One of my bucket list goals is to see all 7 of the wonders of the world. The third one to cross off my list is Petra, in Jordan!
Petra is an ancient city that lies half-hidden in the landscape in southern Jordan. It is one of Unesco’s most treasured Heritage Sites. Newly voted in 2007, it became one of the Seven Wonders of the World! Being rediscovered in the early 19th century, Petra quickly attracted visitors.
Bedouins, who still call Petra their home, are still welcoming visitors today.
The first inhabitants of Petra were the Nabataeans, a nomadic tribe who built most of the monuments we see today. The Nabataeans arrived around the 6th century and for the next 500 years, built their wealth by trade. The city was home to around 30,000 people, who built excellent water channels. Soon under Roman control, the city was honored by Hadrian in 131 AD. However, the city came to ruin in 363 AD, after an earthquake.
Where Can You Find It?
Located in the southwest of Jordan. Running from east to west, Petra is built within the landscape by the Wadi Mūsā (the Valley of Moses).
The entrance to the ancient city is at the bottom of Tourism St at the lower end of the town of Wadi Must. From the ticket office, it is a two-minute walk to the main entry gate that marks the beginning of the path that slopes downhill to the Siq.
How To Get There
Petra is a four-hour drive from Amman, the capital of Jordan. Two hours from Aqaba, a port if you are taking a Red Sea Cruise. And 1 and 1/2 hours from Wadi Rum, if you plan on exploring the desert.
Within Petra, the only way to reach most sites is by walking. There are small golf carts available around 30 euros per person, to the Treasury and back. You can also choose to take a camel, donkey, or mule. However, I do not recommend using any animal services, as most are not treated kindly. But if you must, choose the one that looks well-fed, has no wounds, or abrasions, and the handler does not use a whip.
Best Time To Go
March-May is the peak tourist season in Petra for a good reason. Petra’s oleanders flower in May.
June-September (summer) can be brutally hot during these months at Petra. It is a dry heat and there is typically no rain either.
Mid-October-End-November is the second peak season in Petra. Offering the last chance to see Petra in good weather before the rains make the routes off-limits.
December-February (winter) is freezing by night with blue skies during the day. And a great time to catch Petra. Hotels are often at a discount price as well.
Watch the morning sun slide down the Treasury facade from around 7 AM in the summer and 8 AM in the winter.
Learn how Petra got its nickname The Pink City at sunset near the Royal Tombs around 5 PM in the summer and 4 PM in the winter.
Tickets and Currency
At the Petra Visitor Center, you can purchase entry tickets. Tickets can be purchased upon arrival. They can be purchased for 1/2/3- day passes (50/55/60 Dinar or 70/77/85 USD). Tickets are not sold after 4 PM, but you can stay in Petra until sunset.
Language
The official language of Italy is Arabic. English is spoken near hotels and resorts, but I highly recommend learning a few phrases in Arabic. (Please and thank you, I’m sorry, I don’t speak Arabic, where is the bathroom, and I need help.)
What To Bring
You can find a full packing list here, but the following are essentials for Petra!
You will be walking a lot while exploring Petra, you want to be comfortable! Bring good shoes.
Water, you will want to have at least one water bottle per person.
Umbrella/sunscreen (for the hot sun and the limited amount of shade)
Sunglasses and/or a sunhat again, to protect you from the sun.
Visiting during the winter months? Bring a light jacket!
Cash, if you wish to visit any of the ‘photo locations’ for the Treasury. The locals will charge a fee to be a ‘guide’ to these places.
Don’t forget your camera, of course! You will be snapping photos all day!
Itinerary
The Ancient City of Petra is a vast site. If you wish to see it all at a reasonable pace, I highly recommend budgeting a few days to explore.
Half Day – This is the perfect itinerary if you have limited time to visit Petra:
Start by following the Main trail that leads to the ancient world known as the Siq.
After about a 20-30 minute walk (depending on how much you stop and take photos) through the Siq, the trail will lead you to the Treasury.
Continue on to the Theater! Originally constructed by the Nabataeans, it was enlarged by the Romans after they arrived in 106 AD.
Downhill from the Theater is the Royal Tombs. Within the cliffs are the most impressive burial places which can be reached by a flight of stairs into the valley. Return the same way, stopping by Bedouin stalls for some shopping!
1 Day
Follow the half-day itinerary, but before you explore the Theater, climb the stairs to the High Place of Sacrifice. Go back the same way and continue on to the Theater and Royal Tombs, returning on the Main trail. Or continue on the High Place of Sacrifice trail into Wadi Farasa. This path will end on Colonnaded Street via Petra City Center. On your return journey, explore the Royal Tombs and the Theater via the Main trail.
2 Days
Follow the 1-day itinerary for the first day. On the second day, add the hike on the Ad-Deir trail to the Monastery!
Extra Tips:
Restrooms are available near the Petra Visitor Center.
There aren’t any concessions inside Petra. But you can easily find a restaurant, hotel, or cafe right outside the city.
Bedouins have stalls scattered throughout the Ancient City. There are also a number of souvenir shops near the Visitor Center.
If you are looking to get a photo without anyone is it. Go early! It is easy to get a photo inside Petra early in the morning.
If you have any specific questions, do not hesitate to comment down below! Or you can email us!
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