Discovering Petra
There are places you know from photos that still leave you speechless. Petra is such a place. The over 2,000-year-old Nabataean city, hidden in a valley between red sandstone mountains, was rediscovered in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, after being known only to the local Bedouins for centuries.
What makes Petra unique: The Nabataeans did not build a city — they carved a city from the rock. Hundreds of facades, temples, tombs, theaters, and residential caves were hewn directly into the sandstone walls, in shades ranging from pink to orange to violet. The city was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom (4th century BC – 106 AD) and controlled the incense and spice trade routes between Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean.
Petra is huge: Over 800 archaeological structures are spread over 264 km². Most visitors see only a fraction in one day. Plan for at least 2 days — preferably three.
Accommodation: The town of Wadi Musa is located right at the entrance to Petra and offers hotels in all price ranges (15–200 JOD/night). Most visitors stay here.
Practical Information
Entrance & Tickets
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Day | 50 JOD (65€) |
| 2 Days | 55 JOD (71€) |
| 3 Days | 60 JOD (78€) |
| Petra by Night | 17 JOD (additional) |
Included in the Jordan Pass! This is the main reason to buy the pass.
Opening Hours
Summer: 6:00–18:00. Winter: 6:00–16:00. Tip: Be at the entrance at 6:00 — you have the Siq and the Treasury almost to yourself before the tour groups arrive from 8:30 onwards.
What to Bring?
- At least 2–3 liters of water per person
- Sun protection (SPF 50+), hat, sunglasses
- Sturdy hiking shoes (the terrain is rocky and sometimes steep)
- Snacks — there are stands inside, but expensive
- Camera with a full battery
Distances in Petra
From the entrance to the Treasury: 1.5 km (30 min). From the Treasury to the Monastery: another 4 km (1.5 hrs). A full day means 10–15 km of walking with lots of ups and downs.
Achtung
Petra is EXHAUSTING. The heat, distances, and elevation changes are often underestimated. Start early, drink plenty, and plan breaks. In the peak summer (June–August), the heat can become dangerous — then definitely walk in the early morning hours.
