is petra worth the trip

Is Petra Worth Visiting? A Must-Read Before You Go!

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Is Petra worth visiting? I’ve rounded up all the must-need information you need before visiting Petra, Jordan, so you can make up your own mind on whether or not it is worth visiting!

If you’re visiting Jordan for the first time, you’ll know that the ancient city of Petra is one of the most popular places to visit, and is a bucket-list Wonder of the World. An ancient city inhabited by the Nabateans over 2000 years ago, just walking around Petra was one of our favourite days of our Jordan trip.

But, what is actually involved in a day trip to Petra? What should you expect from a visit to Petra? Whilst you may see pretty photos online, it’s also important to know what to expect when visiting Petra in Jordan. In this blog post, I explain everything you need to know about this beautiful part of Jordan, so your visit is as successful as possible!

Other Jordan posts:

• What to Wear in Jordan (That Isn’t Ugly)
• Driving in Jordan: The Ultimate Car Hire Guide
• Jordan 7 Day Itinerary: The Perfect Week Trip (Guide)
• Tipping in Jordan: Everything You Need To Know

Want to see epic photos and videos from these experiences?

Follow me on Instagram! As we travel, I post everything live on Instagram, so check out my recent highlights and posts. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, drop me a DM!

Is Petra worth visiting? A Summary

So, is Petra worth visiting? Yes, Petra is absolutely worth visiting. Even if you are not a big history fan, walking along the dusty roads of Petra is an amazing experience. Not only is it a Wonder of the World, but it’s also an ancient city that was used by civilisations over 2000 years ago.

Seeing the rock structures, buildings and abandoned parts of the city is fascinating, and not something to be missed when visiting Jordan. Incredibly, only 15% of Petra has been explored by researchers and archaeologists. The site of Petra stretches over 263 square kilometres , which is roughly the same size as 50,000 football fields!

Located in the town of Wadi Musa, Petra (also known as ‘Rose City’ due to its colours) was named one of the Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. With incredible, giant-sized stone buildings, and the remains of its own water system that was created over 2000 years ago, Petra is named after the Greek word meaning ‘stone’ .

Tourists travel from all over the world to see Petra with their own eyes and have been featured in Hollywood movies such as Indiana Jones and Disney’s Aladdin. Visiting Petra whilst travelling to Jordan is a must-do, and is undoubtedly worth it.

Want to start your digital nomad life?

Check out my ebook page (click here!) to see if there’s a guide that suits you. I’m here to help you leave the 9-5 and work remotely around the world! 💻 🌎

Where to stay in Petra

Looking for the best places to stay in Petra? There are plenty of hotels and hostels in Wadi Musa, the town adjacent to Petra, and here are some of the best.

🌎 For backpackers in Petra, stay at either the Petra Boxtel Hostel or the Nomads . Both are perfect for meeting new friends and other backpackers to explore Petra with.

➡ View all other Petra hostels here.

🐪 For couples in Petra, check out either the Petra Sky Hotel or La Maison . Both are near the Petra entrance and close to restaurants and bars in Wadi Musa.

➡ View all other Petra hotels here.

🛌 Want to know more about staying near Petra? Check out my complete where to stay near Petra guide here.

Quick facts about Petra

🚗 Petra is around 150 miles south of Amman, and roughly a 2.5-hour drive. If you’re visiting Jordan for the first time, I recommend hiring a car to get around. Unsure about driving in Jordan? Check out my detailed post about driving in Jordan here.

🐪 Petra is located in the town of Wadi Musa . If you’re staying near Petra overnight, you will book accommodation within Wadi Musa.

😮 Petra is over 263km 2 and most of the site is still yet to be discovered. If you’re planning a day trip to Petra, you can easily walk over 20km.

⏰ The best time to visit Petra is either early morning (6am-8am) or late afternoon (3pm-6pm) . These are the quietest times in Petra, and the best way to avoid the crowds.

🪨 The walk to the famous and most photographed Treasury is 35 minutes from the entrance. The Monastery, another well-known building, takes at least 2 hours to reach from the entrance.

💸 As you enter Petra, you will be offered horse rides and guidance to high photo-taking viewpoints by locals and Bedouin people. These locals expect to be paid in tips. Not sure how to tip in Jordan? Check out my detailed post on tipping in Jordan here.

What to expect when visiting Petra

When visiting Petra for the first time, you will want to see and do everything. Remember to bear in mind that Petra is huge, and if you even want to scratch the surface, you may want to budget for at least two days.

However, if you are only interested in seeing the main buildings like the Treasury, one day in Petra is enough. We arrived early (around 8am), and left when it closed at 6pm. During the day, we spent hours walking from site to site, taking photos, admiring the camels and learning more about the ancient city.

As you arrive at Petra, you will need to buy your tickets. This is where you will need to show your Jordan Pass for a discounted rate. There are small shops, toilets and food venues at the entrance to Petra, but there are also small shops inside the site, so don’t worry too much.

When you first enter the site, you’ll be asked if you want to ride a horse tot he Treasury. This horse ride is included in your ticket price, but a tip is also expected. (Note, we do not encourage any kind of animal tourism. We walked around Petra at all times). If you walk to the Treasury, it should take around 30 minutes.

If you have small children or difficulties walking, you can ride in a golf buggy to the Treasury, which costs £15 ($20) one way, or £25 ($30) return. This is pretty pricy for a budget backpacker, so I recommend wearing good hiking shoes and walking it yourself!

From there, you’ll spend your day finding out more history about Petra, taking photos, walking through the narrow passageways of the Siq, and admiring rock canals that reach over 80m in height.

Even at the busiest points of the day, from lunchtime until around 2pm, you can find quiet moments of silence in Petra. The sheer size of the site means even with thousands of tourists, you can find a space to yourself at some point. In front of the Treasury, however, is near impossible!

Petra opening times

Petra is open daily from 6 am-6 pm.  If you’re visiting during winter, it can close at 4 pm, so just be sure to check at the entrance when arriving.

How to get to Petra from Amman 

🚗 By car: if you decide to drive to Petra from Amman , it will take 2.5 hours. It’s an easy journey along the highway, and through the mountainsides, until you reach Wadi Musa.

➡ Need to hire a car in Jordan? We rented our car in Jordan from this company . They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world! 🚗 LOOK AT CAR HIRE PRICES IN JORDAN NOW!

🚌 By bus: You can reach Petra by bus using JETT services. Buses leave at 6.30 am daily and take around 4 hours. The bus stop is on the 7th Circle in Amman and costs around £28 return. ➡ BOOK BUS TICKETS NOW!

🚕 By taxi/private driver: Alternatively, you can reach Petra by taxi or private driver. ➡ BOOK A PRIVATE DRIVER HERE!

🌎 By tour from Amman: If you don’t feel like any of the above options, you can do a tour. This tour is great if you just want to visit Petra from Amman! ➡ BOOK YOUR TOUR NOW!

Is Petra at night worth it?

Petra at night is a different experience to Petra during the day. It is a different ticket and price, and you will need to buy entry separately. Petra at night is on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and starts at 8.30 pm. It costs £18 ($20) per person.

During the Petra at night experience, you will walk to the Treasury in silence with a few hundred other people. The path is lit only by candles and lanterns, and it’s a peaceful, surreal experience. When arriving at the treasury, you will watch a short performance by some Bedouin locals, and be told a short history of Petra.

So, is Petra at night worth it? Yes, if you are in the area. No, if you need to change your travel plans to make it. Whilst it’s a beautiful experience, it is overcrowded. There is no limit to people entering the site during Petra at night, and it gets so busy that you can barely see what is happening. However, if you are in the area already, it’s a cool experience. I’m glad we did it, but we wouldn’t do it again.

The walk to the Treasury : Petra’s most photographed building

As you’re walking through the Siq towards the Treasury, you will be approached by many Bedouin locals offering to take you to the best photo viewpoints. If you do want to reach some of these viewpoints, you will need to hire a guide.

The viewpoints are incredibly high, and you will need to climb and scramble to reach them. The Instagram photos may look pretty, but it was a tough climb to get there!

But the locals (both adults and children) are knowledgeable about the Petra rock climbing routes and offer to take you to the viewpoint for a tip – roughly £8/$10 per climb. If you’ve got a good head for heights, it’s worth it!

When you arrive at the Treasury, you’ll find camels, market stalls, a bustle of tourists and locals and just a vibrant atmosphere.  It’s hard to get a photo without anyone in the shot, but the view with your own eyes is worth it.

Beyond Petra’s Treasury

Some people do reach the Treasury and then decide to not head much further. But if you would like to see more of the ancient city, keep walking. We continued and were able to see more impressive architecture and buildings, and find out more Petra history; beyond the Treasury.

⚠️ NOTE: We never advise engaging in any kind of animal tourism; in Petra or anywhere in the world. If you’re feeling tired, jump on a golf buggy ticket or have a rest. The donkeys looked dehydrated, exhausted and unhappy. If you can, try not to engage in any animal tourism (including camel rides).

How much does entry to Petra cost?

When visiting Jordan, it is recommended to buy a Jordan Pass. This pass allows entry to all of the major sites at a heavily discounted rate, and act as a visa for entering the country. Jordan Passes can be pre-bought online before your trip.

A Jordan Pass costs around £90 ($100) per person , which includes your entrance fee to Petra. There are different Jordan Passes depending on how many days you want to spend in Petra . Petra by night is not covered by the Jordan Pass, and is an additional fee.

If you decide not to buy a Jordan Pass, a one-day entry to Petra costs £50 ($55) per person, and a two-day entry pass costs £55 ($60).

What to wear in Petra

Jordan is a predominantly Muslim country, and clothing is conservative. Before visiting Jordan, I saw a lot of posts saying you could ‘wear whatever you wanted’ in Petra. Posts that said because it’s a tourist, busy area, you can drop the dress code and wear any clothes you want.

After visiting  Petra , I disagree with this.  No one is going to fine you for dressing inappropriately , but it’s about showing respect for being in another culture. 

I did see some other backpackers and tourists wearing tight gym leggings and crop tops with a lot of skin on show. Technically, this is allowed. But it did look a bit uncomfortable and disrespectful considering pretty much everyone else in Petra was wearing modest clothing.

Clothing styles are more lenient in Petra, but I still  stuck with my golden rule and wore a flowy dress which covered my shoulders and legs.  That way, I didn’t feel like I had any extra eyes on me (being blonde and my boyfriend 6”5ft we had enough already!) for my clothing choices. 

As a general rule of thumb, wear the following in Petra:

• Women: shoulders, knees and the majority of your chest covered. Nothing too tight or revealing. Loose-fitting dresses and skirts are perfect.
• Men: shorts, t-shirts, loose trousers, jeans… any clothes you may normally wear, apart from vests.

Not sure what to wear in Jordan? Check out my full guide on clothing in Jordan here.

Parking at Petra

As you can imagine, parking at Petra is chaotic and busy. There is a large car park, but this will be full by lunchtime. If you can, walk from your hotel. If not, jump in a taxi to reach the Petra entrance.

However, if you do get a space, parking at Petra is free and safe. If you’re not sure whether or not to drive in Jordan, check out my guide here.

Food and drink in Petra

There are many food and drink huts in Petra which sell snacks and water. You can even buy Western and American food at the entrance, or dine on some more local food within the Petra site itself. There are locals selling water every few minutes in Petra.

Visiting Petra during Ramadan

Visiting Petra during Ramadan? Don’t worry, we visited Petra during Ramadan, and it wasn’t too different from any other time of year. Food and drink are still available, and everything is open as normal.

Is Petra worth it? FAQs

1) how much walking will i have to do in petra.

This all depends on how much you want to walk. The main building – the Treasury – is either a 30-minute walk from Petra’s entrance or five-minute golf buggy ride.

If you want to visit sites a little further from the entrance – such as the Monastery – it’s at least 2 hours of walking from the visitor centre. Some of the other buildings are high in the mountains, so if you want to explore and walk around them, you will need to hike to some higher levels.

2) How many days do you need in Petra?

This really depends on how much of Petra you want to explore. For us, one day was enough. We spent 8 am – 6 pm walking around Petra, and saw all of the buildings we wanted to see. However, if you would like to cover more ground and hike to buildings further from the entrance, you may want to buy a 2-day ticket.

3) Should you hire a guide for walking around Petra?

If you enjoy learning about the history of a place, it’s worth hiring a guide. The guides speak good English and enjoy teaching tourists about Petra and its history. Guides cost roughly £50 ($55) and can be hired from the main entrance.

If you’re on a tight budget, there is a Petra app you can download for extra information.

4) How long is the walk in Petra?

The walk from the entrance to the Treasury is 2km. It takes around 30-35 minutes to complete due to the number of tourists, terrain and photo opportunities. If you don’t want to walk to the Treasury, there are golf buggies to take you from the entrance to the Treasury. These can be booked at the main Petra entrance.

5) When is the best time to visit Petra?

☀️ I f you visit Petra during the summer months (June to August), expect high temperatures and stifling, hot weather. Days in Jordan in the summer are exceptionally sunny and dry.

🌸 🍁 Autumn and spring are the best times to visit Petra. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) have cooler temperatures and evenings.

6)  What tours should I do in Jordan? 

Looking to book a tour in Jordan?  Tours  are one of the best ways to see the  hidden gems of the country you are visiting.  If you’re travelling during peak season, I highly recommend pre-booking your tours to ensure you don’t miss out!

When travelling, we use   this company to book our tours .  Tours include skip-the-line tickets to the world’s most iconic attractions, walking tours by top local experts, immersive food and beverage tours, cooking and craft classes, bucket list experiences, and niche offerings you won’t find anywhere else! 

Some of the best tours in Jordan include: 

• Scuba diving in the Red Sea ➡  BOOK NOW!
• Private Petra tour with transfers ➡  BOOK NOW!
• Day trip to the Dead Sea from Amman ➡  BOOK NOW!

➡ Check out more  tours for your trip here!

7)  Do I need a SIM card to travel around Jordan? 

Yes, it’s worth   downloading an eSIM  on your phone to ensure you can use it for directions and avoid roaming charges as soon as you arrive. 

ESIMs  are easy to download and ready to use within a few minutes of purchasing, so there’s no longer a need to hunt down free Wifi! ➡  You can check out the prices and packages for  eSIMs here!

8)  Do I need a car to travel around Jordan?

Driving in Jordan is safe and straightforward. Some of the main attractions are a distance away from each other, so to maximise your time in the country, you may want to  hire a car . 

If you’re looking to hire a car in Jordan, we rent our cars from  this company . They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world!  ➡  You can check out the  prices for car hire  in Jordan now!

Is Petra worth visiting? In a Nutshell

So, there you have it! Hopefully, I have answered the question ‘is Petra worth visiting?’ for you!  When you’re planning a trip to Jordan,  make sure you let me know over on  Instagram  or in the comments below!

If you haven’t seen my blog before, I write posts aimed at  first-time backpackers on a budget.   I’m currently travelling around the world with my boyfriend  (read more  here !), creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!

Keep an eye out for more Jordan content,  all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates  here!

As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!

Happy travelling 🙂

​​Visiting Jordan? Check out my other posts below:

• Is The Jordan Pass Worth It? A Must-Read Before Purchasing!
• Jordan 7 Day Itinerary: A Perfect Trip to the Middle East

MEET THE AUTHOR!

Hi! I'm Jennie! As a part-time travel blogger based in London, I'm using my 10+ years of travel expertise to encourage & inspire you to step out of your comfort zone through sustainable, mindful and purposeful travel.

If I'm not writing, I'm either reading, drinking coffee or taking a wild swim (all at the same time if I'm feeling impressive).

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Survival of the littest, everything you need to know before visiting petra, jordan | 2024.

The World Wonder of Petra got that designation for a reason. Out of the seven, it falls just behind Machu Picchu as my favorite. With its mystical history steeped in Nabataean, Byzantine, and Roman roots, Petra is a surreal place, sure to impress any type of traveler. Petra combines its its storied past with breathtaking natural landscapes. Even with all of the hype surrounding it, Petra truly blew me away. It should be the highlight of any Jordan travel itinerary .

However, I also feel like I had a perfect experience at Petra. I visited well before the crowds of tourist buses and hordes of local vendors could dampen the mystique. If you plan on visiting Petra on your own without a guide, this will contain everything you need to know before your visit, from the logistics of getting to Petra, to the perfect itinerary to see all the highlights without having to squeeze through sweaty tourists. Read on to make sure you have an incredible experience at this World Wonder.

And hey, if this post helps you out, show some love and support for the blog and help keep my adventures going by  buying me a beer ! My adventures are entirely self-funded, so any show of support is greatly appreciated. It allows me to keep providing free travel guides and creating travel content to help you all travel the world.

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Table of Contents

• How To Get To Petra
• Where To Stay in Petra

Entrance Fees for Petra

• How Many Days to Spend in Petra
• Recommended Petra Itinerary
• What To Bring to Petra

Oh, and before you go, make sure to have good travel insurance handy while you’re off adventuring across the world. I use  SafetyWing  to keep me covered throughout my travels for as low as $45 a month, and their coverage includes Jordan among the 190+ countries that they cover. It’s always important to have when hiking through remote deserts and rappelling down Jordan’s canyons and waterfalls.

