Petra

Overview

Petra was carved and built by the Nabataeans more than two thousand years ago, and much of what visitors see today — the Siq, the Treasury, the Royal Tombs — is reached on foot along paths that wind through a narrow canyon and open plains. The site is large, and seeing even its main monuments involves several hours of walking on varied terrain.

Most visitors stay in the nearby town of Wadi Musa, close to the main visitor entrance, and plan for at least a full day inside the site. Petra also connects naturally with Wadi Rum, a couple of hours further south by road.

A UNESCO World Heritage site carved directly into sandstone cliffs
Walking routes ranging from the main Treasury path to longer climbs toward the Monastery
A natural pairing with Wadi Rum for a southern Jordan itinerary
A range of stays from Wadi Musa town to properties closer to the entrance

Main attractions

The Siq

A narrow, roughly kilometer-long canyon that forms the dramatic main approach into Petra.

The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)

Petra's most famous façade, appearing suddenly at the end of the Siq.

Royal Tombs

A row of large carved tomb façades along the cliff face east of the Colonnaded Street.

The Monastery (Ad-Deir)

A monument similar in scale to the Treasury, reached by a long uphill climb of roughly 800 steps.

A demanding climb — allow ample time and water, and pace yourself.

Petra Archaeological Park

The broader protected area containing the Siq, the Treasury, and hundreds of other tombs, temples, and structures.

Hotels in this destination

Practical information

Getting there: Petra is typically reached by private transfer or organized transport from Amman (roughly a half-day drive) or as part of a southern Jordan route via Wadi Rum and Aqaba.
Getting around: Inside the site, walking is the main way to move between monuments; some routes also allow horse-drawn carriages or donkeys for parts of the way, subject to site rules.
Suggested duration: A full day allows time for the Treasury, Royal Tombs, and a return walk; two days give more room to also reach the Monastery without rushing.
Seasonal guidance: Summer midday heat inside the canyon and open plains can be intense; spring and autumn generally offer more comfortable walking conditions. Winter can bring cool mornings and occasional rain.
Family travel: The main route to the Treasury is manageable for many families; the climb to the Monastery is demanding and better suited to older children and adults comfortable with long walks.
Accessibility: Petra's terrain includes uneven stone paths, sand, and long distances, which limits step-free access to much of the site. Some carriage options exist for part of the route. Accessibility conditions vary by route — contact the tourism team before travel to confirm current options.
Cultural guidance: Petra is a working archaeological site and a livelihood for the local community; please stay on marked paths, avoid touching carved surfaces, and be respectful when photographing local vendors and guides.