The ancient city of Petra is one of Jordan’s national treasures and by far its best known tourist attraction. Petra is the legacy of the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people who settled in southern Jordan more than 2,000 years ago. Admired then for its refined culture, massive architecture and ingenious complex of dams and water channels, Petra is a UNESCO World Heritages Site and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Inhabited by the Nabateans, Edomites and Romans, Petra brought together the knowledge and skill of these civilizations to create this world wonder. Caravans laden with incense, silks, spices and other exotic goods would rest at Petra. This site is one of Jordan’s UNESCO world heritage sites.
MORNINGS IN PETRA
If you have the energy, wake up really early and head to Petra when it opens at 6 am to catch a glimpse of the sunrise above The Treasury. Many visitors argue that this is the best time to see Petra in all its glory. There are also far fewer visitors at this time so you may be able to enjoy the site all by yourself for a few minutes.
The entrance and very first landmark in Petra is Al Siq Canyon. It is a narrow canyon that is 1.2 kilometers long with 80-meter-high cliffs. When walking through the canyon visitors will notice the man-made terracotta pipes and stone panels which were used to transport and filter the water from Wadi Musa into Petra. The original dams that were used to prevent flooding from the pipes are still in place at the beginning of the canyon. Al Siq Canyon is also adorned with a number of religious sculptures and visitors will also pass a tomb and a single standing fig tree. The canyon then continues to wind beneath the cliffs until it reaches the opening at The Treasury.
Petra is often deemed one of the most beautiful archaeological sites in the world and it is easy to see why. It is an ancient Nabatean city that is located in the Jordanian desert. Each monastery and temple in Petra is carved from sandstone into the cliff faces making it a highly photogenic landmark. Although Petra is very large, archaeologists believe that 85% of the city is yet to be discovered. Petra can be explored either on foot, on horseback or even on a camel. The entrance is located just under three hours by car from the capital city of Amman and it is well connected by buses and organized tour groups from all the major cities. You can find an extensive list of tours to Petra from Amman, Aqaba and other places in Jordan here.
Spend 24 hours in Petra and discover everything it has to offer
The Siq Canyon in Petra
The Treasury is an impressive monument that is carved into the sandstone cliffs. It is the first site that visitors will see upon reaching the opening of Al Siq Canyon. Originally intended as a tomb for King Aretas III, it oozes with grandeur and is possibly one of the most recognizable landmarks in Petra.
The next site along is the Street of Facades which is a long row of tombs and houses that date back to around 2000 years ago. Visitors will want to spend some time here exploring this ancient street. From the Street of Facades are a number of hiking routes. In Petra, visitors should expect to walk a lot. An alternative is to opt for a camel or donkey ride which is particularly useful for those who are only spending 24 hours in Petra. There are also guides available at the entrance who will take visitors to the most significant sites and provide lots of interesting facts along the way.
Close to the Street of Facades is the High Place of Sacrifice. In keeping with its name, the High Place of Sacrifice is 170 meters high, making it one of the tallest locations in Petra. There are clear signs to the route and visitors should be prepared to climb a lot of steps. It is perched on top of the Jebel Madbah Mountain and was mainly used for the sacrifice of animals to the Nabatean God Dushara. Although it is a strenuous walk to the top, visitors will be rewarded with dazzling views of Petra.
As well as the High Place of Sacrifice itself, there are a number of other things to see on the way down. When taking the Wadi Farasa route down from the ridge, visitors will notice the ruins of the original Crusader walls. Halfway down this route is a Lion Monument that is sculpted into the wall and is believed to have been used as a water fountain for passers-by. The winding staircase will then lead visitors into the Garden Triclinium which was used for feasts to honor those who were buried in the Roman Soldier Tomb. The path then leads to other important sites including the Renaissance Tomb, Zantur Hill, and Amud Faraoun, before joining back with the main paths.
SPENDING AN AFTERNOON IN PETRA
It’s safe to say that by now you are hungry. There are many snack stalls on most routes which offer sweet and savory delicacies but it is also advisable to bring a packed lunch. After you have refueled, make some time to visit The Monastery. The climb to the Monastery is a steep one – over 800 steps in 20 minutes to be precise, but don’t let it put you off. Again, there are donkey rides that can take visitors straight up to the top (prices vary).
On the route, visitors will come across lots of souvenir stands selling homemade scarves and jewelry. The Monastery is a striking façade that is larger than The Treasury. The afternoon is a more pleasant time to climb up to the Monastery as most of the route is in the shade by this time.
On the way up is the Basin restaurant which offers idyllic views of the Monastery and is a perfect place for a late lunch. The restaurant provides a buffet meal of pasta and meat dishes – ideal for carb loading during a day of hiking through Petra.
PETRA IN THE EVENING
Depending on the time of year, it may be possible to watch the sunset below the Treasury, again with fewer crowds. Petra usually closes around 6 pm so make sure that you are back at the Treasury by this time. Sunset at Petra is very romantic and a wonderful opportunity for photos.
