Translate
Overview
Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's most significant archaeological complexes, located in southern Jordan in the Ma'an Governorate. It is not in Saudi Arabia — it lies within the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, roughly 240 km south of the capital Amman and close to the town of Wadi Musa, which serves as the modern gateway.
The city was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom from around the 4th century BCE and flourished as a major trading hub linking Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean. At its peak it may have housed tens of thousands of people. The Romans annexed it in 106 CE, and the city gradually declined after a series of earthquakes and shifting trade routes.
Visitors enter through the Siq, a narrow 1.2 km gorge that opens dramatically onto the Treasury facade. Beyond it lies a sprawling landscape of carved tombs, a colonnaded street, a Byzantine church with intact mosaics, a high-place of sacrifice, and the large Monastery (Ad-Deir) reached by climbing roughly 800 rock-cut steps. The site is large enough that two or three full days reward serious exploration.
The surrounding region — Wadi Rum is a short drive away — makes Petra a natural anchor for a broader southern Jordan itinerary.
Before You Go
Visas
Petra is in Jordan. For visa information specific to your nationality, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official website of the Jordan Ministry of Interior or the nearest Jordanian embassy. Jordan operates an on-arrival visa scheme for many nationalities and also issues e-visas; requirements change, so verify before travel.
Jordan Pass
The Jordan Pass is a widely used pre-purchase scheme that bundles a Jordanian entry visa (for eligible nationalities) with admission to Petra and many other sites. Verify current eligibility, pricing, and terms at the official Jordan Pass website (jordanpass.jo) before booking.
Health and Vaccinations
No mandatory vaccinations are required for most travelers, but consult a travel health clinic or your GP at least six weeks before departure. Carry any prescription medication in original packaging with documentation.
What to Pack
- Sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes — the Siq and outlying trails are rocky and uneven
- Sun hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses; shade inside the site is limited
- Layers: desert temperatures can drop sharply after sunset, especially March–April and October–November
- At least 2 liters of water per person for a full-day visit; vendors sell water inside but prices reflect the location
- Modest clothing is respectful and practical
Getting There
By Air
The nearest international airport is King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) in Aqaba, approximately 120 km southwest of Petra. Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman is the country's main hub and approximately 240 km north; many travelers fly into Amman and travel south by road.
By Road from Amman
The King's Highway (Route 35) is the scenic historic route south; allow 4–5 hours accounting for stops and winding roads. The Desert Highway (Route 15) is faster at roughly 3–3.5 hours in good conditions. JETT, Jordan's public bus company, operates services from Amman to Wadi Musa (the town adjacent to Petra) — verify current schedules and departure points directly with JETT or locally, as they change.
By Road from Aqaba
Aqaba to Wadi Musa takes roughly 2 hours by car. Shared taxis (service taxis) and minibuses operate this route; confirm availability and fares on arrival, as they vary by season.
Organized Tours
Many travelers join day tours from Amman or multi-day tours from Aqaba or the Dead Sea. These can be convenient but typically allow only one day at the site, which is limiting for the full experience.
Getting Around
The Petra Archaeological Park is explored almost entirely on foot. The main visitor center and ticket office are at the edge of Wadi Musa. From there the route descends through the Outer Siq to the Siq itself and then to the Treasury — roughly 2 km before you reach the main basin.
Horse-drawn carriages operate along the Siq (the service is separate from the park admission fee; agree on price before boarding). Horse rides from the visitor center to the Siq entrance are also available and are managed by local Bedouin guides. Be aware that animal welfare standards vary; observe the animals' condition before deciding.
Donkeys and camels can be hired for some of the steeper routes, such as the climb to the High Place of Sacrifice. Again, negotiate fares in advance and inspect the animal's welfare.
Within Wadi Musa town, taxis are the primary means of getting around. There is no meaningful public transit within the town itself. Rental cars from Aqaba or Amman give more flexibility for the wider region.
Where to Stay
Accommodation is concentrated in Wadi Musa town, which sits directly adjacent to the park entrance. Options range from budget guesthouses and hostels to mid-range hotels and a small number of upscale properties, some with views toward the mountains. Staying closer to the park entrance reduces morning walk time and allows early entry before day-trip crowds arrive — a meaningful practical consideration.
A small number of camp-style and desert lodge options exist in the surrounding area, including toward Little Petra. These can suit travelers who want a quieter experience and are willing to travel to the main park entrance each day. Verify current operating status and amenities directly with properties before booking, as the hospitality landscape in smaller destinations changes over time.
Booking at least several weeks ahead during the peak spring and autumn seasons is advisable. During summer (June–August), visitor numbers drop due to heat, and some properties offer reduced rates; confirm this locally.
Things to See & Do
Core Monuments
- The Siq: The main entry gorge, nearly 1.2 km long and up to 80 m high in places. Look for the Nabataean water channel carved into the walls.
- The Treasury (Al-Khazneh): The most photographed facade in Petra, approximately 43 m high, carved directly into the cliff. It is believed to be a royal tomb, not a treasury.
- The Street of Facades and Royal Tombs: A concentration of carved tomb facades on the cliff face east of the colonnaded street.
