Overview
Petra is an archaeological city in southern Jordan, not Egypt. It is located in the Ma'an Governorate, carved into the sandstone cliffs of the Jordanian highlands. If you are searching for a destination in Egypt, please verify your intended location, as Petra and Egypt are separate countries with no shared border.
With that clarification noted, Petra is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. The Nabataeans, a nomadic Arab people who settled the region around the 4th century BCE, built a prosperous trading empire here and left behind an extraordinary legacy of rock-cut architecture, sophisticated water engineering, and monumental tombs. UNESCO inscribed Petra as a World Heritage Site in 1985, and it was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.
The site covers roughly 264 square kilometres, though most visitors focus on the central archaeological zone accessible via the Siq — a narrow, winding gorge that opens dramatically onto the Treasury facade. Beyond the Treasury, the site encompasses a colonnaded street, royal tombs, a Byzantine church, a Roman-style theatre, the High Place of Sacrifice, and the Monastery (Ad Deir), which rivals the Treasury in scale.
The nearest town is Wadi Musa, which borders the site and serves as the main base for accommodation, dining, and practical services. Aqaba to the south and the Wadi Rum desert to the southeast are common companion destinations on a Jordan itinerary.
Before You Go
Visas
Petra is in Jordan. Entry requirements depend on your nationality and the type of visa you hold. For accurate, up-to-date visa information, visit TravelerPulse's Visas section and cross-reference with the Jordanian Ministry of Interior or your country's embassy in Amman. Do not rely on third-party summaries for official entry rules.
Jordan Pass
Many visitors purchase the Jordan Pass before arrival, which can bundle the Petra entry fee and visa fee into a single prepaid product. Verify current pricing, eligibility conditions, and whether the pass still exists in its current form at the official Jordan Pass website before booking, as terms can change.
What to pack
- Sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes are essential; the terrain is uneven, rocky, and sandy
- Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are necessary year-round
- A light layer for evenings, even in summer, as temperatures drop after dark in the highlands
- Sufficient water — carry more than you think you need, especially in warmer months
- Cash in Jordanian Dinars for small vendors and tips; card acceptance varies within the site
Health
There are no widely mandated vaccinations specific to Petra, but consult a travel health clinic or your physician before departure for current recommendations. The walking distances at the site are significant — visitors with mobility limitations should plan accordingly and inquire about horse, donkey, or carriage options in advance.
Getting There
By Air
The nearest international airport is Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan's capital. From Amman, Petra is approximately a three-hour drive south via the Desert Highway or the slower but scenic King's Highway. Aqaba's King Hussein International Airport in the south also serves the region and is roughly 1.5 to 2 hours from Petra by road. Verify current airlines and routes on official airline and airport websites.
By Road from Amman
Public buses operated by JETT (Jordan Express Tourist and Transportation) have historically connected Amman to Wadi Musa, the gateway town for Petra. Schedules and availability should be confirmed locally or through the operator directly, as services can change seasonally. Private taxis and rental cars are also common options. Driving in Jordan follows right-hand traffic; an international driving permit is generally advisable.
From Israel and the West Bank
Travellers crossing from Israel can enter Jordan via the Wadi Araba crossing near Aqaba or the Sheikh Hussein/Jordan River crossing in the north. Border crossing hours and procedures should be verified with official Jordanian and Israeli border authorities before travel.
From Aqaba
Aqaba is a practical staging point, especially for those arriving on cruise ships or travelling from the Red Sea coast. Shared taxis and private transfers connect Aqaba to Wadi Musa; journey time is roughly 1.5 to 2 hours. Verify fares locally.
Getting Around
Within the Petra Archaeological Site
Petra is a walking destination. From the visitor centre entrance to the Treasury through the Siq is approximately 1.2 kilometres. The full walk from the entrance to the Monastery (Ad Deir) is several kilometres each way with significant elevation gain via rock-cut steps. Plan for a full day, or two separate days, if you want to cover the main Monastery trail and the central basin thoroughly.
Horse rides are offered near the entrance along a short paved section (verify current fees and conditions on-site). Donkeys and horse-drawn carriages are available within parts of the site; negotiate fares in advance and be aware that the use of animals in Petra has been a topic of welfare concern among travellers — make your own informed choice.
Wadi Musa Town
The town is compact and walkable in its central areas. Taxis are available and inexpensive for getting between hotels and the visitor centre entrance. Most hotels are within a short drive or a moderate uphill walk of the site gates.
Day Trips
Shared taxis and private drivers based in Wadi Musa offer day trips to Wadi Rum and Little Petra (Siq al-Barid). Arrange these through your hotel or at the taxi stand; confirm pricing before departure.
Things to See & Do
The Siq and the Treasury
The Siq is the primary entry route into the archaeological city — a natural gorge approximately 1.2 kilometres long with walls rising up to 80 metres. Its end reveals the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), an approximately 40-metre-tall Hellenistic-influenced tomb facade that is Petra's most photographed monument. The Treasury's interior is not open to the public.
