is a free parking lot in Petra in front of the Petra Moon Hotel, but your hotel may also have a parking lot as well.

Getting to Petra By Bus

JETT bus runs many routes through all of Jordan and you are able to pre-purchase tickets online. You can check the current schedule here to see if it works with your itinerary.

The buses are modern, comfortable, and the prices are reasonable. The journey takes about 4 hours, and stops at various places inside Wadi Musa. The last stop is the Visitor’s Center’s parking, just in front of Petra.

How to Get from the Wadi Rum to Petra

Wadi Rum to Petra, or vice versa, is a natural flow to your Jordan itinerary due to the proximity of the two. Here are the best ways to get from the Wadi Rum Desert to Petra, the Rose City!

If you don’t want to deal with bus offices, taxi haggling, or public transportation, I would suggest booking a tour to venture inside of Petra. The most common tour options are multi-day trips from either Amman or Aqaba .

Petra is about 1.5 hours driving from Wadi Rum on the King’s Highway. You can rent a car (I always use Discover Cars for the best pricing options) at the airport and self-drive to Petra. The route along the King’s Highway is pretty rural at times. We didn’t see another car for long stretches.

JETT bus runs many routes through all of Jordan and you are able to pre-purchase tickets online. The buses are modern, comfortable, and the prices are reasonable.

The journey takes about 2 hours, and is a popular route with people continuing on their Jordan itinerary from Wadi Rum up north through Jordan

You can check the current schedule here to see if it works with your itinerary.

Aqaba is Jordanian port city on the Red Sea’s Gulf of Aqaba. This is also the city where you can cross into the border of Israel, to the town of Eilat. You may also be starting your Jordan itinerary in Aqaba and flying into the airport at King Hussein International Airport.

If you don’t want to deal with the bus offices, taxi haggling, or public transportation, I would suggest booking a 1-day tour from Aqaba to Petra .

Petra is about 2 hours driving from Aqaba via the King’s Highway. You can rent a car (I always use Discover Cars for the best pricing options) at the airport and self-drive to Petra. Just like the Wadi Rum to Petra route, this route is pretty rural most of the way.

Once you arrive in Petra, there is a free parking lot in Petra in front of the Petra Moon Hotel, but your hotel may also have a parking lot as well.

For some reason you can book a Wadi Musa to Aqaba bus ticket online, but not Aqaba to Wadi Musa . However, if you are already in Aqaba, stop by the JETT bus office and you can purchase a ticket for this route directly.

Once at the Visitor Center you have the ability to buy a one, two, or three-day ticket to Petra.

If you are simply visiting Petra on a day trip (usually from Israel) and do not stay the night in Jordan, the Petra the ticket price is 90JD.

For visitors who stays at least one night in Jordan (anywhere in Jordan), ticket prices are significantly reduced at 50JD for 1 day, 55JD for 2 days or 60JD for 3 days. 

Note: for visitor who are staying at least one night in Jordan, but visit Petra in the first day of their arrival from the borders you will pay the border ticket fees of 90JD and need to return the next day to get a refund of 40 JD (with your proof of stay).

Petra is located in the town of Wadi Musa which is basically built around tourism for Petra visitors. That being said, there are plenty of well rated hotels and restaurants to choose from.

I suggest staying within walking distance of the Petra Visitor Center in the town of Wadi Musa, so you that don’t need a taxi when you want to visit Petra. These are my suggestion of the best hotels near Petra in Jordan:

Petra Guest House

Photo via Booking.com | Book here

If I were to visit again, I would stay at the Petra Guest House Hotel . It is located inside the gates of the Petra Visitor Center, so you would have first access to Petra in the morning before anyone else!

In addition, this hotel has outstanding reviews, and a lovely outdoor terrace, and Cave Bar, set in a restored 1st century Nabatean house. This hotel would be my first recommendation to anyone staying the night in Petra!

Movenpick Petra Resort

We originally wanted to stay at the Movenpick Petra Resort , as it is situated just outside of the Visitor Center gate and is one of the highest rated hotels in Wadi Musa. However we were too late and all the rooms were sold out.

So don’t be like us and book your hotel early! Using the button below to check current pricing and availability for your travel dates:

Petra Marriot Hotel

Not within walking distance, but if you want to book on points you can stay at the Petra Marriot Hotel .

You will have the most comfortable temperatures and least rain chances if you visit in the Spring (March and April) or the Fall (September and October).

We visited Jordan at the end of October and beginning of November, and the nights were cool and the days were warm, but not unbearable.

On Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights you can visit for Petra By Night where the Siq is lined with candles leading you to the Treasury where you will sit and listen to traditional Bedouin music. This takes place from 8:30PM to 10:30PM and tickets cost 17 JD. You can buy tickets from most hotels in Wadi Musa.

Once you arrive to Petra, you will certainly be amazed at all the of things there is to explore beyond just the Treasury building. I think that 2 full days is the perfect amount of time to spend at Petra (including little Petra).

This recommendation of course is completely dependent on what type of traveler you are.

If you are someone that needs to see every inch of a place, allow yourself 3 days. We are generally pretty “quick” travelers by nature, but enjoyed not feeling rushed here with 2 days to explore. It is also nice to have the mornings and evenings before the day-trippers arrive to explore in a more peaceful way.

The weather in Petra, Jordan will vary greatly depending on when you visit.

November through March will be the coldest months, with lows down into the 30’s Fahrenheit and highs in the mid-50’s to mid-60’s. These are also the months with the greatest rain chances. There have been recent years when rain storms brought flooding to the Wadi Musa area, so make sure you are staying weather aware.

April through May, and September through October are going to be the best temperatures to visit. It will be a chilly 50 degrees during the nights but keeping to a warm low to mid 80’s during the day.

During June through August, the days will be warm in the mid 90’s, with cooler nights in the 60’s/

Inside Petra we saw people wearing shorts, t-shirt, long pants, long sleeves, no sleeves, hiking clothes, and any other combination possible. Really just wear what makes you comfortable, but still be respectful of the culture.

If you plan to do some of the hiking trails make sure you at least have a pair of tennis shoes with you. Hiking shoes are not necessary as the trail are pretty straight forward and dry (well in dry season), but we did see people wearing hiking shoes.

Unfortunately to get to the ancient city of Petra you have to walk roughly 15 minutes through the Siq. So you don’t really have an option but to see it.

However, the Siq is a really cool gateway to the inside of Petra, and has some noteable things to look out for along the way.

The Siq is a gorge that was formed when a tectonic shock broke the mountain into two. Make sure to look out for carvings and painting on the walls of the Siq. Also see if you can spot the elephant rock (pictured right above).

When to visit: In the morning or around closing time you will find the least amount of people walking through the Siq. However, don’t waste much time here in the morning. Head straight to the Treasury because you definitely want to see that with as little people crowding in front as possible.

The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)

The Treasury , also known as the Al-Khazneh, is even more beautiful in person than in the photos. Once you reach the end of the Siq, and the little right side of the Treasury starts to show, your heart will start to race.

There is still much discussion on what the purpose of the Treasury was at the time of construction.

A calendar? A tomb? A temple? Whatever you believe, the most recent discovery at the Treasury has been a graveyard underneath.

When to visit: The only good time to see the Treasury without massive crowds is right at the opening and right at the closing time of Petra. This is because during the late afternoon and early evening, all of the tours and day trippers who don’t go any further than the Treasury building will all be gathered around.

However, depending on the time of year you visit, at the closing time of Petra you may begin to lose light.

Explore the area around the Treasury

There are two really great additional places to grab a different viewpoint of the Treasury. The first is via a hike up to the high view of the Treasury, and the other requires no hiking at all!

Hike 1 to the High View of the Treasury

In order to reach the high view point of the treasury building, you can either find the way up yourself, or pay one of the Bedouins to show you they way. And there will be plenty approaching you to show you the way for a fee.

I have read that you can reach this viewpoint on your own via some stone steps which can take roughly an hour.

We took the direct way by paying a Bedouin guide 12JD to take us up the unmarked back way which took about 15 minutes.

Hike 2 to the High View of the Treasury

There is also another high view of the Treasury, but with the Treasury further off in the distance. If you have your back to the Treasury, you can find the staircase on your left carved into the mountain in front of you.

We saw people climbing up this way, seemingly on their own, using a pretty steep looking stone staircase. It is possible that someone will offer to show you the way for a fee as well.

We have not attempted this other high view ourselves so we are not sure of the difficulty.

No Hiking Required Side View of the Treasury

For those not interested in hiking to the high views, there is a great side view from the ground.

If you are standing at the base of the Treasury and looking at the Treasury, turn right and walk towards the mountain/cliff behind you. You will find a great spot to take pictures that blocks a lot of the crowd and leaves the Treasury as the main focus!

When to visit: It is best to visit the Treasury and the surrounding areas first thing in the morning or in the evening close to closing. The left photo above was taken in the morning, and the right photo above was taken at closing time. Just make sure to leave yourself enough light near to closing time!

Hike to the Monastery (Al-Deir)

Many people skip the Monastery because of the distance to reach it, however if you have the time (and I really suggest you spend more than a half-day at Patra), this is a must see!

The stairway up to the Monastery is at the far end of the grounds of Petra. Once you reach the starting point, there is another 800 steps up to endure, and around 30 – 45 minutes work of moderate hiking.

Along the way you will pass many Bedouin vendors selling water, scarfs, jewelry and other souvenirs. We bought a Christmas ornament in the shape of a camel to represent our first camel rides in Jordan!

You can also take a donkey up for the price of 10 JD one way. Honestly, the donkeys look over worked and we were able to keep a pace that outpaced the donkeys.

So if you are able, forgo the donkey but watch out for them behind you. You will hear them coming and they don’t wait for you to move out of the way.

Explore the area around the Monastery (Al-Deir)

Relax at the as deir cafe with a view of the monastery.

Once you reach the Monastery you will find a cafe selling teas, juices (try the pomegranate juice!) and an assortment of snacks. It is a great place to just sit and relax after hiking all those steps! Not to mention it has the best view of the Monastery!

The spot is called As Dier on Google. We sat down at the cafe next to this little pup and he thoroughly enjoyed the pets I had for him. If you saw the dog in my photos from the Treasury building, this is the same sweet boy!

All the stray dogs we encountered seemed very used to people and felt comfortable around people as it seemed they were mostly cared for by the Bedouins that live and work in Petra.

Higher View of the Monastery

Above the cafe there are some rocks you can walk up for a cool new perspective of the monastery building. There is also a cave here that beautifully frames the monastery building with its opening – don’t miss this! You can get some cool shots here!

There are some higher points to explore if you turn your back to the Monastery and walk up. Again, they claim to have the “best view in Petra”, but we liked watching the sunset over the mountains near to the “best view in Petra sign” (pictured here). We didn’t actually make it all the way up to the view claiming to be the best in Petra.

As most people don’t even make it this far, you can really come at any time and it won’t be too crowded. We enjoyed our time spent here around sunset because the sun wasn’t too strong (and there isn’t much shade on this hike) and we got to witness the sun setting behind the mountains.

It was incredible!

High Place of Sacrifice

I don’t think a lot of people make there way up to the High Place of Sacrifice , but from here you will have one of the most spectacular views over most of Petra.

How to Reach the High Place of Sacrifice – The Easy Way

There is a really well marked pathway up to the High Place of Sacrifice. Right after the Treasury and before you reach the Street of Facades, there is signage and a stone staircase leading you up. We actually took this way back down. You can’t mess it up!

How to Reach the High Place of Sacrifice – The Adventurous Way

If you are feeling adventurous, there is another unmarked way up. We were already up at the Treasury High viewpoint, when the Bedouin guide asked if he could show us the back way to the High Place of Sacrifice next, for a fee of course.

We politely declined as we were all out of Dinars from paying him to get up there in the first place! Now we had a choice, hike back down an unmarked route to the base of the Treasury or try to hike an unmarked route towards the High Place of Sacrifice.

I seriously wouldn’t recommend attempting this route on your own if you have a poor sense of direction, like me. Instead, climb back down with the help of a Bedouin and take the easily marked pathway up to the High Place of Sacrifice.

We had a lot of time on our hands, and a general idea of where the High Place of Sacrifice was, so we took off on our own.

First, if you are starting from the Hike 1 above to the High View of the Treasury you will hike down the same way you came up from the base of the Treasury until, you see a plywood bridge on your left shortly after the bridge. Once you cross the plywood, you will be rewarded with the most spectacular view of the mountains, see the photo below.

Next, continue on some ways past a Bedouin hut claiming to have the best view in all of Petra (there are lots of those by now). Past this about 5 minutes you come to a valley below you, which you need to cross.

We tried crossing the valley from straight on. In the end, we found an easy and safe way down if you cross the valley from the left side. Stand front facing the valley and turn immediately 90 degrees left. Then continue down that pathway through the rocks and you will very quickly find yourself in the middle of the valley.

Now you have reached a more defined pathway and you will be up in no time!

When to visit: We were there around 9AM after we spent some time at the Treasury high viewpoint, and to be honest the shadows were kind of unforgiving. If you have room in your itinerary, later on in the day when the sun is setting in the west could make for better pictures!

