Travel Guide of Petra in Jordan by Influencers and Travelers

Petra, originally known to its inhabitants as Raqmu, is a historical and archaeological city in southern Jordan. Petra lies around Jabal Al-Madbah in a basin surrounded by mountains which form the eastern flank of the Arabah valley that runs from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba.

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20 pictures of Petra from Magda B, Andrew Palmer, Callie Joseph and other travelers

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Travelers' favorite tours and activities:

• Private 3 Hours Inside Petra Tour: Treasury from the Top Off the Beaten Track - from $88
• Amman to Petra: Round-Trip Private Transfer with Tour Option - from $135
• 2 Day Tour: Petra, Wadi Rum, Red Sea, and Dead Sea from Amman - from $249

How to visit Petra ?

To get to Petra, you can fly into Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan's capital. From there, you can rent a car, take a bus, or book a guided tour to reach Petra, which is about a 3-hour drive from Amman. You can also fly into Aqaba's King Hussein International Airport, which is closer to Petra, and then travel by car or bus.

It is essential to book your tickets to Petra in advance, particularly if you plan to visit during peak tourist season (March to May and September to November). You can buy tickets online through the official Petra website or through authorized tour operators. Consider purchasing a Jordan Pass, which includes entry to Petra and other popular sites in Jordan, as well as waiving your visa entry fee.

The cost of visiting Petra depends on the duration of your stay. One-day tickets cost around $70, while two-day and three-day tickets cost $78 and $85, respectively. Additional expenses include transportation to and from Petra, food, and accommodation.

The best things to do in Petra include exploring the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), the Monastery (Ad-Deir), the Royal Tombs, the Street of Facades, and the Great Temple. If you're physically fit and adventurous, hike the Al-Khubtha Trail to enjoy a unique view of the Treasury from above.

For dining options, consider Al-Wadi Restaurant, which offers Middle Eastern cuisine and a view of the Petra mountains, or the Basin Restaurant, located within the Petra site and serving a buffet-style lunch.

As for accommodations, the Movenpick Resort Petra is a luxurious option just outside the entrance to the site. For budget-conscious travelers, the Petra Guesthouse offers comfortable rooms and is also located near the entrance. Another option is the Rocky Mountain Hotel, which provides affordable lodging and beautiful views of the surrounding area.

Off the beaten path:

For an unusual travel experience in Petra, consider visiting Little Petra, also known as Siq al-Barid. This lesser-known site is located just a few kilometers north of the main Petra site and is often overlooked by tourists. It features similar Nabataean architecture and is believed to have been a suburb or a commercial center of Petra. Exploring Little Petra allows you to enjoy the beautiful architecture and history without the crowds found at the main site. Another unique experience is taking a guided night tour of Petra, where you can witness the majestic beauty of the Treasury illuminated by hundreds of candles, creating a magical atmosphere.

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Learn More about Petra

Petra is a magical city and a must-see site in Jordan. One can make a trip to Jordan just for this Nabatean city where the caravans of incense and spices from Happy Arabia stopped. At the end of the siq, the canyon of Wadi Musa appears the baroque Khazneh or Treasure. After the Lower City, where temples and chiseled tombs abound, comes the Roman cardo, and then the tough climb to the Deir. But what a marvel and what a panorama on the valley of the Wadi Araba and the djebel Harun! You should also take the time to go and see the high places of the sacrifices and El Beida, to spot the betyls, the cisterns, and water pipes which are also technical feats!

Take the time to discover this ancient city of the Nabateans, classified as a world heritage site. The secret of this city was jealously guarded by the Bedouins until 1812. A Swiss explorer discovered this city during one of his trips to the East. But it was necessary to wait longer, 1929, so that excavations allow to rediscover numerous treasures and hidden vestiges. In the 1980s, Bedouins still lived in these troglodytic sites. Today, Petra attracts many visitors and has become a museum city, but if you go to Jordan, a visit to this site is a must. And you will not be disappointed.

Petra: what to do?

Take a whole day to walk around the site. Stay as long as possible in the evening to discover Petra without tourists. On certain evenings of the week, the site is open at night and illuminated with candles, all along the Siq and up to the Treasury. Then a small music show is given in front of the Treasury.

You have to pass by the Siq and in front of the Treasury. Then do not hesitate to go up to the monastery, the view is magnificent, there are few tourists and the facade is very beautiful. It takes about 45 minutes of walking to go up, the laziest can go up by donkey. To see also the High place of the sacrifices and the countless frontages of which the royal frontages scattered here and there.

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Petra

How to dress in Petra for a woman?

Women wear long skirts or dresses, which cover their arms, and are veiled but their faces remain visible.

In the modern parts of Amman, they dress in western style but remain veiled.

Why visit Petra?

Petra is one of the most fascinating historical sites in the world, combining romance, visual theater, and adventure.

A first glimpse of the Khazneh, one of Petra's treasures, which is the iconic facade made famous in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, will stay with you for a long time.

What to do and see in Petra?

Petra is one of the most fascinating historical sites in the world, combining romance, visual theater, and adventure. A first glimpse of the Khazneh, one of Petra's treasures, which is the iconic facade made famous in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, will stay with you for a long time.

Visiting Petra is not just about seeing the facade that we all know from movies and photos. The entrance to Petra is a long and winding sandstone canyon (gorge) known as the Sîq. Before entering this canyon, you will pass the Tombs of Gaia, the Nabatean necropolis in the present-day village of Wadi Musa.

All along the way, you will be able to observe the ingenious water supply and distribution system built by the Nabateans.

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