Where is Petra, Jordan

The enchanting archaeological site of Petra is situated between the rough mountain ridges that encircle Wadi Musa, a small town in southwest Jordan.

With nearly 1 million visitors annually, this New World Wonder is considered the number-one tourist attraction in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

A brief history of Petra

Before you start exploring the incredible grounds of Petra, I believe it’s essential to learn about the ancient city’s intriguing history, so here’s a brief overview.

It is said, that the region of present-day Petra was first inhabited around 7.000 BC, as historians and archaeologists found traces that lead back to several Neolithic villages.

Around the 4th century BC, a nomadic Arab tribe named the Nabataeans reached the area, who in the following years decided it was time to leave their nomadic ways of living behind.

With incredible riches and a set of advanced engineering skills, the Nabataean people started building their settlement, that many historians believe to be one of the most sophisticated ancient cities ever made.

From that moment on, Petra became the capital of the Nabataean kingdom and prospered into a major trading hub for luxuriant goods, such as incense from Arabia, silk from China and spices from India. At its peak, more than 30.000 people called Petra their home.

At some point, the international trade routes shifted, and along with it the power, wealth and reputation of the Nabataean kingdom and its people. This significant change left Petra vulnerable to the Romans, who eventually took over the rock-cut city in the year 106 AD.

Under Roman rule, Petra thrived once again, and in addition to the utterly fascinating rock-cut buildings of the Nabataeans, the Romans added several new structures to the city.

Unfortunately, due to two earthquakes in 363 and 551, Petra was partly ruined, which resulted that it became abandoned by its people, and eventually forgotten.

Though the local Bedouin people knew exactly where it was, ‘the lost city of Petra’ had been kept secret to the rest of the world for over a thousand years.

It wasn’t until Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered it in 1812, that the ‘rose-red city is half as old as time’ was put on the map of those from the western world.

Today, Petra is among Unesco’s New World Wonders with nearly 1 million visitors annually.

Things to see and do in Petra

With hundreds of impressive structures, dazzling viewpoints and a number of adventuresome hiking trails dotted throughout Petra, it’s hard to imagine that 85 per cent of this ancient Nabataean city is still hidden under the dusty soil.

Though it sounds overwhelming, it is actually quite straightforward to explore the valley, with one well-mapped-out walking route from the Petra Visitor Centre to the Monastery.

On top of that, there are several alternative trails that take you to the lesser-known structures, as well as panoramic viewpoints offering incredible vistas of Petra and its surrounds.

Also, I highly advise having realistic expectations – the Petra complex is simply too extensive to see in its entirety.

That said, let’s get into the highlights of Petra.

Al-Siq, Petra’s famous entrance passage

It is inevitable that the first part of your Petra adventure starts by walking through the Siq, a narrow 1.2-kilometre-long gorge that slowly guides you into the hidden rose-red city.

Take it from me, it’s a sensational experience to follow the path between the towering natural rock walls, knowing that Petra’s famous Treasury could show up at any given time.

At some point, the gorge narrows to a width of roughly 2 metres, while it is flanked by towering rock walls. Given the light still enters the Siq from above, these incredible circumstances create loads of awesome photography opportunities.

The Siq is also the place to see the Nabataean’s progressive water system, leading water from Wadi Musa into the city via small channels that are carved directly out of the rock walls.

The Treasury – Al-Khazneh

There it is, Petra’s absolute centrepiece – the otherworldly Treasury, locally known as Al-Khazneh.

Seeing the famous facade of the Treasury through the narrow crack of the Siq is in many ways a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience.

Cut out of rose-red sandstone rocks, the Treasury is an impressive 39-metre-high structure that is said to be the mausoleum of Nabatean King Aretas IV, who ruled Petra during the 1st century AD.

Legend has it that an Egyptian pharaoh hid his treasure in the urn on the upper part of the facade, which resulted in the name; Al-Khazneh – Treasury of the Pharaoh.

At present, the urn is marked by rifle shots, given the local Bedouin people hoped that the believed ‘treasure’ would eventually fall out of the facade.

For an unforgettable experience, make sure you’ll arrive at the Treasury as one of the first – I know, waking up early on holidays sounds like a no-go, but believe me, it’s totally worth it!

The Nabatean Theater

Situated on the left side of the Street of Facades lies the Nabatean Theater, a time-worn theatre that was built more than 2000 years ago.

Though it is often assumed that the theatre descends from the Romans, it is actually built under Nabatean rule – which is reflected in the distinctive rock-cut architecture for which the latter is known.

The initial theatre had a capacity of 3000 seats, but the Romans eventually enlarged it to 8500, which made it one of the largest theatres in Jordan.

