Nº 06
Petra
Jordan 30.33° N · 35.44° E
An ancient Nabataean city carved into rose-coloured sandstone cliffs in southern Jordan, reached through a narrow canyon that suddenly opens onto the Treasury.
“The walls of the Siq closing in above you — then a slice of carved pink stone appearing at the end of the canyon, and growing into the Treasury.”
Nobody forgets their first steps through the Siq. The path into Petra winds for more than a kilometre through a narrow canyon whose walls rise high on either side, shifting from ochre to pink to deep red. Then the canyon turns one last time, and through the gap you see it: the Treasury, a temple facade carved straight into the cliff more than two thousand years ago.
It belongs on the list because Petra is so much more than one famous building. The Nabataeans built an entire city here — tombs, a theatre, colonnaded streets, water channels — cut directly out of the mountains. Walk far enough and you’ll climb hundreds of steps to the Monastery, or sit on a high ledge looking over a landscape that seems to glow at sunset.
And it sits in a country made for a bucket-list journey. A few hours away the Wadi Rum desert offers red dunes and a sky full of stars, and the Dead Sea lets you float at the lowest point on land. Petra is the reason to go; Jordan is the reason you’ll stay longer than planned.
From someday to a real plan
- Days needed
- 2 days (6–8 for Jordan)
- Best months
- Mar – May · Oct – Nov
- Budget
- US$100–250 per person per day
- Getting there
- Straightforward
- Crowds
- Busy
One day covers the Siq, the Treasury and the Monastery at a fast pace. Two days let you add the High Place of Sacrifice and Little Petra without rushing.
Mild temperatures for the long walks. Summer regularly passes 35 °C, and winter can bring cold, rain and occasional flash-flood closures.
Entry was 50 JOD for one day, 55 JOD for two and 60 JOD for three for visitors staying overnight in Jordan (90 JOD for day visitors). The Jordan Pass bundles Petra entry with a visa waiver for eligible stays. Orientation ranges — verify before booking.
About 3 hours by road from Amman or 2 hours from Aqaba. Most people stay in Wadi Musa, the town at the entrance.
The Treasury is busiest from mid-morning. Enter at opening time and do the long walks first; the far parts of the site stay much quieter.
The year at a glance
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Spring and autumn are ideal. In July–August, start at opening time and rest in the middle of the day. Winter days can be clear and quiet but cold, and heavy rain occasionally closes the Siq.
What you'll remember
- 01
Walking the Siq to the Treasury
A winding canyon over a kilometre long, ending at Al-Khazneh. Early morning light and few people make the reveal unforgettable.
- 02
The Monastery
Ad Deir sits at the top of roughly 800 rock-cut steps. It's even larger than the Treasury, and far fewer people make the climb.
- 03
The High Place of Sacrifice
A ceremonial platform high above the city, with one of the best overviews of Petra.
- 04
Petra by Night
The Siq and Treasury lit by candles on selected evenings. It needs a separate ticket and isn't included in the Jordan Pass.
- 05
Little Petra
A smaller site a short drive north, with carved facades in a narrow canyon and a fraction of the visitors.
- 06
A night in Wadi Rum
Red desert, sandstone mountains and a Bedouin-style camp under the stars, a couple of hours south.
How the trip fits together
- 1–2 days
Amman
The capital, the Citadel, and a day trip to the Roman city of Jerash.
- 1 day
Dead Sea
Float at the lowest point on land before heading south.
- 2 days
Petra (Wadi Musa)
Stay close to the entrance so you can be in at opening time.
- 1 night
Wadi Rum
Desert camp, jeep tour and stars — then on to Aqaba to fly out or dive the Red Sea.
Put it on your list if…
- You want an ancient site that feels like an adventure, not a museum.
- You enjoy long walks and climbing steps in exchange for big views.
- You'd like to combine history, desert and the Red Sea in one compact country.
Maybe skip it if…
- You can only travel in July–August and handle heat badly.
- Walking 10–20 km in a day on uneven ground isn't realistic for you.
- You want to see it in a couple of hours from a cruise ship or day tour — it rewards time.
- The Jordan Pass must be bought before arrival, and the visa waiver has minimum-stay conditions. Check the official Jordan Pass website.
- Check your government's official travel advice for Jordan and the region before booking.
- Dress modestly outside the resort areas, and carry plenty of water and sun protection inside the site.
- Animal rides are offered inside the site; many visitors choose to walk because of animal-welfare concerns.