The Street of Facades

Just past the Treasury, the pathways widens and there is much more room to explore. This photo was taken from the start of the pathway up to the High Place of Sacrifice. The Street of Facades are tombs and houses built into the mountainside by the Nabataeans 2000 years ago!

These tombs are accessible to tourists, unlike many of the other structures in Petra, so you can go inside and explore.

When to visit: Anytime!

The Royal Tombs

As the name would suggest, the Royal Tombs inside Petra in Jordan are Nabataean tombs built into the side of the mountain, and are thought to have been reserved for those of royal status due to their size. You can find these after you pass by the Treasury on your right.

In the photo above, from left to right you will find the Palace Tomb, the Corinthian Tomb, the Silk Tomb, and the Urn Tomb.

A short walk up from the valley floor, you are able to enter the Royal Tombs and explore more.

Little Petra

Built in the 1st century AD, archeologists believe that  Little Petra  was used as a rest stop for the trading caravans along the Silk Road. Little Petra is not located within the Petra archeological site, but instead 15 minutes north of Petra by car.

Is Little Petra worth a visit? Yes!

If you have the time to enjoy Little Petra while nearby in Wadi Musa, I would suggest making a trip. While Little Petra is still visited by tourists, the crowds will be no where in comparison to the crowds at Little Petra.

The best part is there is no entrance fee to Little Petra. This site is completely free, so you do not need to buy a ticket or show your Jordan Pass.

Can you go inside the Petra Treasury in Jordan?

No, you cannot go inside the Treasury at Petra.

However, you won’t be missing anything as it is just an empty room and there is nothing to see inside. The real good stuff is seen from the outside anyways.

In the past, it was possible to enter inside Petra the treasury buildings however the government was concerned about its preservation and closed it due to the number of tourists visiting the treasury daily.

Does anyone still live inside Petra in Jordan?

Yes! Many Bedouins from the Bdoul tribe actually still live inside the caves that surround the Petra site.

There will be many Bedouins around selling rides on their animals, tours, or setting up their shops to sell food, juices and souvenirs. What is most amazing to me is that they all know multiple languages which they have learned from tourists over the years.

What forms of payment should I bring?

You can pay with a credit card in some of the Bedouin shops inside Petra. They will surely let you know that if you decline a tour or a camel ride for not having any more Jordanian dinars!

When does Petra open and close?

The Petra Archaeological Park is open from 06:00-18:00 in summer and until 16:00 in winter.

There is an official closing time of Petra, however no one will tell you to leave if you are still inside the gate past this time.

We were urged by our guide to leave by sunset. After our hike to the Monastery, the sun was setting as we walked back through the Colonnaded Street towards the Treasury. A couple of Bedouins were resting along the side of the street and asked us to come join them for some tea and Bedouin hospitality. This is not uncommon and we might have accepted if it was not the end of the day and we were hungry for dinner. I have read stories of people accepting and spending 2-3 hours after Petra has closed hanging out with the Bedouins in Petra. If you want that kind of experience, just keep your general sense of awareness with you, and from what I’ve read you shouldn’t have any problems.

Final Thoughts!

I hope that you now have all the tools you need to explore inside Petra in Wadi Musa, Jordan. If you are currently planning a trip to Jordan and have any questions, drop them in the comments below. For more travel inspiration and tips, follow me on Instagram for current updates.

Looking for more Middle East inspiration? You may also enjoy these posts:

• What to Know Before Visiting Jordan (including itinerary)
• The Complete 1 – 2 Week Egypt Itinerary
• A Guide to Spending 2 Days in Cairo, Egypt
• A Guide to Visiting Aswan and Abu Simbel, Egypt
• Luxor Itinerary: What to See in Luxor in 2 Days

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About Rebecca

Rebecca is a photographer, travel blogger, and founder of That One Point of View -- a resource for the modern traveler dreamed up after a cross-cultural move abroad to Germany. She's now traveled to over 50+ countries with her husband (and sometimes golden retriever) and creates thoughtful itineraries for you to plan similar trips with ease. She's on a mission to take the intimidation out of traveling to new places and inspire you to finally book that dream trip!

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September 6, 2019 at 11:50 pm

You guys got such amazing pictures! Petra is such a great place- I’d love to revisit someday 🙂 I’m so happy you were able to squeeze in the trip before moving back to the USA!

January 28, 2020 at 12:19 pm

Awesome post! Keep up the great work! 🙂

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Inside Petra Jordan (2024) - Guide to All Info Visiting Petra

Petra is a historical lover’s daydream. ever wondered what’s inside petra and how to best go about visiting petra here’s a guide to petra: how to get there and what to see and do. be a day trip petra or couple of days visiting petra, jordan, you’ll find all you need here.

I tried to imagine what it must have felt like filming in Petra in 1989 – the year the last Indiana Jones movie, ‘Indiana Jones and the last crusade’ premiered.

Petra and what was inside Petra and Wadi Rum , was almost unknown to the world. This golden pink mini city although discovered, wasn’t on people’s radar till they saw on the big screen what it had to offer.

Almost 20 years later, Petra still continues to be fascinating and magical – and even the large number of tourists visiting it, can’t take the beauty away.

We spend 2 days in Petra and honestly, if you’re a fan of history, architecture and ancient lore, even a week isn’t enough.

So here’s all you need to know about Petra – one of the top things to do in Jordan, what’s inside of Petra and images of Petra so when visiting Petra this article works as a guide to Petra, be it for a day trip or more!

An inside Petra map is also included!

How to get to Petra

By flight : A trip to see the inside of Petra is fairly easy to arrange, as it is a major tourist attraction in Jordan. The closest airport is King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba (100 KM or under 90 minutes by road to Petra)

Alternatively, visitors can fly into Queen Alia International Airport, which is just outside of the central city of Amman – the best place to start your Amman to dead sea adventure. From here, you can visit Petra Jordan –  Petra is only 200 km away from Amman. That’s about three hours by car.

By bus : A JETT bus travels from Amman to Petra – but only one bus runs per day, at 6.30 AM The bus starts from the JETT bus station in Abdali. You can also catch a bus from Aqaba if you arrive at King Hussein International Airport. The bus starts from the JETT office , on King Hussein street, about 10 KM away from the airport. Both buses cost around 12£ for a one-way trip and 19£ for a two-way trip. Remember to budget for a taxi between airports and bus stops.

On foot : Once in the town of Wadi Musa, the only way to enter Petra is on foot or by mule or camel. Buy a ticket at the visitor centre and make your way into the Al-Siq from there. It’s worth noting that because a lot of your visit here will be spent on foot, the best time to visit Petra is between September and November.

If you’re exploring more options, this should help .

Tickets for Petra and location details

Address: Tourist street Visitors center, Wadi Musa, Jordan

Location can be found here

Hours: Open Daily 6 AM – 6 PM

Entry Fee: Prices vary by the type of visitor

If you’re staying for at least one night in Jordan: One day in Petra: 50 JD, 2 days in Petra: 55 JD, Three days: 60 JD If you visit Petra the same day you arrive in Jordan and are staying for at least one night in Jordan: 50 JD* (* visitor to pay border ticket fees (90JD) and return in the next day to get a refund of 40 JD) Fees for people not staying in Jordan for even a single night: 90 JD Jordan pass: Visit to Petra is included in the Jordan Pass. Starts from 70 JD and can be booked here Additional info: Entry is free for children under the age of 12 Jordan pass inclusion for Petra does not include Petra by night Daylight tickets are to be purchased for Petra by Night

Guides: Prices for guides start from 50 JD for 4 KMS.

For answers to FAQs like How many days in Petra, can you go inside Petra buildings etc. please refer to the FAQ section at the bottom of the post. For how big is Petra inside, continue reading!

Inside Petra

Inside petra jordan : a comprehensive guide to petra, where to stay in petra.

There’s so much to see in Jordan – consider spending at least 5 days in Jordan . You can do a Petra trip in a day. But if you think it would be too hectic, it’s worth staying back to explore the historic area.

The Petra Guest House Hotel is right at the entrance of Petra. Its walls are lit up colourfully at night, and the Cave Bar offers a delicious variety of local and European delights.

If you’re prepared to stay just outside Petra. The Petra Marriott Hotel is a mere 3.5 km from the entrance to Petra and features lots of classic Arabian decor touches, a pool and a top restaurant.

The most popular Petra travel accommodation spot is the Mövenpick Resort Petra , a 5-star, first-class hotel resort at the entrance to Petra itself. Guests here love the rooftop garden terrace, which offers views of the Petra hills.

If you’d prefer a day trip to Petra

If you’d prefer a day trip Petra, and not stay here longer it is possible to do so from Amman, the Dead Sea or even Wadi Rum.

Here’s some great options to consider:

From Amman: A private day trip from Amman with pickup

From Amman: Wadi Rum and Petra day trip with pickup

From Amman: Half day trip to Petra with pickup

From Aqaba: Day trip petra with pickup

Here’s things to do and see inside of Petra with descriptions for each

More than likely, the image of the Treasury in Petra is familiar to you. It’s been featured in movies, magazines and world heritage culture for decades. To make it even cooler, to get here, you need to walk through a mysterious path through a ravine.

This path – walked or taken by horse – is the gateway to Petra and its most astounding attractions.

Here is a list of all the attractions you should visit in Petra.

Inside Petra map

Bab Al-Siq Triclinium

Inside Petra, the first historical monument you’re likely to discover near the visitor’s centre is The Triclinium or the Bab Al Siq. The name literally translates to ‘the gateway to the siq’ in Arabic.

The Triclinium is known for its three ‘Djinn blocks’ which are massive block tombs carved out of the rock; the monument’s first feature the moment you see it. The Bab Al Siq is – or was – a ceremonial chamber that hosted feasts every year. The devout would sacrifice offerings to the dead here.

A lesser-known spot around the Triclinium is the Snake Tomb. To reach here, you must go climb up a narrow trail over the dried-up stream bed of Wadi Musa which was meant for horses to pass through.

The climb might feel like a bit of an effort but once you reach it, the architectural design of the tomb makes it all definitely worth it. It is believed that the tomb must have been a burial site for a family inside Petra. Beyond the site are two impressive relief walls with Nabatean snake imagery running up.

The Bab Al Siq sets the tone for your journey into Petra, serving as the gateway to the Siq and the sites beyond.

Entry fee: None

Visiting hours: 6 am to 6 pm

Obelisk Tomb

There are a number of royal burial sites around Petra. The Obelisk tomb is a funeral hall that is among the first monuments on the Siq walk. The tomb is actually made up of two sections: The triclinium or ceremonial hall, and the tombs, sitting above.

The tombs are said to be even more remarkable in the evening light, as the sun sets. The low light gives colour to the rocks, which are quite unique and beautiful.

The Obelisk Tomb derives its name from the four obelisks towering above the tomb. This monument is a piece of architectural marvel. Its design takes from a beautiful mix of Nabatean, Indian, Greek and Egyptian architectural styles.

The tomb is said to have been constructed in the first century CE and features four pyramids or nafesh over it, as well as a statue that symbolizes the five people buried under the tomb.

Somewhere on the pathway to the tomb inside of Petra, is also an ancient inscription that dates back to when the owner of the tomb was still alive. The inscription is carved in Greek and Nabatean language and lists three generations from his paternal lineage.

The Siq is a canyon walk that has existed for a thousand years or more. Traces of the ancient Nabateans and their culture still survive here.

They ran a complicated water supply system, and constructed many statues and monuments all of which can be discovered by an observant visitor on the walk.

Though one could access the Nabatean metropolis of Petra from all main directions, the Siq remained the main entrance to the city. You can take the 1.2 kilometres route by foot, camel or mule (and even a drawn cart).

This ancient entrance to the main city of Petra begins at the Dam and ends inside Petra at the Treasury. The rocky landscape of the Siq is an impressive sight to behold in itself, but its intricacies are remnants of the Nabatean skills and techniques.

Throughout the Siq, you can find Nabatean sculptures adorning the rock walls – most of which are dedicated to gods. On both sides of the Siq are also rock-cut canals and terracotta pipes through which drinking water flowed into the city. The Siq is a brilliant photo tour to be a part of – with each nook and cranny unearthing magnificent historical sites one after the other.

Visiting hours: 6 am to 6 pm in summers and 6 am to 4 pm in winter

Al Khazneh – The Treasury

Towards the end of your Siq tour, you’ll discover Al Khazneh, literally translating to ‘the Treasury’ in Arabic. It stands just over 40 M high. It is highly recommended you try to see the treasury at night.

There’s a certain mystical element to the monument when artificially lit by candles. Unfortunately, you can’t enter the treasury. But the view of the facade alone is said to be well worth the price of admission.

Though the name might suggest it to be an administrative building, Al Khazneh was actually a Nabatean temple carved out of sandstone rock. This temple is believed to have been the mausoleum of the Nabatean King Aretas IV and is one of the most elaborate structures in all of Petra.

The name Al Khazneh was actually given to the place by the Bedouins who believed that pirates hid their treasures inside the structure. The Treasury has not only been popular with historians and tourists but has also been popular in movie culture.