How To Get to Petra

The first step is to fly into Jordan.  Skiplagged  is a great resource for finding cheap flights. Queen Alia International Airport in Amman is the main gateway to the country, and from there, you can proceed to Petra using other modes of transportation. The World Wonder of Petra is situated on the outskirts of a small town called Wadi Musa. The travel time to Wadi Musa from Jordan’s capital city of Amman takes about two hours, depending on the mode of transportation. From Wadi Rum, the journey takes about the same amount of time.

How to Take the Local Bus to Petra

Jordan has a reliable and affordable public bus network that connects major cities and tourist destinations. You can take a public bus from Amman to Wadi Musa, the nearest town to Petra, and then use local transportation to reach the archaeological site. The bus company in Jordan that I found most reliable was Jett Bus .

Taking a Minibus to Petra

There are also minibuses that go to Wadi Musa. These usually run based on demand as opposed to set schedules. I took the minibus from Wadi Rum to Wadi Musa, arranging with the bus driver to be picked up around 11 AM from Wadi Rum.

Renting a Car in Jordan

Renting a car provides the flexibility to explore the region at your own pace. Several car rental agencies operate in Jordan, and you can rent a car from Amman or other major cities to drive to Petra. Ensure you have a valid driver’s license and are familiar with local driving rules and regulations. Outside of Amman’s city center, driving in Jordan is pretty easy-going. The highways are well-maintained and for the most part, pretty empty.

Taking a Private Taxi to Petra

Hiring a private car or taxi is a convenient option, especially if you prefer a direct and comfortable journey to Petra from major cities such as Amman, Aqaba, or Wadi Musa. Make sure to negotiate the fare beforehand or arrange for a reliable transportation service.

Booking a Guided Tour to Petra

Lastly, there is the option of booking a guided tour. Joining a guided tour is a popular and convenient option for many travelers, as it provides transportation, guided exploration of the site, and insights into the history and culture of Petra. Many tour operators offer day trips or multi-day tours that include transportation, meals, and guided excursions. However, I wouldn’t recommend it unless you are really strapped for time and simply want to see the highlights. I loved exploring Petra at my own pace with two of my friends. We passed by massive tour groups on our way out of the archaeological site and was beyond glad that we decided to experience the journey on our own.

Where To Stay in Petra (Wadi Musa)

Petra is the name of the archaeological site, and one cannot actually stay in Petra. The closest town to Petra is Wadi Musa, with many hotels and accommodation options right at the doorstep of Petra Archaeological Site. There isn’t much to do in Wadi Musa itself, and there is hardly anything in town that one could consider a “city center” or “downtown.” Because of this, I’d say the ideal place to stay in Wadi Musa would be as close to the Petra Visitor Center as possible. It’s also adjacent to the main bus station, so one could get to Petra, visit Petra, and leave without having to even set foot in Wadi Musa. And truly, you wouldn’t miss out on anything.

Nomads Hotel and Hostel

When picking a hostel, I chose Nomads Hotel . I had just spent a few days in Wadi Rum without internet, so finding accommodation that doubled as a workspace was an essential. I ended up not getting much work done because shisha and wine on the rooftop proved to be too difficult to resist. However, it’s a great option for both backpackers and digital nomads. I was traveling with friends so simply having a place to rest in between exploring Petra was the priority over making new travel buddies.

Rafiki Hostel

The other main hostel in Wadi Musa is Rafiki Hostel . I didn’t stay here, but have heard good things about it from other travelers. It seemed to have a more social vibe than Nomads, so I would recommend this hostel for solo travelers.

For a full list of hostels in Petra, check out Hostelworld .

For my fellow backpackers, the cost of entering Petra might be what deters them. A single-day ticket sets you back about $70 USD, which can be a fortune to a backpacker on a budget. Listen to me. It is worth every penny. While the highlights of Petra can be seen in a day, I’d recommend spreading out your visit over two days. The two-day ticket only costs 5 Dinar more, adding up to about $77 USD.

There are multiple options for visiting Petra.

• One-Day Ticket: 50 Jordanian Dinar
• Two-Day Ticket: 55 JD
• Three-Day Ticket: 60 JD
• Jordan Pass: 70-80 JD

If you happen to be a Jordanian local, the ticket is a measly 1 JD.

I would recommend buying the Jordan Pass as you will easily get your money’s worth simply by waiving the tourist visa fee and the entrance fee to Petra. The Jordan Pass works out to just 20 Jordanian Dinar more than Petra’s entrance fee.

How Much Time To Spend at Petra

Petra is a huge archaeological site that can take even the most fast-paced traveler days to fully explore.

While Petra can be done in one day, exploring it at a slower pace over the course of two days is what I’d recommend. Petra is a huge archaeological site, and to see everything in one day would be exhausting. Throw in the heat and Middle Eastern sun, and it can be grueling climbing up and down Petra’s canyons over the course of a day. The two-day pass is only 5 JD more than the one-day pass, so the cost difference is almost negligible.

Recommended Itinerary For Exploring Petra On Your Own

Although having a guide will help you understand Petra, I enjoyed exploring Petra at my own pace. Here is a suggested itinerary for exploring Petra at your own pace in one day. I did all of this in two days, although we took plenty of time to enjoy coffee breaks and various viewpoints. We could have squeezed our two-day visit into one long day, but chose to explore at a slower pace. If you want to save money and avoid a multi-day ticket, follow this one-day Petra itinerary. Otherwise, just cut the day in half, ending at the viewpoint of the Treasury, and then starting the next day by hiking up to the High Point of Sacrifice.

6:00 AM: Arrive at Petra and Walk Through the Siq

Start your day by arriving at the entrance right as it opens. This allows you to beat the crowds and beat the heat. It truly transformed the experience. Once you walk through the gate, it’s about a 20-30 minute walk to get to the iconic Treasury. The views are incredible all the way, and you’ll pass the Djinn Blocks temple before walking through the Siq slot canyon all the way to the Treasury. This section takes about 30 minutes from the entrance to the star attraction of Petra.

6:30 AM: Arrive at the Treasury

The iconic Treasury of Petra is perhaps synonymous with the archaeological site. In fact, it was the only picture I had seen of Petra before I came to visit the site myself. This gorgeous structure etched into the red-rocked canyon is worth the journey alone. Getting here early makes all the difference, though. The courtyard was empty when we arrived, adding to the surreal experience of being at this World Wonder. It was a far different scene as we walked back out in the afternoon, as the courtyard was jam-packed with tourists, vendors, camels, golf carts, and more.

At the Treasury, there will be people charging you to climb up a little bit and get a better view. Don’t fall for it, the best view can be done on your own and for free. We’ll get to that later. Soak in your first glimpse of Petra’s many wonders and take advantage of the sparse crowds to get your killer photos.

7:30 AM: Hike up to the Monastery

Next up, chug along the main route and head to the Monastery. You’ll walk through the Roman Colonnade and pass through highlights like the Roman Theatre and Byzantine Church, but ignore those for now. Follow the signs up the mountains to reach the Monastery before the crowds arrive. This requires a steep hike, but I found it more impressive than the Treasury.

Take your time getting up here, as the views are incredible all the way up.

9:00 AM: Reach the Monastery

The crowds here are smaller, as it is more difficult to get to from the main entrance. There is a back entrance that allows you to reach the Monastery without the steep hike uphill, but very few people take this route. The Monastery has a number of viewpoints that are free, and we spent a good hour just kicking back and taking in the otherworldly views augmented by the early morning’s golden glow.

Once you’ve had your fill of the Monastery, hike back down to the Roman colonnade. From here, you can briefly visit the Great Temple and make a little detour to the Byzantine Church. There are maps at Petra’s Visitor Center and the trails are well-marked, and also show up on Google Maps. After the Treasury and Monastery, these weren’t as impressive, but still worth checking out.

10:00 AM: Hike Back Down from the Monastery and to the Tombs

Thankfully, it’s all downhill from the Monastery. It will only take about thirty minutes to get back down to the Roman Colonnade. From there, one can make a detour to the remnants of the Byzantine Church, although I wouldn’t consider this essential. Continue walking along the colonnade until you reach the strip of tombs. Hope your legs got some much-needed rest because we are going back up, up, up.

11:00 AM: Visit the Tombs

Walk to the end of the colonnade and then veer left towards the tombs. These aren’t in as good condition as the Treasury or Monastery, but are also unbelievably impressive. You can even go inside a few of the tombs and get an idea of just how impressive these structures were. The Palace Tomb is perhaps my favorite structure in Petra behind the Treasury and Monastery.

11:30 AM: Hike up to the Viewpoint of the Treasury

Walk past the Palace Tomb and you’ll find yourself on a steep trail with many stairs. Follow the trail for 30 minutes. Your legs will be on fire, but soon you’ll be at the best view of the Treasury. There are panoramic views of the site along the way to rest at, including a gorgeous view of the Roman Theater.

At the end of the trail, you’ll find a cafe overlooking the Treasury. The signs say that you have to buy a drink to sit at the cafe, but it didn’t really seem all the enforced. We bought coffees for 2 JD each. Not a bad price to pay for a coffee with a view of a World Wonder. It’s a small cafe, so it can often get full pretty quickly. We stayed for over an hour just relaxing and taking in the views.

2:00 PM: Hike Back Down and then Up to the High Point of Sacrifice

Long day, hey? If you’re not worn out yet, it’s time to hike up to the High Point of Sacrifice. If you are, end your day here and come back tomorrow and start here. One can reach the trail from the Roman colonnade and veering left through the Great Temple. It’s another steep but short hike, home to panoramic views of the archaeological site and surrounding mountains.

4:00 PM: Hike Back Through the Nature Trails

From the High Point of Sacrifice, it’s possible to avoid the tourist crowds entirely and take a trail dropping you off close to the entrance. By now, the crowds will be in full force, and the Treasury will be flooded with tour groups, camels, vendors, and golf carts. It’s a far cry from the Petra of the early morning. Taking this route out of the site will help you avoid those crowds and the cramped walk back through the Siq.

The trail is well-kept but with hardly anyone on it. For nature-lovers, it’s a great way to get some more hiking in. The views were reminiscent of some national parks in Utah and Arizona. Petra’s setting amidst the rugged desert landscapes of southern Jordan creates a breathtaking backdrop for exploration and photography. The surrounding canyons, mountains, and sandstone cliffs add to the allure of the site, making it a visually stunning and unforgettable experience.

5:00 PM: Visit the Petra Museum

And voila, you’ve reached the end of Petra. There is a museum just outside of the archaeological site that is filled with artifacts from the Nabataeans, Byzantines, and Romans. It is a small museum, but is included with your ticket so it’s worth checking out for a few minutes.

Afterwards, head back to your accommodation and relax after a long day. Wadi Musa doesn’t have much in terms late-night fun, but I’d recommend stopping by Nomads Hostel and having wine and shisha while Indiana Jones plays on their projector. It was a wonderful way to wrap up our adventures in Petra.

What To Bring To Petra

Petra can be grueling, especially once the heat starts to kick in. Sunscreen is a must. Be sure to load it on because there isn’t much shade throughout the site. You’ll be able to find little pockets of shade, but vast parts of the park are out in the open valley.

I also recommend bringing your own water, although water is sold throughout the site. Buy a big bottle from a store just outside of the park, as the prices drastically increase once you’re actually in the archaeological park. The vendors are all cash-only, so be sure to bring sufficient cash for snacks and water. I didn’t eat at the restaurants, but they might accept credit card. Bring cash just to be safe. There is an ATM right outside of Petra’s entrance, so just stop by before you enter.

Although hiking shoes aren’t essential for exploring Petra, make sure that you’re wearing comfortable shoes. One thing I didn’t expect was just how much hiking a visit to Petra entailed. Many of the best viewpoints and attractions require a steep hike. The Monastery is pure incline for nearly an hour, as is the viewpoint overlooking the Treasury. At the very least, wear sneakers. It will make your time in Petra much more enjoyable.

All in all, Petra is as bucket-list worthy of a place as it gets. Follow along with these tips to make sure you have an unforgettable time at this World Wonder.

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A Complete Petra Itinerary: How To Spend A Day In Jordan’s Ancient Wonder

Posted by Francesca Brooking | Jordan , Middle East | 2

The Rose City, the Lost City, Raqmu…the ancient City of Petra in Jordan goes by many names. Perhaps most famous of all is its New Seven Wonders of the World title which has given it a travel bucket list status. 

Petra stands among true legends and no trip to Jordan is complete without visiting this remarkable city carved from sandstone cliffs.

In this Petra itinerary, I share how to make the most of your time if you have one day in Petra and additional tips if you have two. 

From photographing the iconic Treasury to finding the city’s best viewpoints and more, read on to discover how to visit Petra, Jordan. 

Is Petra worth visiting? 

Yes! Petra is the most popular historical landmark in Jordan and one of the biggest bucket list sites in the world. 

Carved into colourful sandstone cliffs, It’s not for nothing that Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. 

Petra’s history and archaeology have captured imaginations for centuries. This city was built in the 3rd century BCE and became a thriving capital and trade centre of the Nabatean Empire. 

The Roman Empire expanded into the Middle East and took control in 106 CE until around the eighth century when the city was all but abandoned after a series of earthquakes. 

Petra was lost to the Western world for hundreds of years until the 1800s when a European explorer disguised himself in Bedouin clothes and gained access to the extraordinary site. 

In 1985, Petra Archaeological Park became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and in 1989 it was a famous filming location for Indian Jones and the Last Crusade. 

In short, get yourself to Petra!

Best time to visit Petra 

Seeing Petra requires a lot of walking around outdoors so the best times of year to visit are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). 

In spring, temperatures hover around 20 to 30 degrees Celsius and the weather is sunny. In autumn, highs of 34 degrees drop down to 22 degrees Celsius. 

Depending on how susceptible you are to the heat, the mid-20s are bearable to walk around in but make sure you wear breathable clothing and sun protection. Bring plenty of water with you too. 

In summer, you can expect temperatures to hover around the mid-30s which will make hiking much less enjoyable. Winter sees temperatures ranging from four to 17 degrees Celsius, so wearing layers is essential. 

Petra’s opening hours are also influenced by the seasons. It’s open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in summer (starting from the 29th of March) and from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the winter (starting from the 27th of October). 

The best time to visit Petra is either late spring or early autumn as they give you the longest opening hours and the most pleasant weather. 

I went in mid-May. It was already pretty hot but not unbearable as long as I took plenty of breaks. If you prefer slightly cooler weather, the best month to visit Petra would be April. 

How to get to Petra 

The distance between Amman and Petra is around 143 miles with the journey taking just under three hours by car. Aqaba in the south is closer at 78 miles and around two hours of driving. 

If you’re driving from Amman, it’s mostly straight down Route 35, but I recommend breaking the journey up over several days. At the very least, you should make a detour to the Dead Sea!

Driving up from Aqaba, the fastest route is mainly along the Desert Highway. While it’s theoretically possible to do Petra as a day trip from Aqaba, you will be exhausted. 

Stay at least two nights near Petra if you can. One night on either side of your visit. 

If you’re wondering how to visit Petra if you don’t drive, there are one-day and multi-day excursions departing from either Amman or Aqaba. The best ones are: 

• Amman: Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea 2-Day Tour
• From Aqaba: Petra 1 Day Tour 
• Petra Full-Day Private Tour from Amman 
• Amman: Transfer to the Airport, the Dead Sea, or Petra

Another option would be to do a tour of Jordan which includes a visit to Petra. G Adventures does small group tours in Jordan and Original Travel does private tours. 

I also saw a group of people doing an adventure multi-sport tour with Intrepid Travel while I was there!

Alternatively, ask your hotel about private transfers to Wadi Musa (the nearest town).

Editor’s tip: Personally, I wouldn’t choose an excursion which does Petra and Wadi Rum in a single day. It’s too much to cram in and you won’t be getting your money’s worth in either place. 

How many days in Petra

How many days you should spend in Petra depends on how long your itinerary in Jordan is overall. 

At over 100 square miles in size, it’s impossible to see the entire city in a day but you can hit most of the key highlights if you plan it well (this guide will show you how, so keep reading!). 

Two days in Petra will give you the chance to explore at a more leisurely pace and add on a few more hikes depending on your energy levels. 

Three days will allow you to go further off the beaten track and maybe even do the Petra to Little Petra hike. 

I spent one day in Petra. I felt that it was enough time to see everything I wanted to and do some hiking away from the crowds. 

For most people, one day in Petra is enough, particularly for a seven to 10-day Jordan itinerary. 

How much does it cost to go to Petra, Jordan? 

Access to Petra and the iconic Treasury is permitted only with a valid entrance ticket. 

The right ticket for you depends on who you are and how long you intend to stay in Jordan. It’s slightly complicated so I’ll break it down: 

If you stay more than one night in Jordan and you don’t visit Petra on your first day, entrance fee prices are as follows: 

If you’re doing a day trip to Petra from another country and you’re not staying the night, the price is: 

If you plan to stay in Jordan for more than one day but visit Petra on your first day, you’ll pay 90 JOD and then receive a refund of 40 JOD once you’ve stayed overnight. 

