Petra also known as the “Rose-Red City” is a 2000-year old city that was carved into sandstone cliffs. It is a surreal place where elaborate structures such as temples, amphitheaters, and mausoleums were chiseled by hands out of rocks. It’s no surprise that this place is one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological sites and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. If visiting Petra Jordan is on your bucket list and don’t know where to start from, our complete guide will help make the most of this once in a lifetime destination. This sprawling wonderland of unbelievable architecture is sure to blow your mind.
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What To Expect In Petra Of Jordan
Petra is a huge archaeological site city carved out of rose-red sandstone cliffs. It is one of the must visit places in Jordan as it has a mix of natural beauty, ancient civilization and Bedouin culture. Walking through this archaeological marvel will make you feel like you have stepped back in time. From spectacular tombs to beautiful monuments, from elaborate structures to hand carved houses, everything about this place will leave you awestruck.
Petra’s Past
Petra’s history dates back to the 6th century BCE when it was first found by the Nabateans, an Arab tribe. Since it was strategically located along ancient caravan routes that connected Egypt, Arabia and the Mediterranean, Petra became a hub for trading. It is also believed that Petra is where the Biblical figure Moses struck a rock to bring forth water. However, due to a series of earthquakes and shift in trade routes, the place lost its charm and was eventually abandoned. It was re-discovered in 1812 by a Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig and then in 1985 went on to be recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, due to its out of the world rock-cut architecture, Petra is considered as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
How To Get To Petra Jordan
Petra is located in the southern part of Jordan. Hence to get to Petra one needs to fly into Jordan’s Queen Alia International Airport in Amman. From Amman it’s a 3 to 4 hours’ drive to Petra. There are buses operated by Jordanian companies that depart at 6:30am and arrive in Petra at 10:30am. For your return journey, take the bus that departs Petra at 5:00pm. Alternatively, you can also rent a car or take a private taxi or even book a guided tour. Personally we recommend joining an organized tour for a hassle free experience.
Distance From Nearby Places:
- Amman(Capital of Jordan) – 3-4 hours
- Wadi Rum Desert – 90 minutes
- Aqaba – 2 hours
- Dead Sea – 3.5 to 4 hours
Best Time To Visit
With summers being extremely hot and winters being freezing cold, the best time to visit Petra is between March–May and September–November. During this time the weather is comfortable for exploring by foot. Make sure to plan your visit very early in the morning or late in the afternoon to escape the scorching heat of the sun.
Book Now: Private Sightseeing Tour Visit to Petra with Licensed Guide
Entrance Timings & Ticket Price
Timings: Petra Jordan is open every day from 6:00am to 6:00pm in summer and from 6:00am to 4:00pm in winter.
1 Day Ticket: 50 JOD
2 Day Ticket: 55 JOD
3 Day Ticket: 60 JOD
Jordan Pass: 70-80 JOD (Entry to Jordan’s major tourist sites)
Petra by Night: 17 JOD (Monday, Wednesday and Thursday) 8:30pm to 10:30pm
Petra Jordan’s Top Attractions
Siq
This is the starting point of your Petra tour. A 1.2 km easy walk between narrow gorges with two towering rock walls makes for a dramatic entry to Petra’s main attraction, the grand entrance of Petra. Nabataean religious carvings and ancient water channels carved into walls can be seen as you walk through. For those who don’t wish to walk, there are horse and carriage rides to take you around.
Treasury
Petra’s most iconic and photographed façade is the Treasury (Al-Khazneh). This is basically a tomb or treasury that belonged to a Nabataean king. Its intricate Hellenistic architecture is an example of Nabataea rock-cut architecture. Make sure to visit in the morning for that perfect front lighting.
Street Of Facades
A row of 40 rock cut tombs carved into a single cliff reflects Petra’s architectural brilliance. Each of these burial chambers have beautiful designs that demonstrate how the Nabataean craftsmanship has evolved over centuries. These tombs are believed to have been that of senior Nabataean officials who ruled during the end of the 1st century BC.
Petra Theater
This Hellenic-style amphitheater situated 600 m from the center of Petra was carved directly from solid rock. The exterior walls, stairways to ascend and sections of seating were all carved out of rocks. The place is so huge that it can accommodate approximately 8500 people at a time.
Royal Tombs
This is a collection of four magnificent tombs (Urn, Silk, Corinthian, and Palace Tombs) that were reserved for monarchs and high-level aristocracy. These tombs were carved into the western side of Khubtha Mountain and offered panoramic views over the city.
Monastery
The Monastery (Ad-Deir) is a hilltop temple that offers breathtaking views of Petra’s landscape. To reach the monastery one needs to go on a challenging uphill hike of about 800 steps. The entire hike, including the time for exploration, will take about 3-4 hours.
Qasr al-Bint
The Qasr al-Bint is a temple built by the Nabataeans around 30 BC. What makes this temple different from the others is that, in a place where everything is carved out of sandstone cliffs, Qasr al-Bint is the only free-standing structure in Petra. This temple dedicated to Nabataean gods is one of the most important temples in Petra.
High Place Of Sacrifice
This was the place where animal sacrifices were made to please the Nabatean God Dushara. Since it is located at 170 meters high, one needs to climb several steps to reach the place of sacrifice. Once up there, it offers 360-degree views of the ancient city of Petra and the surrounding mountains which are simply breathtaking.
Petra Travel Tips
- There will be a lot of walking and climbing to do, hence make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
- Carry water to stay hydrated and some sunscreen to protect from the intense afternoon sun.
- Dress comfortably, preferably in breathable cotton shirts and yoga pants.
- To stay connected throughout the trip purchase an Airalo eSIM.
- To beat the crowd and the heat, start exploring in the morning when the temperature is still cool and comfortable.
- Book a guided tour for a more fascinating and enriched experience.
- Respect the locals and their culture.
Suggested Reads: Jordan Is Totally Underrated So Here Are 6 Reasons Why You Should Visit
Conclusion
With Petra Jordan being not too expensive to visit, it receives more than 500,000 visitors a year from all over the globe. So, if some day you plan to visit Petra, do refer to this guide to craft that perfect experience. Happy exploring!
FAQs
Petra is a huge archaeological site, but with proper planning you can see it in a day. If you wish to explore it in a more leisurely pace, add another two days to it.
Yes, there are different types of tours available to explore the lost city. Private Tours, Group Tours, Back Entrance Tours, Full-Day Tours, and Night Tours are the different options available.
Rocky and uneven terrain can make Petra challenging for older travelers or people with mobility issues. However there are specifically designed tours for people with mobility limitations. Before booking check with your tour operator for best options that suits your fitness level and capabilities.
Due to the ongoing conflict between its neighboring countries Israel and Palestine, tourism is down. However there are many people visiting Petra Jordan and have confirmed that it is absolutely safe. This is your chance to see Petra without having to deal with the crowd.