This remarkable site has made an appearance in an Indiana Jones film, a Mortal Kombat film, one of the Tintin’s Adventures and many other TV shows, video games and movies.

As you wind up your visit of Al-Khazneh or The Treasury and begin going further into the inside of Petra city, the massive narrow winding lanes flanked by tombs and other ruins give way into a vast open area known as the Outer Siq.

This plain area has now become a thriving – albeit small – marketplace. There are several shops selling souvenirs and other memorabilia as well as quick meals and beverages.

Local bedouins can also be seen dressed in their traditional clothing, selling knick-knacks and offering rides on their camels decked up with eye-catching saddles.

If you’re on a walking tour of this ancient city, the Outer Siq might be a good place to stop and rest for a while and soak in the contrast, between the then and now of the city of Petra.

Streets of Facades

The Streets of Facades inside Petra, Jordan, consists of monumental Nabatean tombs lined up one after the other right past The Treasury. These massive, mansion-like tombs have been carved on the southern cliff face adjacent to The Siq and are a wonderful site to visit for all art and architecture enthusiasts.

These tombs have been built in the ‘crow step-style’ which dates back to the Assyrian style of architecture. Of these rows of tombs, the one that stands out is the BD 70 tomb tower which is unusually high and freestanding, towering the other tombs at 15 meters.

All the facades on this street are Hegra type facades, some still showcasing their intricate details on the otherwise withered walls.

As you walk past the Treasury, the narrow gorge suddenly widens for a bit, revealing over 40 of these ancient tombs. BD 67 is another tomb worth exploring, thanks to its unusual funeral chamber on the upper floor. Another one is the BD 825 which is fascinating because of its 17 graves and beautiful details. The Uneishu Tomb is also worth having a look at, standing tall atop the Jabal al-Khubtha massif.

Visiting hours: 6 am to 6 pm in summers and 6 am to 4 pm in winters

Petra Roman Theatre

The Petra Theater is a Nabatean monument dating back to the first AD. A huge chunk of this theater was carved out of a single rock and this massive theater is believed to have hosted as many as 8500 people at once.

Though the Petra Theater looks more Roman in design, the simple characteristic that it was carved out and not constructed makes it more Nabatean in style.

Royal Tombs

Carved out of the Jabal al-Khubtha rock, the Royal Tombs of Petra are one of the best things to see inside Petra. These fascinating historical sites lack enough archaeological evidence to associate them to a particular Nabatean ruler, but these tombs definitely do belong to that era.

Of these mausoleums, the Urn Tomb is one that stands out for its intricately carved out facade. It is said that the Urn Tomb was also an important site of worship during the Byzantine Empire.

Other notable tombs in this lineup include the Silk Tomb – named so because of the rich texture of the sandstone it was built from, Corinthian Tomb, Tomb Of Sesto Fiorentino and the Palace Tomb.

Byzantine Church

Also known as Petra Church, the Byzantine Church inside Petra, Jordan is one of the finest monuments remaining from the Byzantine era in Petra. Located at Colonnaded Street, this church is where the 140 papyri were founded, which enabled scholars of that time to document life in Petra and for scholars of the present era to find and preserve them.

The Byzantine Church is one of the three famous churches from the Byzantine Era. The other two include the Ridge Church also known as the Red Church and the Blue Chapel made of Egyptian granite.

This church is believed to have been built during the 5th and 6th century CE. It sits on an elevated surface in the center of the city and one must hike a bit to get here.

The Church is famous for its mosaic decorations but also bear iconography from Romanic and Hellenistic schools.

These mosaics depict a wide variety of things including animals, people, pottery, seasons, plants and more.

Colonnaded Street

Originally founded during the Nabatean era, the Colonnaded Street (there’s one also in Jerash) was later refurbished when the Romans took over. This street has been the go-to place for shopping in Petra since ancient times.

Traders and buyers alike would line up here and it was the center of most commercial activity in the region. Right at the beginning of the Colonnaded Street also used to be the Nymphaeum, a place to worship nymphs , but today, only its ruins remain.

Built around 106 AD, Colonnaded Street inside Petra, marks the center of Petra city.

At the end of the Colonnaded Street is the Temenos Gateway dating back to the 2nd century AD. This gateway featured massive wooden doors and towers on the side. Temenos Gateway separated the commercial hub of Colonnaded Street from the sacred courtyard of Qasr al-Bint to retain the temple’s sanctity.

Great Temple

The Great Temple lies south of Colonnaded Street and is one of the grandest attractions amidst the ruins of Petra city. From here, you can see Qasr-al Bint, the Siq and the Lower Market in different directions, making it a prime spot inside Petra.

Though the name of this monument signifies a place of religious worship, archeologists are still unclear on whether it was really that, or an administrative or parliamentary building.

Even if it was a religious place, it is unknown who this religious space was dedicated to. Regardless of the purpose of this grand monumental complex, it is definitely one of the most spectacular places you can visit inside Petra.

It is believed that the construction of the Great Temple was completed in the first century CE, under the rule of King Aretas IV. As is traditional with the Nabatean style of architecture, you can find rectangular cellars at the heart of the Temple after climbing up the stairs.

This space opens up to a vast ‘theater’ of sorts, with a capacity to house about 600 people. The Great Temple is definitely an architectural marvel with stucco columns carved into the rock face – a treat for architecture and history buffs!

Qasr al-Bint

Also known as the Temple of Dushares, Qasr al-Bint is a temple supposedly dedicated to one of the main Nabataean gods, Dushara, though no clear inscriptions remain for a clear answer.

The name ‘Qasr al-Bint’‘ translates to ‘the palace of Pharaoh’s daughter’ and is said to have been given by a bedouin; the origin of which is associated with a local folk tale. This temple is one of the best surviving buildings from the past and is well known for its stucco decorations found both inside and outside the temple.

The Monastery (Ad Deir)

The Ad Deir, ad-Dayr or el-Deir Monastery itself is a marvel on its own. You’ll need to do a fair hike to get there, but the effort is well worth it. Your hike might take up to 90 minutes at a moderate pace, going up a steep 800 steps path, while you’re still inside Petra.

Thankfully, locals offer a mule climb to the monastery for about £10 GBP. On the way to the top, you can also check out Lion’s Tomb, Wadi Kharrubeh as well as several small grottos and biclinia.

The Monastery was originally a tomb, and may also have been used as a church during the Byzantine era. Carvings of crosses adorn the walls, and you can still see remnants of the courtyard, where ceremonies would take place. It is because of these carvings, the local Bedouins of the region named the site Ad Deir which literally translates to ‘the monastery’ in Arabic.

Ad Deir is also where you can start the 6 KM walk to Little Petra mentioned below. Apart from its historical and archeological significance, the Ad Deir Monastery is a great viewpoint as well. From the top, the landscapes and stunning gorges of Wadi Araba will take your breath away.

The High Place of Sacrifice (The best view)

There is a particular spot in Petra that is reputed to have the ‘best view’. The view encompasses the surrounding hills and mountains. And it is found just a few steps from the old monastery. The location is called the High Place of Sacrifice.

These days, it’s not as sinister as it may sound. It is, however, holy ground for the ancient Nabateans, and a site where many religious ceremonies were performed. Presumably, it was agreed to be a great setting for these rites and rituals, with good reason.

The High Place of Sacrifice inside Petra, is built atop Jebel al-Madhbah, a mountain in Petra which literally translates to ‘mountain of the altar’ in Arabic. Situated at a height of 1,070 meters above sea level, it is also believed that Jebel al-Madhbhah is the Biblical Mount Sinai.

The site at High Place of Sacrifice is dedicated to the Nabatean gods of Al ‘Uzza and Dushara. The hike to the top is not very long (about 2 KM), but is definitely a steep climb and takes about 45 minutes to complete starting from the Theatre at Petra.

The views of Waid Musa from the top are unmatchable. From here, consider walking further through Wadi Farasa and combining other attractions like the Garden Tomb, Garden Triclinium and Soldier’s Tomb.

Visiting hours: Open 24 hours

Things to do outside Petra

Little petra.

A few kilometers north of Petra is an archeological site known as Little Petra – or Siq al-Barid. In Arabic, Siq al-Barid literally translates to ‘cold canyon’. The ‘little’ in its name refers to its smaller scale, though it is still a part of the larger Petra Archeological Park.

It is thought to have been built at around the same time as the main Petra site, during the first century BC. It is a worthwhile addition to a Petra visit, especially as it requires no tickets to visit.

That said, you will need to gain access to the main Petra site first, in order to get here. Apart from the obvious route to Little Petra from the main city of Petra, you can also attempt the 6 kilometers long hike starting from the end of the canyon and going all the way to Ad-Deyr in Petra.

The purpose of the Siq al-Barid is not abundantly clear. However, some archeologists believe it to be a suburb of sorts to the Nabatean capital of Petra. It is believed this suburb usually hosted traders on the Silk Road visiting Petra.

Later when the Nabatean Empire fell, Little Petra was more or less left entirely vacated and was then taken over by the nomadic Bedouins passing through the region. The ancient paintings and frescoes here are extraordinary examples of the Nabataean and Dionysiac influences in the region.

Meet The Bedouins

The desert people are welcoming of visitors and are more than willing to share their stories and traditions while you wait at any of their camps.

The Bedouins have also set up tent camps to provide much-needed shade and refreshments – it gets hot out here.

The B’doul tribe is the biggest Bedouin tribe in Petra, and are believed to be descendants of the Nabatean people. Also known as Al Bdoul or the Bedul tribe, it is most likely you will run into someone from the B’doul tribe on your visit to Petra.

The village of Umm Sayhoun is where a lot of B’doul people live now, and most of them are engaged in the tourism industry – running hotels or camps, or offering horse and camel rides. You can still find many people dressed in their traditional Bedouin clothes, however, signs of modernization are very evident as well.

Literally meaning ‘Valley of Moses’ in Arabic, Wadi Musa is the neighboring town you’ll encounter when you travel to Petra. And many of the accommodations and standard facilities will be found here. In fact, it is the gateway to Petra, so you’re likely to spend some time here, especially if you’re staying in one of the hotels or resorts.

Wadi Musa is said to be an important Biblical town as well. It was here where Moses struck water for his followers at Ain Musa or Moses’ Well. Jebel Harun, a mountain believed to be the Biblical Mount Hor, where Moses’ brother Aaron is said to be buried, is also located very close to Wadi Musa.

While here, why not check into a traditional hammam ? The Turkish bath experience involves a spa, massage and a traditional steam bath. It is available to men and women.

The famous Cave Bar of Petra located inside Petra Guest House, is believed to be the oldest bar in the world, and as the name suggests, it is located inside a 2000-year-old cave! This cave was originally built by the Nabateans as a tomb and most of its structures still remain intact today – where one can now wine and dine.

This dimly lit Indiana Jones type cavernous atmosphere might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of nightlife in Petra, but its traditional musical performances and local Jordanian wine are sure to put you in a good mood.

Visiting hours: 2 PM to 12 AM

Petra, also fondly known as ‘the rose city’ is a unique place to visit when in Jordan. With its many archeological sites, it almost feels as if you have walked back in time.

The landscapes of Petra are as unique as the city’s historical sites. The High Palace of Sacrifice is the perfect place to go hiking on a good day and making your way through Wadi Rum will take you to a whole different world entirely.

Everything about Petra is just near perfect. The nightlife is amazing with bars and restaurants lining up the city, and there are plenty of photo ops throughout the city to get your Instagram game rolling, making Petra a must-visit place in Jordan.

Award-winning Analyst, multi-nominated digital content creator and photographer Lavina Dsouza's words capture stories about culture and tradition mainly through its food and people. She has written and contributed to publications such as The Washington Post, Lonely Planet and Matador Network, to name a few. She is the editor of UntraditionalHumans.com, a non-profit created to share inspiring stories from women of colour who break free from traditions and choose happiness.

She's also a speaker passionate about DEI and champions solo travel. She has collaborated with numerous renowned brands such as Intrepid Travel, TripAdvisor, Travel and Leisure and Adobe, to name a few.

She can be found on Twitter and Instagram.

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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.

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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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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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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!

360° Panoramic and Gigapixel images from ‘The Lost City of Petra’

In November 2016 while on the AITO 2016 Conference in Jordan we were able to capture some wonderful images around the ancient site at Petra in Jordan.

We took the less travelled route to the site that goes up and through the mountains to the north of the ancient city, the images below show some of the stunning views experienced on the way. This route was used by the Nabataean people 2,000 year ago. Ascending to 1,100m in places each turn and corner offers stunning views over the sandstone mountains, local guides essential for a safe passage along the narrow tracks giving way to a high rocky plateau. The first sight of Petra via this route is ‘The Monastery’, then down the Nabataean steps into Petra, past the ‘Royal Tombs’ and on to ‘The Treasury’ before exiting via ‘al-Siq’ toward the modern town of Wadi Musa.

The other images around Petra were shot on the Nikon D810 with Nikkor 10.5mm lens on a monopod. In addition to the static images, we have some 360° video clips from the visit, here on the GoPro VR site and here on YouTube.

