Petra Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

For me, Petra is one of the most awe-inspiring archaeological sites I’ve ever visited. As a child, I wondered whether “that place from Indiana Jones” was really as it was depicted in the iconic 1989 movie. Surely the Canyon of the Crescent Moon was built on a stage to add a feeling of remoteness and secrecy. Surely the slow pacing of the final scenes of the movie, when the characters approached the Temple of the Sun solemnly and reverently, was just clever and talented film direction. Seeing this jewel of antiquity is sure to leave a lasting impression. In this Petra Travel Guide, you will find the most important information on visiting the astonishing “Rose City” and how to get the most out of your visit, along with some tips from my experience.

This Petra Travel Guide was written by Daisy from nomad laptop.

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About Petra

Could a civilization really go to such lengths to hide their city, carve their temples directly into the canyon walls, build a literal oasis in the middle of the desert, and create the most spectacular entrance ever? This site would elicit a sense of awe in its visitors and showcase their architectural prowess, wealth, and influence. Well, yes, the Nabateans did just that 2,400 years ago. Today, Petra is widely celebrated as one of the world’s most significant ancient cities and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985 and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the Middle East.

Originally known as Raqmu and dating back to the 4th century BCE, Petra was constructed as the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom. The Nabateans were pivotal in the development of trade networks, serving as key intermediaries on the Incense Route connecting the Arabian Peninsula to the Mediterranean. This trade network allowed them to accumulate great wealth and transform their city into a thriving oasis in the harsh desert landscape. They masterfully managed water resources, constructing sophisticated systems of channels, dams, and cisterns.

This wealth and engineering mastery, as well as foreign influences, are reflected in the unique architecture of the city, which blends Hellenistic, Egyptian, and Nabatean traditions. After its annexation into the Roman Empire in 106 CE and the shifting of trade routes, Petra progressively lost its dominance as a cultural and economic center. It is often referred to as the “Lost City” because it was abandoned and mostly forgotten during the Middle Ages, only to be rediscovered by Western explorers in 1812.

Getting to Petra

Petra is located in the center of Jordan in the town of Wadi Musa, 150 km from the Jordanian capital, Amman, and 125 km from the southern port city of Aqaba, both of which have international airports.

Reaching Wadi Musa is a wonderful journey in itself, as Route 35, also known as the King’s Highway, is a 5,000-year-old road that cuts straight through the country, crossing desert landscapes and valleys. In general, Jordan lends itself perfectly to be explored on wheels on a short, but tightly packed road trip. Along the way, you’ll encounter sights such as the vast canyon of Wadi Mujib, the medieval castle of Kerak, the perfectly preserved Greco-Roman ruins in Jerash, Bethany Beyond the Jordan, officially recognized as the Baptism Site of Jesus in the Jordan River and the “Mosaic City” of Madaba. For more info be sure to read this Jordan Road Trip from Amman to Aqaba.

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Petra Travel Guide & Itinerary

Petra is not only home to the ultra-famous and iconic Treasury but is also a massive archaeological site that spans over 260 square kilometers. Navigating the entire complex is an extensive and immersive experience, with structures scattered widely across the landscape. Even if you were to rush through it (which you clearly shouldn’t), it would be a 5 km walk one-way. Keep reading this Petra travel guide to know when to go where.

Siq & Treasury (Al-Khazneh)

Starting at the main entrance near the visitor center, you’ll traverse a lengthy dirt road (which can also be covered by horse or cart, if you prefer) that leads to the Siq. This is the long, winding path naturally carved through the canyon, guiding you into the city. The walk through this gorge is an experience in itself, with smooth, rose-tinted rock walls occasionally allowing sunlight to filter through, and the path dotted with chambers. At the end of the 2 km road, you’ll find the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), the most famous landmark of Petra. The Treasury is both elegant and imposing, carved within the canyon walls, and with a rather small plaza.

Nymphaeum, Colonnaded Street & Great Temple

From there, continuing along the wide avenue and the eastern walls of the mountain, you’ll discover numerous tombs on the Street of Facades, which can be climbed to offer excellent views of the entire site. Beneath the tombs stand the ruins of the Nymphaeum, the remains of a massive public water fountain. Next is Colonnaded Street, the main road of the city, which crosses the central area of the park. This area has fewer shops and street vendors and lacks natural shelter from the sun or wind. At the end of this stretch, you’ll find the remains of the Great Temple, with a couple of food vendors and rest areas nearby.

Monastery (Ad-Deir)

At the end of this thoroughfare, you’ll encounter the climb to the Monastery (Ad-Deir). The path consists of about 850 steps (though I personally counted 737, perhaps due to a moment of compulsiveness). While the climb is challenging, it offers numerous scenic vantage points and small terraces where you can rest and enjoy tea from local vendors. The Monastery shares a similar architectural style with the Treasury but is larger and boasts a spacious plaza. It’s an ideal spot to relax at the café facing it, soaking up the sun and the stunning view. The total journey, from the Treasury to the Monastery, spans about 3.5 kilometers (plus the initial 2-kilometer stretch to the Treasury from the visitor center).

The 3 Entrances

The main entrance is the one described above that leads you through the Siq to the Treasury, then continues via the Street of Facades, past the Great Temple, and towards the Monastery.

The side entrance is especially suitable if you’re planning a two-day visit, offering a different route through the site. Though less scenic, as it follows a concrete road, it’s also less crowded, providing you with a serene exploration of the rock formations and smaller stone-carved monuments.

Perhaps the best route for visiting Petra is the rear entrance, which involves a hike or camel ride from “Little Petra” and leads directly to the Monastery. This approach bypasses the strenuous climb to the Monastery and allows you to leave the iconic Treasury as the grand finale of your visit.

