Jordan
Petra
Petra is a city carved into rose-red cliffs — the Nabataeans' lost capital, and one of the world's wonders.
Petra is a 2,000-year-old city carved by the Nabataeans into rose-red sandstone canyons — the 'lost city' rediscovered in the 19th century and one of the world's great archaeological sites.
The way in is the Siq, a narrow gorge that opens on the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) — the famous facade. Beyond it, the city unfolds for miles: the Royal Tombs, the Monastery (climb 800 steps), and the High Place of Sacrifice. You walk a lot; allow two days.
Stay in the nearby town of Wadi Musa, go early to beat the heat and the crowds, and add a night at 'Petra by Night.' Combine with Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea for the classic Jordan loop.
How long
2–3 days
Best time
March–May and September–November
When to go
Spring and fall are warm but not scorching — the best weather for walking the site. Summer is very hot (40°C+); winter is cold and can be wet.
Spring (Mar–May)
Warm, wildflowers, and the best walking weather — our top pick.
Fall (Sep–Nov)
Pleasant and dry; great light for photos.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Cold (especially nights) and sometimes wet; few crowds.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
40°C+. Very hot; go at dawn and midday indoors. The cheapest, emptiest time.
Neighborhoods
Where you stay shapes the trip. Here's how to think about it.
Wadi Musa (the gateway town)
Base, everyoneThe town beside Petra — hotels, restaurants, and the visitor entrance. Stay here.
Don't miss: The Petra visitor center and an early start.
The Siq & the Treasury
Everyone, onceThe canyon entrance and the famous facade — the image of Petra, and the first sight.
Don't miss: The moment the Treasury appears through the Siq.
The City Center (Royal Tombs, colonnaded street)
HistoryThe Roman-era core — facades, tombs, and the colonnaded street deeper in.
Don't miss: The Royal Tombs in morning light.
The Monastery (Ad Deir)
Adventure, returning visitorsThe biggest facade, up 800 steps — the reward for the climb, and far fewer crowds.
Don't miss: The Monastery and the view from the top.
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
Off-path, returning visitorsA small satellite site 9km away — a quieter, free taste of the Nabataean carving.
Don't miss: A short stop at Little Petra on the way in or out.
Practical
Currency
Jordanian dinar (JOD). Cards accepted at the visitor center; carry cash in Wadi Musa.
Language
Arabic. English in tourist areas.
Getting around
Walk the site (it's huge — a full day's walking). Taxis and a free shuttle cover parts; golf carts for limited mobility.
Safety
Very safe. The main risks are the heat, the sun, and the walking — start early, carry water.
Budget range
USD 70–140 equivalent per person per day at mid-range. The Petra ticket (1–3 days) is the big cost.
Tipping
10% at restaurants; round up for drivers.
How to plan it
- Buy a 2-day Petra pass — one day isn't enough for the Monastery and the main city.
- Start at dawn to beat the heat and the cruise crowds (arriving mid-morning).
- Climb to the Monastery (800 steps) — fewer crowds and the best facade.
- Go to 'Petra by Night' on a Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday — candles in the Siq.
- Combine Petra with Wadi Rum (desert) and the Dead Sea for the full Jordan loop.
Questions
How many days in Petra?
Two. One covers the Siq, Treasury, and Royal Tombs; two adds the Monastery and the High Place.
When's the best time to visit Petra?
March–May or September–November — warm but not scorching. Summer is very hot; winter is cold and wet.
Is Petra safe?
Very safe. Jordan is stable and tourist-friendly; manage the heat and walking.
How much is the Petra ticket?
About 50 JOD for 1 day, 55 for 2, 60 for 3 (2024). The Jordan Pass includes it and pays off if you visit multiple sites.
More in Jordan
Wadi Rum
Jordan
Wadi Rum is Jordan's red desert — sandstone valleys, Bedouin camps, and a moonscape used as Mars in the movies.
Amman
Jordan
Amman is a Roman hilltop capital — citadel, souks, and the gateway to Petra and the Dead Sea.
More in Middle East & Africa
Durban
South Africa
Durban is South Africa's beach and surf — the Indian Ocean coast, a curry culture, and the gateway to the Drakensberg.
Victoria Falls
Zimbabwe & Zambia
Victoria Falls is the smoke that thunders — the world's widest sheet of falling water, on the border of two countries.
Zanzibar
Tanzania
Zanzibar is a spice island of stone town and white sand — Swahili doors, dhows, and the turquoise Indian Ocean.
Nairobi
Kenya
Nairobi is the safari capital — a national park inside the city, and the gateway to the Masai Mara.
Essaouira
Morocco
Essaouira is Morocco's windy Atlantic port — a rampart medina, fish grilled at the port, and the kite-surf capital.
Johannesburg
South Africa
Johannesburg is South Africa's engine — gold, Apartheid's history, and a city of energy and caution.
Readymade itineraries
Start from a tested template — then make it yours.
Where to book
Plan a trip to Petra
Pick a length and we'll build a day-by-day plan around how you travel — neighborhoods clustered, budget-aware, and editable.
Get better at planning trips like this
Occasional notes on planning smarter — no spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Plan a trip to Petra
Turn this guide into a day-by-day plan built around your pace, your group, and your budget.
Build my Petra trip