• GoPro VR Link
• YouTube Link

We’d like to share these images of Petra, if you’d like to use them in your site or blog, just use the embedding code at the foot of this page.

Click on a thumbnail to display the panoramic image in full screen.

Northern High Route 01

The less travelled route to the Lost City of Petra, this goes up and through the mountains to the north of the ancient city with stunning views experienced on the way. This route was used by the Nabataean people 2,000 year ago. Ascending to 1,100m in places each turn and corner offers stunning views over the sandstone mountains, local guides essential for a safe passage along the narrow tracks giving way to a high rocky plateau.

Northern High Route 02

Northern High Route 03

Northern High Route 04

Northern High Route 05

Northern High Route 06

Northern High Route 07

Northern High Route 08

Northern High Route 09

Northern High Route 10

Northern High Route 11

The Monastery (Ad Deir) 01

It is one of the largest monuments in Petra, measuring 47m wide by 48.3m high. It was built on the model of the Khazna but here the bas- reliefs are replaced by niches to house sculptures. A columned portico extends of the façade; the interior is occupied by two side benches and altar against the rear wall. It was used as a biclinium for the meetings of religious associations. And dates to the early 2nd century AD, during the reign of King Rabel II. In the hall was reused as a Christian chapel and crosses were carved in the rear wall thus the name “Monastery” (Dayr in Arabic).

The Monastery (Ad Deir) 02

Winged lion temple 01.

The column bases consist of ring marble around the plain base. Brown marble was used on the platform columns and white marble on the others. Some of the elaborate capitals have representations of winged lions at the corners, hence the name of the temple. It is thought that these were the capitals of the platform columns. The main floor of the temple was paved with white and brown banded marble, while the platform   was paved with white and black marble. The interior was lavishly decorated with marble, plaster and stucco. Plaster affixes, representing human heads, tragic masks and floral designs were found. The temple most probably had a curved ceiling, and the roof was tiled.

Winged Lion Temple 02

The column bases consist of ring marble around the plain base. Brown marble was used on the platform columns and white marble on the others. Some of the elaborate capitals have representations of winged lions at the corners, hence the name of the temple. It is thought that these were the capitals of the platform columns. The main floor of the temple was paved with white and brown banded marble, while the platform was paved with white and black marble. The interior was lavishly decorated with marble, plaster and stucco. Plaster affixes, representing human heads, tragic masks and floral designs were found. The temple most probably had a curved ceiling, and the roof was tiled.

Byzantine Church

Amidst Petra’s ancient temples is a Byzantine church dating from the 5th and 6th centuries. Still being excavated, Petra Church contains some extraordinary mosaics. The Petra Church seems to have first been built over Nabataean and Roman remains around 450 AD. It may have been a major 5th- and 6th-century cathedral, which is intriguing given the other evidence of Petra’s decline after a 363 AD earthquake.

Palace Tomb

Located to the north of the Corinthian tomb, the Palace Tomb measures 49 meters in width and 46 meters in height.  The lower part consists of 12 decorated columns and four gates. Above the threshold lie 18 pillars.   The four gates of the cemetery lead to four rooms for burial, with some graves carved in the walls. This name was given to the cemetery as it resembles a palace.

Corinthian Tomb

The Corinthian Tomb, which lies after the Silk Tomb, was built between 40 and 70 AD. The façade measures 27.55 meters in width and 26 meters in height. t resembles the Silk Tomb and the Treasury, particularly in the upper part, but is less decorated. There are four water basins in the front and on the side, which were used in the cleansing rituals. There are four rooms inside the tomb, three of which are square-shaped and lie on the left with one on the right that has an area of 13 m².

The Urn Tomb

This derived its name from the jar that crowns the pediment.It was probably constructed around 70 AD. It is preceded by a deep courtyard with colonnades on two sides. High up in the facade there are 3 niches which give on to small burial chambers, but which was adapted in 446 AD to serve as a Byzantine church.

The Treasury (Al-Khazneh) 01

TheTreasury, or Al Khazna. It is almost 40 meters high and intricately decorated with Corinthian capitals, friezes, figures and more. The Treasury is crowned by a funerary urn, which according to local legend conceals a pharaoh’s treasure. Although the original function is still a mystery, The Treasury was probably constructed in the 1st century BC. The Treasury consists of two floors with a width of 25.30 meters and a height of 39.1 meters. The purpose of the Treasury is unclear: some archaeologists believed it to be a temple, while others thought it was a place to store documents. However, the most recent excavation here has unearthed a graveyard beneath the Treasury.

The Treasury (Al-Khazneh) 02

The Treasury (Al-Khazneh) 03

The Treasury (Al-Khazneh) 04

The Treasury (Al-Khazneh) 05

The siq opens up onto Petra’s most magnificent façade; the Treasury, or Al Khazna. It is almost 40 meters high and intricately decorated with Corinthian capitals, friezes, figures and more. The Treasury is crowned by a funerary urn, which according to local legend conceals a pharaoh’s treasure. Although the original function is still a mystery, The Treasury was probably constructed in the 1st century BC, However, in reality the urn represented a memorial for royalty. The Treasury consists of two floors with a width of 25.30 meters and a height of 39.1 meters.  The purpose of the Treasury is unclear: some archaeologists believed it to be a temple, while others thought it was a place to store documents. However, the most recent excavation here has unearthed a graveyard beneath the Treasury. 

It is the ancient main entrance leading to the city of Petra, starts at the Dam and ends at the opposite side of the vault, a split rock with a length of about 1200m and a width of 3 to 12m, and height up to about 80m; most of the rock is natural and another part was sculptured by the Nabataeans.  The Siq, the main road that leads to the city, starts from the Dam and ends at the Treasury.  It is a rock canal that measures 160 meters in length, 3 to 12 meters in width and reaches up to 80 meters in height. The main part of the Siq is created by natural rock formation and the rest is carved by the Nabataeans. At the beginning of the Siq, one can still view the remains of the city’s gate. On both sides of the Siq, there are channels to draw water from Wadi Musa (the Valley of Moses), from outside.

It was renovated by the government in 1964 in the same way originally built by the Nabataens. This dam was built to protect their capital from floods that arrived during the seasonal rain from the mountains and hills across the valley. The dam protected the city of Petra by redirecting the flood waters into a tunnel, which was later titled the ‘Dark Tunnel’. Proving to be successful, the dam thus represented the Natabataean’s skillful and modern infrastructure. During the excavation, it was found that the original name of the old city was Raqeem. However, upon their arrival, the Greeks renamed the city ‘Petra,’ meaning the rock.

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A Complete Guide To Visiting Petra On Your Own

Are you planning to visit the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site Petra in Jordan, wondering if it’s possible to cover and see everything? The answer is definitely yes. And everything is so easy and smooth. By visiting Petra on your own, you can get there whenever you want, choose where to go first, roam freely inside the sight and discover everything at your own pace.

Table of Contents

Things to Know Before Visiting Petra on Your Own

Best time to visit petra on your own.

The best time to visit Petra is during the spring months, between March and May, and between September and November in the fall months. This is because the temperatures are pleasant during the day, the chances of rain are low, and the days are longer, meaning enough time to explore.  

It gets freezing during winter, and you might experience instant floods or even snow. Hiking is not an option, and the best you can do is walk through the narrow dim until you reach the Treasury, take some photos, and return. Worse, the site can be closed for a while, and visiting Petra might be hazardous. So make sure to avoid this season. 

The summer months are scorching, making even breathing difficult. Hiking under the burning sun is not a good idea for sure, so avoid the summer. 

How can I get from Amman/Airport to Petra?

The easiest way to get from Amman town/airport to Wadi Musa is by car. You can easily rent a car and explore Jordan at your own leisure.

The easiest and most obvious option would be renting a car and discovering the country on your own terms. Traffic is accessible outside the big cities, and you’ll be driving through empty highways or scenic mountain drives. Sometimes, you’ll get on some bumpy roads, but nothing dramatic. Parking is easy and free. And fuel is also cheap.  Check out the best rental deals HERE .

Or you can book a taxi or transfer. Find the best rates HERE . 

Another way to reach Petra is by bus. Take the JETT buses, which are more luxurious than the local buses. The trip takes around four hours. 

Secure your travel insurance

We never leave home without travel insurance designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong. If you’re still on the lookout for travel insurance for your trip to Jordan, I highly recommend  HEYMONDO,  a trusted insurance provider for leisure and business trips, backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads. Their travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.

How many days do you need for visiting Petra on your own?

Petra is enormous, and there is so much to see! When buying the Jordan Pass, you’ll have to choose from three options: visiting Petra in one, two, or three days. Depending on your type of holiday, the eighter option is acceptable, although I would highly recommend visiting Petra on your own in two days! 

But you can see almost everything in just one day. Just be there first thing in the morning, at the opening hours, to avoid the masses and experience most places alone.

One day in Petra 

You can discover Petra on your own in only one day, but you’ll have to get to the entrance gate first thing in the morning, do a lot of walking around the area, and get out at closing!

Go through the Siq in total silence and be prepared to be amazed by the magnificent Treasury. The groups won’t be there yet, so you’ll have the whole place only to yourself. 

Then, follow the path to the Royal Tombs and hike up to the Treasury viewpoint around noon, when the light hits perfectly. It’s not a challenging hike but a longer one. I’ll talk about it later in this article. 

After that, hike to the most beautiful and quiet part of the site, the Monastery. Here, you’ll have time to admire this gorgeous masterpiece by serving a cold drink on the nearby terrace. 

Remember, visiting Petra and Little Petra is not possible in one day. No need to worry; you may stop at Little Petra on your way to Aqaba or Amman on the next day.

Two days in Petra 

If you choose to visit Petra in two days, you can split those days between visiting the Treasury and hiking to the viewpoints on day one and getting to the Monastery on day two. The trail until the Royal Tomb will be the same every day, but you will have more time to absorb and understand the beauty of the place without time pressure. 

You then have plenty of time to visit Little Petra during the afternoons. 

Three days in Petra

The excitement of visiting Petra on your own in three days wears off a little, but if you want to hike more remote trails, then you’ll have plenty of time to do it in three days. 

Plan for the first two days to visit the Monastery, the Royal Tombs and the Treasury viewpoints and for the third day, explore the off-the-beaten paths to discover more distant tombs, such as the Aaron’s Tomb.

You’ll also have plenty of time to drive to Little Petra and spend a couple of hours discovering the site. 

In the evening, join the incredible light show at Petra by Night! 

Do I need a Guide for Petra?

Depending on your expectations, you might or might not need a guide. If you stick to the main trails and pick up the information from the internet or guidebooks, you should be fine. But if you want to discover the off-beaten parts of Petra, a guide would be a good idea. 

If you don’t feel like discovering Jordan independently, guided tours can take you to the best places. I have selected some of the best for you based on the number of reviews and value for money. Be sure to check them out

Discover the highlights of the historical city of Petra on a day trip to the archaeological site from Amman:  BOOK YOUR GUIDED TOUR TO PETRA FROM AMMAN

Or see Jordan’s top sights on this 3-day trip from Tel Aviv . Spend two nights under the desert skies in a Bedouin camp, explore the iconic Petra, and drive through the vast desert of Wadi Rum. BOOK YOUR 3-DAY GUIDED TRIP FROM TEL AVIV TO PETRA AND WADI RUM 

The stairs leading to the Monastery

Why should I purchase the Jordan pass? 

The Jordan Pass is a sightseeing package that includes the cost of the tourist visa and the entrance to over 40 tourist attractions, such as Wadi Rum, Petra, Kerak Castle, the Citadel of Amman, and Jerash. However, some popular sites, such as Mount Nebo, Wadi Mujib, or Petra by Night, are not included in the Jordan Pass. 

You can choose one of three packages: Jordan Wanderer, Jordan Explorer, or Jordan Expert. The only difference between the three is the number of consecutive days you plan to spend at Petra: one, two, or three days. The number of attractions you get free access to is the same, over 40. 

Is it worth it? Think about that: even if you only get to visit Petra, you would still save money by purchasing it. The more tourist attractions you visit, the more it is worth it. 

BUY YOUR JORDAN PASS HERE

Where to stay in Petra? 

Aqaba and Amman are far from Petra; therefore, I wouldn’t recommend visiting Petra on your own on a day trip. You’ll be exhausted by the time you get to the ancient city and you’ll most likely walk through the Siq and see the Treasury only. 

Instead, head to Wadi Musa, the closest city to Petra, and spend at least two nights. There are many options, so there is no need to worry. 

You can stay close to Petra’s entrance, close to downtown, or stay at a luxury hotel outside the town. We chose a boutique hotel for our stay in central Wadi Musa, only to try different restaurants in the evenings. Well, I’m a foodie, what can I say!

Tip . Visiting Petra on your own is a full-day activity, so make sure to arrive the night before at Wadi Musa, enjoy a delicious dinner and go to bed early. 

Get an eSIM before the trip

Because phones have become our most important devices, it’s necessary to have a data connection as soon as you step foot in a different country. Your home data plan might only work if you paid for a much more expensive package, finding wifi connections in airports or train stations might be tricky, and seeking a local store to buy a SIM card might be exhausting. Forget all of that!