The Royal Tombs and Colonnaded Street
Beyond the Treasury, the gorge opens into Petra's central valley. The colonnaded street follows the path of a Nabataean commercial avenue. The Royal Tombs — including the Urn Tomb, Silk Tomb, Corinthian Tomb, and Palace Tomb — are carved into the cliffs to the east and can be climbed for elevated views over the valley.
The Monastery (Ad Deir)
The Monastery is larger than the Treasury and arguably more striking. Reaching it requires climbing approximately 800 rock-cut steps from the central basin — a strenuous but rewarding ascent of 45 minutes to an hour. The plateau at the top offers open views and is less crowded than the Treasury area.
Petra by Night
On select evenings (historically Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday), a candlelit walk through the Siq to the Treasury is offered. Times and availability should be confirmed with the Petra visitor centre or your hotel, as schedules and fees change.
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
A smaller Nabataean site approximately 8 kilometres north of Wadi Musa, Little Petra contains rock-cut facades, a triclinium with ceiling frescoes, and a narrow siq of its own. Entry has historically been free, but verify this locally. It can be combined with a half-day trip.
High Place of Sacrifice
A well-marked trail climbs from near the theatre to a ritual platform atop the Attuf Ridge, offering panoramic views over the archaeological zone. The descent can be made via the Wadi Farasa route past the Garden Tomb and the Roman Soldier Tomb, creating a rewarding loop.
Food & Drink
In Wadi Musa
Wadi Musa has a range of restaurants catering to the tourist trade, from simple falafel and shawarma stands to sit-down restaurants offering a broader Jordanian menu. Mansaf — lamb slow-cooked in a fermented dried yoghurt sauce and served over rice — is the national dish and worth seeking out. Mezze spreads featuring hummus, mutabbal, tabbouleh, and similar dishes are common and good value.
Within the Site
Several small stalls and one or two basic restaurants operate inside the archaeological zone, particularly near the Basin Restaurant in the central area. Prices at in-site vendors are higher than in town, and menus are limited. Carrying your own snacks and water is strongly advisable.
Alcohol
Alcohol is available in Jordan and is served at many hotels and some restaurants in Wadi Musa. It is not widely available from small local shops. Jordan is a predominantly Muslim country; drink responsibly and be respectful of local norms.
Tea and Coffee Culture
Accepting tea or sweet Arabic coffee from a shopkeeper or guide is a normal social courtesy. Bedouin tea — strong, sweet, and sometimes spiced with sage — is offered at cave shops and informal stalls within the site.
Practical Information
Money
The Jordanian Dinar is the currency. ATMs are available in Wadi Musa town; availability within the site is limited to none. Carry sufficient cash for a full day inside Petra. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and some restaurants but should not be relied upon universally.
Connectivity
SIM cards from Jordanian operators (Zain, Orange, Umniah) are available in Amman and Aqaba and provide reasonable coverage in Wadi Musa. Mobile signal is patchy inside the deeper parts of the site and on upper trails. Download offline maps before entering.
Site Admission
Entry to Petra requires a ticket purchased at the official visitor centre. Ticket prices and multi-day options change; verify current fees at the official Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority website or with your hotel before arrival.
Opening Hours
The site typically opens at dawn and closes in the early evening, but specific hours vary by season. Verify current hours with the visitor centre or your accommodation.
Emergency Contacts
For general emergencies in Jordan, the number 911 is in use. The Tourist Police maintain a presence at Petra. Verify local emergency contacts on arrival and note your hotel's number.
Safety
Petra is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. Petty theft is uncommon but not impossible; standard precautions apply — keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas near the entrance.
The physical risks at Petra are primarily environmental. Flash floods can occur in the Siq and surrounding wadis, particularly between October and March. If rain is forecast, heed warnings from site staff and do not enter the Siq during a flood alert. The visitor centre and site management issue alerts when conditions are dangerous.
The terrain is genuinely demanding. Ankle sprains from uneven ground are among the most common visitor incidents. Wear appropriate footwear, pace yourself, and do not attempt upper trails in sandals or flip-flops. Heat exhaustion is a risk in summer; start early, carry water, and rest during midday hours.
Harassment from vendors and handlers offering horse or donkey rides can be persistent near the entrance. A polite but firm refusal is generally sufficient. You are never obligated to use any paid service.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Jordan is a predominantly Muslim country with conservative social norms in many contexts. In tourist areas like Wadi Musa and within the site itself, dress codes are relaxed compared to mosques or rural areas, but modest clothing is respectful — shoulders and knees covered is a reasonable baseline, particularly for women.
The Bdoul Bedouin community has historically lived in and around the Petra region and are deeply connected to the site's culture and economy. Many of the guides, vendors, and animal handlers at Petra are from this community. Respectful interaction, fair tipping, and genuine curiosity about their history are appreciated.
Friday is the Islamic day of congregational prayer; some businesses may have reduced hours, though tourist services generally remain open. Ramadan, the month of fasting, affects meal timing and the rhythm of local life. The site itself remains open during Ramadan, but food and drink should be consumed discreetly in public during daylight hours out of respect.
Photography of local people — guides, vendors, or Bedouin residents — should always be done with permission. Many are accustomed to tourist cameras but appreciate being asked.