As you can see, visiting Petra is easiest on your second or third day in Jordan. In my Jordan itinerary, I went there on my fifth day. 

Children under 12 have free entry. 

Editor’s tip: Entrance to Petra is included in the Jordan Pass among 40 other attractions. Pass prices start from 70 JOD for a minimum three-night stay in Jordan. 

How to get around Petra 

The best way to get around Petra is to walk. Granted you will need a moderate level of fitness and a good pair of shoes as the Treasury alone is a 30-minute walk from the entrance. 

The passage that leads down to the Treasury and the valley floor (known as the Siq) is bendy but relatively flat so it’s possible for those with mobility aids and wheelchairs to reach it. 

Another option is getting a golf cart to take you through the Siq to the Treasury. 

It’s common to see people offering rides on camels and donkeys or ponies pulling carriages in Petra but I recommend staying well clear of them. 

These animals are badly treated and forced to carry tourists all day long in the scorching desert heat. They’re beaten, denied water and sustain horrible injuries. It was uncomfortable to see. 

On more than one occasion, I was also almost run off the path by a pack of out-of-control donkeys with slightly panicked tourists bouncing around on their backs!

So, to reiterate. If you can, walking and golf carts are best. Only do what you feel you’re able to. If that means seeing the Treasury and staying on the valley floor then that’s perfectly fine. 

If that means attempting a few trails with lots of rest along the way like I did then that’s fine too. Whatever makes you comfortable!

Your complete one day in Petra itinerary

For this itinerary, I won’t tell you exactly what to do in Petra at each hour of the day as I don’t believe in having such a regimented timetable. 

Instead, I’ve given a ballpark of where to aim for during the morning and afternoon with the notable places to visit in Petra along the way. 

The one exception is that I really do recommend you get to Petra by 6 a.m. as the temperature is cooler, you have more time to explore and there are fewer people. 

This means you get an almost uninterrupted view of the Treasury before the crowds descend!

Here’s a quick overview of your one-day itinerary to help you make the most of the best things to do in Petra: 

• Stay in Wadi Musa the night before 
• Get to the entrance at 6 a.m. when it opens 
• Walk 30 minutes along the Siq to Petra Treasury 
• Spend some time taking in the view of the Treasury 
• Continue walking to the Petra valley floor 
• Explore the main attractions on the valley floor like the Colonnaded Street
• Stop for lunch, relax and come up with a game plan for the afternoon
• Choose one or two hikes to do in the afternoon depending on your energy levels. I walked to the Monastery first and then to the High Place of Sacrifice
• After returning to the valley floor, head back towards the entrance 
• Relax at your hotel for a few hours and eat some dinner 
• Return to Petra at 8:30 p.m. to see Petra by Night 

Morning in Petra 

Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, a hat, a backpack with snacks, water and lunch, a camera, a phone, a portable power bank and cash. 

Petra Visitor Centre 

Start your Petra Jordan itinerary by arriving at the visitor centre at 6 a.m. when the doors open. 

Once you’re through, you’ll come to a square with souvenir shops and bazaars. There’s also the Petra Museum but it won’t be open until 8:30 a.m. 

Remember to pick up a paper map while you’re here. 

Obelisk Tomb 

Leave the visitor centre and follow the well-marked track towards Bab Al Siq. The first inkling of what awaits you in Petra is the Obelisk Tomb, an ornate sandstone carved into the rock close to the beginning of the Siq. 

It’s the first of thousands of Nabatean tombs embedded in Petra’s rock but it’s no less of an exciting sight to see.

The Siq 

As you continue along the track, you’ll come to the beginning of a passage which leads you through a spectacular narrow sandstone gorge as you approach the eastern entrance of Petra. 

This passage is known as the Siq. It officially starts at a modern dam which was built on top of a Nabatean dam in 1963 to prevent floodwater from entering the gorge. If you look up, you’ll see the remains of the city’s gate. 

On both sides of the gorge, there is evidence of water channels which provided the city with fresh water from Wadi Musa. 

There are some toilets here if you need them.

Petra Treasury (Al Khazneh) 

Eventually, the almost a-mile-long Siq opens out into the Petra Treasury (called Al Khazneh in Arabic). You get a wonderful reveal as it emerges behind the rock. 

The Treasury is probably the most iconic part of Petra. It’s an enormous 40-metre facade and it’s thought to have been built in the 1st century BCE. 

Its original purpose is unclear but archaeologists believe it was built to be a memorial for royalty. 

I think its most awe-inspiring feature is that it was carved by hand!

Quick tip, if you’re looking for a good photo spot here look out for local Bedouin guides who will take you to two great places for a bit of cash. 

The first one is a bit of a scramble up steep rocks to a ledge which is opposite the Treasury and looks down on it. 

The scramble is tough but worth it and the guides make sure you get up safely. I saw a young Bedouin lad half-carry a 60-year-old woman up and down so it’s doable! 

The other spot is at ground level. You sit on the curve of a rock with the magnificent Treasury peeking out from behind it. 

Street of Facades

Once you’ve had your fill of the Treasury, it’s time to move further into Petra. The Siq widens out onto an open space called the Street of Facades. It was given its name thanks to the Nabatean tombs carved into the surrounding cliffs. 

The Theatre 

The next notable place in Petra is the Theatre which is carved into the foot of a mountain. It was originally built by the Nabateans some 2,000 years ago before it was renovated by the Romans to hold more than 8000 spectators. 

City Centre

Once you pass the theatre, you’re standing at the point where the valley opens out onto a great plain. This is essentially, Petra’s city centre or the valley floor area. Keep going as there’s still more to see!

Royal Tombs 

As you walk out into the open plain, the Royal Tombs are behind you. These are some of the most spectacular tombs in Petra despite some of the intricate facades being worn away by the elements. 

Notable tombs here are the Urn Tomb, the Silk Tomb, the Corinthian Tomb, and the Palace Tomb. They’re accessible via a set of steps that ascend from the valley floor or you can admire them from a distance and keep going (I did this). 

Colonnaded Street

Next, you’ll come to Colonnaded Street which was first established by the Nabateans and renovated by the Romans. It’s essentially, a high street where most of the city’s shopping area would have been. The street is lined with porticos on one side. 

There’s a set of steps which leads to a market and the remains of a fountain shaded by a juniper tree. 

The Petra Pool and Garden Complex 

This collection of large terraces at the side of Colonnaded Street was thought to be ornamental gardens bisected by walkways. There was also a swimming pool with an island pavilion. 

Petra’s Sacred Corner 

At the far end of Colonnaded Street is the sacred corner, so called for its collection of temples and churches in this area. 

You’ll see the remains of the Great Temple and Qasr Al-Bint with the Temple of the Winged Lion on the opposite side. 

There’s also a Byzantine church with some gorgeous mosaics which you can have a look at if you have time. 

Lunchtime in Petra 

After the sacred corner, you’ll come to the area with restaurants and toilets. Stop here if it’s not too busy. 

There should be some benches under the shade of a tree to eat your lunch or grab a bite at either one of the restaurants nearby. 

I do recommend stopping for a bathroom break here as they become few and far between on your afternoon hikes. 

As you eat lunch, think about which hiking trails you would like to do in the afternoon. I may be a bit biased but I definitely think the Monastery trail should be one of them!

Afternoon in Petra 

After being suitably fed and watered, it’s time to do more exploring to make the most of your one day in Petra itinerary. 

I recommend doing the Monastery hike as you’re rewarded with the most gorgeous views in Petra after the Treasury. 

Petra Monastery Hike 

The great thing about this trail is that you’ve already been walking in the direction of it. 

After lunch, simply keep going in the opposite direction to Colonnaded Street through Wadi ad-Dayr. The distance is about 2.5 miles from there. 

Fair warning, this hike has a moderate difficulty level and you’ll need to climb 850 steps. Don’t worry, they aren’t too steep. It will take around an hour to get to the top, but feel free to take plenty of rest stops along the way. 

Some of the trail is lined with stalls selling trinkets and souvenirs. About two-thirds of the way up, you’ll come to a holy spring. 

Eventually, you’ll arrive at a vast plateau surrounded by a panorama of mountains. Walk out onto it and the Monastery (otherwise known as Ad-Dier) will emerge from behind sheer rock. 

The Monastery is a towering facade measuring 42.8m high. It was constructed in the style of the Treasury sometime early in the 2nd century CE. 

Before heading back down the way you came, walk in the opposite direction of the Monastery towards the far end of the plateau. 

There, you’ll find a small cafe in a cave with some incredible views looking down onto the Monastery on one side and the peaks of Wadi Araba 1000m below on the other. 

Hike to the High Place of Sacrifice 

Once you’ve made your way back down to Colonnaded Street from the Monastery, head back to the theatre for your final hiking trail of the day (depending on how much energy you have left!). 

A set of steps leading up past the theatre signifies the start of the trailhead and it’s about 1.9 miles from there.

It’s a challenging trail with lots of steps leading you up a rocky slope but they’re well-established and there are no scrambles involved. 

It’s not as busy as the Monastery trail but you’ll still come across other hikers and Bedouin stalls.  

The ascent takes about 40 minutes with plenty of ancient Nabatean architecture along the way such as 6m high obelisks. 

Once you make it to the top, the summit has been hand-chiselled to create a flat plateau with sheer drops 170m down. It’s one of the highest viewpoints in Petra. 

Be very careful about approaching the edge as it’s a long way to the bottom and there’s nothing to break your fall. It’s not one for those who suffer from vertigo. 

The plateau is safe enough and you can also see the remains of a dais which once had a table for sacrificial ceremonies. 

There’s also a Bedouin tent here serving light refreshments and souvenirs. 

You can either return the way you came or follow the Wadi al-Farasa Trail which takes you through a secluded canyon. I did the former as I was exhausted and ready to head back. 

Evening in Petra 

Petra by Night 

Petra by Night is an evening event which runs every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. The Siq and the Treasury are lit up by candlelight, accompanied by music and stories. 

You learn a little bit more about the history of the Nabatean city and the Bedouins who once lived in the caves here. Some still do, unofficially. 

It’s a nice little event to add to your Petra itinerary if you have enough energy after your day of walking. It starts at 8:30 p.m. and finishes at 10:30 p.m. Tickets cost 17 JOD. 

Want to do two days in Petra? 

Planning a Petra two-day itinerary? Explore the archaeological site at a more leisurely pace or add on a few more walking trails like the ones below: 

Royal Tombs and Al Khubtha Trail

This is another stunning trail which ends in a Treasury viewpoint. If I went back to Petra, I would do this one next. It’s 2.2 miles but it has a hard difficulty level so allow at least two to three hours to complete it. 

The trail starts from the main trail after the Street of Facades. It soon becomes a strenuous uphill climb but you’re rewarded with a beautiful view of the Treasury below. 

The route is not as popular so you pretty much have that viewpoint to yourself too. 

Al-Madras Trail 

This short trail is famous for being featured in Indiana Jones. It’s much shorter than the others, about 0.9 miles and roughly 90 minutes to complete. Make no mistake, there are still some tricky bits. To give it a moderate difficulty level. 

It starts from the entrance of Al Siq and leads you along narrow paths to the Obelisk Tomb, an oil press and an old bridge until you eventually reach a high place.

This trail is a little harder to navigate than the others and it’s prone to flooding during the winter. 

Editor’s tip: If you’re wondering whether you need a guide to explore Petra…not for the hikes mentioned here or the main trail. I recommend a guide if you’re going further afield to Little Petra or to trails on the outskirts of the park. 

Where to eat in Petra

There are a few places to eat and drink inside Petra itself. At the end of some walking trails and nearby key attractions, you may see small kiosk cafes and traditional Bedouin tea stalls serving light refreshments. 

There are two main restaurants on the valley floor, close to the start of the trail up towards the Monastery on each end of Colonnaded Street. 

The Nabatean Restaurant is a cooperative which supports 40 local families. It’s expensive and you’ll need cash. To be honest, it doesn’t have the best reviews so eat there at your own risk. 

The Crowne Plaza Hotel owns the Basin Restaurant. It offers buffet-style dining and air-conditioned tables inside. Again, it’s quite pricey and it’s a good idea to bring cash. 

If you’re not convinced by the food offerings or prefer to save your cash, bring a packed lunch with you and some snacks. There are a couple of bakeries and supermarkets in Wadi Musa that you can stop by the day before your Petra itinerary. 

If you can bring a small cool bag, your food won’t spoil in the heat. I learnt the hard way with a sweaty orange in a plastic bag… 

Where to stay in Jordan to visit Petra

I recommend staying in Wadi Musa the night before you visit Petra. It’s the closest town to the archaeological site and you’ll be able to get to the entrance in time for when it opens. 

I stayed at the Seven Wonders Hotel. It’s a no-frills but comfortable hotel with a rooftop terrace and swimming pool. The hotel is a six-minute drive from Petra or 30 minutes on foot. 

If you want somewhere cheaper to stay and closer to the archaeological site, Petra Cabin Hostel is just a 10-minute walk away and it’s very good value for money. It’s rated 8.8 on Booking.com. 

Nomads Hotel is another good option with a mix of dorms and private rooms. While walkable, it’s at the top of a steep hill which might finish you off after a day on your feet!

Wondering where to stay in Petra if it’s even possible? Petra Guest House Hotel is a luxurious four-star hotel located a mere few metres away from the entrance. 

It’s the closest (official) place to stay to the archaeological site. 

What to wear in Petra, Jordan

For Petra, breathable, lightweight clothing is key as you’ll be exposed to the sun and heat the whole day. 

Wear loose-fitting clothes that you’re comfortable walking in so they don’t cling or rub you when you get hot and sweaty.  

I also suggest avoiding dark-coloured fabrics as they will only absorb more heat. If like me, you want to take a few nice photos of yourself in Petra, you might want to consider a slightly dressier outfit which is still practical. 

In theory, you could change your outfit in the bathroom but fair warning, they’re far from clean! 

The solution which worked for me was a short kimono which I could throw over trousers and a T-shirt and stuff in my bag if I got too hot. 

Footwear that can handle desert hiking in the heat is also crucial. I wore TropicFeel’s All-Terrain sneakers as they’re breathable and lightweight. 

Here’s what I wore in Petra, Jordan: 

• Desert trousers from Craghoppers 
• Baggy beige T-shirt 
• Short kimono from One Hundred Stars
• Blue lightweight scarf 
• Straw sun hat 
• Tropicfeel All-Terrain sneakers 

For more Jordan outfit tips, read my guide on what to wear in Jordan.

Petra itinerary: Final thoughts 

As you can see, there’s a lot to do in Petra beyond its iconic Treasury. This one-day Petra itinerary covers the main highlights and if you’re wondering if one day in Petra is enough, it is as long as you get there early. 

To make the most of your time in Petra, stay in Wadi Musa the night before and the night after. Do a tour that allows you to be there the whole day and be prepared to do lots of walking. 

Visit Petra on your second or third day to avoid complicated entry fees and get ready to be in awe of this jaw-dropping Wonder of the World. 

If you have any questions about this Petra Jordan travel guide, feel free to leave them in the comments below!

Looking for more Jordan travel tips? Check out these posts!

• The Best Jordan Packing List: All The Essentials You Need in 2024
• Jordan 10-Day Itinerary: An Awe-Inspiring Desert Road Trip Adventure

This post may contain affiliate / compensated links. As an Amazon Associate, I also earn from qualifying purchases. For full information, please see my disclaimer here .

About The Author

Francesca brooking.

Francesca Brooking is the Founder of Little Lost Travel. A travel expert with a passion for the planet, Francesca is on a mission to help you travel well. From Costa Rica to Jordan, she's travelled all over the world. When she's not off on an adventure, she's reviewing sustainable travel products and writing travel guides.

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Last Updated on 31/12/2023

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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The Complete Petra Travel Guide: EVERYTHING you need to know

Even if much has been written about Petra, nothing really prepares you for its beauty. You have to see it to believe it. The many pictures that mass tourism popularised, barely show the most photogenic sight of Petra, and yet there is so much more to see! Without further ado, let’s dive into the complete Petra travel guide that will give you hints on how to prepare for your trips and what you will see.

A little note for my beloved readers: this guide is very detailed, including EVERYTHING you need to know before planning your trip to Petra. If you are looking for a lighter version, you may be more interested in this blog post about the top 5 places to see in Petra .

Table of Content

Hire a private driver, take the bus, when it’s the best time to visit, best luxury hotel, best mid-range hotel, hotels on a budget, stay at a bedouin camp in little petra, opening hours and tickets cost, get a golf cart along the main trail, ride a horse, take a donkey to the panoramic points, the un-glamour side of petra you don’t see in the pictures, where can i eat and drink inside petra, djin blocks, al-khazneh, the treasury, from the front, second stone on the right there lies your treasure, the panoramic views from the bedouin cave on the right, the view from al-khubhta trail, street of facades and the theatre, the royal tombs, the byzantine church, colonnaded street and the great temple, qasr al-bint, the lion triclinium, ad-deir, the monastery, panoramic points from ad-deir trail, high place of sacrifice trail (orange line) 3 kilometers, al-khubhta trail (green line) 3,5 kilometers, is petra safe, in conclusion, is petra worth visiting, petra travel guide, what you need to know before going:, how to arrive.