You just purchase an e-SIM, install it on your phone, and activate the plan when you’re ready to use it. Getting out of the plane and instantly connecting to data was a game changer for me. I didn’t have to waste time standing in line to get a local SIM card or finding a wifi connection to book a taxi to reach my hotel.

If you ask me, getting an e-SIM is a quintessential part of traveling. There is no physical installation and no long-term commitments. And the best part is that you can always top up or purchase a new plan through the app. Pretty convenient, right? You can get an e-sim card with  AIRALO .

How to dress when visiting Petra on your own?

When looking at pictures of Petra, you may notice beautiful girls wearing dresses or skirts with sandals. While this makes the perfect photo at Petra, it’s not the outfit you’re aiming for. Why? Simply because Petra involves a lot of hiking. 

Of course, if you enter Petra to see the Treasury only and return, then wear your best clothes since the path is flat. But, if you want to explore more and understand the beauty of the place, wear your comfortable clothes! 

Grab a hat and a scarf, as you will get a lot of sun exposure at Petra. 

A pair of sneakers will do the work, so there is no need to pack heavy hiking boots. Instead, you can wear your lovely dress with your favorite sneakers and get incredible pictures. 

I am all for exploring, so I picked some long-sleeved shirts and my cozy Arabic pants to keep me away from the heat while visiting Petra and Little Petra! Along with a hat, a pair of sneakers, and my rucksack, visiting Petra couldn’t have been more enjoyable!   

What to expect from visiting Petra on your own 

There is so much to see and do, so be prepared for a full day of walking! While you may have seen pictures of donkeys, horses and camels carrying tourists around, I highly recommend against taking advantage of this opportunity. The animals are fragile and kept and fed in precarious conditions, so don’t encourage this type of tourism. 

Another thing to keep in mind is the local guides offering their services. They can be pushy, misbehaving, and sometimes even aggressive. I am not trying to scare you; I tell you to be vigilant, ignore them and let them be. It’s so simple. The cautiousness of the tourists visiting Petra should be one thing that the Jordan authorities should pay more attention to! 

Depending on the time of the visit, prepare to face the heat. Hiking under the scorching sun can be challenging, so make sure to bring a lot of water and wear a hat and long sleeves. You can easily find people selling water and refreshments along the way, so there is no need to panic if you don’t bring enough. 

Is the terrain suitable for a wheelchair or the elderly?

I knew I wanted to answer this question since I saw a couple with the husband in a wheelchair, and they were a little bit lost while trying to get some pieces of information. 

The terrain in Petra is pretty rough and varies in difficulty, and a regular wheelchair would have significant issues getting to the Treasury. However, there are some paved paths along the way. 

The only option would be riding golf carts from the Visitor Center, but those are not wheelchair accessible. So, the person should be carried on a golf cart, and the wheelchair should be stowed in the back. Consider paying around 100 USD for the two people in a golf coach.

Are you elderly and afraid you might not get to the Treasury due to the steep terrain? Don’t be! The path to the Treasury is smooth and well-maintained; just wear some sturdy shoes and don’t rush! You can even explore Colonnaded Street and the Hadrian Gate. To get to the Royal Tombs, you’ll have a few steps up, but manageable. The only part I wouldn’t recommend is getting to the Monastery. There are many steps involved, and it’s pretty far from the entrance. 

A Complete Guide to Visiting Petra on Your Own. The Best Places to See in Petra

There are many things to see and places to go, and visiting Petra on your own can be overwhelming. Of course, you won’t see everything as the area is enormous, with many trails and hiking routes. But one or two days of Petra will give you a glimpse of this unique UNESCO site. If you follow my itinerary, you will be able to say that you saw the best places Petra has to offer!

The entrance to the Lost City of Petra 

First thing, if you want to have the Treasury for yourself, you’ll have to get up early. Unfortunately, you won’t be serving breakfast at your accommodation on this day. However, that’s not a problem since almost every host will pack a breakfast box you can carry. 

Find out Petra’s opening time and be there first thing in the morning. Usually, it is 6 am. There is plenty of free parking if you’re not staying close to the entrance and wondering where to leave the rental.

By the time we got there, it looked like a ghost city, and somehow, we got the impression that everything was closed. The merchandisers were not there, and we hardly noticed the man sitting inside the ticket office. So finally, embarrassed, we asked him if it was open, and he was like yes, of course, what do you think? So we showed him the Jordan Pass, he gave us the proper tickets and we got inside the Lost City. It was so quiet and serene, no one around except us. I will never forget that feeling!

Make sure to wake up early and be at the gates at the opening time!

Getting to the Siq

To reach the Treasury, you have to walk on a smooth path approximately 2 kilometers from the Visitors Center. The first part is wide and open, with sightseeing on both sides. The most famous structure is probably the Obelisk Tomb.

The Obelisk Tomb

To reach the Treasury, you have to walk on a smooth path approximately 2 kilometers from the Visitors Center. The first part is wide and open, with sightseeing on both sides, but the most famous structure is probably the Obelisk Tomb.

Soon, you’ll reach The Siq, a narrow and beautiful 1.2 km long natural gorge! Don’t hurry; take time to observe the colors, listen to the silence, and feel the energy of the place. If a stray dog greets you, don’t freak out. They are used to people, and the only thing they are looking for is some food.

making friends along the way

The Treasury 

At the end of the Siq, prepare to be amazed by the most brilliant view: the Treasury! The 40m tall symmetrical building carved into the sandstone with detailed ornaments is the most famous attraction in Petra. 

However, the name is misleading, as this wasn’t a treasury but a tomb for a Nabatean king, also known as Al-Khazneh. Sculpted in the first century, the Treasury is decorated with mythological figures and Nabataean deities.

The entrance leads to the tomb of the Nabataean King Aretas III, also a place of worship. Unfortunately, you can’t go inside, but you’ll have enough time to take photos of this magnificent place. 

Don’t forget to head to the rock on the right-hand side of the Treasury for the best Instagram photos 🙂 

I won’t forget that moment: the Treasury in front of us, the stillness of the area, the lack of people, the magic! That’s what should motivate you to get out of bed so early.

We were lucky to have this place for about half an hour before locals showed up. They call themselves Bedouins, and I doubt they have anything to do with them. They use make-up to get that Bedouin feeling and they can be very pushy and annoying. Very!

The best photo spot of the Treasury

The first viewpoint of the Treasury, accessible with a guide only for a fee

If you have already been impressed by the Treasury, it’s time to head to one of the viewpoints for a better view. There are two viewpoints of the Treasury, one accessible with a guide only for a fee and the other free to access, but it requires more time.

On the left-hand side facing the Treasury, the first viewpoint is only accessible with a local guide for a cost. It is the shorter but more challenging and steeper way. 

Don’t try to get there on your own because the locals can be very territorial and aggressive. There are daily conflicts between tourists and so-called guides, and the police do nothing about it. And what intrigues me the most is that this viewpoint is off-limits, but the Jordan Tourism Board shares photos from this prohibited place all the time. 

Anyway, if you choose to go to this viewpoint, consider hiring a guide and paying around 15 JOD per person. The local guys will approach you as soon as you get to the Treasury. Even if they convince you the hike takes only 10 minutes, keep in mind that it will take longer to get up there. And beware of the slippery rocks. I’ve seen people literally crawling on their hands and knees on those rocks.

Street of Facades

Once you’ve finished admiring the Treasury, you can join the Street of Facades, lined with souvenir shops and the famous stone toilet on your right-hand side. It’s the last toilet until you return from the second viewpoint of the Treasury, so make use of it! You can also buy water or enjoy the breakfast box on one of the benches here. 

The Royal Tombs

After this short break, turn right after the shopping stalls. Don’t look for signs, as the so-called Bedouins erased those to make finding the path harder. Instead, follow the stairs, and you’ll bump into the gorgeous Royal Tombs.

Almost as impressive as the Treasury, the Royal Tombs are easy to reach. One next to the other, the four tombs have detailed facades carved into the rock, similar to the Treasury. 

Palace Tomb, Silk Tomb, Corinthian Tomb, and Urn Tomb are some of the best reasons for visiting Petra on your own. If you’re spending more than one day in Petra, you can hike to every tomb and take your time to discover everything.

The Royal Tombs view from Colonnaded Street in the late afternoon when the light hits perfectly!

The second viewpoint of the Treasury , accessible without a guide and free

To get to the second viewpoint of the Treasury, you’ll need to get to the Royal Tombs first. This viewpoint is more accessible than the first viewpoint, but it takes a little bit more time. If you would love to get to one of those viewpoints and you’re not short on time, go to see this one, as it’s the most beautiful one, in my opinion!

Continue following the path, passing the Royal Tombs and climbing the stairs. You’ll be on the Al Khubta Trail now. The trek takes around 30 minutes, depending on your fitness level.

Incredible views over the valley in Petra and also over the Theater

The views along the way are incredible, and from the top, you will be able to witness the whole valley of Petra and the gorgeous Treasury! Don’t worry about getting lost, just follow the path and look for the Treasury. You can’t miss it!  And you might be the only one there! The only disadvantage is that you’ll have to walk the same route back; however, it will be easier. 

Once you’ve made it to the top, you can witness the Treasury from the rocks in total silence! It was well worth it, don’t you agree?

The view over the Treasury once you reach the top is impressive for sure!

Once here, you will spot a tent with the best view of the Treasury. Step inside the small Bedouin tent and enjoy the views from here. It’s totally worth it! Pay the owner some respect by buying something from his shop and enjoying the fantastic views! We opted for a delicious tea and spent more than an hour here!

Amazing view over the Treasury from the Bedouin tent! The hike was so worth it!

Colonnaded Street

From the second viewpoint, follow the same path until you reach the Street of Facades once again. You might need to use the toilet once again or buy some refreshments or local delicacies. From here, the Street of Facades turns into Colonnaded Street, the main shopping street of Petra. Its name comes from the remains of the Romans, who took control of Petra in 106 AD. 

Here, you’ll find a few restaurants where tourists take a break before returning to the entrance or starting climbing to the Monastery. You’ll also meet many Bedouins trying to convince you to get on a donkey, horse, or camel. I highly advise you not to, as those animals are mistreated! 

The High Place of Sacrifice 

As the name suggests, it is a spot where they used to carry out sacrifices. There are several steps to climb to reach this place, but the trail is well-marked, and it takes around 30 minutes to ascend to the top. Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with fantastic views over Petra! 

The Monastery (AD-DEIR) 

Ad Deir is one of the most iconic monuments in Petra. Its main purpose is still unknown, but it’s speculated to have been a royal tomb at first and, later, in the Byzantine period, a church.

From the Royal Tombs, you’ll have a 2-3 hour return walk(4.5km) through the lost city, and some climbing is involved (800 steps). The views along the way are impressive, but the Monastery is absolutely stunning, so make sure not to skip it! While it is doable on day one (together with the second view of the Treasury), you can leave this hike for the second day! 

The Monastery is breathtaking and just as impressive as the Treasury. In my opinion, even more beautiful. Even though the hike up is not easy, it is a must for everyone visiting Petra and Little Petra. Climbing the 800 stairs to the Monastery took approximately one hour, but it can be longer depending on your fitness level. 

Fortunately, not many decide to reach the Monastery, and the chances of being alone here are high. The path is lined with souvenir shops, and the views along the way are impressive. You can sit in a Bedouin tent and have a refreshment if you feel tired.

Once you reach the last stairs, prepare to be amazed! The Monastery is even wider and higher than the Treasury! 

Incredible view over the Monastery in Petra

There is a lovely terrace nearby where you can sit, savor a refreshment in total silence and admire the best view of the site!

Have a refreshment while admiring the gorgeous Monastery!

The best views of the Monastery 

Are you looking for the best insta-photo of the Monastery? Above the restaurant, you’ll spot a rock and maybe people waiting in line to get the famous photo.

We were alone at the Monastery, so we didn’t have to worry about people, but the smell inside the small cave was awful. Why? Some donkeys decided to rest in the shadows before our visit and felt inspired to leave their marks.

If you’re looking for a better view of the Monastery, away from the crowds, you’ll spot a sign pointing in the direction of the best view. Actually, several paths say that it will lead to the best viewpoint. It’s up to you which one you choose and there is only a short hike uphill! If your legs are still working, hike there for more incredible scenery!

Monastery to Little Petra 

The hike from the Monastery to Little Petra is called the Back Door to Petra . However, this hike is not easy, and the path is not marked. You might need a guide to take this trail or research online before venturing. Keep in mind that from Little Petra, you need a ride back to Wadi Musa, so hitchhiking shouldn’t be an issue as the locals are friendly and always willing to help. But there is an easy way to visit Little Petra; I’ll talk about it briefly. 

Great Temple and Hadrian Gate 

The walk from the Monastery to the main path is now easy, with no hiking involved. On your way to the exit, you can use the toilets or have a refreshment. 

Once you get back to Colonnaded Street, you’ll have time to notice the Great Nabataean Temple, built in 100 BC, the largest freestanding building in Petra. Here you’ll glimpse the Hadrian Gate also, or better said, the remaining pillars of the gate. Take some time and snap some photos.  