After spending almost, the entire day in Petra, head back to Wadi Musa where you can unwind. Tuck into a traditional Jordanian meal at one of the towns many restaurants. If you still have some time, finish your 24 hours in Petra with a relaxing session at a Turkish Bath.
Al-Siq to Treasury Trail (Main Trail)
This trail is the most visited trail in Petra, the trail starts from the visitor center of Petra through The Siq to The Treasury. While most tourists think that the trail ends at the ancient city’s main attraction, The Treasury, the main trail continues past the Siq, Royal Tombs, Colonnaded Street and ends by Qasr Al-Bint (The Girl’s Palace). Duration: This depends on the pace of the tourist but can take up to an hour from the visitors’ center to the Treasury.
Ad-Deir Main Trail
This trail begins at the end of the Main Trail, from the museum inside Petra, which is located next to The Basin restaurant. It leads you northwards up ancient steps and after a short walk you reach the Lion Triclinium, which is set in a small side wadi on the left. Continue past this up the carved stairway to reach a hermitage with chambers excavated in the rock and decorated with many carved crosses. You then move on upwards to reach Ad Deir, which lies a short way beyond and offers a fantastic view over the area.
This trail can be self-guided.
Ad-Deir Back Route
This trail takes you off the main track to reach Ad-Deir, or the Monastery, via a back road route. The trail begins at Kharrubat al-Fajja, which is 50 meters west of the main road to Beidha, and ends at Ad-Deir. The beginning of this trail is easy, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful landscape of the area and the mountain views overlooking Wadi Araba as you walk. It also takes you through an agricultural area. Donkeys can be used for the round trip, taking you from the starting point to the beginning of the steps that lead to Ad-Deir and back again.
From the visitor center you can go by car or bus to the beginning of this trail, which starts at a site that is just off the main road leading to Beidha.
Ad-Deir to Kharubat al-Fajjah
The first part of this trail follows the route of the Main Trail, all the way to Qasr Al-Bint. You then begin an upward climb to the Monastery climbing ancient steps as you pass the Lion Triclinium on the way up to Ad-Deir. Then instead of returning the way you came, this trail takes you past the view point and on to Umm Sysaban, where you will see the remains of an ancient walled settlement. It ends at Kharrubat al-Fajjah, which is located just off the main road leading to Beidha, from where you will need a car or bus to take you back to the visitor center.
Beidha –The First Trail
This trail begins at Umm Qussa and ends at Slaysel. The starting point is 40 meters to the west of the main road to Beidha. The beginning of the trail is easy and takes you to Bir al-Arayis, one of the many ancient Nabataean water cisterns found in the area. The trail then leads to Siq al-Barid where you will see one of the most beautiful mural paintings in Petra. From there you will move on to the Neolithic Village of Beidha, and then continue walking through Wadi Slaysel until you reach Slaysel itself, where you will be able to enjoy a wonderful view over Wadi Araba.
Al-Khubtha Trail
This trail starts from the Visitors’ Center and takes you into the ancient city of Petra through the Siq and past some magnificent monuments. This includes what is known as the ‘street of facades’, as well as a theater craved out of the rock, after which you will explore the intricately carved ‘royal tombs’, which include the Urn Tomb, Silk Tomb, Corinthian Tomb and Palace Tomb, before reaching Al-Khubtha High Place and Cistern to enjoy the breathtaking view.
The trail takes around 4 -5 hours to complete
Petra Museum
Located at the main tourist street and only three-minute walk from the main gate to Petra. Opening Times are seven days a week throughout the year from 8:30am until 7:30pm. It contains 280 artifacts, dating back to different ages, the exhibition consists of five halls showing the history of Petra and information about the Nabatean's life and their civilization.
Petra by Night
To visit Petra during daylight is awe-inspiring; to experience it at night by the light of 1,800 candles is truly out-of-this-world! Walk through the Siq to the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) following a candle-lit path and enjoy the haunting music of the Bedouins at the Treasury. Tours start at 8.30pm and finish at 10.00pm every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Allow yourself plenty of time to walk through the Siq - you don't want to miss the show!
Astronomical Tour in Petra
A Jordanian archeologist and astronomer, specialized in the history of Petra and the Nabatean civilization, has been doing his research about Petra - his home land - over the last 20 years to introduce the real history of Petra through new theories that are based on science and modern studies. This is an experience that is guaranteed to blow your mind by showcasing the greatness of one of the most unique civilizations in history.
Petra Kitchen – Cooking Lessons
The Petra Kitchen enriches Petra visitors' experiences by offering nightly cooking classes and dinners, sharing authentic local cuisine in a casual, family atmosphere. Visitors work alongside local chefs to prepare dishes found on a typical family’s menu using fresh local ingredients. By sharing recipes and flavors the people of Petra are presenting their history and culture to visitors and encouraging guests to return home to share the tastes of Jordan with friends and family. Guests who join for a multi-night cuisine course will share in food sourcing at the local markets and preparation with the chef to learn how dishes are assembled, from the earth to the plate.
(Source: Jordan Tourism Board)