The easiest way if you are coming from another country is to land in Amman, at Queen Alia International Airport. The distance from Amman to Petra is 330 km, and it will take you about 3 hours via the fastest highway. Although I highly recommend taking the opportunity and considering a slower itinerary with stops at  Mount Nebo, the King’s Road, and Karak castle .

This may be one of the best solutions when traveling in Jordan as you will be completely independent and adjust your travel itinerary as you wish. Car rental goes from 25 to 30 JD per day. Consider that the cost of gasoline is about 1.1 JD/liter and 0,8 JD/liter for diesel.

Despite the fact of being more expensive (naturally), you have two main benefits when hiring a private driver: you don’t have to worry about getting lost, and you can relax after the long and tiring hikes. Not to mention that local drivers are accustomed to the Jordan driving style, which is very different from the European’s.

A private driver will cost you between 150€ and 180€.

Choose between traveling with the tourism service JETT bus, or via the local buses:

• JETT Bus offers transport service all over Jordan, and the ticket from Amman to Petra is between 15,00 and 35,00 €.
• The local mini-buses do the road between Amman and Petra frequently. But the driver waits until the capacity is full, so you could have some waiting time. The price is between 7 and 10€.

Petra’s summers are very warm with temperatures around 30°. While the winters can be very chilly going down to 0°. Also during the winter torrential rains are pretty common and may cause flash floods and landslides.

Book your tickets for Spring (late March to May) or Fall (September to early November). The tourists’ peak months are April and October, with over 9000 entries in Petra per day.

Where to stay in Wadi Musa

Did you know? The name of the city nearest to the Petra archaeological site is Wadi Musa.

Wadi Musa is a small city of about 7000 inhabitants. Its inhabitants live mainly out of tourism, in fact, there are more than 160 hotels in Wadi Musa! Let’s see the best for your stay in Petra:

The thing I love the most about Petra Guest House Hotel is its strategic position. Technically, it’s at the doors of the Petra archaeological site. And some parts of the structure are sculpted in sandstone. How cool is that?

Edom Hotel is situated in a strategic position. It’s one of the closest to Petra visitor’s center and there are many restaurants and souvenir shops around as well.

A good option If you are traveling on a budget is to stay at Petra Cabin Inn Hostel . This hostel is in a strategic position, very close to the visitors’ center.

Wanna even more options? This article is about the best hotels in Petra !

A different solution could be one of the Bedouin’s camps in Little Petra. My favorite? Seven Wonders Luxury Camp . The only downside of these camps is their location, quite far from Petra entry gates and Wadi Musa. But almost all camps have a shuttle service that drops its clients at the visitors’ center for 5 JD.

The gates open every day at 6 AM and believe me that’s the best time to start your day! I promise you won’t regret the early wake-up call. And the site closes at 6 PM during the summer months, and 4 PM in Winter.

If you book the Jordan pass , you normally can choose between 1, 2, or 3 days. If you have the time, go for the 3 days formula. There are many different trails and hikes to do, and even three days couldn’t be enough.

To give you an idea, Petra is the size of Edinburgh 264 km². Now, can you imagine how much there is to explore?!

Otherwise, you can book the tickets at the visitors’ center, both credit cards and cash are accepted. And you can also book a guide If you haven’t already. I think that having a guide in Petra is very important, as it is an archaeological site with a very rich history. You could easily pass by important monuments and also you will miss many details. The price for a guide is between 50 and 100 JD depending on the number of persons.

Jordan Pass entry fee 1 day 70 JD 2 days 75 JD 3 days 80 JD

Visitor’s Center Tickets 1 day 50 JD 2 days 75 JD 3 days 80 JD

Considering this, if you are planning to see many different attractions you should definitely book the Jordan Pass. Make sure to check the entry fees for the attractions you want to visit. Petra is by far very expensive compared to the other sites and museums .

How to move around

The best way to move around in Petra is with your own feet.

However, Petra hikes aren’t for all! Some trails are marked as “expert” and are very intense. Always keep in mind your shape and cardio training when exploring. Especially with the sun and hot temperatures, some trails aren’t for all.

And that’s where the Bedouins come into the picture.

There are many ways to move around in Petra. Let’s see them:

At the very entrance of the archaeological site, you can pay for a golf cart to do Petra Main Trail (8 kilometers long), which is an easy, flat walk. The cart can also drop you at the Treasury. When renting the cart, you will have it for an hour and a half maximum. The prices are:

• 25 JD for the main trail to Qasr al-Bint.
• 15 JD for the 2 km trail to the Treasury and back.

This is technically “included” in your entrance ticket for the first day you visit. BUT the horseman will ask you for a tip, usually 5 JD it’s ok. The horse ride will walk you through the 700 meters that separate the entry gate to the Siq’s entry.

Bedouins are everywhere inside Petra, and they live off the tourism it attracts every year. They sell souvenirs, drinks, food, and also donkey rides! That’s right. Besides using them to carry their goods, they also propose you to take their donkeys to get to the panoramic points. However, it’s really important to know, that riding the donkeys or camels inside the Petra is at your own risk.

The price for the donkey rides depends on your ability to haggle, in any case, you shouldn’t spend more than 10 JD.

Camels are not for tourists to ride inside Petra. Instead, the Bedouins propose to the visitors to have a picture standing on them at the most photogenic spots, like in front of the Treasury or the Royal Tombs.

One of the loveliest things in Jordan is people’s warmth of heart. But in Petra, the Bedouins may be quite pushy while trying to get you to buy from them. I was truly surprised by the number of Bedouins who tried to lure us. Be prepared to be constantly approached and asked to satisfy whatever need you didn’t even know you had. It’s the way they gain their life. But as much as I try to be comprehensive, that spoiled a bit the magical atmosphere of the Lost City.

Worry not! There are many strategical spots to eat at the best spots, and of course, there are many Bedouins shops that sell drinks, ice creams, and even sandwiches.

By the way, you should try the Bedouin’s pomegranate juice. Refreshing, delicious, and sweet enough to charge your batteries while hiking all day long. This was a favorite of mine in Jordan, together with their fresh mint tea. Prices are the following through all of the site, and as you can see they aren’t really different from the ones outside Petra:

Water 1-2 JD Petra ice cream (yes there is a Petra official ice cream!) 1-2 JD Pomegranate juice 2-4 JD Sandwiches 5-8 JD

In conclusion, don’t overcharge yourself. Kiosks are almost everywhere you turn.

Petra Travel Guide to the Lost City’s sightseeing

Have I already mentioned it? Petra is IMMENSE!

Its surface develops on 264 km² of mountains and valleys. The Rose City is 800 meters on the sea level, and its average altitude is around 1000 meters, with its highest summit being Jabal Harun, 1450 meters.

Put in another way: in Petra, you will have to hike, a lot! If you are trained and willing to walk, that will give you many satisfactions. Of course, you can still enjoy your trip by staying on the Main Trail, which is almost flat. Even though, if you have the chance don’t hesitate to explore.

One of Jordan’s peculiarities is the almost complete absence of fences and barriers in its archaeological sites. That allows you to wander freely as you wish and like. Just don’t put yourself in dangerous situations, I’ve seen a couple of tourists taking big risks just to take a selfie.

So, how does Petra look on a map?

The Main Trail (red line) 8 kilometers long

Petra entry gate is quite simple, compared to the grandeur of the site once you are inside. In fact, it’s a rather bare walk on 700 meters. With two exceptions:

• the Djin Blocks consist of three square stone monuments, used as burial blocks. They are one of the few and oldest constructions of the ancient city.
• the Obelisk Tomb, the first carved monument you can admire. The uniqueness of this tomb, is the 4 pyramids that decorate its facade. Under that the entry to the Triclinium, the banquet hall.

You will find both monuments on your left.

The Siq is a narrow gorge that introduces visitors to the Lost City. The entrance was once decorated with a Triumph Arch. In addition to displaying the beautiful walls of the giant sandstone canyon, the Siq also showcases the Nabatean’s knowledge of hydro-engineering. The water coming from the dam at the city gates flowed through two canals that were on different levels: the first was dedicated to the animals, while the second freshened people.

Along its 1200 meters, you can also admire the remains of the Nabatean and Roman paved road, or even some incisions and sacred stones.

The hype is high once you start to see glimpses of the Treasury at the end of the Siq. From the high of its 40 meters, Al-Khazaneh reveals itself in all its splendor. And yet the most popular facade of the Lost City still hides some secrets. Its function is still unsure to archaeologists today. There is a legend telling that inside the urn that decorates the top, there is the lost treasure of Nabatean kings.

Legend or not, the real treasure is visible for everyone to admire, as a few monuments in the world have the same charm or this carved wonder. The treasury is best savored early in the morning (set your wake-up call at 5.30, trust me it’s absolutely worth it!), or late in the evening, the site starts to empty at 5 – 5.30 PM. If you are lucky enough you will have the view all to yourself.

Along with being less touristy, there is also another motive why it’s better to visit the Treasury at these hours: the colors. Petra is known as the Rose city for a reason. When the sun doesn’t hit the sandstone walls anymore, Petra reveals its true colors: all the shades of rose and red. It’s the best time to sit at the coffee shop next to the treasury and sip a good tea while admiring the view.

The best photo spots to admire Al-Khazneh, do you know all of them?

I mean, how basic right?!

And yet this is my favorite view of the Treasury. Especially when you have the whole facade to yourself. Why do I like it so much? Because if you shoot the facade from afar with the person standing in the front, it shows you how majestic and big the facade is.

Next to the Siq entrance, on your right, there is a view you cannot miss for Insta-worthy pictures. As a photo is worth a thousand words, check it with your eyes!

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Next to the location above, there is a small path carved into the rocks that access to a small Bedouin cave in the wall. This place is only accessible if you negotiate it with the Bedouins, they ask 5 JD and it takes around 15 minutes for taking the photo and getting back down. This view is pretty nice, furthermore, there is some kind of photo set with some cushions and carpets.

Don’t worry if you are traveling solo, the Bedouins have developed professional photography skills. And they know how to make good videos too.

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Are you willing to take your photos literally to the upper level?

You can! This view of the Treasury from the top is one of the most magical panoramic views in Petra. But like all good things you have to earn it. In order to get there you have to complete the Al-Khubhta Trail, one of the steepest in Petra.

It should be noted that this trail itself, takes about 3 hours. That’s a lot of time and energy on your schedule. Consider all your options before choosing, especially If you are staying only one day.

The trek is 3,5 kilometers long, it’s marked as hard level and can be slippery sometimes. Considering this, please, do not take risks for taking your pictures or videos. And be careful If you suffer from vertigo!

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Most people think Petra is limited to the Siq and the Treasury, even though, thanks to Instagram the Monastery has become quite a star lately. My point is, once you have passed by the Treasury, there is a world for you to discover.

Following the Main Trail, you will find yourself in a larger Siq. The facades were sculpted by the Nabateans as funeral monuments. Even if you cannot enter the Treasury, you can explore the other tombs. The most admirable among them is probably the Tomb of the Roman Soldier. It takes the name from the figure carved in the center, which wears a Graeco-Roman cuirass.

Next to the tombs, there is the only Theatre in the world to be carved in the rock. Partly built by the Nabateans and partly by the Romans, this venue could accommodate up to 4,000 spectators.

The Royal Tombs are an ensemble of four huge funerary monuments, situated at the end of Petra’s main street. Unfortunately, their exposition to the winds and rains, made their conservation more difficult. But these majestic tombs are still beautiful to see.

• the Urn Tomb, previously a Nabatean tomb, following the Roman conquest of Petra, became a church. Beneath the funeral chambers, there is a series of columns and narrow passages. It’s probably the funniest tomb to explore in Petra, as it looks like a small labyrinth.
• the Silk Tomb surprises its visitors because of the coloring of the facade. Its name comes from this very same vibrant coloring of the sandstone that reminds silk.
• the Corinthian Tomb looks like the Treasury. Unfortunately, as its exposition to the elements is much more important, the facade is far less well preserved than Al-Khazneh.
• the Palace Tomb is the most grandiose of the four tombs. It has an impressive facade that develops on 5 different stages. Even if historians think it was a tomb, there is still the possibility that it was used as a banquet hall.

One of the best things about the Royal Tombs is the view! Especially in the morning, when the sun enlightens the valley from behind the Tombs. You can see the Necropolis entry (Street of facades), the Theatre, the Great Temple, and Qasr al-Bint.

The Byzantine Church features some of the most beautiful mosaics in Jordan. During the 5th century a fire and then an earthquake destroyed part of the church. Nowadays, to protect the mosaics a large structure covers the church. In order to visit the church, you will have to make a short detour from the Main Trail.

The colonnaded street and the Great Temple are both a testimony of Nabateans engineering. The street was one of the main market roads of the ancient city and ended just in front of the Great Temple.

Even if the earthquakes and elements destroyed almost all the columns, the temple is still one of the most important buildings in Petra. Its surface covers more than 7000 square meters. It was divided into a lower part ( Lower Temenos ) and an upper part ( Upper Temenos ), the upper part was the temple itself.

According to historians, the most important temple in Petra was Qasr al-Bint. Dedicated to Dushara, it was also the tallest construction that have been found until now. In fact, Qasr al-Bint is more than 20 meters high. Due to its state of decay, the temple is inaccessible. Even so, you can admire it in all its beauty. My recommendation is to watch it from above, on Sabra Trail.

Qasr al-Bint is where the Main Trail ends, there are two restaurants, toilets, and many shadowed places to rest a little before the Monastery Trail.

The Monastery Trail (fuchsia line) 2,5 kilometers

Although on paper the Monastery Trail is “only” 2,5 kilometers, you will think they are the longest 2,5 kilometers of your life!

This trail runs in a large gorge, between two mountains, and arrives at the top. There are more than 900 steps, that climb the mountain’s sides steeply. For that reason, it’s marked as hard on the map and will take you about 3 hours to complete it.

But boy is it worth it? Absolutely!

Just see the pictures if you don’t believe me. And remember you can stop any moment at one of the Bedouins’ kiosks to rest and have a drink.

Halfway on the path, the Lion Triclinium is a nice stop if you have the strength and the will to stop after the trail. My advice is to stop there while you are coming down from Ad-Deir, so that you are less tired from the hike.

This facade isn’t easy to reach as you have to squeeze in narrow passages and climb on the sandstone. It’s not dangerous, all you need is a pinch of adventure.

The narrow path brings you under the facade, where you will see the two sculpted lions which give the name to the Triclinium. If you climb on the left there are 3 more caves you can explore easier.

All the weariness is forgotten once you find the amazing Monastery on your right. This is definitely one of the most beautiful monuments in Petra. 48 meters high for 47 large, it is also one of the biggest. Originally it was probably used for civic functions.

Later on, the Christians converted it into a chapel and some crosses were sculpted on the walls. For that reason, the monument is known as the Monastery.

Once on top, most of the tourists admire the monastery, sip tea in the coffee shop in front of the monument and then start their descent.

Please don’t do that!

This trail has access to the most beautiful natural views of Petra. The red and orange sandstone, leaves the place to the black granite mountains. Even if the paths aren’t on the map, don’t be afraid to get lost: there are many Bedouin panels inviting you to admire the “very best view in the world” from their tents while sipping a good tea.

Rest a little, and then start your exploration. After all, the worst part (the ascent to the Monastery) is over!

Wow, you are still here! Sorry for the length. But please stay with me a little more, for the two trails I’m going to tell you about are absolutely worth a visit.

Let’s start with the High Place of Sacrifice. As steep as the Ad-Deir trail, but this trail is easier. In fact, the hiking part is shorter and once at the top you will have a spectacular view of the ancient city. The High Place of sacrifice itself is one of the most important locations in ancient Petra. Many important ceremonies took place here, while the city was alive.

If you follow the path you will end up behind Qasr al-Bint, otherwise, you can also get back from where you came up. If you do the whole trail it will take you from 3.30 to 4 hours, in the case you decide to get back from the holy location, 2 to 2.30 hours will be enough.

This is the famous trail to go on top of the Treasury. The views of the surroundings are less beautiful than the other trails. But there is no doubt that once on top the view of Al Khazna from the top is absolutely worth it!

To complete this hike you can consider 2.30 to 3 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Petra and Jordan in general are very safe even for solo travel. But the archaeological site has almost no barriers and limits. Meaning that even though there is an official trail, you could easily go off the path ending up in dangerous points slipping, falling, etc…

Luckily there are a very few fatal accidents (2 have been reported since 2020), but most explorers tend to forget how frail the sandstone is. And also landslides can be frequent in Petra especially during December’s rains.

It may be touristy, overcrowded and you may have grown tired of all the Treasury pictures you saw. But without a doubt, it is one of the most beautiful monuments in the world, and bucket list worthy! Let me know if you agree 😉

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Petra, Jordan Travel Basics

How to get to petra.

