Petra Travel Guide: Complete Travel Guide to the Rose-Red City
Planning to visit Petra, Jordan? This comprehensive Petra travel guide covers everything you need to know about visiting one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. From ticket prices and best times to visit to hidden gems and practical tips, discover why Petra should be at the top of your Jordan itinerary.
What is Petra?
Petra is an ancient archaeological city carved into rose-red sandstone cliffs by the Nabataeans over 2,000 years ago. Located in southern Jordan near Wadi Musa, this UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts over one million visitors annually and ranks among the most spectacular ancient sites in the Middle East.
The Nabataeans, master traders who controlled ancient spice routes, created this remarkable city between the 4th century BC and 2nd century AD. Today, Petra stands as Jordan’s most visited tourist attraction and a testament to ancient architectural brilliance.
Where is Petra Located?
Petra is located in southern Jordan, approximately:
- 3 hours drive from Amman (Jordan’s capital)
- 90 minutes from Wadi Rum Desert
- 2 hours from Aqaba (Red Sea port city)
- 3.5 hours from the Dead Sea
The nearest town is Wadi Musa, which serves as the gateway to Petra and offers accommodations, restaurants, and tour services.
GPS Coordinates: 30.3285° N, 35.4444° E
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (winter), 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM (summer)
Best Time to Visit Petra
Spring (March to May)
- Average temperature: 15-25°C (59-77°F)
- Advantages: Perfect hiking weather, blooming wildflowers, excellent photography lighting
- Peak season: Higher crowds but manageable
Autumn (September to November)
- Average temperature: 18-28°C (64-82°F)
- Advantages: Comfortable temperatures, clear skies, ideal for extensive exploration
- Recommended: Best overall time to visit Petra
Winter (December to February)
- Average temperature: 5-15°C (41-59°F)
- Advantages: Fewer crowds, crisp air, occasional snow creates stunning photography
- Note: Pack warm clothing for early morning visits
Summer (June to August)
- Average temperature: 25-35°C (77-95°F)
- Challenges: Extreme heat, start very early (6 AM) to avoid midday sun
- Tip: Bring extra water and sun protection
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (winter), 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM (summer)
How Many Days Do You Need in Petra?
1 Day in Petra
Covers: The Siq, Treasury, Street of Facades, Royal Tombs, and Petra Theatre Walking distance: 4-6 kilometers Recommended for: First-time visitors with limited time
2 Days in Petra (Recommended)
Day 1: Main trail including Treasury, Theatre, and Royal Tombs Day 2: Monastery trail, High Place of Sacrifice, or Petra by Night Ideal for: Comprehensive Petra experience
3 Days in Petra
Day 3: Little Petra, back trails, and hidden tombs Perfect for: Photography enthusiasts and archaeology lovers
Top 10 Things to See in Petra
1. The Siq – Petra ‘s Grand Entrance
The Siq is a dramatic 1.2-kilometer narrow gorge leading to Petra’s main attractions. This natural geological formation, enhanced by Nabataean engineering, builds anticipation as towering walls close in around you.
Highlights:
- Ancient water channels carved into walls
- Nabataean religious niches and carvings
- Photo opportunities with dramatic light play
2. The Treasury (Al-Khazneh) – Petra’s Most Famous Monument
The Treasury stands 40 meters high and represents Petra’s most photographed facade. Despite its name, this elaborate tomb likely belonged to a Nabataean king.
Best photography times:
- Morning: 9:00-11:00 AM for front lighting
- Late afternoon: 4:00-5:00 PM for golden hour shots
3. Street of Facades – Ancient Nabataean Necropolis
Over 40 tombs carved into a single cliff face showcase various Nabataean architectural styles. This area demonstrates the evolution of Nabataean craftsmanship over centuries.
4. Petra Theatre – Roman Engineering Marvel
This Roman-style amphitheater seats 3,000 people and represents the blend of Nabataean and Roman cultures. The theatre was carved directly from solid rock, destroying several tombs in the process.
5. Royal Tombs – Petra’s Most Elaborate Burial Sites
Four magnificent tombs including:
- Urn Tomb: Features a large courtyard with panoramic views
- Silk Tomb: Named for its colorful natural rock striations
- Corinthian Tomb: Shows Roman architectural influence
- Palace Tomb: The largest facade in Petra
6. The Monastery (Ad-Deir) – Petra’s Hidden Gem
A challenging 45-minute uphill hike (800+ steps) leads to Petra’s largest monument. At 50 meters wide and 45 meters high, the Monastery offers spectacular views and fewer crowds.