Aaron’s Tomb

Unfortunately, we skipped one of Petra’s holiest places from our itinerary, Aaron’s Tomb. The hike takes around 6 hours, and the views are amazing. But to get there, a guide is highly recommended. Although I’ve read that hikers from different parts of the world go on this hike without a guide, I assume it is something we could have mastered on our own, also. 

The Treasury, on the way out

You can’t leave Petra without admiring the Treasury for the last time! This image will stay with you forever!

Petra by Night 

Petra by night is a special event not included in the Jordan Pass or any other day ticket. Held every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 8:30 p.m., you need to buy a different ticket. This is a unique way to see Petra, but the presumptions are different. Some described it as a magical event, while others found it commercial, as locals were highly vocal and annoying. 

You’ll walk one mile from the entrance in the dark. Once you get to the Treasury, they’ll deliver a site presentation while locals play instruments. After this show, the lights are turned on to highlight the Treasury.

As we’ve witnessed the Treasury at different times of the day, we wanted to see Petra by night also. And we choose not to care about others anymore. So, we found a cozy spot to see the lights and admire this incredible masterpiece!

Little Petra

Everyone has heard about Petra in Jordan, but did you know there is a similar ancient city called Little Petra, which is only 6km away? It is another incredible place to see in Jordan and is well worth visiting!

Here are a few things to know about this place:

There are no entry fees, so don’t get into the trap of paying someone who asks you to. It’s an easy place to roam around and less crowded, so you don’t need a guide to explore the site.

The site is small, and you can visit it in one hour and a half on your way to/from Aqaba.

The Siq al Barid leading to the Treasury is much narrower and shorter than Petra’s siq; it only measures 400 meters. After some rock climbing, you can reach a panorama terrace where you can enjoy delicious tea and buy some souvenirs. The stone-carved structures and the landscape are impressive.

It is possible to reach Petra from here, but the hike is 6km long and not well signposted.

Find out more in my article: HOW TO VISIT LITTLE PETRA IN JORDAN. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR VISIT

Interactive Map of Visiting Petra on Your Own

Underneath, you’ll find a customized map that includes all the locations you will visit in Petra. Just open this article on your phone and click on the frame in the upper right corner of the map. The Google Maps app will open, and you can check all the details. I hope it helps!

Jordan Related Posts

If this is your first time in Jordan and you want to gather more information about this incredible country, check my articles: 

USEFUL THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELING TO JORDAN

THE BEST TIPS FOR SWIMMING IN THE DEAD SEA

HOW TO VISIT LITTLE PETRA IN JORDAN. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR VISIT

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I’m LIZY. Lover of new destinations. Exploring the world as often as possible. Sharing travel tips, road trip itineraries, kayaking & ski destinations.

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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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Inside Petra Jordan: Everything You MUST Know Before Visiting

Probably one of the most anticipated sights when planning your trip to Jordan is the chance to visit the Lost City inside Petra. I should state early on that Jordan holds many gems that are reason enough to plan a trip to this country, but Petra is the leading lady of the show.

Also known as the Rose City, due to the color of the stone it is carved from, Petra was established in 312BC as the capital city for the Nabataeans. The site remained unknown to the western world until 1812 when a Swiss explorer discovered it.

The Lost City of Petra was designated a World Heritage Site on December 6, 1985, and is Jordan’s most visited tourist attraction.

With all that lead up, I am sure you can imagine the excitement that revolves around a visit to Jordan . Our own visit was met by some fickle weather but turned out to be a very sunny, blue sky day.

With that said, this guide to the Lost City of Petra should give you everything you need to know to make your visit special.

Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet Jordan (Travel Guide)

Planning Your Visit Inside Petra

Table of Contents

Hours & Best Time to Visit Petra, Jordan

The ticket office for the Lost City of Petra is open from 6 am to 6 pm in the summer and 6 am -4 pm in the winter. Petra closes around sunset. The best times to visit are early morning and late afternoons when the tour groups have moved through. This will be the quietest time for your visit.

Petra by Night starts at 8:30pm and finishes around 10:30 pm, but only on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights. There will be long lines when you arrive, so make sure that after you enter the site you hang back and let the crowd go.

This will give you a chance to photography the Sig without crowds of people.

How Much are Tickets for Going Inside Petra?

Entrance to the Petra site will cost you 50JD for a one-day pass , 55JD for a two-day pass and 60JD for a three-day pass. The price of your ticket includes a free horse ride to the entrance of the Siq.

If you are not up for walking, this is a great option but remember that it is only the ride that is free, not the tip. There is no set price for the tip so you’ll need to negotiate hard.

The cost of the site is not cheap but well worth the price you pay. As you can see, spending two days at the site is the best way to utilize the ticket price, since you only pay an additional 5JD for the second day.

Petra by Night is a completely different affair and takes place only on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights. The cost is 18JD.

** This is the tour we took ** Book your own adventure in Jordan: 8 Day Jordan Explorer

Our Experience of the Entrance to the Lost City of Petra

Upon arriving at the visitor’s center, we gained access to the entrance of the historical site. At this point, we were offered the opportunity to ride horses to the entrance of the Siq. This is included in the cost of the entrance ticket, however, they do not disclose that you will be asked firmly for a decent tip at the conclusion of your ride.

We also saw horse and carriage options from the start point as well. This option can be utilized all the way to the treasury, giving you a chance to rest your legs through the Siq before you arrive at the site.

I won’t lie, there is a lot of walking involved in visiting Petra and those that are less fit should consider renting a carriage at the start of your visit. Carriage rides are not included in your ticket price like the horse rides are, and you must negotiate for a ride.

We opted for the walking and enjoyed watching the horses trotting by us in their designated lane to the opening of the Siq. This walk is a solid 10-15 minutes and is called the walkway to the Siq.

Once we reached the end of the walkway, it was hard to miss the entrance to the beautiful bright red Siq that leads straight into the lost city of Petra.

Petra Hotels: Location is Everything

The small town of Wadi Musa has literally been built up to sustain the tourist attention that Petra gets. It is a place with many hotels, restaurants and a local culture which makes the visit very pleasant. There is a wide variety of hotels available from budget to luxury and something that will suit everyone.

Make sure that you don’t miss out on a visit to the downtown area of Wadi Musa to sample local foods, shops the food stalls and search for souvenirs. Many people just blow through Wadi Musa, visit Petra and leave.

Don’t be one of those people, take the time to go for a walk and check it out. You will be rewarded with a charming little town.

Wadi Musa is also a really great place to tuck in and sample some Jordanian food . Don’t be shy, wander into some of the great shops and restaurants. The locals love the conversation too.

How to Get to Petra, Jordan

If you are traveling independently, most hotels have a shuttle available that will take you to the entrance of the Lost City of Petra. Some hotels charge for this while others do not. If you are part of a group tour, transportation to Petra will be included.

If you are not part of a group tour and don’t have access to hotel transport, then walk to the downtown area and hail a taxi. They are affordable and easy to find. You can expect to pay around 1-2JD for a 5-minute cab ride.

Getting back to your hotel from Petra is also easy, taxis will be available at the same place you were dropped off. They will typically charge 3JD, sometimes you can negotiate to 2JD for a ride back to your hotel in Wadi Musa.

Alternatively, you could also walk to Petra. The entrance to the site is a 20 minutes talk from most hotels in Wadi Musa.

Amman to Petra – if you’re in Amman and want to make a quick trip to Petra, this possible by renting a car or booking a tour.

What Should I Wear?

You will be spending the day on your feet and exposed to the elements. So it is important that you check the weather forecast for the day of your visit and dress accordingly. I highly recommend comfortable walking shoes and a hat. Be sure to bring long sleeves and wear pants to be respectful of local culture.

Apply sunscreen before your visit, even on cloudy days. During the fall and winter months, Jordan can be surprisingly cold and wet. Not something you would expect from a desert country in the Middle East , but we can tell you, it’s true.

Our day at Petra was sunny but windy and required us to dress in layers that we constantly shed and redressed during our visit.

I also recommend bringing a day pack with a minimum of 2L of water, a small packed lunch (most hotels will make one for you), sunscreen, sunglasses, some cash and clothes layers. Sometimes the wind whips right through the site.

How Much Walking Can I Expect?

A complete full-day visit to the lost city of Petra can easily involve 10-15 miles of walking . The city is very spread out and also involves some stair climbing and slight grades to explore some of the off-path sites.

As I’ve mentioned a couple of times already, there are options to reduce the miles and hours spent on your feet by employing a donkey or camel ride within the city.

The camel ride can be a wonderful way to see the lost city of Petra as the handlers treat their camels well and sitting atop one is an experience you should have at least once while in Jordan.

Our Experience Walking the Siq of Petra

The Siq is the main entrance to the lost city of Petra. In my personal opinion, the Siq is one of the greatest attractions of Petra. The gorge stands between 91-182 meters high and is no more than 3 meters wide for the 2km it takes to reach the city.

Unlike some of the sites that are similar to the Siq, like Antelope Canyon in the USA that was shaped by water, the Siq is a natural fault that was split apart by tectonic forces and then later made smooth by water.

I like to imagine what it would have been like to discover this entrance complete with temples, tombs, and carvings. When you visit today, all that remains is the voids of their presence, filled only by imagination and a good guide.

We meandered along the path taking photos and listening to our guide as he told us the history of the site and the things we were looking at. At one point David and I actually got separated when he stopped to take some video and a group of people got between us.

We ended up walking the whole thing separately. Whoops! It wasn’t until I arrived at the treasury that I found him again.

Our Experience Exploring Inside Petra

After reaching the treasury we were able to start our visit to the city. There are 3 options to explore the city; by foot, by donkey, and by camel.

The rates can be a bit steep for a donkey or camel escort, but they will take you to the steps of each iconic site within the city and the Bedouins are good conversation. We opted for the walking at it ended up being one hell of a workout.

On a full-day visit on foot, we were able to visit most of the sites in the main part of the city. We even hiked some of the trails that lead to the back of the tombs and had the whole place to ourselves. Most people just stick to the main road that leads through the center of the site.

You absolutely shouldn’t miss the Tombs. It is a bit of a climb to get up to them, but they are beautiful and worth the hike. There are also a variety of sites including an ancient church, roman columns and ruined sites that lead you to the end of the main street. We didn’t have time to continue our tour to the monastery, so we regrettably missed out on that.

6 Sites You Cannot Miss in the Lost City of Petra

The treasury.

This will be the very first thing that you see when you reach the end of the Siq. You can’t miss it.  Depending on what time of day you arrive here, take your time to check out the structure.

You cannot go into the Treasury, but you can get close to it and look at the tombs below.  If it is busy when you get there, leave and come back later when there are fewer people.

Street of Facades

This is a walkway with various cutouts that have been weathered by the elements and time. Stroll along with this walkway imagine what it would have been like to arrive into this great city at the height of its power.

Imagine the trade, the entertainment and the way the facades would have looked.

The theater is small by Roman standards, but still worth checking out as it is carved out of the pink stone, right into the wall. Due to the wear and tear of it, you are not allowed to enter the theater, but you can climb up to a viewing platform to get an unobstructed view and some decent photos.

Royal Tombs

This is probably the coolest place you can visit in the lost city of Petra. Be sure to make the climb up to the top for a fantastic view of the whole city. Take your time to look at the market stalls along the way for some interesting souvenirs. The view inside the tombs is stunning as well.

Colonnaded Street

Colonnaded Street will take you all the way to the romanesque structured parts of the city and the museum. There is also a restaurant at the end, opposite of the museum, that serves a buffet lunch at a premium.

The Monastery

Arguably a better site to see than the treasury, this site is a long walk away from the end of the Colonnaded Street. you should be reasonably fit and have arrived here with enough time to hike out and back before the site closes.

I recommend visiting the Monastery on your second day, first thing in the morning. Then you can wander back through Petra and get more photos of things in a different light in the afternoon.

5 Things We Wish We’d Known Before Our Visit Inside Petra

• Petra is a huge site: One day is simply not enough time to explore this massive, beautiful site. The tour that we were with allowed only one full day to explore the site and we regret that. Even though we were there from sun up until 5 pm, we rushed around the site and were not able to fit everything in that we wanted to see.
• You need 2 days at a minimum: Two full days would give you the perfect amount of time to see all the sites at a pace conducive to photography and enjoyment. If you want to hike, you could easily spend 3-5 days on this site. The site is huge and the weather unforgiving making it hard to rush through the site in one day.
• The crowds move through fast: Part of this mistake was that we were on our own rushed visit of the mighty site. The truth be told though, the crowds you will likely encounter when you first arrive disappear very quickly. This leaves sites like the Treasury and tombs completely empty to photograph. We came through the treasury area 3 times during our visit, the first time it was packed as that was close to the opening time of the site, the other 2 times, completely empty.
• Bring a packed lunch: There are a couple of restaurants inside the site that cater to tourists and they are very expensive. The USD is weak to the Jordanian Dinar, so think tourist prices and then the loss on conversion! Easily solved by bringing in your own water supply (at least 2 liters) and a packed lunch from your hotel.
• Petra is fragile so be respectful: The site suffers from a host of threats, including the collapse of ancient structures, erosion due to flooding and improper rainwater drainage, weathering from salt upwelling, improper restoration of ancient structures and unsustainable tourism. Be careful when exploring the site and avoid touching the walls of the buildings. If we are not mindful of these things, Petra will not be around for future generations.