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

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

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

Best Time to Visit Petra

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

Where to Stay in Wadi Musa

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

Mövenpick Resort Petra

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

Check Prices on Booking.com

Petra Guest House Hotel

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

Petra Palace Hotel

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

Where to Eat in Wadi Musa

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

Petra Entrance Fees and Hours of Operation

Know before you go.

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

Petra Entrance Fees

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

Included in the Price of your Petra Ticket

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

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

The Jordan Pass

What’s Included:

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

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

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

Petra Visiting Hours

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

Terms to Know

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

What to Expect Once You’re Inside the Petra Gate

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

Must-see Petra Ruins

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

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

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

Best Viewpoints in Petra

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

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

Eating and Drinking Options in Petra

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

Complete 2-Day Petra Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Petra by Night

Visitation hours.

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

Entrance Fees

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

What to Expect at Petra by Night

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Was Petra by Night Worth it?

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

A Brief History of the Lost City of Petra

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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• Is Petra Worth Visiting? A Guide for Solo Travelers

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Is Petra worth visiting, or is it overhyped?

As someone who spent a month solo in Jordan, road-tripping from Aqaba in the south to Ajloun in the North, I can confidently say Petra is worth visiting.

After watching Indiana Jones movies more times than I can count, I wondered if Petra would live up to the hype like so many places don’t. Surprisingly, Petra exceeded all my expectations.

This ancient city is much larger than I anticipated, offering far more than the famous Treasury photo-op.

Petra gets CROWDED, and there’s a constant onslaught of vendors and tour guides vying for your attention. It detracts from Petra’s magic.

Despite the crowds and the heat, I spent a long, hot, sweaty day exploring Petra, and I’m so glad I did.

Ready to explore whether Petra is worth a spot on your Jordan itinerary? Here is my honest advice, plus everything you need to know how to visit Petra!

👉  This popular 5-star overnight tour from Amman  makes exploring Petra and the Wadi Rum desert easy. Travelers give the guides rave reviews!

Why Petra is Worth Visiting

Petra is worth every drop of sweat and aching muscle. It’s magical, photogenic, and one place that lives up to the hype. 

You might recognize Petra as where Indiana Jones found the Holy Grail in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade –and that’s not even the coolest thing about it!

Petra is easy to reach from Amman, Wadi Rum, or Aqaba . If you’re short on time, you can even do it as a day trip. But I recommend spending the night in Wadi Musa so you can explore the whole day.

It’s also included in the Jordan Pass , which covers visa fees and entrance to many other attractions in Jordan. It saved me a lot of money on my solo trip!

A Brief History of Petra

Petra, often called the “Rose City” because of the color of its rock-cut architecture, was once the capital of the Nabataean people. 

The Nabataeans were expert traders who carved this city into sandstone cliffs over 2,000 years ago, making Petra a crucial hub for trade in the ancient world. At its peak, the city boasted temples, tombs, and an impressive water management system.

Its historical significance was recognized in 1985 when Petra was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site , and in 2007, it was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World . The ancient city totally blew me away–it’s one of the most photogenic places I’ve ever been to!

The Downsides of Visiting Petra

• Heat and Crowds: Petra gets hot, and the crowds can be overwhelming, especially around the Treasury. An early start is a must, and you’ll need to be prepared for a lot of walking. I’m glad I planned to relax at the Red Sea for a couple of days after Petra!
• Aggressive Vendors and Tour Guides: There’s a constant onslaught of vendors and tour guides vying for your attention, and it can feel like everyone is trying to scam you. I was chatting with a shopkeeper who bragged about how much he overcharges tourists who don’t know how to haggle.
• Animal Treatment: The donkeys and camels used to carry tourists up the steep steps don’t seem to be very well-treated. I saw an owner whipping a camel with a metal chain, so I don’t recommend supporting this practice.
• Missing Historical Context: As a solo traveler on a budget, I decided not to hire a guide. You don’t need one to explore Petra, but I felt I missed out on some historical and archaeological information. If you decide to hire a guide, research and hire one with good reviews beforehand.
• Safety Concerns: While I didn’t feel unsafe, some solo female travelers I talked to felt like easy targets for the pushy salesmen. Be firm, don’t smile, don’t engage, and you’ll be fine. They’re just trying to make a living.

🚗 Renting a car in Jordan was the best decision I made.

I recommend you check out this platform to compare the best deals from leading rental companies in Jordan.

Things to See Inside Petra

I’d only seen pictures of the famous Treasury at Petra, and I’m embarrassed to say that’s all I thought Petra was, more or less. It turns out that’s just the first landmark after you enter Petra through the beautiful Siq (canyon) trail.

Inside, there’s so much more to explore. I spent an entire day inside Petra, first hiking up to a lesser-known viewpoint of the Treasury (that I’ll tell you more about below) and then up to the Monastery, and all the way back down again. My legs were jelly by the end of the day!

1. The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)

The Treasury is the most famous site in Petra, recognized for its elaborate facade carved directly into the sandstone cliff. Initially built as a tomb, the Nabataeans later used it as a treasury.

The Treasury is stunning but also the most crowded place in Petra, full of pushy vendors and scammers. Be prepared to say “no” a million times! 

I got some good pictures just before sunset, after most tourists left for the day.

How to Find It: From the entrance, walk through the Siq (canyon), and voilà – the Treasury appears, just like you’ve seen on Instagram .

2. The Treasury Viewpoint (FREE Inside a Bedouin Café)

The Treasury Viewpoint offers a bird’s-eye view of the Treasury, providing an Instagram-worthy perspective. There are actually two different viewpoints–one that you have to pay for a guide to take you and one that’s free. 

I chose the free one, but many people prefer the paid one since it’s a bit faster of a climb.

The trail to the free Treasury Viewpoint involves climbing some 600 stone steps. It took me about 20-30 minutes to get up. 

The final portion of the trail can be a little confusing, but eventually, you’ll find it. Buy a juice or souvenir from the shopkeeper as a thank-you for the view. When I went, there were just a few travelers there–score!

How to Find It:

• Follow the main trail from the Treasury to the Royal Tombs, veering off to the right after passing them.
• Turn right off the main trail and climb about 600 stone steps.
• Once you see the amphitheater, veer off the pathway to the left, heading downward into the valley for 10 minutes, and follow the sign pointing you in the right direction.

3. The Monastery (Ad-Deir)

The Monastery is one of Petra’s grandest structures, towering over 150 feet tall. It was likely used as a pilgrimage site.

The hike was tough, especially since I had just hiked to the Treasury Viewpoint and back, but the reward was worth it. The Monastery is massive, and the surrounding views are spectacular. 

How to Find It: Follow the trail past Colonnaded Street and climb around 800 stone steps to reach the Monastery. The climb takes about 45 minutes. There are snacks and beverages along the way and at the top.

4. The Royal Tombs

The Royal Tombs are a series of intricate facades carved into the cliffs, believed to be the burial places of Nabataean royalty.

How to Find It: Follow the main trail past the Treasury, and the Royal Tombs will be on your right.

5. The Colonnaded Street

Once the main thoroughfare in Petra, this street was lined with shops and public buildings.

I felt like I was walking back in time as I strolled along the ancient Colonnaded Street. The ruined columns and remnants of shops give you a sense of what life was like in ancient Petra.

How to Find It: Continue past the Royal Tombs to the Roman Theater, and you’ll find the Colonnaded Street stretching before you.

6. The High Place of Sacrifice

The High Place of Sacrifice is an ancient Nabataean sacrificial altar perched atop the cliffs.

I was too pooped after climbing to the Treasury Viewpoint and the Monastery to climb to the High Place of Sacrifice! Since I had plenty of time in my Jordan itinerary , I found a reputable horseback riding tour to take me the next day. It was just me, my guide, the horses, and some goats.

How to Find It: Take the steps leading up from the Roman Theater and follow the marked trail to the top. The climb takes about 45 minutes.

🐴 I loved this horseback riding tour of the High Place of Sacrifice in Petra – it was a fun way to spend my second morning in Petra .

7. The Petra Church

The Petra Church is a Byzantine-era church with beautifully preserved mosaics.

It offered a glimpse into Petra’s later history when it became a Christian city.

How to Find It: Near the Winged Lion Temple, follow the trail past the Colonnaded Street.

8. The Theater

The Roman-style amphitheater, carved into the mountain at the base of the High Place of Sacrifice, could seat up to 4,000 spectators.

The Amphitheater is impressive and worth a stop. I could almost hear the cheers of ancient crowds echoing off the stone.

How to Find It: Across from the Royal Tombs.

Is Little Petra Worth Visiting?

Little Petra (Al-Beidha) is a smaller version of Petra that served as a trading suburb.

Since I spent 1.5 days exploring Petra, I decided not to visit Little Petra. The rock-cut structures are similar, and it’s much quieter, so if you’re fed up with Petra’s chaos, try Little Petra. 

How to Find It: Little Petra is about a 15-minute drive from Wadi Musa. You can arrange a taxi or drive yourself.

Is Petra by Night Worth It?

Petra By Night offers a unique way to experience Petra’s Treasury, illuminated by 1,500 candles. The event starts with a walk through the Siq, lined with lanterns, and concludes at the Treasury, where Bedouin music and storytelling accompany the light display.

Honestly, I found Petra By Night a bit overpriced and overrated due to the large crowds. The idea is great, and I loved walking through the Siq to the Treasury at sunset. However, you’re with a crowd the whole time, and the big event of watching the Treasury lit up in different colors wasn’t that amazing. It was also challenging to get good pictures.

If you’re spending the night in Wadi Musa on one of the nights when the program is running and you’re curious, go for it. But I wouldn’t plan your whole itinerary around it, and if you’re on a tight budget, it’s something you can skip.

Essential Petra by Night Information:

• Cost: 17 JD (not included in the regular Petra ticket or Jordan Pass)
• Days: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday
• Timing: Starts at 8:30 pm at the Visitor’s Center, ends by 10:30 pm
• Tickets: Unlimited tickets are sold, and you can buy them the day of or the day before at the Visitor’s Center (there’s a counter just for Petra By Night tickets)

Essential Information for Visiting Petra

Opening Hours: The Visitor’s Center and Site are open daily from 6:30 am to 5:30 pm.

Petra Cost: 

• Jordan Pass: Petra is included in the Jordan Pass, which covers visa fees and entrance to many other attractions in Jordan. It’s the best value if you’re planning to visit multiple sites .
• Single-Day Ticket: 50 JD (around $70 USD)
• Two-Day Ticket: 55 JD (around $78 USD)
• Three-Day Ticket: 60 JD (around $85 USD)
• Petra by Night: 17 JD (around $24 USD)–not included in the Jordan Pass

Best Time to Visit Petra:

• Spring (March-May): Mild temperatures make this an ideal time to visit. The wildflowers in bloom add an extra touch of beauty.
• Autumn (September-November): Cooler temperatures after the summer heat.
• Winter (December-February): Quiet season with fewer tourists, but can be quite cold, especially in the mornings and evenings.
• Summer (June-August): Hot and crowded but manageable if you arrive early.

How to Visit Petra:

• How to Get There: Petra is 3 hours from Amman, 2 hours from Aqaba, and 1.5 hours from Wadi Rum. You can rent a car, hire a driver, take the bus, or join a tour.
• On Your Own: Exploring Petra independently is easy once you figure out how to get there (I rented a car, but you can get there a few different ways whether you’re coming from Amman, Wadi Rum, or Aqaba ). I recommend spending the night in Wadi Musa so you have time to really take it all in.
• With a Tour Guide: Hiring a knowledgeable guide will give you deeper insights into Petra’s history and archaeology. Make sure to research and book a reputable guide before you go to avoid any surprises.
• Tours: If you prefer a hassle-free experience, book a tour that includes transportation . It’s a good option if you’re short on time.

👉 My Top Picks for Accommodations in Wadi Musa (near Petra): Petra Cabin Inn Hostel (budget), Petra Stones Inn (mid-range), or Le Maison Hotel (higher mid-range) . I had the best experience with the family that runs Petra Stones Inn!

Tips for Visiting Petra as a Solo Traveler

• Be Prepared for Pushy Vendors and Guides: Vendors and guides inside Petra can be aggressive, and may think you’re an easier target if you’re solo and female. Be firm and don’t engage with them. Sometimes, I hold up my hand in the “stop” signal while saying a firm “no.”
• Jordan Pass is a Great Deal: The Jordan Pass includes Petra (plus your tourist visa) , making it a good value if you plan to visit other places in Jordan like Wadi Rum or Jerash .
• Wear Comfortable Shoes and Bring Snacks: You’ll be doing a lot of walking and hiking, so wear comfortable shoes and bring water and snacks. The terrain can be uneven, so sturdy footwear is essential.
• Timing Matters – Sunrise and Sunset Are Best: These are the coolest and least crowded times to visit Petra.
• Stay Until the Last Minute: Most people leave before sunset, so stay until the last minute for an almost empty Petra.
• Hire a Reputable Guide or Do Your Research: Hiring a professional guide from a reputable company with good reviews can give you valuable historical insights. If you’re on a budget, explore on your own.
• Treasury Viewpoint and Monastery: You can hike to the Treasury Viewpoint (at a Bedouin café) and the Monastery for free without a guide.
• Avoid Riding Donkeys and Camels: Donkeys and camels available for riding up the steep trails don’t seem to be well-treated. I saw a camel being whipped by a metal chain, so I don’t recommend supporting this practice.
• Visit in the Off-Season: For fewer crowds, visit Petra in the off-season (winter). Be prepared for cooler weather.
• Haggle for Souvenirs: If you’re buying souvenirs, remember to haggle with the vendors.
• Stay in Wadi Musa: Spend the night in Wadi Musa so you can have a full day exploring Petra.
• Stay Safe and Trust Your Instincts: While Petra is generally safe, follow your instincts, especially if you feel uncomfortable with pushy vendors or guides.

FAQs about Is Petra Worth Visiting

Is petra safe to visit.

Yes, Petra is generally safe to visit, including for solo travelers. While vendors can be pushy, stay firm and focused. Follow your instincts, and you’ll be fine.

How long does it take to visit Petra?

To fully appreciate Petra, spend at least one full day exploring. If possible, stay two days to see everything at a comfortable pace. Plan to walk several kilometers and hundreds of steep steps.

Is Petra by Night worth it?

Petra by Night is worth it if you’re already in Wadi Musa, but it’s crowded and overpriced. Don’t plan your entire itinerary around it.

Is Little Petra worth visiting?

Yes, Little Petra is worth visiting if you want a quieter, less crowded experience. It’s similar to Petra and just a 15-minute drive away.

Do you need a tour guide for Petra?

You don’t need a tour guide for Petra, but hiring one from a reputable company with great reviews can provide valuable insights into Petra’s rich history and archaeology.

👉 Check out all the available Petra tour options from Amman . Don’t forget to read the reviews!

Final Thoughts: Why Visit Petra?

Despite the crowds, heat, and pushy vendors, Petra is absolutely worth visiting. 

This ancient city is famous for a reason – it’s full of history, photogenic, and impressive. Expect to spend at least one full day exploring. Prepare for the long hikes, especially up the steep stone steps to the Monastery and the Treasury Viewpoint.

The vendors and tour guides inside can be frustrating, as they won’t take your first “no” for an answer. But if you remain firm and focused, you can explore Petra without too much hassle. 

The best times to visit are sunrise and sunset when it’s cooler and less crowded. Most tourists leave before the site closes, so the last hour before sunset is almost magical.

Petra is also easy to combine with a visit to Wadi Rum , which is only 1.5 hours away. 

Ready to plan your visit to Petra? Check out these highest-rated day trips from Amman to make your trip hassle-free if you’re short on time. 

Or, if you prefer more flexibility, consider renting a car –it’s the best way to explore Petra and the surrounding areas on your terms.

Happy travels, and may Petra blow you away just like it did me!

Read More About Jordan:

• Customizable 7 Day Jordan Itinerary (Maximize Your Week!)
• Ultimate Jordan Itinerary: 2 Weeks in Jordan
• 25 Essential Tips for Driving in Jordan (I Did It!)
• Your Complete Guide to Planning a Trip to Jordan
• Hiking the Wadi Mujib Siq Trail: The Ultimate Guide
• 10 Best Places to Visit in North Jordan
• Ajloun Forest Reserve: Ultimate Travel Guide
• Is Jerash Worth Visiting? + Insights and Tips
• Is Aqaba Worth Visiting? 10 Pros and Cons for Travelers
• Ultimate Guide to Diving in Aqaba (10 Best Dive Sites!)
• 7 Best Day Trips from Amman to Petra for Solo Travelers
• How to Get from Aqaba to Petra: 5 Easy Ways
• How to Get from Petra to Wadi Rum: Solo Travel Guide
• Amman to Wadi Rum: 6 Ways to Get There
• Amman to Dead Sea: 5 Ways to Get There
• What is the Average Salary in Jordan?

Cat is a 35-year-old American solo female traveler on a career break, traveling the world full-time since 2021. She loves meeting new people, considers herself to be a bit of a foodie, and reads a lot.

Is Petra Worth Visiting? These Petra Facts Will Help You Decide

May 3, 2020

An ancient city, hidden in the rock. A wonder of the world. A place of legends. Yet distance and costs leave many asking “is Petra worth visiting?”