Hiking tips:
- Start early to avoid heat
- Bring water and snacks
- Allow 3-4 hours total (including exploration time)
7. High Place of Sacrifice – Panoramic Petra Views
This ancient religious site offers 360-degree views of Petra and surrounding mountains. The moderate hike takes 30-45 minutes and provides excellent photography opportunities.
8. Little Petra – The Archaeological Bonus
Located 8 kilometers north of main Petra, Little Petra features well-preserved Nabataean frescoes and intricate carvings in a more intimate setting.
9. Petra by Night – Magical Candlelit Experience
Available Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings, this two-hour experience illuminates the Treasury with over 1,500 candles while traditional Bedouin music fills the air.
Tickets: 17 JD (separate from day entry) Times: 8:30 PM – 10:30 PM
10. The Great Temple – Archaeological Wonder
Recent excavations reveal this massive complex covering 7,560 square meters. The ongoing archaeological work provides insights into Nabataean religious and civic life.
Petra Travel Tips from Local Experts
Essential Petra Packing List
- Comfortable hiking boots with good grip
- Sun hat and sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Plenty of water (3-4 liters per person)
- Energy snacks and lunch
- Camera with extra batteries
- Light jacket for early morning or winter visits
Navigation and Safety Tips
- Download Petra maps before visiting (limited WiFi inside)
- Stay on marked trails to protect archaeological sites
- Respect photography restrictions inside tombs
- Hire licensed guides for historical context and hidden spots or fully book your Jordan trip with an experienced and reputable DMC (Destination Management Company) like Dakkak DMC Jordan that will take care of all your transportation, hotel bookings, in-house licensed guides, restaurant bookings, and time management to fully enjoy all of Jordan without the hassle.
Where to Stay Near Petra
Luxury Hotels (5-Star)
Mövenpick Resort Petra
- Location: 2-minute walk to Petra entrance
- Features: Spa, multiple restaurants, traditional décor
Petra Guest House Hotel
- Location: Adjacent to Petra entrance
- Historical significance: Jordan’s first hotel (1960s)
- Features: Cave bar, garden setting
Mid-Range Hotels (3-4 Star)
Petra Moon Hotel
- Location: 10-minute walk to Petra
- Features: Rooftop restaurant, traditional architecture
Old Village Hotel & Resort
- Location: Wadi Musa center
- Features: Pool, spa, mountain views
Combining Petra with Other Jordan Destinations
Petra can be easily combined with other destinations in Jordan, you can see (Our Programs) with multiple days and pick based on what you prefer, and ofcourse there’s the option to tailor your itinerary with one of our tour specialists here (https://www.dakkakjordan.com/contact-us)
Here’s one of our designed programs:
Petra can be easily combined with other destinations in Jordan, you can see (Our Programs) with multiple days and pick based on what you prefer, and ofcourse there’s the option to tailor your itinerary with one of our tour specialists here (https://www.dakkakjordan.com/contact-us)
Here’s one of our designed programs:
Magic of Jordan
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Day 1
Queen Alia International Airport – Amman
Meet and assist at Queen Alia Airport, our representative to assist clients through formalities and luggage collection, transfer to your hotel in Amman, overnight.
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Day 2
Amman – Amman City Tour - Jerash – Amman
- Breakfast, morning visit of Jerash; The Greco - Roman city of Jerash (Gerasa in ancient times), This ancient city of Jerash is remarkable for its unbroken chain of human occupation, The city's golden age came under Roman rule and the site is now generally acknowledged to be one of the best preserved Roman provincial towns in the world, Jerash reveals a fine example of the grand, formal provincial Roman urbanism that is found throughout the Middle East, comprising paved and colonnaded streets, soaring hilltop temples, handsome theatres, spacious public squares and plazas, baths, fountains and city walls pierced by towers and gates, after that we drive back to Amman; Amman is the capital city of Jordan. In the thirteenth century Amman was called Rabbath Ammon by the Ammonites. The Greeks called it Philadelphia, a visit to the Roman Amphitheatre: is considered one of the largest in the Middle East, Amman Citadel: Is located 132 meter of the level of the City Centre. South of the castle we can still see the ruins of Hercules temple, also there is an Umayyad palace, transfer to hotel in Amman, overnight.