Read reviews and check prices with our Hotel Search Engine , that gives you the best hotel deals found on the web. Our search engine pulls results from all of the major booking places, including Expedia, Hotels, Booking and more. All the options, all the deals, all in one place and just for you.

More on Jordan:  

• Is Jordan Safe to Visit?
• Petra by Night is Pure Magic
• Swimming in the Dead Sea in Jordan
• Best Time to Visit Jordan: Month by Month Breakdown

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Travel planning resources, about lina stock.

Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

2 thoughts on “Inside Petra Jordan: Everything You MUST Know Before Visiting”

Petra is amazing, but I found the people of Wadi Musa to be the least hospitable in Jordan, with exorbitant prices, and a true Us and Them mentality towards foreigners. Petra is well worth seeing, but best done as a day trip so as to avoid Wadi Musa in my opinion.

That’s too bad! We didn’t get that from our visit at all. Many friendly merchants and locals in the area where we stayed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

Petra travel guide – tips before you go

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

Where is Petra?

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

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

Where to stay in Petra

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to get to Petra

By car to petra.

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

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

By Bus to Petra

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

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

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

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

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

Take a group tour to Petra

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read about our canyoning adventure at Wadi Mujib in Jordan

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

How long do I need to visit Petra?

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

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

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

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

Best time to visit Petra

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

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

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

Petra travel guide – tips for when you arrive

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

Petra Visitor Centre

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

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

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

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

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

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

Opening Hours for Petra

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

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

Ticket costs for Petra

The jordan pass.

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

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

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

Buying tickets at the Petra Visitor Centre

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

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

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

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

Petra Jordan – tips for visiting the site

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

A brief history of Petra

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

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

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

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

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

Top things to see in Petra

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

Petra in one day

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

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

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

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

More Petra highlights if you have time

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

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

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

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

Highlights outside the main Petra site

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

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

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

Petra by Night tickets

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

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

Our Petra by Night experience

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Map of Petra Archeological site

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

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

Visiting Petra – more tips for a great visit

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

What to wear for Petra

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to avoid the crowds at Petra?

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

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

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

Animal rides at Petra

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

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

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

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

Where to eat in Petra

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

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

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

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

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

Are there toilets in Petra?

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

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

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

Other facilities in Petra

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

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

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

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

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

Are there guided tours for Petra?

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

Hiring a guide at Petra

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

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

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

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

Unofficial guides in Petra

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

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

Sustainable travel in Petra

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

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

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

Is Petra safe?

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

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

Here are a few other issues to watch out for.

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

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

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

Recommended hotels for Petra

More information to plan your trip.

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

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

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

Guide Book for Jordan

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

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

You may also enjoy

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

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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December 18, 2023 / December 18, 2023 by Jordan MW Tours

Discover Petra Wonders: A Comprehensive Guide to Jordan’s Rose-Red City . 

Introduction: Nestled in Jordan’s rugged terrain lies Petra, an ancient city of unparalleled beauty. In this guide, we’ll navigate through its rich history, architectural wonders, and practical tips for an immersive Petra (Jordan) experience.

Unveiling Petra’s History: Petra, the “Rose-Red City,” holds UNESCO recognition and New Seven Wonders acclaim, rooted in Nabataean Kingdom history.

Exploring Key Attractions:

• The Siq and Al-Khazneh (The Treasury): Begin at the Siq, a narrow gorge leading to Al-Khazneh, a sandstone masterpiece.
• The Monastery (Ad-Deir): Venture to the Monastery, a colossal rock-cut structure with panoramic views.
• The Royal Tombs: Discover grand mausoleums carved into rose-red cliffs, each with unique features.

Practical Tips for Your Petra Visit:

• Ideal Time to Visit: Opt for spring or autumn, avoiding the summer heat by planning early morning or late afternoon visits.
• Guided Tours: Gain deeper insights with guided tours, uncovering Petra’s history and hidden gems. Join our weakly Group Tour and discover the wonders of Jordan.
• Footwear and Clothing: Wear comfortable shoes for the rocky terrain, dressing modestly to respect local customs.

Preserving Petra’s Legacy: Support local initiatives, adhere to conservation guidelines, and leave no trace to ensure Petra’s enduring legacy.

Conclusion: A journey to Petra ( Jordan ) is a voyage through time, where ancient history and architectural brilliance converge in a breathtaking desert landscape. Whether you’re an avid history enthusiast or a casual traveler, Petra’s allure is bound to leave an indelible mark on your wanderlust soul. Plan your visit, immerse yourself in the mystique of the Rose-Red City, and unlock the secrets of Jordan’s extraordinary past.

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20 Essential Things To Know Before Visiting Petra In Jordan

Posted on Last updated: May 13, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essential questions about visiting Petra answered

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

What is Petra?

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

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

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

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

The Treasury of Petra, Jordan

How do I get to Petra?

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

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

The Monastery of Petra, Jordan

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

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

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

A local kid riding a camel in Petra, Jordan

How much does entrance at Petra cost?

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

What are the Petra opening times?

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

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

The trail that leads up to the Monastery of Petra

What should I wear in Petra?

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

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

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

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

Admiring the Treasury of Petra, Jordan

Are there places to eat and drink inside Petra?

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

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

One of the souvenir stalls in Petra

Are there toilets inside Petra?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Admiring the Monastery of Petra

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

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

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

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

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

Simplified map of Petra in Jordan by On The Luce

Can I see everything in Petra without walking?

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

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

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

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

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

Tourists using donkeys to go up to the Monastery of Petra

Is Petra safe?

When I told my mum I was going to travel to Jordan she got really nervous and started stressing saying it was a dangerous destination (although for an anxious Italian mum, everywhere is too dangerous).

So I did some research and found all sorts of articles online proving that Jordan is actually a very safe country.

It’s often perceived as a dangerous destination due to its location in the Middle East, neighbouring Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Israel. I personally never felt unsafe, in Petra or anywhere else in Jordan.

My experience is obviously limited to a 1-week holiday; if you want to read more about safety and travelling solo in Jordan, check out these articles by more seasoned Jordan travellers: Carpe Diem Our Way and Divergent Travellers .

One of the Royal Tombs in Petra and the souvenir stalls below it

One thing to note for female travellers is to always be wary of the guys that approach you saying they are guides.

It didn’t happen to me personally but I read about solo female travellers being approached by local guides offering them tea or dinner in a Bedouin cave, and then being either sexually assaulted or robbed.

During Petra by Night I distanced myself from the crowd a bit as I wanted to take photos of the Treasury and night sky and some local men did approach me with similar offers.

I politely declined and they left me alone without further pressing.

Like anywhere else you travel to always be careful and listen to your gut instinct, try to never put yourself in a position where you are alone with a man you don’t fully trust.

Glimpses of the Treasury of Petra from the Siq

My 10 top tips for visiting Petra like a pro

Having answered all your burning questions about visiting Petra (I hope!) it’s now time to jump into my 10 essential tips that will make your visit to Petra smoother and more enjoyable.

Buy the Jordan Pass

The Jordan Pass is an initiative by the Jordanian government to improve the tourist experience in Jordan.

There are different types of passes but generally speaking it will cover your tourist visa to Jordan and entry to a number of attractions throughout the country.

Petra is one of those attractions. I purchased the Jordan Wanderer for 70 JOD, which includes a 1-day entry to Petra.

If you think that 1-day entry to Petra would be 50 JOD and the tourist visa is 40 JOD (as of December 2018), you’ve already made your money back just with those two expenses.

If you’re planning on visiting other attractions in Jordan such as Jerash, the Amman acropolis or Roman theatre, and Wadi Rum, those will also be covered. You can buy your Jordan Pass  here .

| READ MORE: JORDAN PASS REVIEWED – IS IT WORTH IT? |

Part of the Colonnadet in Petra, Jordan

Get to Petra from the “backdoor”

If you want to have a truly unique experience in Petra, don’t start your day at the Visitor Centre like everyone else. Instead, why don’t you reach Petra from the backdoor?

This is a 10 km hike that starts in Little Petra and after 2 hours of stunning canyons and viewpoints will bring you to the Monastery of Petra, where most people usually finish their Petra tours.

Hiking to Petra from the “backdoor” from Little Petra

Enjoying the views on the hike from Little Petra to Petra

I can highly recommend this experience for three main reasons. The first one is that the hike itself is incredible.

There are some changes in elevation but the terrain is usually well paved and I would describe the overall difficulty level of the hike as moderate.

The natural landscapes of the rocks and canyons were to me almost as beautiful as the archaeological site of Petra itself.

The second reason is that you will reach the Monastery early in the day, when most people are still making their way from the standard route from the Visitor Centre and you will get it mostly to yourself.

Lastly the standard path that takes to the Monastery is composed by 820 steps, which you will now get to walk down and not up!

Mountain views on the hike from Little Petra to Petra

The hike however isn’t well marked, I wouldn’t recommend doing it without a guide as it would be very hard to tell which way you need to go.

You will need to book a guide beforehand since Little Petra doesn’t have a Visitor Centre like Petra, with guides just sitting around waiting for tourists.

If you’re interested message me and I’ll share with you the contact of our guide (he doesn’t have a website, doesn’t seem right to just list his phone number online, privacy and all that).

Be there early

I get it that not everyone wants to start a visit to a 60 square kilometres archaeological site with a 2-hour hike to reach the site itself.

If you choose to go via the standard route, make sure to get there early! All the big tours don’t get there till later in the morning so if you can be there as soon as it opens you will be able to enjoy the Siq and Treasury all to yourself.

Up close to one of the Royal Tombs in Petra, Jordan

What to see in Petra

Before visiting Petra all I knew about it was the Treasury. There is actually so much more to Petra than just the beautiful Treasury facade.

As I’ve already mentioned Petra is a 60 squared kilometres site, with numerous attractions in it. So how do you know what you should go see in Petra? Here I cover the main sites that you should see when you’re visiting Petra.

This is a 1.2km long canyon that starts just after the Visitor Centre and leads all the way to the Treasury.

It’s considered the entrance to Petra and walking through the towering pink and orange stones, to find the Treasury opening up in front of you is a truly magical start to your Petra visit.

Walking along the Siq; the entrance to Petra

The first glimpse of the Treasury from the Siq

Al-Kazneh (the Treasury)

This is the most famous attraction in Petra. It’s a 40m tall, symmetrical building carved directly into the rock face with detailed ornaments.

The name is actually misleading, as this wasn’t a treasury but a tomb for a Nabatean king. In the past tomb raiders that were searching for treasures tried sacking also the Petra Treasury, without much luck.

If you look closely you can still see bullet holes in the rock where they attacked it with machine guns, trying to trigger traps before they entered. As of December 2018 you can’t go inside the Treasury.

Admiring the beauty of the Treasury in Petra, Jordan

The Theatre

As you walk on from the Treasury the next main sight that will appear soon on your left is the theatre. With over 8,000 seats, it’s hard to miss.

The theatre in Petra, Jordan

Royal Tombs

These are just after the theatre on the right, and have elaborate facades carved into the rock similarly to the Treasury. There are four of them one next to the other, a sight that for me was almost as impressive as the Treasury!

However these suffered flood damage over the centuries and some of their facades aren’t as well kept, possibly part of the reason they are not as famous online as their neighbours.

There are steps that lead up to them and you can actually visit the inside of these tombs. Both in the area just below the Royal Tombs and even under some of the arches you will find souvenir stalls.

The four Royal Tombs in Petra seen from a distance

One of the Royal Tombs in Petra, Jordan

Inside one of the Royal Tombs in Petra, Jordan

Colonnade Street

The Colonnade is a street that runs through the centre of Petra, with columns on each side, as the name suggests.

The Colonnade street is mostly in ruins, due to the frequent flash floods that took place over the past thousands of years, and there are un-excavated sites on either side.

The Colonnade in Petra, Jordan

The Colonnade in Petra with the Royal Tombs in the background

Part of the Colonnade in Petra, Jordan

The Monastery is the attraction furthest away from the Visitor Centre. The standard route to reach it from the Colonnade includes 820 steps going up.

Reaching it will be quite the challenge but it’s well worth it! The Monastery is 50m high and has an extremely well preserved facade built into the rock, similar to that of the Treasury.

The name is once again misleading, it’s named the Monastery because of crosses carved inside the main chamber, which are believed to have been added later in the Byzantine era.

Originally, it is thought to have been a temple. Just across from the Monastery there is a tea shop with tents where you can relax in the shade after the tough hike up.

High Place of Sacrifice

The High Place of Sacrifice, as the name suggests, is the location in Petra where they used to carry out sacrifices. These almost certainly entailed libations, animal sacrifices and smoking of frankincense.

It is unclear whether they included human sacrifices too. The walk up to the Sacrifice takes around 45 minutes, but is very steep.

