Why Visit Petra?
Petra stuns as one of the New Seven Wonders where the Siq's narrow canyon opens onto the Treasury's rose-red façade carved 2,000 years ago by Nabataean Arabs, ancient tombs honeycomb sandstone cliffs in rainbow hues, and the 800-step climb to the Monastery rewards with facade twice the Treasury's size overlooking desert valleys. This UNESCO archaeological treasure (one of world's most important sites) hides in southern Jordan's mountains—'lost' to Western world until 1812 rediscovery, yet Bedouin tribes lived among ruins for centuries. The approach through the Siq overwhelms: 1.2km canyon narrows to 3 meters between 80-meter walls, natural rock formations create abstract art, and anticipation builds before the Treasury appears through final gap—Indiana Jones filmed here, cementing Petra's cinematic fame.
Yet Petra extends far beyond the Treasury: Royal Tombs carved into cliff faces, Roman theater seating 3,000, Colonnaded Street's ancient marketplace, and hundreds of facades requiring full-day exploration (or multi-day pass). The Monastery (Ad Deir) demands 800 stone steps (45-60 min climb) but delivers Petra's largest monument—50m wide facade where Bedouin tea shops serve mint tea with stupendous views. Hiking trails reach High Places of Sacrifice, viewpoints over Wadi Araba, and hidden tombs requiring scrambling.
Yet summer heat (35-45°C) and tourist crowds (cruise ship groups from Aqaba) challenge—visit October-April, arrive at 6am opening, and budget 2-3 days for thorough exploration. Wadi Rum's Mars-like desert (2 hours south, $50–$100 jeep tours) extends adventures with Bedouin camps under stars. The ancient city's scale astounds—inhabit proper hiking shoes, sunscreen, and 3+ liters water.
With Jordan Pass (70-80 JOD ≈ US$99–$113 / $97–$113 depending on 1-3 days in Petra) including Petra entry plus the 40 JOD visa fee, it's excellent value for multi-day visits, nearby Wadi Musa town's hotels/restaurants, and combination with Dead Sea/Wadi Rum/Amman trips, Petra delivers archaeological wonder and desert adventure.
What to Do
Main Petra Sites
The Siq & Treasury
The dramatic entrance: 1.2km narrow canyon with 80-meter walls closing to just 3 meters wide. Natural rock patterns create abstract art. Walk takes 30-40 minutes before the Treasury suddenly appears through the final gap—Petra's most iconic view (Indiana Jones filmed here). Treasury is 40m high, carved 2,000 years ago by Nabataeans. Best photos: mid-morning (10-11am) when sun illuminates the facade. Arrive at 6am site opening to have it nearly alone for 1-2 hours.
The Monastery (Ad Deir)
Petra's largest monument—50m wide, 45m high, twice the size of the Treasury. Requires climbing 800 stone steps (45-60 minutes, tiring but worth it). Bedouin tea shops at the top serve mint tea with stunning desert valley views. Less crowded than Treasury. Morning light (8-10am) is best for photos. You can continue beyond to viewpoints for even more dramatic vistas. Allow 2-3 hours round trip from Treasury area.
Royal Tombs & Colonnaded Street
Massive facades carved into cliff face: Urn Tomb, Silk Tomb, Corinthian Tomb, and Palace Tomb. Climb steps to enter chambers and see the interior. Colonnaded Street was Roman-era marketplace with shops. 3,000-seat Roman Theater nearby (carved from rock, still impressive). This area is between Treasury and Monastery—allow 1-2 hours. Afternoon light (3-5pm) is beautiful on the tomb facades.
Beyond the Main Trail
High Place of Sacrifice
Ancient Nabataean religious site reached by carved stone stairway. 45-minute climb with panoramic views over Petra and surrounding mountains. Two obelisks and sacrificial altar at top. Less crowded than Monastery. Can descend via alternative trail past Garden Tomb and Roman Soldier Tomb. Best morning (sun from behind) or late afternoon. Requires good fitness—steep climbs and uneven steps.
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
Free 'mini-Petra' 15 minutes north of main site. Smaller Siq, carved facades, and less crowded. Only takes 1 hour to see. Good if you want Petra experience without crowds or cost, or as add-on before/after main visit. Has oldest Nabataean paintings (in Painted House, if unlocked). No ticket needed. Morning or afternoon both fine. Combine with trip to/from Wadi Rum.
