Petra 3 days

Begin your journey here to purchase tickets, gather maps, and get oriented. It's the gateway to the ancient city, offering basic facilities and information services.

• Ensure you have your Jordan Pass if applicable, as it covers entry.
• Restrooms and a small cafe are available here.

Walk through this narrow, winding gorge, a natural geological fault line over a kilometer long. Towering sandstone walls, sometimes only a few meters apart, create a dramatic entrance to Petra.

• Keep an eye out for ancient water channels carved into the walls.
• The light changes dramatically as you move through the Siq.

Emerge from the Siq to behold Petra's most iconic facade, carved directly into the sandstone cliff. Its intricate Hellenistic-inspired architecture is a breathtaking sight, though its original purpose remains debated.

• Arrive early for fewer crowds and better light for photos.
• Vendors offer camel and donkey rides nearby; negotiate prices.

Beyond the Treasury, the valley widens to reveal a series of impressive Nabataean tombs carved into the cliffs. These monumental facades showcase the wealth and architectural skill of the ancient city's inhabitants.

• Many tombs can be entered, offering a glimpse into their interiors.

Located near the Visitor Centre, this modern museum provides excellent context for Petra's history, art, and culture. It features artifacts unearthed from the archaeological site.

• Best visited at the beginning or end of your Petra exploration.
• Air-conditioned halls offer a respite from the desert heat.

Experience authentic Jordanian cuisine in a unique, communal setting. This popular restaurant offers a cooking class followed by a delicious home-style meal.

• Reservations are highly recommended, often needing to be made a day in advance.
• It's a great way to meet other travelers.

A magnificent set of Nabataean tombs carved high into the cliff face, including the Urn Tomb, Silk Tomb, Corinthian Tomb, and Palace Tomb. Explore their grand facades and interiors.

• Climb up for fantastic views over the main Petra basin.
• The Urn Tomb was later converted into a church.

This colossal Nabataean monument, larger than the Treasury, requires a strenuous uphill hike. Its impressive facade, set against a vast desert landscape, offers unparalleled views and a sense of accomplishment.

• The hike involves approximately 800 steps; wear sturdy shoes.
• There's a small cafe at the top for refreshments.

An adventurous hike leading to an ancient Nabataean religious site with panoramic views over Petra. The path features obelisks and altars, offering insight into ancient rituals.

• Can be combined with a descent via Wadi Farasa for a varied route.
• The climb is steep in parts; consider starting early.

A less-visited valley offering a more serene experience, featuring tombs like the Garden Tomb and the Roman Soldier's Tomb. It's a great place for a peaceful walk away from the main crowds.

• Often explored as part of the descent from the High Place of Sacrifice.

Enjoy a drink in a unique setting within a Nabataean tomb, just outside the Petra site entrance. It's a popular spot for travelers to relax after a day of exploring.

• Good for sunset views over the mountains.
• Serves a limited menu of snacks and drinks.

A smaller, more intimate site north of Petra, believed to have been a suburb or trading post. It features carved dwellings, a triclinium, and rare Nabataean frescoes.

• Less crowded than Petra itself, offering a more relaxed experience.
• Look for the well-preserved painted ceilings in one of the biclinia.

Adjacent to Little Petra, this site showcases evidence of much earlier Neolithic settlements, predating the Nabataeans. It provides a broader historical context for the region.

• Offers a contrast to the grand Nabataean architecture.
• Good for understanding the evolution of settlement in the area.

Enjoy a casual lunch at a local eatery in Wadi Musa, away from the main tourist hubs. Sample regional dishes like mansaf or falafel.

• Ask locals for recommendations for authentic, less touristy spots.
• Look for places offering fresh juices.

Experience the magic of Petra illuminated by thousands of candles. The Siq and the Treasury are transformed into an ethereal spectacle, accompanied by traditional Bedouin music.

• Held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Check schedule in advance.
• This requires a separate ticket and is not covered by the Jordan Pass.

Browse local handicrafts, ceramics, Bedouin jewelry, and spices in the shops around Wadi Musa. It's a good opportunity to find unique keepsakes from your trip.

• Bargaining is expected in most shops.
• Look for authentic items rather than mass-produced souvenirs.