Translate
Overview
Petra is an ancient city carved into rose-red sandstone cliffs in southern Jordan, in the Ma'an Governorate. It served as the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom from around the 4th century BCE and grew wealthy as a crossroads of caravan trade routes linking Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean world. UNESCO inscribed it as a World Heritage Site in 1985, and it is frequently listed among the New Seven Wonders of the World.
The site covers roughly 264 square kilometres, though most visitors experience a concentrated central area that includes the Siq — a dramatic narrow gorge — leading to the iconic Treasury facade. Beyond the Treasury lies a broad valley containing a colonnaded street, temples, tombs, a Roman-era theatre, and the remains of a Byzantine church.
Petra is located near the modern town of Wadi Musa, which serves as the primary base for accommodation, dining, and services. The two are effectively intertwined for travelers: Wadi Musa is where you sleep and eat; Petra is where you spend your days.
Before You Go
Visas
Jordan has a visa-on-arrival arrangement for many nationalities, as well as e-visa options, but requirements change. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official Jordan Ministry of Interior or Visit Jordan website before you travel for current rules applicable to your passport.
Jordan Pass
Many visitors purchase the Jordan Pass before arrival, which bundles the entry visa fee (for eligible nationalities) with admission to Petra and over 40 other archaeological sites. Verify current pricing and eligibility on the official Jordan Pass website (jordanpass.jo), as terms can change.
Physical preparation
Petra involves significant walking on uneven, sandy, and sometimes steep terrain. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes. The full site from the main gate to the Monastery (Ad-Deir) and back covers well over 10 kilometres. Those with limited mobility should be aware that accessible routes are limited; enquire with the site authority in advance.
What to pack
- Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses — shade inside the Siq is the exception, not the rule
- Plenty of water — the site is dry and can be very warm outside spring and autumn
- Layers: mornings and evenings can be cool, especially in winter
- Small local currency for tips, snacks from vendors inside the site, and optional horse or donkey rides
Getting There
By air
The nearest international airport is King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) in Aqaba, approximately 120 kilometres southwest of Petra. Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman is the country's main hub and is roughly 230–260 kilometres north of Petra by road. Both airports are served by international and regional carriers; verify current routes and schedules directly with airlines.
By road from Amman
Most travelers arrive from Amman by private transfer, rental car, or organised tour. The drive via the Desert Highway or the Kings Highway takes approximately 3–4 hours depending on route and traffic. The Kings Highway is slower but offers scenic views through Wadi Mujib and historic sites. JETT, Jordan's main public bus company, operates coaches between Amman and Wadi Musa; check their current schedule and booking process at jett.com.jo.
By road from Aqaba
The drive from Aqaba takes approximately 1.5–2 hours. Shared taxis and private transfers are available; negotiate fares before departure or use metered/app-based options where available.
From Israel / the Wadi Araba crossing
Travelers coming from Israel via the Wadi Araba (Yitzhak Rabin/Aqaba) border crossing can reach Aqaba and continue to Petra by road. Border crossing procedures, hours, and visa rules should be verified in advance with official sources.
Getting Around
Inside the Petra Archaeological Site
Once through the main visitor gate, the primary way to navigate Petra is on foot. The main axis runs from the gate through the Siq to the Treasury, then along the colonnaded street toward the Qasr al-Bint temple. Reaching the Monastery requires climbing approximately 850 rock-cut steps from the valley floor — allow 45–60 minutes each way.
Horse rides are offered between the visitor centre and the Siq entrance (short distance). Donkeys and horse-drawn carriages operate on sections of the main route for an additional fee paid to local Bedouin guides. These are optional; tipping is customary. Be aware that pressure to purchase rides can be persistent — a polite but firm response is generally effective.
Around Wadi Musa
Wadi Musa is a compact town. Most hotels are within walking distance of each other, though the main gate to the site is downhill from the town centre — taxis are cheap and widely available for the short trip. Agree on a fare before getting in.
Things to See & Do
The Siq and the Treasury
The walk through the Siq — a 1.2-kilometre natural geological fault with walls rising up to 80 metres — is the defining arrival experience in Petra. The moment the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) comes into view at the gorge's end is widely cited as one of travel's great reveals. The Treasury is a tomb facade, not a treasury; the name derives from a Bedouin legend. Visitors cannot enter the interior.
