3 days Strenuous wilderness trekking along the High Place of Sacrifice, the rugged Backdoor trail from Little Petra, and lesser-known Nabataean mountain routes
3 Days in Petra: The Backcountry Hiker in Petra/Wadi Musa
A 3-day backcountry hiking itinerary tailored for an active couple seeking rugged Nabataean trails, avoiding standard tourist crowds by utilizing backdoor mountain routes, and recovering each evening with authentic Levantine feasts and relaxed local drinks.
Who this is for
Strenuous wilderness trekking along the High Place of Sacrifice, the rugged Backdoor trail from Little Petra, and lesser-known Nabataean mountain routes
Why this itinerary works
Strenuous wilderness trekking along the High Place of Sacrifice, the rugged Backdoor trail from Little Petra, and lesser-known Nabataean mountain routes
This itinerary hits an exceptional balance between serious outdoor terrain and couple-oriented comfort, taking advantage of Petra's most dramatic geological trails while protecting personal downtime.
At a Glance
The shape of this trip, at a glance.
3
Packed
$1,240
$413
6
3
Walk & transit
Interactive map
The itinerary
Day 1
PETRA MAIN BASIN & HIGH PLACE OF SACRIFICE
The Classic Siq Entrance & Mountain Ridge Descent
Breakfast & Trail Prep at Beit Al-Barakah
Wadi Musa Center, Central Wadi Musa
Allows a slow morning start with fresh manakish, eggs, and strong Arabic coffee before entering the demanding dry canyon.
Bab Al-Siq & The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)
Petra Park, Petra Archaeological Park
Experiencing the dramatic 1.2 km narrow slot canyon at mid-morning when morning tour groups have already dispersed further inside the basin.
Shaded Meze at Basin Restaurant
Inner Basin, Petra Basin
Provides a seated, air-conditioned refuge right at the end of the Colonnaded Street to refuel properly before ascending the cliffs.
High Place of Sacrifice via Wadi Farasa Trek
Wadi Farasa Ridge, Southern Petra Ridges
Reverses standard tourist direction by ascending from the rear through Wadi Farasa, revealing the Lion Triclinium and Garden Tomb with zero crowd density.
Clay Pot Saj & Local Beer at The Cave Bar
Gate District, Visitor Center Gate
Housed in a 2,000-year-old Nabataean rock-cut tomb just outside the park gates, offering Jordan-crafted Carakale beer and hot grilled meats immediately after trail exit.
Day 2
LITTLE PETRA TO THE MONASTERY (BACKDOOR TRAIL)
The Rugged Wilderness Traverse
Slow Breakfast & Specialty Coffee at Sandstone Cafe
Wadi Musa Center, Upper Wadi Musa
Unrushed morning with freshly baked cardamom bread and pour-over coffee overlooking the valley before heading into the backcountry.
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) Exploration
Little Petra / Al-Beidha, Al-Beidha
Inspect intimate Nabataean painted bicliniums and canyon water cisterns before embarking on the mountain trail.
Bedouin Mountain Tea & Trail Bread on Backdoor Route
Wadi Ghurab, Wadi Ghurab Clifftops
Authentic sage tea and warm taboon bread served at mountain Bedouin viewpoints overlooking the plunging Wadi Araba rift valley.
Ad-Deir (The Monastery) Approach & Cliff Lookouts
Ad-Deir Plateau, Western Mountain Plateau
Arriving at the colossal Monastery from the mountain plateau behind it eliminates the grueling 850-step uphill grind and reveals the monument suddenly with fewer midday tourists.
Traditional Mansaf Feast at Al Wadi Restaurant
Wadi Musa Center, Shaheed Roundabout
Renowned for the national dish: slow-cooked lamb in fermented dried yogurt (jameed) over aromatic turmeric rice and toasted almonds.
Evening Craft Beer & Shisha at Nabatean Lounge
Upper Slopes, Kings Highway Overlook
Panoramic evening terrace with night views over the lit sandstone hills of Wadi Musa and local Jordanian wine.
Day 3
AL-KHUBTHA MOUNTAIN & ROYAL TOMBS
The High Rim & Interactive Bedouin Cooking
Lazy Brunch at My Mom's Recipe Restaurant
Tourism Street, Tourism Street
Homestyle Jordanian breakfast featuring freshly rolled foul mudammas, grilled halloumi, and mint tea on a sunny open-air terrace.
The Royal Tombs & Al-Khubtha Trail Summit
Eastern Mountain Wall, Eastern Mountain Wall
Climbs rock-hewn steps past the Urn and Corinthian Tombs up to the dizzying clifftop perch offering an overhead aerial perspective of the Treasury.
Afternoon Recovery & Artifacts at Petra Museum
Gate District, Park Entrance
Modern, climate-controlled, world-class museum curated with JICA featuring exquisite Nabataean pottery, statuary, and engineering models to rest tired legs.
Hands-On Cooking & Feast at Petra Kitchen
Tourism Street, Tourism Street
Cook alongside local women to prepare multi-course Levantine dishes: lentil shorbat, baba ghanoush, fattoush, and chicken maqluba.
Farewell Saint George Wine & Arak at Red Cave Bar
Tourism Street, Wadi Musa Center
Cozy, laid-back outdoor spot serving Jordan River and Saint George boutique wines alongside local arak to celebrate finishing Petra's highest routes.
Budget
UNDER BUDGETTarget
$2,000
Estimated
$1,240
Difference
$760
Trip Balance Score
How well this trip will actually work
Prioritized traveler fit, physical trail sequencing, and culinary authenticity over rapid site ticking.
What works well
- Zero backtracking: Day 2 enters Little Petra and hikes one-way downhill into main Petra.
- Balanced energy management: paired intense sandstone scrambles with slow morning starts and leisurely evening meals.
- Avoids the worst midday heat bottlenecks at the Siq and Treasury by utilizing elevated ridge trails.
What we would improve
- Day 2 backdoor hike requires hiring an authorized local 4x4 or Bedouin guide transfer between Wadi Musa and Little Petra trailhead.
- High physical exertion means afternoon flexibility is required if trail fatigue sets in early.
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