- The Colonnaded Street: The remains of Petra's main commercial avenue from the Roman period.
- The Great Temple: A substantial Nabataean temple complex currently the subject of ongoing archaeological work by Brown University.
- The Monastery (Ad-Deir): A facade even larger than the Treasury, reached via approximately 800 steps. The climb takes 45–60 minutes and rewards with expansive views.
Hikes and Viewpoints
- High Place of Sacrifice (Al-Madhbah): A relatively accessible ridge hike offering panoramic views of central Petra.
- Al-Khubtha Trail: Leads to an elevated viewpoint directly above and facing the Treasury — one of the most striking perspectives in the park.
- Wadi Muthlim: An alternative entry route through a narrower canyon; check with park staff about conditions and whether a guide is advisable.
Petra by Night
On selected evenings (verify current schedule at the visitor center), the Siq and Treasury area are lit by candlelight. It is a separate ticketed experience; check current availability and pricing locally or through accommodation.
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
A smaller, free-standing Nabataean site about 8 km north of the main park entrance. Less visited than the main park, it includes rock-cut chambers, biclinia (dining rooms), and the Painted House with surviving ceiling frescoes. A half-day side trip.
Food & Drink
Wadi Musa town has a solid range of restaurants catering to international visitors, with Jordanian staples widely available. Mansaf (slow-cooked lamb in fermented dried yogurt sauce served over rice) is Jordan's national dish and worth seeking out. Mezze spreads — hummus, moutabel, fattoush, falafel, olives — are common starters at most sit-down restaurants.
Inside the park itself, there are a handful of simple cafes and vendors selling sandwiches, snacks, and drinks, particularly near the Basin Restaurant at the far end of the main valley. Prices inside the park are higher than in town, as expected. Carrying your own water and snacks for long hikes is strongly advisable.
Alcohol is available at hotels and some restaurants in Wadi Musa, though Jordan is a majority-Muslim country and public consumption outside licensed venues is inappropriate. Many budget and mid-range restaurants are alcohol-free.
Coffee culture is important in Jordan: Arabic coffee (lightly spiced with cardamom, served in small cups) and sweet tea are offered as gestures of hospitality throughout the region.
Practical Information
Money
ATMs are available in Wadi Musa town. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and larger restaurants but cash (Jordanian Dinar) is essential for smaller vendors, taxis, and inside the park. US dollars and euros are occasionally accepted informally but at unfavorable exchange rates — exchange at a bank or official exchange office.
Connectivity
Local SIM cards are available from Jordanian carriers (Zain, Orange, Ummah) at the airport and in larger towns. Coverage in Wadi Musa is generally adequate; inside the Petra gorge and on outlying trails it can be limited or absent.
Park Admission
Admission fees are charged separately from accommodation. Fee structures may vary by nationality and number of days. Verify current fees at the official Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority or at the visitor center on arrival. The Jordan Pass, if applicable to your nationality, typically covers multi-day admission.
Opening Hours
The park generally opens early in the morning and closes in the late afternoon/early evening, with hours adjusting seasonally. Verify current hours at the visitor center or with your accommodation on arrival.
Emergency Contacts
Jordan's national emergency numbers are: Police 911, Ambulance 911, Civil Defense 911 (unified emergency number). Verify locally that these apply in the Wadi Musa area at the time of travel. The nearest hospital is in Wadi Musa; serious medical cases may be transferred to Aqaba or Amman.
Safety
Petra is generally considered safe for tourists and receives millions of visitors annually. Petty theft is uncommon but standard precautions apply: keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas.
The main physical risks are environmental: heat exhaustion and dehydration on summer days, twisted ankles on uneven rocky trails, and altitude exposure on high-elevation hikes. Start hikes early in the morning, carry sufficient water, and tell someone your planned route if venturing onto less-traveled trails.
High-pressure sales from souvenir vendors and animal-ride touts are common, particularly near the Treasury. A calm, firm refusal is effective; engaging in extended negotiation when you have no intention of buying can prolong the interaction.
Check your government's travel advisory for Jordan before departure for current assessments of the security environment in the country. The Jordan–Israel border crossing at Wadi Araba (near Aqaba/Eilat) is one of three crossings between the two countries; travelers using cross-border itineraries should verify current crossing conditions and hours before travel.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Petra and the surrounding area have a living Bedouin community, particularly the Bdoul tribe, who lived within the archaeological site until the 1980s when they were relocated to Umm Sayhoun village nearby. Many continue to work as guides, vendors, and animal handlers within the park. Respectful engagement with this community is part of understanding the place.
Jordan is a Muslim-majority country. While it is relatively liberal by regional standards, visitors should dress modestly — shoulders and knees covered — particularly outside resort and hotel environments. This is especially relevant when visiting the site and interacting with local families.
Greeting people with "As-salamu alaykum" (peace be upon you) is widely appreciated. Accepting a small cup of tea or coffee when offered is considered polite; declining repeatedly can cause mild offense. Bargaining is expected at souvenir stalls but not in restaurants or formal shops.
Photography of local people, particularly women, should only be done with clear consent. Archaeological monuments may be photographed freely, but climbing on or touching carved facades is harmful to the sandstone and is prohibited.
