Visiting Petra, Jordan: A Complete Practical Guide

Petra is one of the world's great ancient sites, a rose-coloured Nabataean city carved into desert cliffs in southern Jordan. The famous Treasury facade is only the beginning; Petra is a vast archaeological landscape that rewards a full day, ideally two. A little preparation makes the difference between a rushed glimpse and a memorable visit. The site is far larger than first-time visitors expect, with kilometres of trails, hundreds of carved tombs and viewpoints that most day-trippers never reach.

How to arrive

Most visitors base themselves in the town of Wadi Musa, which sits right at the entrance and offers hotels for every budget. Petra is reachable by car or bus from Amman in roughly three to four hours, and from Aqaba in about two. Gulf travellers often combine it with the Dead Sea and the desert of Wadi Rum.

The walk in

From the visitor centre, a path leads through the Siq, a narrow gorge of towering rock walls that builds anticipation until it opens dramatically onto the Treasury. From there the trail widens into the Street of Facades, the Royal Tombs and a Roman-era theatre.

• The Siq walk to the Treasury takes around twenty to thirty minutes.
• Wear sturdy shoes; the terrain is uneven and dusty.
• Carry plenty of water and sun protection.

The climb to the Monastery

Beyond the main valley, a stepped trail climbs to the Monastery, an even larger carved facade than the Treasury and, for many, the highlight. The ascent is long and steep, but the view and the relative quiet at the top are worth the effort. Set aside several hours for the round trip.

Tickets and timing

The Jordan Pass, bought before arrival, bundles your visa waiver with Petra entry and is excellent value if you are also seeing other sites. Enter early in the morning to walk the Siq in soft light and ahead of tour groups. The site is large, so do not underestimate the walking distances.

What to bring

• Comfortable hiking shoes and layers for cool mornings.
• At least two litres of water per person.
• Sunscreen, a hat and some cash for tea stalls and tips.

Beyond the main trail

Most visitors turn back after the Monastery, but Petra rewards those who explore further. The High Place of Sacrifice is a steep climb to a clifftop altar with sweeping views over the valley. The trail to the Treasury viewpoint, reached from the main path, offers the iconic look down onto the facade from above. Little Petra, a short drive from the main entrance, is a smaller carved canyon worth a quick visit and far less busy.

Where to base yourself

Wadi Musa has accommodation for every budget, from simple guesthouses to comfortable hotels, many within a short walk or shuttle of the gate. Staying overnight lets you enter at opening and, on select evenings, experience Petra by Night, when the Siq and Treasury are lit by candlelight. For Gulf travellers, combining Petra with Wadi Rum's desert camps and the Dead Sea makes an excellent three or four day loop through southern Jordan.

Best season

Spring and autumn are ideal, with comfortable daytime temperatures. Summer middays are hot, so start at opening and rest in shade. Winter can be cold and occasionally wet, but crowds are thinner.

Frequently asked questions

Can I see Petra in one day?

You can cover the Siq, Treasury, main valley and the Monastery in a long, active day, but two days let you explore side trails and viewpoints at a relaxed pace.

Is Petra suitable for families?

Yes, though the distances and the Monastery climb are demanding for young children. Short horse, donkey or cart rides are available for parts of the route.

Do I need a guide?

A licensed guide enriches the history, especially around the tombs and the Nabataean engineering, but the main routes are well signposted for independent visitors.

Petra is a place to walk slowly and look up. Arrive early, climb at least one of the high trails, and let the scale of this carved city sink in beyond that first famous glimpse of the Treasury. Few ancient sites combine drama and discovery quite like Petra, and the memory of walking out of the Siq stays with you long after you leave Jordan.