Petra Travel Guide: 10 Things to Know Before Visiting Petra

    

Visiting the Lost City of Petra is on most people’s bucket lists, and with good reason. It’s considered to be one of the Seven New Wonders of the World, and words truly don’t do this place justice.

The entire city of Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is carved almost entirely from striking rose-colored sandstone. Petra has stood the test of time and is breathtaking from every angle.

We visited Petra this summer on our first trip to the Middle East. We were blown away by the sheer scale and preservation of Petra, the beauty of the city, and the kindness of the Jordanian people.

When planning a trip to visit Petra there’s a lot to take into account. Read ahead for my top things to know before visiting the ancient city:

10 Things to Know Before Visiting Petra

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1. Jordan is very safe.

The Kingdom of Jordan is located in the heart of the Middle East, sharing borders with Israel, Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. In spite of the country’s, well, “rowdy” neighbors, Jordan is very safe to visit.

Historically the U.S. has had a strong relationship with Jordan, as Jordan has taken a stance of opposition against violent extremism and terrorism. For the most current information on U.S. relations with Jordan click here and always check the State Department’s warnings before booking travel.

Petra is located in the southern part of Jordan — about a three hour drive from Amman and what feels like a world away.

Either rent a car or have your hotel arrange a taxi. Driving in Jordan is considered to be very safe, and we met a number of other tourists who rented a car and (successfully!) drove themselves to Petra.

2. Allow yourself more than one day in Petra.

Petra is massive. Be aware of the distances that are required for taking in all of the site.

When thinking of Petra at first glance, it’s the iconic Treasury from Indiana Jones and the Lost Crusade that usually comes to mind. In reality, Petra is an entire city that spans more than one hundred square miles.

Map of the site of Petra. Photo credit: On the Luce

Just to get to the Treasury, it’s more than one mile’s walk from the Visitor’s Center. Tack on three plus miles, mostly uphill, to reach the Monastery.

Three nights are ideal to take it all in – anything shorter will likely feel rushed.

Start early with a guide on the first day and visit the Treasury and city center, then hike up to the Monastery. On your second day, relax in the morning at the hotel, then head to Petra around 3:30 p.m. to hike up above the Treasury, watch sunset over the valley from the royal tombs, then stay for Petra by Night.

  First glimpses of the Treasury from the Siq, a camel ride in front of the Treasury

The town of Wadi Musa is located adjacent to Petra and has a number of great hotel options here for your stay.

We loved the Marriott at Petra – their warm hospitality, unbelievable pool views, and delicious local cuisine are worth the trip back to Jordan alone.

Bonus: A two-day ticket to Petra is only 5 JD more than a single-day ticket. Totally worth it to have an extra day to soak it all in!

3. Buy the Jordan Pass.

The Jordan Pass is a great bang for your buck if you’ll be spending a few days in the country.

For 70 JD (around $100 USD), the Jordan Pass includes the admission price to Petra, Wadi Rum, and many other attractions in the country.

The kicker – the Jordan Pass waives your tourist entry visa fee if you stay in Jordan for at least three nights. The visa fee itself is 40 JD (around $56 USD). With a single-day ticket to Petra costing 50 JD, you are already saving money even if it is your only destination.

Pro tip: Buy the Jordan Pass in advance, as it must be purchased prior to your arrival in the country.

     

4. You don’t need a tour group to visit Petra.

While traveling with a group can be great from a convenience standpoint, cramming into the back of a tour bus isn’t the only way to visit Petra.

We enjoyed going it solo and exploring Petra at our own pace. Given the safety of the country and the vast amount of resources available on-site, we were very happy to be going it on our own and not tied down to a group.

5. Hire a guide when you get there.

To get the full picture on the history of Petra, hiring a guide will be money well spent… but you don’t have to do it ahead of time.

We had the best luck hiring our tour guides in person when we arrived in Jordan. We found the prices we were able to negotiate live to be about one-third of what was listed online.

Your hotel or hostel will be able to assist you in booking a great tour guide, as well as transportation to and from Petra.

     Our guides Nael and Ahmed, experts on Petra

Another great option is to hire a local guide once you arrive at the site of Petra. These guys speak great English and grew up with the Lost City as their playground, so you’ll be in for a truly authentic experience.

My advice: Do both. Utilize your hotel for your first long day of guided tours to learn about the fascinating history of Petra. For your second day, walk to the Treasury and hire a local guide to take you on one of the many hiking trails.

6. Petra’s hikes aren’t for the faint of heart.

Speaking of hiking… It’s basically a mandatory part of visiting Petra. There are many trails within the site, ranging in duration and difficulty, with each leading to different viewpoints and places of significance.

You’ve been warned: these hikes are tough – some even so tough, that a guide is required and tourists are not allowed to attempt it alone due to safety concerns. Imagine unmarked trails, no handrails in sight, scaling boulders and even some vertical ascents!

But isn’t that sense of adventure and getting out of your comfort zone a big reason why you came to Jordan in the first place?!