The Monastery (Ad-Deir)
The Monastery is larger than the Treasury and rewards the steep climb with impressive scale and relative tranquility compared to the lower site. The plateau above offers views across the surrounding desert landscape. Start early to avoid midday heat.
High Place of Sacrifice
A well-marked trail leads from the theatre area up to a Nabataean sacrificial altar with panoramic views over the central city. The loop trail passing the Lion Fountain and Triclinium is a worthwhile half-day route.
Petra by Night
On Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings (verify current schedule locally), the path through the Siq to the Treasury is lit with candles and accompanied by traditional Bedouin music. Confirm operating nights and any ticketing requirements at the visitor centre or your hotel.
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
A smaller, less-visited Nabataean site about 8 kilometres north of Petra's main entrance, Little Petra contains carved facades, cisterns, and a biclinium with frescoes. Entry is generally free (verify locally). It is an excellent add-on for those with extra time.
Food & Drink
Inside the site
Several basic cafes and snack vendors operate within the archaeological site, particularly near the Basin Restaurant in the central area. Prices inside the site are higher than in town. Carrying your own water and snacks is advisable.
In Wadi Musa
Wadi Musa has a range of restaurants catering to tourists, serving Jordanian staples such as mansaf (lamb cooked in fermented dried yoghurt sauce, considered the national dish), maqluba (upside-down rice and vegetable dish), falafel, hummus, and grilled meats. Quality and price vary considerably; hotel restaurants tend to be consistent but more expensive than local spots in the town centre.
Alcohol
Jordan is a moderate Muslim-majority country. Alcohol is legally available and served in licensed restaurants, hotels, and some supermarkets. It is not universally available and is absent from more conservative establishments. Drink responsibly and be respectful of local norms.
Water
Drink bottled or purified water. Tap water is not reliably safe for visitors unaccustomed to it.
Practical Information
Admission and hours
Petra Archaeological Site charges an entrance fee. Fees vary by duration of visit (one day, two days, three days) and nationality. Holders of the Jordan Pass may be exempt from the site fee — verify current terms at jordanpass.jo. Opening hours are generally from early morning to early evening; verify exact hours seasonally with the official Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority or your accommodation.
Emergency contacts
Jordan's general emergency number is 911. The Tourist Police maintain a presence at major sites including Petra. Your hotel can assist in locating medical facilities in Wadi Musa.
Money
ATMs are available in Wadi Musa. Major hotels and larger restaurants accept credit cards, but carry cash for smaller vendors, taxis, and tips inside the site. USD and EUR are sometimes accepted informally but at unfavourable rates — paying in JOD is preferable.
Connectivity
Local SIM cards with data are inexpensive and available at Aqaba and Amman airports and in Wadi Musa. Wi-Fi is available at most hotels. Signal inside the Petra gorge can be limited.
Safety
Petra and the surrounding Wadi Musa area are considered safe for tourists. Petty theft is uncommon but standard precautions apply: keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings.
The main safety considerations inside the site are environmental rather than criminal: heat exhaustion and dehydration are real risks in summer months (June–August), when temperatures regularly exceed 35°C. Start early, carry ample water, and limit strenuous climbs to morning hours.
Some paths, particularly those leading to viewpoints off the main trails, are uneven and unmarked. Stick to established routes unless you are with a knowledgeable local guide. Flash flooding, though rare, can occur in the Siq and narrow canyons during and after heavy rain — heed any warnings from site staff.
Check your government's current travel advisory for Jordan before departure, as regional geopolitical conditions can affect guidance.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Petra sits within a Muslim-majority society. While the tourist zone is relatively relaxed in terms of dress expectations, modest clothing — covering shoulders and knees — is respectful and practically wise given sun exposure. This applies to both men and women.
The Bedouin community (specifically the Bdul tribe) has historic ties to the Petra region and many work as guides, horsemen, and vendors inside the site. Engaging respectfully with local guides enriches the experience considerably; several offer off-trail routes and storytelling rooted in deep generational knowledge of the site.
Friday is the Islamic day of rest; some businesses in Wadi Musa may have reduced hours. During Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours should be avoided out of respect for those fasting. The site itself typically remains open during Ramadan, though hours may shift.
Photography is welcomed throughout the site. Ask permission before photographing people, particularly local vendors and guides.