Petra by Night
Sunday-Thursday evenings, 8:30-10:30pm (weather permitting). Walk through candlelit Siq to Treasury with sound-and-projection show. Bedouin music performance. Costs 30 JOD per adult (children under 10 free). Mixed reviews—some find it magical, others touristy and short. Photos difficult (dark), more about atmosphere. Book tickets at Visitor Centre on the day. Dress warm (cold at night). Best if you have 3+ days and want different Petra perspective.
Desert Extensions
Wadi Rum Desert
Mars-like desert landscape 2 hours south of Petra—dramatic red sand, towering rock formations, and Lawrence of Arabia filming locations. Book jeep tours ($50–$100 4-6 hours) or stay overnight in Bedouin camps ($50–$150 with dinner, sleeping under stars is incredible). Day trip possible but overnight recommended. Combine Petra + Wadi Rum for ultimate Jordan experience. Most tours arrange transport from Wadi Musa or you drive.
Gallery
Travel Information
Getting There
- Airports: AQJ
Best Time to Visit
March, April, May, October, November
Climate: Warm
Weather by Month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10°C | 5°C | 14 | Wet |
| February | 13°C | 7°C | 9 | Good |
| March | 17°C | 9°C | 10 | Excellent (best) |
| April | 21°C | 12°C | 4 | Excellent (best) |
| May | 28°C | 17°C | 2 | Excellent (best) |
| June | 29°C | 20°C | 0 | Good |
| July | 32°C | 23°C | 0 | Good |
| August | 31°C | 22°C | 0 | Good |
| September | 33°C | 24°C | 0 | Good |
| October | 28°C | 20°C | 0 | Excellent (best) |
| November | 19°C | 12°C | 5 | Excellent (best) |
| December | 16°C | 9°C | 4 | Good |
Weather data: Open-Meteo Archive (2020-2024) • Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0) • Historical avg. 2020–2024
Budget
Excludes flights
Visa Requirements
Visa-free for EU citizens
💡 🌍 Traveler Tip (November 2025): November 2025 is perfect for visiting Petra!
Practical Information
Getting There
Nearest airport: Aqaba / King Hussein Intl (about 2 hours' drive). Expect around 75-100 JOD (≈$103–$140) for a private taxi/transfer. Most visitors, however, fly into Amman (3-3.5 hrs north; JETT bus about 10 JOD / $14). Wadi Musa town (hotels/restaurants) is base—walk 10 min to Petra entrance. Rent cars in Amman ($40–$70/day) for flexibility (Petra, Dead Sea, Wadi Rum circuit).
Getting Around
Walk Petra site (10-20km depending on routes). Donkeys/horses to Treasury ($19 optional). Donkeys to Monastery ($19 up, $15 down, bumpy ride). Walking recommended—proper shoes essential. Siq has horse carriages (included in ticket to entrance, optional). Wadi Musa: taxis JOD2-5.
Money & Payments
Jordanian Dinar (JOD, JD). Exchange $1 ≈ 0.77-0.78 JOD, $1 ≈ 0.71 JOD. Cards at hotels, cash needed for tickets, taxis, food. ATMs in Wadi Musa. Tipping: JOD5-10 for guides, 10% restaurants, JOD2 for services. Jordan Pass best value (includes visa + entry).
Language
Arabic is official. English widely spoken in tourism—guides, hotels, restaurants. Petra signage English/Arabic. Communication easy. Bedouins may speak limited English but gestures work.
Cultural Tips
Early arrival essential: gates open 6am—arrive early to beat cruise ship crowds (10am-2pm chaotic). Bring 3+ liters water, snacks, sunscreen, hat, proper hiking shoes. Treasury: afternoon light best for photos. Monastery: morning light better. Petra by Night: mixed reviews, touristy but atmospheric. Donkey rides: animal welfare concerns—walk if able. Vendors: persistent but polite refusal works. Dress: modest (shoulders/knees). Flash floods: rare but deadly—avoid if rain forecasted. Budget 2-3 days for thorough exploration. Wadi Musa hotels: budget-friendly ($19–$80/night).
Perfect 2-Day Petra Itinerary
Day 1: Classic Petra
Day 2: Hidden Petra or Wadi Rum
Where to Stay in Petra
Wadi Musa Town
Best for: Hotels, restaurants, shops, tourist services, budget to luxury, walking distance to Petra entrance
Petra Entrance Area
Best for: Visitor center, ticket office, hotels (Mövenpick), restaurants, convenient, pricier
Petra Archaeological Site
Best for: Ancient city, Treasury, Monastery, tombs, hiking, full-day exploration, no accommodations
Little Petra
Best for: Free smaller site, 15 min north, fewer crowds, worthwhile if time allows, day trip
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