The nail-biting view of the Treasury from above

Looking for the iconic, but vertigo-inducing photo of the Treasury from above, feet dangling over the edge of a cliff? Believe it or not, it was not looking down that was the scariest part, it was getting up there to begin with.

What was described to us as a quick hike up some steps was in actuality one of the most fear-inducing climbs of our lives. But the view from above, well, that speaks for itself.

For 10 JD our guide Ahmed led the way, helped us along, and talked us off the ledge when we wanted to turn around (pun intended).

     

The hike up to the Monastery at mid-day. Shady? No. Worth it? Yes!

The Monastery is one of the most impressive sights in the site, but one that many tourists don’t end up making it to given how difficult it is to get there.

The challenging hike up 850 narrow, uneven rock stairs is nothing to scoff at. Add in the desert heat plus dodging the donkeys hauling up less able-bodied tourists, and you’ll need your full wits and energy about you to make it to the top.

7. Don’t miss Petra by Night.

Petra by Night is a truly magical experience. Hundreds of luminaries line the Siq, culminating with the Treasury illuminated by candles.

This event is only held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, so plan your dates accordingly so you won’t miss it. The show starts after sunset (around 8:30 p.m. in the summer) where a guide will lead you in from the Visitor’s Center to the Siq. There’s even a musical performance and a light show!

Seeing the Treasury lit up at night will make even the most tired of explorers stare in awe.

     The entrance to the Siq and the Treasury lined with hundreds of luminaries

You’ll need a separate ticket for Petra by Night, which will run you 17 JD.

Pro tip: When the site closes for Petra by Night, no one will technically kick you out. Visit Petra in the late afternoon without the crowds and catch sunset over the valley. When it’s getting dark and the setup begins for Petra by Night, walk out to the entrance of the the Siq to the Three Kings Cafe for a cold drink.

When you see the first group walking up from the Visitor’s Center, start walking back into the Siq. You’ll be the first ones in and have the experience all to yourself! Just make sure you’ve already bought your ticket – they do check once you’re back to the Treasury.

8. Visit Petra in the late afternoon.

While it’s a good idea to arrive at Petra when it first opens to get a head start on the heat and the crowds, don’t underestimate visiting Petra again in the late afternoon.

The site closes at sunset, and once the tour groups thin out mid-afternoon you’ll have the place to yourself.

The lighting in the late afternoon also evens out nicely, and the Treasury is blanketed in shade… a.k.a. better photos, and not as hot! The early bird doesn’t always get the worm, my friends.

      The late afternoon light at the Treasury and city center

The late afternoon is also the perfect time to take a camel ride in front of the Treasury and to take the perfect photos without the crowds of tourists.

9. Be respectful of the locals.

A good reminder for anywhere you visit, but particularly at Petra. The Bedouin people are native to the area and actually lived inside the site of Petra for hundreds of years, calling the caves home that are scattered throughout the site.

     

When UNESCO granted the World Heritage Site status to Petra in 1985, all of the Bedouin families living in Petra were mandatorily relocated to a village just outside of the site.

Keep in mind that by visiting Petra, you’re technically visiting their home. Heck, a few locals that we talked to said they never moved, shh.

10. What to Wear & Bring to Petra

The climate of Petra is what you’d expect of the desert: very hot and dry.

Sun protection is key –  even though it’s hot, long sleeves are a good idea and will keep you cooler in the long run. I’d recommend a light-colored linen fabric that breathes. You’ll be happy to have on a hat with a wide brim for extra coverage.

Also keep in mind that this is the Middle East, and Jordan is a Muslim country. While Jordan isn’t particularly conservative as far as these places go, as a woman you’ll likely feel more comfortable if at least your shoulders are covered.

You’ll see all ranges of dress in Petra, from long skirts to shorts and tank tops. Go with something that’s comfortable for a long day in the heat.

     
If there’s ever an occasion for wearing all white, this is it! 

Let’s talk footwear: sneakers or hiking boots are your best bet.

In my opinion, you’d be crazy to wear sandals! You’ll be walking for long distances through terrain that is everything from cobblestones to straight up sand.

Also keep in mind the high number of animals that are used for transportation in Petra… Lots of animals = lots of droppings. Trust me, you’ll be happy to be in closed-toed shoes.

Pack a light backpack with the basic essentials of sunscreen, water, hand sanitizer and your camera. Water, cold drinks and snacks are sold throughout the site, so bring cash to buy more throughout the day.

I’d also strongly recommend bringing eye drops – the arid desert climate can do a number on your eyes, even if you don’t wear contacts.

Lastly, don’t forget your passport! You will need it to purchase a multiple day ticket, as it’s tracked through your ID.

Celebrating after conquering the hike to the Treasury panorama

Petra is one of those rare places where you visit, and you feel changed afterwards. This bucket list destination is worth all of the hype and the effort to visit.

I hope that this guide has helped you to do so, or at least inspired you to add Petra to your bucket list!

Where have you been that’s changed you?

Cheers,

Meredith

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