The short answer is: YES! The long version involves these wonderful Petra facts…

Also, see how to plan the perfect Jordan itinerary here.

Looking up at the Monastery in Petra

Transport options in Petra…

Table of Contents

Is Petra worth visiting?

What is it like to visit petra.

Dust rose from the ground as the horse thundered past and the sun began its ablutions. It painted pinks and pomegranates, amber, pistachio, charcoal and soft apricot rust across the walls of Petra before calling it a day and turning in for an early night.

A donkey stamped its foot in the chalky rock. Colour faded to grey, while my muscles trembled with fatigue.

Petra at sunset isn’t a place you want to leave. It looks beautiful, you feel hot and tired and there’s a professional army of touts with a menagerie of animals whose job it is to make you stay. Donkeys, camels, horses, chariots. They all promise to make your journey easier and to let you stretch out time itself.

Time has a habit of playing tricks on you in Petra, not to mention the truth. When I first saw The Treasury, strawberry stone columns peering between a tear of jagged darkness, I felt thrilled. As though I was uncovering an ancient legend myself.

Recommended reading:  The Madaba Mosaics Jordan; Making the Broken Beautiful Again

The Hidden Truth About Petra

In a way, I was. The legend part, that is. It turns out that despite the bullet marks and the odd Hollywood film, the Treasury isn’t really a treasury. Never was. Debate continues as to what its true role involved, but most scholars plump for the label of “ceremonial tomb.”

As for the ancient part, well, like the fast-growing ivy colleges in the US, it turns out that Petra’s not as old as it looks. The Treasury has celebrated a mere two thousand or so birthdays, a cheeky child with freckles when compared to the crumbly Egyptian Pyramids or the rocky giants of Stonehenge.

Right now, though, I have more than a few thousand years to worry about. I have about fifteen minutes.

The flashlight from an official brings me back to the present and I rally the sinews of my less than heroic muscles and attempt to stride but tend to hobble towards the exit.

So is Petra worth visiting?

Is Petra worth visiting? You probably don’t need me to spell out that my answer is yes . You may need me to tell you that it is vast. This city, built by the Naboteans, “inherited” by the Romans, lived in by the Bedouins and “discovered” by the Swiss – is colossal. Huge. A Roman-style theatre designed for around 3000 people registers as something of an afterthought, dwarfed as it is by everything else there is to see.

Petra spreads over 250 square kilometres – and the only realistic way in – and out – is by foot. 

Update: you can now take a golf buggy along the siq to the Treasury. But beyond that, you still need to walk.

Petra has many souvenir stalls…

What You Need to Know

In fact, transport in Petra has become something of a political circus, with a near farcical arrangement of options. In the past, local Bedouin on horseback would charge through the kilometre-long gorge, with travellers crammed into their wagons behind. As Petra’s fame and popularity grew, however, problems arose since the gorge, or siq did not grow one inch.

Horse manure, accidents, rumours of hustling and intimidation…

“Eventually, authorities decided to ban horses in the siq altogether,” said my guide, perhaps an unreliable source himself as a horse-drawn chariot stormed past us into the gorge, drowning out his words.

“That’s different,” he said, although he never explained why.

The official line seems to be that Bedouin horses can travel the few hundred metres from the ticket gate to the entrance of the Petra gorge, with approval for a few carriages to travel on further than that.  A short – and rather stunted – effort.

Horses on a Visit to Petra, Jordan

The situation has irritated many, exasperated that the cost of the ride is now factored into the ticket price, regardless of whether you use it.

As a first time visitor, though, I found the sight of the horses incredibly atmospheric. They’re ridden with a ferocity and abandon I’d not seen before. Flowing robes and jet black hair streaming into the wind. Clouds of purple-pink Petra dust thrown into spirals and hanging in the heat-soaked air.

It’s what dreams and legends are made of.

But perhaps not thin cotton trousers. To preserve the skin on my thighs, I staggered on towards the gate, feeling a mixture of both gratitude and joy.

For my time in Petra wasn’t over yet. I would soon be back – for Petra at Night.

Petra by Night: worth seeing, whatever the time of year. But wrap up warm!

Food and drink options within Petra…

Don’t miss the museum at the entrance…

You can hike into Petra via several different routes…

Disclosure: I visited Jordan as a guest of Visit Jordan for the first few times and then with Globus on their wonderful Jordan Escape tour. As ever, as always, I kept the right to write what I like. Otherwise, what’s the point?

10 Top Tips for Visiting Petra

1 – Wear comfortable clothes. You will spend A LOT of time walking and standing and there are few opportunities to rest.

2 – Take account of  the weather in Petra, Jordan.  It is HOT. Take water, sunscreen, hats and long-sleeved tops and trousers that run to the ground.

3 – Embrace the history of Petra, Jordan. Either book a knowledgable guide or read up first. When I travelled on the Jordan Escape from Globus Travel , Osama was a fantastic guide for the whole of our Jordan itinerary. What’s more, he helped us book a specialist guide, Abdullah, for Petra as we wanted to hike to the Treasury via the Monastery, which is the opposite way around to normal. Great guides are worth their weight in gold. I would highly recommend working with Globus!

4 – Plan nothing else for the rest of the day.

5 – Stay at a hotel near Petra, Jordan to make the most of your time. I stayed at the Moevenpick Hotel Petra which is almost as close as you can get. That way you can be up and out by dawn and beat the crowds.

6 – Be prepared to take a LOT of photos. Batteries charged. Power bank charged.

7 – Keep an eye on the time and check the closing time as you head in. Distances are huge so make sure you can get back to the entrance gate in plenty of time.

8 – Plan to arrive the night before and, in my opinion, leave the night after. To make the most of a visit to Petra, it pays to take your time.

9 – Don’t miss the  Petra at Night experience.  It’s simply amazing.

10 – If you’re looking for something else to do while you’re nearby,  take a Jordanian cooking lesson. 

11 – No matter how tired you feel, make time to visit the new museum near the main entrance. Its multimedia exhibits bring the history of Petra to life. And its air conditioning can revive weary souls and soles!

Petra is a huge site and can leave you feeling very small…

Interesting Petra Facts

• Petra was “rediscovered” by the world at large in 1812. But, of course, the local Bedouin people always knew it was there. 
• Petra is nicknamed the “Rose City.”
• While the exact founding date is unclear, the closest date archaeologists agree on is around 310 BC.
• Petra was not Roman nor Egyptian. It was Nabatean.
• In 2007, Petra was listed as one of the new “7 Wonders of the World” along with the Taj Mahal, Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu, the Colosseum, Chichen Itza and Christ, the Redeemer in Rio.
• The name Petra derives from the Greek for “rocks.”
• Perhaps the most useful fact about Petra is that it is huge! While photos focus on the Treasury, the city extends over an enormous area. Experts believe that only around 15% has been fully explored. 
• The Treasury, the most famous place in Petra, remains a mystery. Was it actually a treasury? Experts think not. Was it a mausoleum or tomb? Or simply a grand statement at the entrance to this important trading post? We still do not know.
• Petra has over 800 cave-like spaces that are believed to be tombs.
• Petra’s water supply system was ahead of its time. In recent years, digging began to provide a new water supply to the area. The work discovered ancient water channels originally laid down by the Nabateans. 
• Petra imposed a harsh taxation system on travellers who arrived in search of food, water and trade. They could enter but up to one third of their caravan had to be handed over. 
• The place is made for movie magic. Indiana Jones is probably the most famous Hollywood character to charge around the place but The Mummy Returns also shot scenes here. 
• You can buy Indiana Jones style hats from hawkers along the route.
• While Petra remains firmly associated with the Nabateans, the Edomites lived in the area from the 18th to 2nd century BC and the Romans moved in between 105 and 305 BC.

Petra has hundreds of tombs…

More on Travel in Jordan

Now that you’ve soaked up these interesting facts about Petra, see our travel guide to the best things to do in Jordan and then browse through the articles below:

• Jordanian Food: the 21 dishes you need to know
• Is Petra at night worth it?
• How the Madaba mosaics show the pathway to peace
• How to plan the perfect Jordan itinerary
• When is the best time to visit Jordan?
• Why Bedouin coffee matters more than you think
• Is Jordan safe for solo female traveller s?
• Fun facts about the Dead Sea

38 thoughts on “Is Petra Worth Visiting? These Petra Facts Will Help You Decide”

Great photos and excellent writing. You really captured it. But no mention of the 800 steps to the… I don’t even remember what it was, I was so tired!

I first visited Petra about ten years ago and immediately fell in love with the place. I have been back a couple of times since, the latest in October 2012, as an independent traveller, when I spent three days exploring much of the area not normally visited by tourists. It was an amazing experience with hardly another person to be seen.However I was saddened because the passage from the Siq to the Monastery is now so commercialised. I understand the local Bedouin need to make a living but I think the Jordanian government have got the balance wrong.

The decisions about how to manage Petra have certainly stirred up controversy lately. Like you, I appreciate the need to earn a living (for both the locals and the country) but it can be tricky knowing where to draw the line. At least there are still places (by the sound of it, from your words) that tourists can still visit to get away from the crowds…

Jordan is something magical. Never felt so peaceful and uplifting as in this country. As soon as you leave Jordan, you want to come back again! Can’t stop exploring this beautiful corner of the World! Thanks Abi! :)

I LOVED my time there. Both times :-)

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Best 2 Days in Petra Itinerary: Self-Guided Two Days in Petra, Jordan

If you are looking for the best two days in Petra itinerary, you have come to the right place! 

In this article, I will share with you how to spent 2 days in Petra, Jordan, on a self-guided tour that covered all the highlights as well as hidden gems of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Petra is a stunning ancient city in Jordan, with its incredible architecture built into the red rock, it oozes history. It had been on my bucket list for years – and I took full advantage of a multi-day pass to make sure I had the chance to explore everywhere. 

Whether you are travelling solo, with friends or family, this two day Petra itinerary will help you make the most of your time and money in this magical and alluring place. Let’s get started!

Some of the links on Meet Me In Departures are affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Table of Contents

The Best 2 Days in Petra Itinerary 

Not only is this one of the top places to see in Jordan , but it’s also one of the most iconic ancient landmarks in the world. If you’re looking to bring out the Indiana Jones or Lara Croft in you, you can’t go wrong with Petra. 

If you think of Petra, you probably think of The Siq opening up to the Treasury – after all, that’s the famous shot that is used everywhere – however, in this Petra itinerary , I delve into much more than the archaeological site has to offer. 

This ancient city is full of wonders and surprises that will leave you in awe! Although there’s an abundance of things to see in Petra in two days , this list below features the key highlights which are absolute must-dos!

What to See in Petra

• Walk Down the Siq
• Take the Trail Out to the Monastery
• Stand in Front of the Treasury at Sunrise
• Explore The Royal Tombs
• Wander Down the Street of Facades
• View the Treasury From Above
• Climb Up to the High Place of Sacrifice

Two Days in Petra – Know Before You Go

Are you ready to explore the ancient city of Petra? 

Whether you’ve already booked your trip or you’re still dreaming of it, you’ll want to know some handy tips before you go such as how to get to Petra or what to bring when travelling to Petra.

Read on and get excited for your 2 days in Petra, Jordan adventure!

Getting to Petra

The closest airport to Petra, Jordan is Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman. 

From there, you have multiple options to travel to Petra , including hiring a private car, taking a taxi, or utilizing public transportation such as buses or shared taxis.

Getting to Petra From Amman

To travel to Petra from Amman , the distance is approximately 235 kilometres (146 miles). This journey takes around 3 hours by road and you can travel by hiring a private car, taking a taxi, or using public transportation such as buses or shared taxis.

Read Also: How to Get from Amman to Petra – 5 Options

Getting From Wadi Musa to Petra

Wadi Musa is the nearest town to Petra. This is the town I stayed in during my Petra trip. 

It’s located approximately 1.5 kilometres (0.9 miles) away. It takes about 20-30 minutes to walk or a short taxi ride to reach the entrance of Petra from Wadi Musa. Shuttle services are also available for transportation between the two locations.

Can You See Petra in One Day?

Yes, it is possible to spend just one day in Petra. However, I do recommend allocating more time to fully explore the site. 

On a Petra one-day itinerary, you can cover the main highlights like the Treasury, the Monastery, and the Siq, but it may not allow for an in-depth exploration of all the areas within Petra.

Read Next: Why Visit Petra? 26 Reasons Petra Is Worth Visiting

Best Organised Petra, Jordan Tours

If you’re planning on visiting Petra, Jordan but want someone else to do the organization for you, then you might want to consider a tour of Petra with transportation included. 

If you’ve only got 2 days in Jordan, an organized tour might be the best way to see a lot in a short space of time Here are my top recommendations for organized tours. 

Where to Stay In Petra

There are plenty of options for places to stay. Because of the early starts, it’s more practical to stay at one of the resorts just outside the archaeological park entrance. However, these do come at a premium.

 You can find more affordable options in the nearby town of Wadi Musa. Here are my top two picks on where to stay during your Petra two days itinerary.

Boutique Accommodation – Movenpick Resort Petra

This first-class resort is situated right at the entrance of the Petra archaeological park. It offers a luxurious experience with a touch of oriental charm, featuring Middle Eastern fabrics and textures.

Check Availability via Booking

Check Availability via Agoda

Budget Accommodation – Rocky Mountain Hotel

Located in Wadi Musa, this hotel offers budget-friendly accommodation near the entrance of Petra, providing a convenient stay for travellers on a budget.

Is It Safe to Visit Petra?

If you’re concerned about safety during your vacation in Petra, Jordan, rest assured, Jordan is generally considered safe for tourists. 

The most prevalent issues are being scammed by taxi drivers – find out from staff at your accommodation for the typical price of a journey, and before you get into a taxi check the fare they state aligns with the price your accommodation suggested. 

I also recommended dressing slightly more conservatively, especially as a female, as Jordan is a Muslim country. Although there are no strict rules on dress, when you travel to Petra , Jordan it’s worth being respectful to their culture.

Read Next: What to Wear in Petra, Jordan

Tickets for 2 Days in Petra

During my trip to Jordan , I had planned for a 2 day Petra visit as well as the Petra at Night experience. 

You have the option to purchase passes for 1, 2, or 3 days to enter Petra. Remember to bring your passport as your name will be printed on the ticket, which is checked at the entrance. Tickets can be purchased in advance, at the gate, or as part of an organized tour with an official guide. 

Another option is the Jordan Pass, including a visa and attractions bundle, which can be obtained before entering Jordan from neighbouring destinations like Tel Aviv or Cairo. 

I highly recommend dedicating 2 days to visit Petra, Jordan. This gives you plenty of time to appreciate the sights, relax, and explore the surrounding hiking trails.

Read Also: The Best Jordan 10 Day Itinerary

The Best 2 Days in Petra, Jordan

If you’re wondering how to visit Petra, efficiently in two days, this section tells you how. 

I’ve listed all of these great places to visit in Petra in a logical order, so they form a route you can follow to make the most out of your time there. 

Petra Itinerary – Day 1

Start your Petra two day itinerary early and be at the gate before sunrise. Walk down the Siq crowd-free and stand in front of the iconic Treasury. 

From here continue past the Street of Facades, the Amphitheatre, and onto the Royal Tombs. Climb up to one of the lookout points to view the Treasury from above.

Then, take the trail out to Petras’s second most recognised landmark – the Monastery before hiking back out of the archaeological park. 

Refresh yourself in the late afternoon and get ready to head back into Petra Archeological Park to experience Petra by Night.

Petra Visitors Center

You’ll start the day here. If you haven’t purchased your ticket in advance, you can conveniently buy it at the Petra Visitor Centre. This building also serves as Petra Tourist Office – here’s where you can also book an official Petra Guide, the Petra at Night experience or find out from the staff what to do in Petra.

This building houses a small but informative museum and offers decent WiFi. However, the eateries and souvenir shops surrounding the Visitor Centre are often overpriced and of mediocre quality, so I advise bypassing these unless necessary. 

Additionally, there is a useful luggage storage facility available here where you can securely store larger items like suitcases or backpacks for the entire day.

The Gateway – Bab Al Siq

Bab Al Siq serves as the impressive entrance to Petra and acts as the gateway to the Siq, the main trail leading into the archaeological park. In Arabic, the term “Bab” means “gateway,” symbolizing the significance of Bab Al Siq as the entrance to Petra.

As you begin your walk from the park entrance to the Siq, you’ll come across various smaller temples and monuments. You’ll see some enormous square rock structures known as Djinn blocks. 

Another notable sight is the Obelisk tomb, featuring a temple topped with four pyramids. 

The Siq, the gateway into Petra, is the second most iconic landmark. The remnants of a large gatehouse and arch can be seen at the entrance. 

This natural rock formation stretches over 90 meters in height, with sheer walls along its 1.2-kilometre length. As you navigate the Siq, you may feel slight disappointment with every turn, expecting to catch a glimpse of the Treasury. However, the anticipation is rewarded when the breathtaking view of the Treasury finally emerges. 

This iconic sight is considered one of the most beautiful places in Petra, making the journey through the Siq truly memorable.

