Petra, once the capital of a powerful kingdom, captivates visitors not just with its impressive buildings but also with the intriguing stories it holds about its past inhabitants. 

Nestled within a narrow valley, Petra slowly reveals itself. Its tombs, crafted in the style of Greco-Roman architecture, adorn the rugged red-sandstone cliffs, showcasing the skill of artisans from long ago. Despite its vast size and hidden location, this UNESCO site invites brave adventurers to uncover its secrets. Join us as we guide you to plan your trip and explore the rich history and stunning landscapes of Petra, a city wrapped in mystery and beauty.

To fully appreciate the richness of Petra, it's important to plan your visit carefully, giving yourself enough time to explore and reflect. While a week might seem ideal, it’s recommended to spend at least three nights and two full days to truly experience this ancient marvel.

Starting your journey from Amman, you’ll travel along the 5,000-year-old King's Highway, where you can catch glimpses of Mount Nebo, the Dead Sea, Christian mosaics in Madaba, and the imposing crusader castle of Kerak. The long drive ends with your arrival at Petra in the early afternoon, setting the stage for an enchanting experience.

For the best encounter with Petra's charm, consider going to bed early to start your day before dawn. The city reveals its captivating beauty from sunrise to sunset, with the morning light adding a magical touch to the red sandstone cliffs. A two-hour guided tour can give you a good overview of Petra’s history and culture.

As the day goes on, well-marked paths and detailed maps from the Petra Visitor Centre, allow you to explore at your own pace. Whether you're on a weeklong trip or extending your journey from Egypt or Jerusalem, spending enough time in Petra ensures you can truly connect with its hidden wonders.

The Siq

As the first light of dawn illuminates the landscape, step into the Siq, a captivating passage that serves as the entrance to Petra. This narrow corridor, stretching nearly a mile, winds through cliffs that reach heights of up to 182 meters (600 feet). Unlike a typical canyon, the Siq is a geological wonder—a split in the rock formed by an ancient earthquake.

In the peacefulness of the early morning, the Siq reveals the remnants of Nabataean culture—niches where statues once stood, remains of a small temple, and ancient terracotta pipes that once carried water to the desert city. Instead of rushing through, take your time to explore; let the Siq share its stories of drama, serving both as a defensive route for the city and a path of anticipation for visitors then and now.

In the evening, as the day bids farewell, exit through the Siq once more. The fading light transforms the stone, revealing hints of violet and maroon, providing a different yet equally enchanting perspective of this ancient passage.

The Treasury (Al Khazneh)

Exiting the Siq and entering the heart of Petra, you’ll encounter the iconic Treasury—a perfectly symmetrical Hellenic-style tomb carved into the rugged red cliffs. Known as Al Khazneh in Arabic, the Treasury's fame goes beyond its impressive architecture; it starred in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

Despite being called a treasury, it’s not a place for pharaonic riches. The Treasury is actually the tomb of King Aretas III, possibly later used as a temple. Bullet holes on its façade, left by looters in the 18th century, remind us of the enduring interest in its intriguing history.

While it bears Greco-Roman influences, the Treasury combines styles from various cultures. Beyond its ornate exterior lies a dim interior, bearing witness to centuries of looting that have left it, like many other tombs in Petra, empty yet hauntingly beautiful.

Street of Façades

Beyond the Treasury lies the Street of Façades, showcasing towering tombs with impressive fronts, some reaching high on the cliff faces. Here, floods and looting have caused damage, leaving behind structures filled with the echoes of Petra's past. The grandeur of these tombs reflects a society that honored not only the afterlife but also the importance of its deceased.

The Theatre

Continuing along the winding paths, you’ll come across the Theatre, a massive semi-circular stadium carved into the cliffs. Added later, the Nabataeans had to carve through existing tombs to create this architectural wonder. Enlarged by the Romans in the 2nd century, it once held 8,500 spectators—about a third of Petra's population. Despite damage inflicted by earthquakes and scavenging for other building projects, the Theatre stands as a testament to the city's cultural and communal life.

The Royal Tombs

Continuing the journey, the valley widens, unveiling the Royal Tombs. This impressive row features some of Petra's most stunning burial chambers, each showcasing the craftsmanship of the Nabataeans. Take your time to appreciate the detailed craftsmanship, as these tombs recount tales of a past era, resonating with echoes from a once-powerful kingdom.

With every step, Petra reveals its story, providing a glimpse into the daily life, rituals, and magnificence of a city carved directly into the very rock it rests upon.

Monastery

Ascending higher into the heights of Petra, a challenging yet rewarding journey leads to the Monastery. More than 800 rock-cut steps guide you to this elevated site, where a massive tomb, towering 50 meters (164 feet) high, stands prominently. While it shares architectural similarities with the Treasury, the Monastery surpasses it in grandeur. Crosses carved into its walls suggest a later Christian use, possibly during the Byzantine period, challenging the initial belief of a monastic function.

The Monastery's façade overlooks a vast open plaza, thought to have been a site for sacred ceremonies. Across from this architectural marvel sits a cave-turned-tea shop, offering a shaded retreat to admire the warm sun illuminating the intricate sandstone sculptures.

High Place of Sacrifice

Embarking on a journey to the High Place of Sacrifice involves a steep climb, believed to be a path for priests to conduct sacred ceremonies. Tall obelisks, reaching 6 meters (20 feet) in height, stand as remnants of the ceremonial pathway, intricately carved from the rock. At the summit, the sacrificial altar bears witness to the Nabataean religious practices, with its grooves holding the visceral memory of ancient rituals.

From this elevated viewpoint, Petra spreads out below, its large structures appearing small amidst the vast landscape. The High Place of Sacrifice offers not only a historical but also a spiritual perspective, providing insight into why the Nabataeans chose this elevated setting for their sacred events.

What to Pack When Visiting Petra

When embarking on a journey to the captivating world of Petra, being prepared is crucial for a comfortable and fulfilling experience. Unlike many places in the Middle East, Petra allows for a departure from conservative dressing norms. Here, practicality is more important, as you'll be traversing rough terrain in a hot, dry climate.

1. Comfortable Attire: Choose comfortable attire for hiking over uneven rocks, sandy ground, and gravel. Unlike conservative norms in the region, Petra encourages practical and comfortable attire.

2. Footwear: Wear sturdy, comfortable boots as you’ll be walking on various surfaces, from lightly sandy paths to uneven rocks. Good boots ensure both comfort and safety.

3. Protection from the Elements: Petra's climate can be harsh, so pack essentials like a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to shield yourself from the relentless sun.

4. Hydration: Carry enough water to stay hydrated, especially in the dry climate. Portable water bottles or a hydration pack are convenient options.

5. Camera and Binoculars: Capture the stunning views and intricate details with a camera. Binoculars can also enhance your exploration, allowing you to appreciate Petra's beauty from various perspectives.

6. Light Snacks: Keep energized during your exploration by packing light snacks. While there are cafes in Petra, having your own refreshments ensures you're prepared for extended periods of exploration.

7. Backpack: Use a comfortable and spacious backpack for carrying your essentials, leaving your hands free to explore Petra's wonders.

By packing wisely, you'll not only enhance your comfort during the visit but also be well-prepared to immerse yourself fully in the captivating atmosphere of Petra, discovering its secrets at your own pace.