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Day 3
Amman – Madaba – Mt. Nebo – Kerak – Petra
- Breakfast, proceed to visit Madaba; The city of finest collections of Byzantine mosaics, many fine examples of which are well preserved, Several church floor mosaics can be seen in their original locations, Madaba’s real masterpiece, in the Orthodox Church of Saint George, is the 6th century AD mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land – the earliest religious map of the Holy Land in any form to survive from antiquity, then visit Mt. Nebo; the place where Moses gazed at the Promised Land before he died and believed to be his burial place. You visit the old monastery; overlook the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea, Jericho and Jerusalem, drive to visit Kerak Castle; one of the most important Crusader Castles in the region, drive to hotel in Petra, dinner and overnight.
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Day 4
Petra – Petra Visit – Petra
- Breakfast, today visit the red rose city Petra, the biggest attraction of Jordan. Petra was first established around the 6th century B.C. by the Nabatean Arabs, a nomadic tribe who settled in the area and founded a commercial empire, you can start the trip on horseback or by foot to the canyon, the so called Siq, and then walk to the most beautiful monument: the Treasury, from here we explore the city to see the Street of Facades, the Royal Tombs and Pharaoh's Castle, transfer to Petra for dinner and overnight.
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Day 5
Petra - Wadi Rum – Dead Sea
- Breakfast, drive southern this morning to Wadi Rum, a moonscape terrain of ancient river beds, wind-sculpted mountains, vast desert vistas and smooth, pastel-colored sands. You will meet long skirted legionnaires offering cardamom-spiced coffee at the "Beau Geste" outpost. Enjoy a 2 hour jeep tour at this oasis home to the film "Lawrence of Arabia." A truly “out of this world” experience! Then drive to Dead Sea hotel for dinner and overnight.
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Day 6
Dead Sea – Queen Alia International Airport
- Breakfast, free time at leisure, transfer to Queen Alia International Airport.
Petra for Groups and Corporate Travel
MICE and Incentive Options
Exclusive Petra Experiences:
- Private access Gala Dinner in Little Petra
- Expert archaeologist lectures during tours
- Traditional Bedouin dinner
- Professional photography services for corporate events
Corporate Team Building Activities:
- Treasure hunts through archaeological sites
- Sunrise yoga sessions at the Monastery
- Cultural workshops with local artisans
- Camel trekking adventures in surrounding desert
Petra Photography Guide
Best Photography Spots
- Treasury facade: Morning light (9-11 AM)
- Monastery viewpoint: Late afternoon golden hour
- Royal Tombs: Sunset lighting from opposite cliff
- Siq entrance: Dramatic narrow canyon shots
- High Place of Sacrifice: Panoramic Petra views
Photography Tips
- Golden hours: One hour after sunrise, one hour before sunset
- Avoid midday harsh shadows on facades
- Bring tripod for Petra by Night shots
Frequently Asked Questions About Petra
Is Petra safe for tourists?
Yes, Petra is very safe. Jordan maintains excellent tourism security, and the Petra Archaeological Park has dedicated tourist police and medical facilities.
Can children visit Petra?
Absolutely. Children under 12 enter free, but consider their walking stamina. The main trail to Treasury is manageable for most children over 6 years old.
Is Petra accessible for people with mobility issues?
Partially accessible. The main Siq to Treasury is relatively flat and suitable for wheelchairs, though the 1.2km distance may be challenging. Electric carts are available for rental.
What should I do if I get lost in Petra?
Stay calm and retrace your steps to the main trail. Petra has clearly marked paths, and local guides are always available. Mobile coverage is limited, so inform someone of your hiking plans.
Can I bring food and drinks into Petra?
Yes, bringing your own snacks and water is highly recommended
Ready to experience Petra with local experts? Contact Dakkak DMC Jordan for customized Petra tours, group arrangements, and exclusive access experiences. As Jordan’s longest-established destination management company (since 1955), we provide unparalleled local expertise and seamless travel coordination.
Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable Petra adventure with the confidence that comes from 70 years of Jordan tourism expertise.