The Treasury (Al Khaznah)

You’ll feel like you’ve seen The Treasury before as you finally approach this majestic facade. It’s one of Petra’s most iconic sights, carved from red sandstone with amazing details, columns and statues.

It’s worth getting up early to visit Petra and enjoy The Treasury with fewer crowds. I arrived before the masses of crowds, there were just some photographers, vendors and camels. Although I’m not the biggest fan of early starts, it’s worth it to get to experience this! Later on, it gets very busy.

You can’t enter The Treasury, but it has three chambers inside and maybe a hidden tomb below. No one knows its true purpose.

The Street of Facades

The only way to go to The Street of Facades is to the right and along the bigger opening, unless you turn around and exit the Siq or ascend one of the lookout points and cliff-top hikes (I’ll explain more about lookout sites later). 

These are reportedly burial grounds and are well titled given the quantity of carvings on the rock face. 

The Theatre

You can’t miss the enormous theatre carved into the side of the cliff on your left-hand side. It is not possible to enter and climb over it like the other old theatres in Jordan like those at Jerash or the ancient theatre in Amman .

This theatre may have held a maximum of 4,000 spectators sitting. Just picture this space’s acoustics.

You can access The High Place of Sacrifice by using the path that runs directly to the right of the theatre. 

Read Next: The Best Things to Do in Amman in One Day

The Royal Tombs

• Urn Tomb – Look up as you are standing in the collonaded courtyard outside this temple. You’ll notice three hollows that lead to burial rooms around halfway up. While the main building is accessible, the chambers are not. This tomb derives its name from the ‘Urn’ at the top; up close, it can be difficult to make out the shape, but from a distance, it is easy to see.
• Silk Tomb – The Silk Tomb is close to the Urn Tomb. The sandstone of this tomb has the most stunning swirls of red, orange, purple, and yellow colour. This is also how the Tomb got its name.
• Corinthian Tomb – The Corinthian Tomb was once a gorgeous younger sister of The Treasury. Unfortunately, erosion over the years has reduced it to a mere ghost of its former splendour. After worshipers had been cleansed in one of the four basins outside of the temple, they would enter one of the four halls inside, which were utilized for various rites.

• Palace Tomb – The Palace Tomb is the last of the four Royal Tombs. It’s clear why it’s been given this name given the large five-story facade and plethora of columns. This is the largest Royal Tomb. It’s around 50 meters in both width and height. It even had its own mini dam and water reservoir! The building is impressive with four gates each leading to a burial room, 12 ornate columns on the bottom tier, and another 18 pillars above, which are all stunning features.

• The Sextius Florentinus Tomb – This tomb is located farther north and away from the string of four Royal Tombs. It is named after Sextius Florentinus, who in 129 AD served as the administrator of the Arab state. It has a similar appearance to the Corinthian Tomb in that it has been severely eroded, yet you can still make out columns with triangular decorations on top and Latin inscriptions.

The Treasury Lookouts – For FREE!

If you want a stunning photo of Petra’s Treasury, I recommend climbing up the cliff and snap it from above. Don’t let the camel sellers in front of the Treasury tell you otherwise. They will try to charge you for the view. You can do it yourself for FREE! 

Just follow the Al-Khubtha Trail behind The Sextiux Florentinus. It’s a relatively steep climb with lots of steps, but it’s easy to follow –  you won’t get lost. The Petra trail leads to a cosy tent cafe where you can enjoy some mint tea and gaze at the amazing sight below.

The Lion Triclinium

Head back down from the viewing point and away from the Royal Tombs. You’re going to start making your way out to the Monastery before the crowds get too big.

The Lion Triclinium is located on a slope and requires a little bit of a detour on the way up to the Monastery. It is a modest tomb with a single entry faced by two lion carvings that have a very worn appearance.

The Monastery (Ad Deir)

If you love adventure, you’ll adore the Monastery! It’s a bit off the beaten track, but trust me, it’s worth the climb and effort of getting there. 

You’ll follow 730 ancient steps through a scenic valley until you reach a stunning plateau. There, you’ll see the biggest and most impressive Petra temple. It’s a masterpiece of rock-cut architecture, with elegant columns and a vivid blue sky backdrop. 

You can peek inside, but there’s not much to see. Just some benches, an altar, and some crosses on the wall – that’s why they call it the ‘Monastery’. 

Spend some time around the Monastery, there are a few cafes and eateries here. Then as the peak of the crowds is beginning to arrive, take the same trail back. 

Because of today’s early start and the that you’re coming back to Petra in the evening, I recommend taking a leisurely walk back out stopping off to enjoy the view or explore some of the smaller ruins en route. 

Petra by Night

Imagine seeing The Treasury in Petra glowing with candles and music! One of the best things to do in Petra on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights is to visit when Petra opens after dark. 

You’ll follow a path of 1500 lanterns through The Siq and arrive at in front of the majestic facade of the Treasury. Mats have been laid out, where you can sit and be entertained by traditional music. Then, watch as The Treasury lights up with different colours. It’s a magical and fun way to see Petra! 

Remember, you’ll need a special ticket for this night’s show – it’s not included in the day ticket. I advise booking Petra by Night in advance, but you might also be able to purchase a ticket on the day from the Petra Visitor Centre. 

Petra Itinerary – Day 2

The second of your two days in Petra trip starts with a hike up to the High Place of Sacrifice. Take the winding word stairs up for one of the best panoramic views of the archaeological park. 

Take the trail down the back of the valley, and visit some of the lesser-known buildings, including The Garden Triclinium and Tomb of The Roman Soldier. 

The trail will eventually lead you out to the Collanaded Street, which you walked along yesterday on the way to the Monastery. Spend the remainder of the afternoon exploring the selection of ruins around here before heading back out of Petra Park. 

The High Place of Sacrifice

If you love a challenge and a stunning view, don’t miss the High Place of Sacrifice! Follow the ancient steps behind the Theatre and climb to the top. You’ll see two obelisks and an altar carved from the rock. Imagine the rituals that happened here!

There are several hiking trails in Petra. This one leads you to a peaceful spot with amazing views of Petra and Wadi Farasa. Not many tourists come here, so you can enjoy the beauty of the desert pretty much to yourself. 

The Lion Fountain

As you leave the High Place of Sacrifice, descend the other side of the cliff, away from the main park. On your way down, you’ll go past the Lion Fountain sculpted in the rock. It’s amazing how you can still recognize the lion’s shape despite the erosion.

The Garden Triclinium

As you explore the Wadi Farasa Valley, you’ll discover some amazing temples that most tourists miss. This path takes you to some hidden gems of Petra’s ruins. The first one is the Garden Triclinium.

This temple was not for burials but for water rituals. Check out the water tank in front of it! However, I wouldn’t be drinking or touching the water in there! 

Tomb of The Roman Soldier

Not far from the  Garden Triclinium, you’ll find the Tomb of the Roman Soldier. It gets its name from the three statues of warriors in the niches. The place is full of ancient fragments of temples and tombs. They say this tomb was once part of a huge and lost exit temple complex.

From the Tomb of the Roman Soldier, you’ll loop back around and probably come out somewhere near Collonaded Street. The path is a little ambiguous here, but I did end up finding a small dried-up river bed which I followed back down to the main area. 

Although you’re unlikely to get that lost – it is a little unnerving – especially as the desert in the distance is so vast. There’s next to no one on these trails, just the odd shepherd and tourist. I do suggest having some form of the offline map here just for your peace of mind. 

The Colonnaded Street

If you love old cities, you’ll adore Petra’s Colonnaded Street with its stones and pillars. The Nabateans made it first, but the Romans widened it to 6 metres later. 

It was like a mall, a market and a hangout spot all in one. Don’t miss the stairs on the left that lead to the plaza. That was the core of the city back then.

The Nymphaeum

You’ll see the Nymphaeum as soon as you enter the Collonaded Street. It was once a stunning public fountain covered with lots of decoration. Even though it’s not as well-preserved as the one in Jerash Ruins just north of Amman , you can still admire its beauty.

And don’t miss the ancient juniper tree next to it! It’s been there for 450 years!

Related Article: Visiting Jerash Ruins, Jordan

The Great Temple

The Great Temple is a stunning landmark here with its fallen pillars, flowery sculptures, steps and decayed walls. You can wander around and admire everything on this huge site. It’s the biggest ruin in Petra’s archaeological park.

Look for the hexagonal tiles in the yard, the small theatre and the amazing carvings all over the place.

The Byzantine Church

Don’t be fooled by its modest exterior, this Church is amazing inside!

Look down and admire the stunning mosaics that cover the floor edges. They are so intricate; you can see patterns, food, animals, sea creatures, the seasons and deities.

The Blue Chapel

The Blue Chapel is located only a little bit higher on the slope than the Byzantine Church. Even if it’s a modest ruin, the rock columns do have a gorgeous blue colour.

The Temple of Qasr al-Bint

Just a few steps away from The Great Temple, you’ll find the amazing temple of Qasr al-Bint. It has a huge arch that towers over you, 23m high. This temple features a large hall with walls and seats and rooms on the sides.

Visiting Petra Tips

This two day Petra travel guide is the most efficient way to see the archaeological site. To get even more out of your visit to Petra, here are some useful travel tips . 

• During your trip to Petra, start early and beat the crowds. Petra opens at 6 am and you’ll have the best views and photos without the hordes of tourists.
• Wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water. Petra is huge and you’ll be walking a lot on uneven terrain. Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun.
• You may hire a local guide to Petra or join a tour. They can also show you hidden gems and shortcuts that you might miss otherwise.
• Bargain with the vendors and don’t buy animal rides. Petra is full of souvenir stalls and camel drivers who will try to sell you their goods and services. Be polite but firm and don’t be afraid to haggle. Also, avoid supporting animal cruelty by not riding horses, donkeys or camels.

Petra Two Day Itinerary – FAQs

We’ve already covered a lot so far in this Petra 2 day itinerary. This next section has answers to any other questions you might have about your trip.

When Is the Best Time to Go to Petra?

The best time to visit Petra is during the spring months of March-May and the autumn months of September-November. During these months, the weather is cooler and more pleasant for touring out and exploring some of the iconic sites in and around Jordan .

What’s the Nearest Airport to Petra, Jordan?

The closest airport to Petra, Jordan is the Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), located in Amman, the capital city of Jordan. It is approximately 236 kilometres (147 miles) north of Petra.

Can You See Petra With Just One Day in Jordan?

Yes! It is possible to visit Petra in one day from certain locations in Jordan, such as Amman. However, I recommend allocating more time to fully experience and appreciate the beauty of this ancient city.

How Many Days In Petra?

To really enjoy Petra, I suggest staying for at least two days. This way, you can explore the different trails, see the monuments from different angles, and learn more about the culture and traditions of the people who built them.

Do I Need Two Days in Petra?

I highly recommended spending at least two days in Petra to fully appreciate its beauty and explore the site. This allows for a more leisurely pace, the opportunity to see more attractions, and the chance to experience Petra’s magical atmosphere.

Is Petra at Night Worth It?

Yes, experiencing Petra at night is definitely worth it. The Treasury is beautifully illuminated by thousands of candles, creating a magical and enchanting atmosphere. 

The night tour offers a unique perspective of the site and allows you to experience its beauty in a different light!

Is It Worth Spending 3 Days in Petra?

Yes, spending three days in Petra is worth it, especially if you are interested in trying the lesser-trodden Petra hiking trails. 

It allows you to not only visit the main attractions but also venture off the beaten path and enjoy a more immersive experience in the fascinating landscape.

How to Get To Petra, Jordan

To get to Petra, Jordan, you can fly into the Queen Alia International Airport in Amman. From there, you can hire a private car, take a taxi, or use public transportation to reach Petra. The journey from Amman to Petra takes around three hours by road. If you’re staying in Wadi Rum desert , you can also organise transfers through your accommodation.

Can You Go In Petra?

Yes, visitors are allowed to enter and explore Petra. You can purchase an entry ticket at the Visitor Center, which grants you access to the archaeological site. Once inside, you can navigate the trails and paths to explore the ancient city and its iconic landmarks. You can not go inside the Treasury or the Monastery but you can enter lots of the smaller temples. 

What Shoes to Wear in Petra, Jordan

I recommended wearing comfortable and sturdy shoes suitable for walking and hiking. Opt for closed-toe shoes with good traction, such as hiking boots or sneakers. The terrain in Petra can be uneven and rocky, so it’s important to have proper footwear for stability and comfort.

Is Jordan Expensive to Visit?

Jordan can vary in terms of cost depending on your travel style and preferences. Generally, it is considered moderately priced for tourists. Accommodation, transportation, and attractions are reasonably priced, while dining and shopping can range from affordable to upscale

What Can I Do in 3 Days in Jordan?

With three days in Jordan, you can explore the highlights of the country. Start in Amman, visit the Roman Theater and Citadel, and then head to Petra for a day of exploring the ancient city. End with a visit to Wadi Rum or the Dead Sea for relaxation and floating in its unique waters.

How’s Your Petra Two Day Itinerary Shaping Up?

So, are you ready for your two days in Petra itinerary?

Petra had been on my bucket list for years, and it didn’t disappoint. It truly is worthy of a spot on the list of Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. 

Although I could have found enough stuff to do for a week here (there are SOOO many hiking trails!) with 2 days in Petra, Jordan, you’ll get a decent insight into the archaeological park beyond the main highlights. 

This two day Petra itinerary gives you enough time to see everything at a comfortable pace with enough time to stop and take everything in. You’re going to love it!

Looking for more reasons to visit Jordan? read more inspirational articles here…

• Complete Guide to 10 Days in Jordan
• How to get from Amman to Petra
• 26 Reasons Petra Is Worth Visiting
• What To Wear In Jordan
• The Best Things to Do in Amman

Hey, I'm Becki......and I'm a self-confessed DIY travel addict and experience connoisseur!

In other words, I’m a solo traveller on a mission to experience the best adventures our fabulous little planet offers. I love creating my own itineraries that focus on unforgettable experiences, from climbing mountains and scuba diving to spotting wildlife and exploring ancient ruins.

When I'm not on an adventure, you'll probably find me sipping coffee or with a glass of wine in hand, planning my next journey.

Petra Itinerary: how to spend 2 days in Petra

This post is a self guided Petra itinerary that will help you make the best out of your 2 days in Petra. 

Petra is Jordan’s biggest tourist attraction and the reason many travellers decide to visit Jordan in the first place. The ancient complex is famous for its stunning location in the desert mountains. Petra was a city carved out of the red sandstone rock formations in the area and archeologists still work on the question how it was built exactly. 

With this Petra itinerary I will guide you in 2 days through the most important places in Petra. It is focused on independent budget travellers and therefore this Petra itinerary can be done without a guide.  

Why visit Petra?

Petra is now one of the seven new wonders of the world and it has starred in famous movies like Indiana Jones. It wasn’t too long ago tough that people didn’t know about Petra at all. Only the local bedouins that lived in the carved out rocks knew about this city of a lost civilization. 

It was only in the early 19th century that Western explorers got to know about the ruins. What they found was the ancient capital of the Nabateans. As early as 300 BC Petra was a wealthy city on the trade route that brought spices and other goods from Africa to the Arab world. What made it thrive was an advanced irrigation system allowing the Nabateans control of water in the desert environment. 

Once the Romans took over, the city lost its importance. A series of earthquakes caused a lot of damage, but it was also a lack of water that made people abandon the city. Left in ruins, the Bedouin descendants of the Nabateans kept roaming around the area. Knowing all along about the wonder that was kept hidden from the rest of the world for so long. 

The B’doul Bedouins

Nowadays, Petra is no longer a secret. Tourism is the main source of income for the local Bedouins, but has also forced them outside of their cave homes in the archeological site. For many generations, the B’doul bedouins of Petra, lived a semi-nomadic existence as goat herders. The relocation out of Petra to the new settlement of Umm Sayhoun has forever changed their traditional lifestyle for better and for worse. 

At first sight, it looks like every Bedouin works in the tourism industry, but they are in fact a marginalized community in Jordan. Unemployment in Umm Sayhoun is high and the Bedouins are overrepresented in the lower paid jobs of selling souvenirs, donkey rides and tea. They are now trying to make a living in what was once their home.

A 2 day Petra itinerary

Any Petra itinerary will involve lots of walking over rocky terrain. The ancient capital of the Nabateans covers a large area and to preserve its monuments, motorized vehicles are not allowed. Even if they were, most trails would not be suitable for them. Petra is best explored on foot.

If the prospect of so much walking seems daunting to you. Don’t be too worried. Even if you are not an avid hiker, you can see most of what Petra has to offer. The key to enjoy any hiking trail in Petra is to take your time. Stop often, look around you and enjoy the views. You will notice details that you wouldn’t have seen otherwise. 

It’s best to focus your Petra itinerary on the most popular hikes that go through the archeological park. In this post I will discuss 5 trails that will bring you along the best things to see and do in Petra. Most of them are just a few kilometers, but the time it takes differs greatly as there are some steep and scary climbs involved.   