The Royal Tombs of Petra

Next in line are the Royal Tombs, a series of four unique tombs; the Urn Tomb, the Silk Tomb, the Corinthian Tomb and the Palace Tomb.

What makes the Royal Tombs one of the most impressive things to see in Petra, is that these four tombs cover the entire side of a humongous mountain.

And though the Royal Tombs look stunning from afar, I would also recommend visiting each tomb individually if you have the time.

Do note that all four tombs are positioned on an elevated platform, and can only be reached by following the steps up on the right side of the Street of Facades.

The Monastery | Ad-Deir

Despite being the furthest away from the Petra Visitor Centre, the Monastery is actually one of the most popular monuments in the complex, and given its incredible appearance, this is no surprise.

Hidden high in the mountains of Petra, this incredible place is reached by following the rocky 800 steps up, which should take no longer than an hour if you have hiking experience.

Following the scenic hike up, you’ll be welcomed by a stunning rock-cut facade (both in size and looks), and seeing it up close and personal, is in many ways something to look forward to.

In addition to the Monastery’s impressive facade, the area also houses several awe-inspiring panoramic viewpoints, as well as an excellent restaurant to grab some well-deserved refreshments.

For the best perspective and photography possibilities, make sure you climb the viewpoints behind the restaurant too.

The Garden Temple

Situated in a scenic valley just off the popular main trail, the Garden Temple is actually a bit of a hidden gem.

One of my favourite moments in Petra was exactly here, enjoying a cup of fresh mint tea while a local Bedouin played me some traditional melodies.

While it requires somewhat more effort to get to the Garden Temple, it was one of my favourite places in Petra, given the authentic atmosphere and only a handful of other people exploring it.

From here, you can also follow the stairs up in the direction of the High Place of Sacrifice.

Al-Khubtha Trail, admire the Treasury from above

If you’re keen to see the iconic facade of the Treasury from above, the adventurous Al-Khubtha Trail should definitely be on top of your list of things to do in Petra.

Starting at the Street of Facades, the Al-Khubtha Trail takes you along the Royal Tombs of Petra, before you climb the steep stairs to the summit of the Jabal Al-Khubtha.

From here you’ll have stunning panoramic views of the Petra theatre, the Street of Facades, the Colonnaded Street, as well as the surrounding valleys of Petra.

After taking in the views, turn left into the valley, where a sketchy downhill trail takes you to the most iconic viewpoint in the whole of Petra – believe me, I’m not exaggerating.

At the end of the trail, you see a small bedouin hut that serves as a cafe. Though the costs are inflated here, it is quite an experience to enjoy the epic view with a cup of tea or a refreshing juice.

One thing worth mentioning is that the Al-Khubtha Trail runs in one direction, meaning you have to hike the same way back.

Additional things to see in Petra

As you probably already know by now, Petra is huge in size, meaning you’ll have to plan your visit thoughtfully if you want to make the most of it.

While exploring the above-listed highlights will easily consume two days of your time, there are a few additional landmarks that shouldn’t be left unnoticed.

So if you have enough time in the complex, consider visiting these ones too:

The High Place of Sacrifice

Situated atop the towering Jebel al-Madhbah mountain is the High Place of Sacrifice, a holy area that, as the name might suggest, was used for sacrifices and spiritual ceremonies.

These days, the High Place of Sacrifice is the most accessible of Petra’s high places, and reaching the summit takes only 45 minutes.

With no shelter from the sun during the hike, I’d advise visiting early morning or late afternoon.

Petra by night

In addition to your daytime adventures in Petra, it is also possible to behold the iconic Treasury under the starry Jordanian sky.

Three nights a week, Petra is all about its popular light show performance, when local Bedouin people make music and tell stories in front of the enlightened Treasury.

While I totally understand that a walk through the candle-lined Siq is a magical experience to many, the overall experience just wasn’t for me.

For those of you who want to visit Petra by night, it is held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 20:30 to 22:30, and tickets can be bought at most hotels for 17 JOD ($24) per person.

Where to stay in Wadi Musa, the gateway to Petra

It is good to note, that all explorations in Petra begin in Wadi Musa, and for that reason, this cosy little town is where you want to base yourself.

Right, Wadi Musa is only a small town, but when it comes to accommodation, you’ll have no problem finding an option that caters to your travel preferences and budget.

To help you find a place that suits your needs, I’ve listed some of my personal favourites below, one of which is marked – this is the place where I stayed.