The trail is well marked but there are no railings, so it might not be the best hike if you aren’t confident on your feet or suffer of vertigo.

Once you reach the top you will be rewarded with sweeping views over the mountains, rocks and monuments of Petra.

I didn’t make it to the High Place of Sacrifice as I was short on time and after walking 20km in one day, I was pretty knackered as it was.

Views over Petra from the Royal Tombs

Canyon views in Petra, Jordan

Bring water and snacks with you

I know I said there will be stalls and coffee shops inside Petra, however you might find yourself walking for a while before you find one.

I personally find it much easier to just bring my own water and snacks so that if I get suddenly hungry or thirsty I have supplies with me and don’t have to search for a shop.

Small caves in Petra, Jordan

Discover this secret viewpoint over the Monastery

Once you reach the Monastery you will see signs pointing to a big rock a little way away and describing it as “Top of the world: best view in Petra”.

While the view from that spot is pretty good, there is another one that is much better.

If you’re standing with the Monastery at your back and you’re facing the rock that is advertised as the best view in Petra you need to look at the big rock on your left, behind the Bedouin tents.

Once you get closer to it you will find a trail and some steps that will take you to the viewpoint. There is some climbing involved but it’s fairly easy and won’t take you more than five minutes.

I personally like this view better as it’s closer to the Monastery and there is less stuff in the way of the view.

The best view over the Monastery of Petra, Jordan

See the Treasury from above

If you’ve seen photos of Petra on social media you’ve probably seen the photos of the Treasury from above. These all look very similar but are also slightly different every time.

The reason for this being that there are THREE main viewpoints that will allow you to get that Instagram-worthy shot of the Treasury from above.

The moment you reach the Treasury from the Siq local guides will come to you, show you photos of the viewpoints and offer to take you there for a small fee.

To convince you to hire them they will tell you that it is now forbidden to climb to the viewpoints without a guide. I was in a group with four other girls and we negotiated for a guide to take us to two viewpoints for 5 JOD each.

Our guide was committed to taking the perfect Instagram shot for us

If you’re looking at the Treasury the first and easiest viewpoint to reach is on the right. It will only take about 5-10 minutes to reach it however there isn’t really a marked trail, you will have to do some climbing over the rocks to reach it.

This is where your guide will step in and help you climb to the viewpoint. The viewpoint itself is a small rock plateau without much else.

This was my personal favourite because it’s not as high, and it allows you to get nice photos at the same level as the Treasury.

The first viewpoint above the Treasury of Petra, Jordan

The second viewpoint is on the left and a bit harder to reach, about a 15-20 minute hike. While some of it is well treaded or with steps there is a lot of climbing over rocks also here.

You will find a small Bedouin tent at the top of this viewpoint, where they sell tea and offer some shade after the hike. If you don’t purchase anything they ask that you make a 1 JOD donation for the taking a photo up there.

A cup of tea costs 1 JOD so you might as well get some tea.

The guides will offer to take that famous shot from above for you and you should let them, there is more climbing involved to take the perfect shot and to be honest, it looked pretty dangerous.

The second viewpoint over the Treasury of Petra

The third viewpoint is the toughest to reach but does not require a guide. It starts from behind the Royal Tombs and takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, with most of the trail being up steep steps.

I didn’t go to this viewpoint as it would have taken too long to get there and it’s very similar to the other two. It’s similar to the first viewpoint, just higher.

It’s also similar to the second viewpoint since it’s at the same height, just from the other side. It’s up to you whether you want to pay for a guide and do a shorter hike to the first two viewpoints, or do a longer hike solo.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BphiWvHlYHO/

Don’t get a guide at the Visitor Centre

I’m not saying you shouldn’t get a guide at all, quite the opposite. Compared to other historical attractions around the world in Petra there is a bit of a lack of explanations on site.

Most of the sites will have a sign somewhere in their proximity (if you can find it!) telling you a little bit about what it is, but we found they didn’t really go into a lot of detail and we were having to read more about it in our Lonely Planet Jordan guide or online.

I do recommend getting a guide in Petra, just not at the Visitor Centre, since these will have fixed prices and only take you to the standard tourist spots.

Wait till you reach the Treasury and here you will find guides willing to take you to the viewpoints over the Treasury, to the High Place of Sacrifice or anywhere else you want to go. You will also be able to haggle more on the price.

Walking through the canyons of Petra, Jordan

Visit Petra by Night

Petra by Night is a light show that is on every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday night from 20:30 to 22:30. They light the walk from the Visitor Centre, all along the Siq and up to the Treasury with 1,500 candles.

During the evening there is a live fiddle player, complimentary tea being served around and a short story telling session at the end. Entry to Petra by Night isn’t included in your day entry to Petra and costs an additional 17 JOD.

It’s a great opportunity to see Petra in a different light (literally and metaphorically) and with not quite as many people around.

Despite the lights from the candles you will still be able to see a lot of stars, which for me is always a magical experience.

Petra by Night

Where to stay in Petra

Wadi Musa is a town that has grown around Petra. It’s fairly small with only a couple main streets, but there are a number of hotels for every budget range.

One thing to note is that we couldn’t find any alcohol in any of the shops or restaurants in Wadi Musa, we were told only the big 5-star hotels serve it.

I didn’t mind it but if it’s something you think might impact your trip you might want to consider staying in one of the big hotel chains.

I personally stayed at the Peace Way Hotel . It’s reasonably priced, serves a good breakfast and is a short 5-minute drive away from the Petra Visitor Centre.

If you want something a bit more luxurious, closer to Petra and that will serve alcohol, the Movenpick or Marriott are your best bets.

If you want to have a completely different experience you could also stay in a Bedouin tent, for example at the Seven Wonders Bedouin Camp (or save the bedouin experience for when you do a Wadi Rum overnight tour )!

Check the latest accommodation prices and availability in Petra

“Bedouin ferraris” as the local guides refer to the donkeys in Petra, Jordan

Final thoughts on visiting Petra

Have you been to Petra before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

Visiting Petra was an incredible experience for me; the stunning natural beauty of the location combined to its rich history really makes it one of the most interesting places I’ve visited recently.

I wanted to put together this guide since before actually visiting Petra, I knew very little about it other than photos of the Treasury I had seen online. I hope you will find this guide useful in planning you own visit to Petra.

Enjoyed reading my 20 essential tips for visiting Petra? Pin it!

Putri Nuraini

Tuesday 28th of May 2019

thank you so much for this. really helpful - wanted to go there next year so have time to prepare. I was wondering how do you find a way to back door to entering petra. do I need guide - or I can do it myself ?

thank you:)

Hi Putri, thanks for the comment, glad you found it useful! I would personally recommend doing it with a guide, the trail isn't marked at all and it's quite hard to find if you don't know where to look. You might come across other groups doing the hike that you can tag along with but it's not a guarantee. Easier and safer to have a guide show you the route :) Safe travels, you will love Jordan!

carolyn schwartz

Tuesday 21st of May 2019

I am studying now before my trip mid June I found this VERY helpful I would add, from other sites, that the animals used to transport humans are often hit and scared. I would not recommend people use them, for as we are the tourists - if we stop using them for this reason perhaps treatment will improve. I have read a lot on this subject by National Geographic.

Monday 27th of May 2019

Hello, glad you found it useful! I couldn't agree more, like all forms of animal tourism I don't blame the locals using what resources they have to make a living, as long as there is a tourist demand it won't stop. Change needs to start from us. But I can also appreciate someone wanting to see all of Petra but not feeling up to the challenge of hiking everywhere in the Jordanian heat. It's a fine balance. I didn't witness any abuse on the animals while there but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen. Hope you have an amazing time in Petra, Jordan is so beautiful! Safe travels :)

Björn Ljunggren

Sunday 3rd of March 2019

Going to Jordan soon and this has been very helpful. Is it possible to get to The first viewpoint of the Treasury without a guide and is it hard to find?

Tuesday 5th of March 2019

Hi! Yes the first viewpoint is easy to reach and we did see people there without a guide, but there's a bit of climbing over rocks required that I personally wouldn't have felt comfortable doing it without someone showing me where to go. Hope this helps :)

Carolina Cervantes

Saturday 26th of January 2019

i appreciate the details on the various photo spots for the treasury, thank you!

Sunday 27th of January 2019

No problem, glad you found it useful! :)

Can You Actually Go Inside Petra Treasury? The Answer & More

The remarkable condition of Petra's Treasury has many travelers wondering if it's possible to see inside - and we do know what exists within it.

The Treasury, or Al-Khazneh, is Petra's most impressive façade, which is reached by the Siq. It stands about 40 meters tall and is richly ornamented with Corinthian pillars, friezes, sculptures, and other details. As per local belief, the Treasury is capped by a funeral urn containing a pharaoh's riches. It is a beautiful sensation to gaze at one of the world's most iconic buildings.

The Treasury has become the face of Petra and the major reason for hordes of visitors to organize their trip to the Rose City since its depiction on Indiana Jones , which is logical given Al Khazneh's splendor. Although the Hellenistic facade is over 2,000 years old, it is in remarkably good condition. Visitors may view many minute details and admire the incredible craftsmanship that went into creating this one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

When Was The Treasury Built?

There is no definite proof about the construction of Al-Khazneh. For a long period, multiple efforts to date the structure were based mainly on stylistic parallels and the backdrop of historical facts and other building operations in Nabataean Petra. However, in 2003, a large archaeological excavation was conducted.

Specific plaza parts were inspected, and the ancient burials beneath the Khazneh were unearthed to the greatest extent feasible. According to the findings of this excavation, the Khazneh was constructed in the latter part of King Aretas IV's rule.

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The Intended Purpose Of The Treasury Of Petra

The Treasury's purpose remains uncertain. Some archaeologists think it was a monastery, whereas others believe it was a storage facility. Furthermore, a graveyard was discovered below the Treasury during the most recent digging.

Meanwhile, the sunken basin on its threshold with a canal running outside, presumably for libations or ceremonial washing, provides a major clue. This feature is not found on any of Petra's tomb monuments, but it is seen on the High Site of Sacrifice, implying that the Treasury was once a place of worship, maybe a tomb temple.

What Does The Treasury Look Like?

The façade of the Treasury displays the imprint of Alexandria, the finest city in the eastern Mediterranean at the period, and represents Hellenistic architecture. On the upper level, it has a broken cornice and a center tholos, an architectural arrangement that arose in Alexandria. Throughout the building, ornate Corinthian pillars have been used.

Sculptural Decorations

The sculptural ornamentation further emphasizes a link to the Hellenistic civilization. Amazons and Victories pose on the upper level, surrounding a female figure who is most likely Isis-Tyche, a blend of the Egyptian Deity Isis and Tyche, the Greek Deity of good luck. Other elements from the Hellenistic world's creative traditions include eagles, imperial Ptolemies' emblems, vines, and foliage. However, the tomb does include rosettes, a design originally linked with the ancient Middle East.

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Is It Possible To Go Inside The Treasury?

The interior is locked, yet visitors can peep through the cracks.

There is simply a blank cubical hall inside the Treasury entrance, with smaller rooms branching off it, the entryway porch flanked by apartments with odd circular openings above their doorways.

Best Time To Visit

• Petra is best visited in the autumn or spring when the weather is not too warm. To beat the rush, visit the Lost City earlier during the day.
• If visitors want to have the Treasury to themself, then they should go early in the morning or just before closing time. It will be busy with people and camels during afternoons.

Some Other Attractions Near The Treasury

The Treasury is certainly the main attraction in Petra, but there are a few more adjacent attractions that are well worth seeing.

The Monastery

The Monastery is Petra's biggest structure and is a must-see for anybody visiting the Lost City.

It's a bit of a journey to get there, with over 800 steps to climb, but it's well worth it. The Monastery is just as beautiful as Petra's most famous structure, the Treasury, and its distant position keeps the throng at bay. The views from the top are also remarkable.

The Theatre

The colossal rock theatre, which was carved straight into the cliff, could hold up to 8,500 spectators. The Petra Theater's design was inspired by Roman theatres and was built to improve acoustics.

The Royal Tombs

The grand "Royal Tombs," a series of many enormous tombs with spectacular facades etched into the hill, rise impressively above Petra's center.

Visitors must first ascend a stairwell that leads to the famed Urn Tomb, which served as a house of worship during the Roman Empire.

The Colonnaded Street

Colonnaded Street was among historic Petra's major shopping lanes. It was the city's beating heart, bordered by shops and residential properties.

A communal fountain on the right side of the roadway serves as a source of water for the old Nabataeans. Dozens of groundwater tanks can be found around Petra. Rainwater was collected and transported into the city by the primitive Nabataeans. Many pipelines and channels used to transport water into Petra, Jordan, may be seen if visitors look closely when exploring Petra.

The Treasury was built to amaze, and the impression hasn't faded even after two millennia. The first thing that strikes visitors is how well maintained it is; cut deep into the cliff face and hidden in a high-walled oval of a valley, it has been shielded from the elements since the beginning. The pillars and friezes on the façade are still crisply detailed. Though guests are not permitted to enter, the exteriors are undoubtedly worth seeing.

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