Petra itinerary Day 1 

On the first day of your Petra itinerary I recommend the easy Main trail and the Ad Deir trail to the Monastery. This will guide you along Petra’s highlights in one day. 

Distance : 4 kilometers one way

Time needed : 2 – 3 hrs

Level : easy

The main trail is the easiest of trails in Petra and one that everyone should take to enter. If you have limited mobility there is the possibility to go with a horse cart, donkey or camel. Do keep in mind though that there are serious concerns about the animal welfare in Petra and in general I would not recommend these options. 

Petra’s main trail starts with the 2 kilometer walk through the narrow siq. As this is the only way to enter and exit Petra you will probably walk this more than once. Personally, I saw new details every time I went through. To truly appreciate the beauty of the Siq, I can recommend getting up early, at least once, to be there before the crowds arrive.

The Treasury

The Siq ends at the famous Treasury or Al Khazneh. Legends abound that it contained many hidden treasures, but so far, nothing has been found. Traces of bullet holes on the stone urn show that many people did try to find any. The Treasury is in fact a mausoleum of the Nabatean king Aretas and the impressive facade was carved out of the sandstone rocks. 

Street of Facades

After the Treasury, the main trail continues through the street of facades where one can see more structures carved out of the sandstone rock formations. All of these were Nabatean tombs of senior officials. The higher the position, the more elaborate the rock carvings and decorations. 

Petra Theatre

The Petra theatre was built by the Nabateans. Although it’s design is similar to that of a Roman theatre, it was completely carved out of the sandstone rocks and therefore its construction was distinctively Nabatean.   

Collonaded street

After the theatre you can continue the main trail to the center of Petra. As the road widens up to a large open space you can clearly see the collonaded street. This was the main street in Petra. It was already a shopping street during the Nabateans, but was refurbished by the Romans and hence the Roman feel. There are also a couple of Roman ruins in this area such as the Nymphaeum at the beginning of the collonaded street and the remains of the Hadrian’s gate at the end. 

The Great Temple

South of the collonaded street is the Great temple of Petra. Although called a temple it is not sure whether this large monumental complex, with its central location, was a religious building at all. It might also have been an administrative center. No matter its function it was an important building as findings and elaborate details suggest.

Qasr al Bint

At the end of the collonaded street one can find two ancient Nabatean temples that did have a religious function. The temple of the Winged Lions was dedicated to the supreme Goddess of the Nabateans and the Qasr al Bint to the main deity of the Nabbateans. 

Al Deir trail 

Distance : 2 kilometers one way

Time needed : 45 minutes up, 30 minutes down

Level : moderate

At the end of the main trail you can continue exploring Petra with a number of trails that start from here. My recommendation for your first day in Petra is the Al Deir trail. Or the way to the famous monastery. 

The Monastery trail is a 45 minute climb up, but if you take it step by step, it isn’t too difficult. It’s 850 steps to be exact, but believe me, that it’s worth the effort. Just take your time and bring enough water with you. 

The Monastery

The reward is the largest monument in Petra. The impressive facade is 45 meters high and 50 meters wide. Like the Treasury it was a Nabatean tomb and it was never in use as a monastery.  Once you have reached the monastery you can take your pictures, have a little rest and then choose to either go back or do some more climbing towards a viewpoint. If you have just a little bit of energy left, I would recommend the latter.

The Panorama views over Petra are spectacular and will probably motivate you to do more hikes on your second day in Petra. It will probably take you about 2 hours to walk back from the Monastery to the Visitor centre using the Monastery trail and Main trail. As the sun sets the siq looks quite different from the early morning hours. 

Petra itinerary Day 2 

On your second day in Petra, you will once more enter through the main trail. I must say that I really didn’t mind walking the main trail for a second time. With less photo stops than yesterday it took me about an hour to reach Petra’s main square

From there you can opt for some of the less popular hikes that will bring you to the more remote and quiet places in Petra. These hikes will include some steep climbs and I must be honest that they might be a challenge for those with a fear of heights. 

Al Khubta trail

Distance : 1.7 kilometers one way

Time needed : 1 – 2 hours

Level : easy till the royal tombs, after that moderately difficult 

I started my second day in Petra with the Al Khubta trail that starts opposite the theatre. The Al Khubta trail leads you past the royal tombs on towards a viewpoint from where you can see the Treasury from above. It’s 900 steps, but like the Al Deir monastery trail, it is doable if you take your time. 

Insider tip: the Al Khubta trail leads you towards a free viewpoint from where you can see the Treasury from above. At the Treasury there will be lots of wanna be guides that will want to lead you to other viewpoints that are not free. These trails are not official and therefore not recommended. They might be less safe and you can cause unnecessary damage to the archeological site by going off the established paths. 

Royal tombs

Even if you don’t want to do the steep climb, the easygoing first part of the Al Khubta trail is still worth it, because of the royal tombs. These sets of tombs with elaborate facades probably belonged to the royal family of the Nabateans. The red sandstone rocks are particularly colourful here. 

If you entered the Al Khubta trail from the theatre, the Urn tomb is the first one you come across. It has a large terrace in front. It probably belonged to the Nabatean king Malchus II and was later used as a church by the Byzantines. 

The Silk tomb might have a simple facade compared to the others, but it might be one of my favourites because of the impressive colours. The Corinthian and Palace tomb facades are not that beautifully renovated as the Treasury and the Monastery, but one can see how large they must have been.   

When you finish the Al Khubta trail you can either walk back to the Treasury through the main trail or take a back route by connecting the Wadi Al Farassa trail with the High place of sacrifice trail. 

Wadi Al Farassa trail 

Distance : 2.7 kilometers one way

Level : easy 

The Wadi Al farassa trail is an easy trail that starts at the Qasr Al Bint on Petra’s main square. Wadi Al Farassa was one of the more quiet areas where I met few other tourists. You come across several tombs that are relatively simple in style. It’s the scenery and landscape that is the true attraction here. 

For the first 30 – 45 minutes you are walking through Zantur hill. At first sight there is not much to see, but archeologists found evidence of a residential area with rich merchant homes. After that you come to a valley with several monuments before the climb up to the high place of sacrifice. 

This is one of the few trails that you can make into a loop. By connecting with the High place of sacrifice trail you end up near the Treasury. 

Tomb of the Soldier

The tomb of the soldier is well preserved. As the name suggests it was thought to be the burial place of a Roman soldier, but this was not the case. Research shows that the tomb is much older. The three manly statues are thus Nabateans and not Romans. Whom the tomb really belonged to is unknown.

Garden temple

The Garden temple or Garden tomb was neither a tomb or garden. And that’s all that is known about its function. The wall right next to the monument might suggest something. The stone wall belongs to a water reservoir system. Actually the water and irrigation system in Petra that the Nabateans made is as impressive as its tombs. 

Though less visibly stunning, it was the control of water that made Petra thrive. The channels that were cut out of the rocks not only allowed Petra access to sufficient water, it also protected the area from flash floods.  

Lion fountain

Before heading up to the place of High sacrifice you pass by the lion fountain. You can still see remnants of its body, although the head is missing. It’s possible that it was built in a way that water gushed from the lion’s mouth and provided drinking water to the people in Petra. 

After the Lion fountain you will start the somewhat scary and steep climb up to the High place of sacrifice.

High place of sacrifice trail  

Distance : 1.2 kilometers one way

Time needed : 1 hour

Level : difficult 

The High place of sacrifice trail is another steep climb that will reward you with more panorama views over Petra. In this Petra itinerary you start the High place of sacrifice trail from Wadi Al Farassa making it into a loop that ends near the Treasury. The other way around the High place of sacrifice trail starts near the Theatre and involves a 1 hour climb up. 

The high place of Sacrifice is a high plateau where animals were sacrificed to the gods. You can clearly see the structures on which animals were sacrificed including channels to drain the blood. To be honest, the High place of Sacrifice trail alone wasn’t as spectacular as the other trails I mentioned here. It really is the possibility to connect with the Wadi Al Farassa trail that makes it worth the climb. For the best views I do recommend the Al Khubta trail or the viewpoint at the monastery.

More than 2 days in Petra

If you have more than 2 days in your Petra itinerary you can choose to do some of the less popular trails such as the 2.5 kilometer Umm al Biyara trail or the 9 kilometer Jabal Haroun trail.  

I can also really recommend Little Petra that is located not far from Wadi Musa. It’s less crowded and not that big and therefore does not require a full day. Entrance is free and therefore a quick visit before or after the real Petra is definitely worth it.   

Petra itinerary travel tips

Sustainable tourism in petra.

With more than a million visitors per year, sustainable tourism in Petra is of utmost importance. The Care for Petra campaign specifically focuses on the prevention of child labour, animal abuse and the preservation of the fragile sandstone structures. 

Be a responsible tourist. Don’t climb on the monuments and make sure not to damage them. Don’t litter. Do not buy rocks or antiquities, especially not from children. At last, try to avoid the donkey rides. Not only are the animals not always taken well care of, their hooves increase the erosion of sandstone steps made by the Nabateans.

How to get to Petra

Petra is easy to reach from either Aqaba or Amman . I wrote a separate post about how to travel from Amman to Petra . Jordan is more than Petra alone and if you plan your journey wisely the way to Petra could be almost as spectacular as Petra itself. 

The scenic Kings highway has lots of interesting stops along the way such as the mosaic city of Madaba and the Dana Nature Reserve . 

How many days in Petra

Entrance to Petra does not come cheap. If you plan a visit to Jordan, you should consider the Jordan Pass . You can buy a one day, two day or three day pass. Initially I bought a three day pass, but due to a flash flood raging through Petra the day I arrived, I could only go for two days. 

In the end I think 2 days in Petra was enough to see the most important things and I was able to do the four most popular trails. That said, they were two long and exhausting days. Especially the Al Khubta trail and the High Sacrifice trail are difficult unless you are really fit. For a more relaxed and easygoing program you might want to spread these trails out over 2 days instead of one. 

Petra itinerary tips

The archeological complex of Petra is huge and excavations are still going on. As recently as 2016 a massive monument was discovered . No matter how you visit, you will probably do lots of walking over rocky terrain. Sturdy shoes with ankle support are recommended.

There are only a few restaurants in Petra and considering the distances you will walk, there might not be one near you when it’s lunch time. Plan accordingly and bring some food with you.

When you are in Petra don’t forget to drink enough water (at least 3 liters per person per day). While you can buy bottled water in Petra itself, it is expensive and adds up to the plastic bottle problem. There is no recycle program in Jordan, so think about bringing a refillable bottle. The tap water in combination with a water filter, steri pen or water purification tablets is safe to drink. 

Although there is some shade on the trails, you will also walk in the sun a lot. Bring sun protection (sun screen, sun hat, sun glasses) with you. 

Safety and scams in Petra

Solo female travellers should be aware of the Bedouin love scam. Bedouin hospitality does exist, but it is rare in Petra where tourism is big business. Be mindful about invitations from Bedouin men for ‘free’ rides, tours, walks, meals at their family homes or a night at their desert cave. Remember, nothing is for free in Petra. 

The above doesn’t mean Petra is dangerous for solo female travellers. I had a great trip to Jordan and felt perfectly safe as a woman. I found the love scammers to be pretty obvious. Most are young men starting with an innocent conversation before moving on to some kind of invitation. It was easy to sense where it was going and after a firm, no thank you (la, shukran), most of them left me alone.  

There are other scams in Petra too. As soon as you enter Petra there are lots of wannabe guides that want to show you ‘secret’ trails and viewpoints. Remember that the official trails are easy to find without a guide. Other trails are generally not recommended, because they are not safe or the risk of dnmaging fragile sandstone structures. Therefore stick to the official trails and if you really like a guide for more information, negotiate a price beforehand.

When to visit Petra

Petra is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is from March to May (spring season) and from September to November (autumn season). During these months, the temperature is moderate, and the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities.

In the summer months (June to August), the temperature can reach up to 40°C (104°F), and the heat can be intense. If you can tolerate the heat, then you can visit during these months. However, it is recommended to avoid the midday sun and stay hydrated.

In the winter months (December to February), the temperature can drop below freezing, and there may be occasional rainfall. While the winter season is not as popular as the spring and autumn seasons, it can be a great time to visit if you enjoy cooler weather and fewer crowds.

Sustainable Travel in Jordan

Jordan is a beautiful country that has a lot of things to offer. While tourism is a welcome source of income for the local community, it can also have negative consequences. Traveling sustainably in Jordan, involves conscious choices that minimizes your environmental impact and support the local community.

Support the local community:  You can support the community by purchasing goods and services from local vendors, artisans, markets and restaurants. It is better to try local cuisine that uses local ingredients rather than imported foreign foods. While Jordanian food is not very vegetarian friendly, there are some vegan options like hummus and falafel.

Stay in small scale sustainable hotels : It is better to stay in locally-owned guesthouses or homestays to support the local economy directly. These accommodations often have a more positive impact on the environment compared to large hotels.

You can try to look for guesthouses or homestays that prioritizes sustainable practices. That said, environmental awareness is still low. It’s up to you to use water sparsely, turn off lights, air conditioning, and heating when leaving your accommodation.

Leave no Trace principle : Plastic pollution is a big problem in Jordan. To avoid single-use plastics, invest in reusable items. For example, you can bring your own water bottle with a filter that you can refill at your accomodation.

Respect the culture : Besides environmental concerns it is also important to respect the culture. Jordan is an Islamic country. Therefore, learn about the local customs and traditions beforehand and be mindful of your behavior.

People will appreciate it, if you dress modestly. Learning a few basic phrases in Arabic, can go a long way in building meaningful connections and to learn more about the local culture. Not everybody is happy to have their picture taken. When in doubt, ask permission.

Disclaimer: This post about 2 days in Petra contains affiliate links. If you buy any service through any of my links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. These earnings help me to keep Backpack Adventures alive! Thanks for your support

6 thoughts on “Petra Itinerary: how to spend 2 days in Petra”

Dear Ellis, thank you very much for this post. I am going to Petra in a couple of days; I booked my flight and accomodation 10 days ago and your blog seems really helpful! Since this will be my first time to Jordan and I am trying to organise last minute I would like to ask you if you could confirm there is a transfer service from AQJ to Wadi Musa. I am still searching some infos but not finding anything interesting (apart from private expensive cars). Thank you 🙂 Angela

I am not sure there is anything except private cars from Amman airport. If you have time and the budget taking a taxi along the Kings highway is recommended. Interesting stops and beautiful views.

Thanks for the post! I’m going to Jordan tomorrow, for 8 days, and as a solo female traveller for the first time in the Middle East I’m equally excited and a but terrified! So, good to hear about your positive experiences!

Hi. Since my mobility is slightly reduced, I would like to know what would be a reasonable price for the the main trail with a horse cart for 2 people? And would the give you enough time to enjoy the scenery? Thank you for the blog. It’s super useful.

I do not know the current price for a horse cart. It’s part of the game to negotiate a price that you both feel comfortable with. If you have reduced mobility I would say the main trail is indeed perfect to see some of the main sights. You enter through the siq and you can see the street of facades as well as the collonaded street. You will definetly be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery and if you have a day ticket you will have plenty of time for the main trail. I think you will even have time to go beyond the main trail. I don’t know how reduced your mobility is, but you can for example check out the royal tombs.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ahh … What is Petra? 

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

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

Petra Map and Information 

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

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

Best Petra Temples, Tombs and Buildings

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

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

The Siq and the Petra Treasury – Al-Khazneh

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

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

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

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

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

Petra Street of Facades

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

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

The High Place of Sacrifice

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

The Theatre

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

Royal Tombs

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

Colonnaded Street and the Great Temple

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

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

Petra Church

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

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

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

Petra Monastery – Ad-Deir

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

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

Best Petra Hiking and Petra Trails

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

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

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

Petra Main Trail (Red Trail)

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

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

Petra Monastery Trail – Ad-Deir (Pink Trail)

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

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

Al Khubtha Trail (Green Trail)

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

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

High Place of Sacrifice Trail (Orange Trail)

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

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

Little Petra to Monastery

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

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

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

Jordan Trail – Dana to Petra Trek

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

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

Top 15 Tips to Visit Petra Jordan  

1. best time to visit petra and petra weather.

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

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

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

2. How to Get to Petra

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

3. Getting Around Petra

Street of Facades

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

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

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

4. How Many Days in Petra?

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

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

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

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

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

5. How to Avoid the Crowds at Petra

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

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

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

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

6. What to Wear in Petra  

Place of High Sacrifice Trail

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

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

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

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

7. Petra Entrance Fee

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

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

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

8. Petra Tours and Guides  

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

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

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

9. Food and Drink

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

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

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

10. What to Bring to Petra

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

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

11. Petra Bathrooms

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

12. Where to Stay in Petra

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

13. Petra Visitors Centre

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

14. Petra Cave Bar

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

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

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

15. Little Petra

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

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

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

Petra Itinerary – Day 1

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

Key Details 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Evening – Petra by Night

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

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

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

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

Petra Itinerary – Day 2 

Key details.

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

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

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

Morning – Main Trail and Monastery 

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

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

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

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

Midday and Early Afternoon – High Place of Sacrifice

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

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

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

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

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19 comments.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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