Ticket Prices and Passes

Tickets allow entrance to the whole site and are valid for a full day without any time limits on the visit. The pricing structure encourages extended stays, with the cost being 50 JD for a single day, 55 JD for two days, and 60 JD for a three-day pass.

As an international traveler, you might consider the Jordan Pass, as it offers access to nearly all major attractions in Jordan, including the Amman Citadel and the Wadi Rum desert, in addition to Petra. It can be purchased when you enter the country during the required visa-on-arrival process. Similar to the individual Petra tickets, the pass comes in three options based on how long you intend to stay in Petra: 70 JD for one day (Jordan Wanderer), 75 JD for two days (Jordan Explorer), and 80 JD for three days (Jordan Expert).

Petra Accommodation Options

In the town of Wadi Musa, you’ll find a variety of accommodation options, from small hotels to backpacker hostels. However, be aware that it can become quite busy and crowded with tourists and by itself the city does not offer much. The best choice instead is to stay in one of the many desert camps that surround the site. These range from traditional and more barebones (but welcoming and cozy) camps to full “glamping” experiences, featuring large and comfortable tents equipped with heating, private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and other amenities. Generally, dining in camps is available, though often at set times and typically buffet-style or with limited menu options, so don’t expect a full à la carte restaurant experience.

Petra Travel Guide: Best Time to Visit

Seasons and climate

The best times to explore Petra are during spring and autumn. Winter visits can be less enjoyable due to cooler temperatures and shorter daylight hours, which limit your visit time. Summer also should be avoided as the desert sun can be unforgiving and many areas lack shade to provide relief. With Petra’s desert climate, you can expect strong sunshine during the day, making the atmosphere dry yet manageable. Desert climates are also characterized by their significant drop in temperatures at night, leading to chilly mornings after a night of accumulated cold. The area surrounding Petra in particular often experiences windy conditions, so whether you’re in a shirt during the day or wearing a sweater in the evening or morning, some additional wind protection is advisable. Hats or turbans will shield you from the intense sun, and sunglasses are essential to guard against the sand carried by the wind.

Opening Hours

Petra is open to visitors year-round with opening times from 6 AM to 4 PM.

Petra during the day

During the day, especially in the late afternoon before sunset, the site is beautifully illuminated as the sun bathes the monuments in light, highlighting the myriad shades of pink and golden tones in the rocks. Donkeys, camels, and horses are busy at work, while shopkeepers, cafes, and restaurants buzz with activity. However, these bustling scenes often lead to very crowded conditions, particularly in the narrow areas of the Siq and the Treasury. Due to the canyon landscape, noise from the many tourists and locals echoes off the towering rocks, creating an incredibly noisy environment that detracts from the scenery.

Petra in the Morning

An early morning visit to the Lost City offers a completely different experience and embodies the phrase “silence is golden.” The monuments take on a cooler, sandy hue, and visitors are sparse, partly due to the morning chill. Shopkeepers and street vendors are slow to open, and those present are usually preoccupied with brewing tea or coffee and preparing for the busy day ahead. Animals that roam the streets by day are typically grazing or resting. Small kittens play in the rock alcoves while waiting for the adults to bring back their nightly caught prey. Dogs amble about or simply lounge in picturesque spots. Everything is quiet, with only birdsong filling the air. Just sitting in front of one of the many tombs and alcoves on the Street of Facades and enjoying the sunrise that bathes the smooth, rose-tinted rocks is a beautiful sight in itself.

Petra by Night

To get the ultimate solemn experience, the site offers the Petra by Night Tour, available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, beginning at 8 p.m. and lasting around 2 hours. It is a breathtaking spectacle, with the Treasury plaza lit by candles that create a serene atmosphere. Even the “worst” tourists respect the ambiance of silence. You’re encouraged to enjoy the tranquility, and you’ll find that most people honor this peaceful experience.

More Tips for Visiting Petra

Explore more of the landscapes

If you fall in love with the desert landscape, be sure to add a few days to explore the Wadi Rum desert, possibly the second most popular attraction in the country. This is where the expansive desert reaches its climax and where desert camp accommodations are at their peak. Sandboarding, camel rides, quad biking, and cocktails at sunset are just some of the “desert entertainment” activities you can enjoy. But even just quietly sipping tea while surrounded by the vast, primordial nature is sure to entice you.

Self-Guided Exploration

Unlike many other archaeological sites, Petra doesn’t have an abundance of guided tour groups. Tour buses typically drop people off at the visitor entrance, allowing them to explore the vast complex independently. While you won’t be approached by locals offering guided tours, you will encounter street vendors selling souvenirs and offering horseback or cart rides along the road to the Siq. There is a cellular connection throughout the site, so you can navigate with map applications and look up information about the various sites yourself. If you like to take part in a guided tour, here are the most popular options:

Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes

As already mentioned in this Petra travel guide, be prepared for extensive walking. Simply following the main path through Petra will mean covering over 5 kilometers, so pack your most comfortable walking shoes. Be sure to also bring plenty of water (although it can be bought from the many street vendors) and a mandatory hat or head protection.

Explore Beyond the Treasury and Monastery

If you intend to spend multiple days, don’t restrict your visit to the Treasury and Monastery alone. The entire area is dotted with fascinating nooks and tombs carved into the mountainside. Taking breaks in cafes and restaurants offers you the opportunity to soak in the surroundings and appreciate the vibrant colors of the landscape, allowing you to immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere without feeling rushed.

Explore Jordan in 7 Days! 🎒
I hope you found this Petra travel guide helpful! If you enjoyed this post and are planning a trip to Jordan, don’t miss my detailed 7-Day Jordan Itinerary. It’s packed with tips and recommendations to help you make the most of your adventure.

And don’t forget to save this Petra Travel Guide for your Jordan trip!