Town Season Hotel | If you’re looking for comfort without breaking the bank, Town Season’s is for you. Located within only 20 minutes of the Petra Visitor Centre, this hotel offers well-designed rooms, comfy beds, a great in-house restaurant, and an excellent breakfast spread. Deluxe twin rooms at just $67 a night, make this place an absolute bargain.

+ Anbat Midtown Hotel | Located at the doorstep of Wadi Musa’s lively cafe and restaurant scene, this newly renovated hotel offers air-conditioned private rooms, a great breakfast, and several spacious common areas, including a rooftop terrace with a view. Add a free shuttle service to the Petra Visitor Centre, and you will understand why I stayed here.

Petra Guest House Hotel | Those looking for something more luxurious might want to check out this one. Located right next to the Petra entrance, this highly-rated hotel brings comfort and hospitality to a whole new level. Not only do they offer stylish air-conditioned rooms, a large garden, and incredibly friendly staff, but they also have an authentic cave bar set within a 1st-century Nabatean house. If you’re looking for a unique hotel experience, I highly believe this is your best option.

Alternatively, search for accommodations in Wadi Musa on booking.com.

The best time of year to visit Petra

Petra is situated in the vast desert landscape of Jordan, meaning it’s somewhat challenging in terms of the weather.

Given Jordan lies in the Middle East, it is good to note that it becomes sweltering hot during the peak summer months, yet freezing cold during the winter months.

Whilst Petra is open every day of the year, I believe the best time to visit is from early March to late May, and from early October to late November.

By planning your trip outside the peak summer months, you’ll steer clear of the intense summer heat, while you also share your experience with significantly fewer crowds.

However, the early mornings and evenings are often still pretty chilly in contrary to the pleasant day temperature. So make sure you bring at least one pair of trousers and a comfy hoodie!

The best time of the day to visit Petra

Let’s get right to it, the best time to visit Petra is early in the morning, or in the late afternoon.

Not only do you have better lighting for photography during these times, but there are also notably fewer people around the park.

Petra itself is open every day from 06:00 to 18:00 during the summer months, and from 06:00 to 16:00 during the winter months.

Given most of the large groups and guided tours arrive at Petra around 08:00, I would highly recommend waking up early for this one – believe me, it is more than worth it!

How to get to Petra

Given Petra is the most popular tourist attraction in the country, you’ll find a variety of transportation options to reach Wadi Musa.

To help you choose the option that works best for you, I’ve listed three options below – including the pros and cons of each.

CAR | Definitely, the most scenic way to get to Petra, Wadi Musa is by renting a car, which takes you through a set of rough and otherworldly landscapes along the way.

Another upside about driving in Jordan is the fact that most of the roads are actually in great condition, plus it is pretty cheap to fill up your tank.

Also, I believe that Jordan is one of the world’s best road trip destinations, meaning this option is obvious – make sure you check my Jordan road trip itinerary too.

For car rental in Jordan, I highly recommend Rentalcars.com. They offer brilliant service, additional insurance options (which is not an unnecessary luxury in Jordan), and a wide selection of cars to choose from. Prices and availability here.

GUIDED TOUR | Though I wouldn’t join a guided tour of Petra myself, it is actually quite a good option for those with limited time in the country.

Also, it is possible to visit Petra on a day trip from several cities in neighbouring Israel, including Eilat, Tel-Aviv and Jerusalem.

If a guided tour sounds interesting to you, I recommend booking one of the following options before arriving in Jordan.

Do keep in mind that some of the tours do not include the entrance fee to Petra itself.

Petra Full-Day Private Tour from Amman | This full-day private tour of Petra takes in all the major sights and includes an English speaking driver that picks you up at your Hotel in Amman.

Petra Full-Day Guided Tour from Eilat | Discover the incredible history of Petra with an expert guide by joining this full-day private or shared tour from Eilat – entrance fee and transport included in the price. Additional cost includes Border fees ($65) and visa fee ($60).

Petra, Jerash and Amman: 2-Day Tour from Jerusalem | This one is for those that wish to uncover the treasures of Jordan on a 2-day trip from Jerusalem, Israel. The tour includes transport, a well-spoken guide, two meals a day and the entrance fee to Petra and Jerash. Additional cost includes Border fees and visa fee (around $101 per person).

BUS | Since public transport in Jordan is limited, I would not necessarily recommend the use of it.

However, this doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to get to Petra by bus, it is Jordan’s number one tourist destination after all.

For those looking to visit Petra from Amman, JETT is a great private bus company that runs between Amman and Petra daily.

Do keep in mind that these buses operate on a fixed time schedule, meaning you’ll arrive in Petra around noon – which isn’t a problem if you’re planning to stay multiple days in Wadi Musa.

For tickets, availability, departures, and travel information visit the JETT website.