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In January 2023, we visited Petra, my favorite day on the trip to Jordan. It was a full day, and there is a lot to see, so if you plan to visit Petra, this post will help you maximize your time.
In 1812 the ‘Lost City’ was found by a Swiss explorer. Petra was a major trading center in 400 BC, but the city lost its influence and wealth after a major earthquake destroyed half the city, and the trading routes changed. The structures dug into the cliff faces were occupied by Bedouin locals, and to this day, only Bedouins can operate concessions within the park. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 and is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
Top Sites in Petra
What are the most important things to see on your visit to Petra?
The Treasury
This fasçade is located about halfway to the ancient city. The path narrows through a gorge, and you are standing before a grand carving that marks the place which once held the Pharoah’s treasure.
To get this view, I paid a small amount to go up a walking path which takes about five minutes but is a steep climb and not for everyone. At the top, there are traditional costumes and props for the perfect photo op.
The Monastery
The Monastery is another mile and a half from the city ruins, uphill, mostly stone steps, and definitely a cardio workout. It would take two or three hours to walk and half that if you take a donkey. We didn’t have time to walk it, so I took the donkey. How many times will I be able to visit Petra? This monument is a must-see. Joe was having none of it.
My Donkey Ride
Since I was going to the Monastery alone, I did not want to hold up the others. So, we found a donkey handler who promised Joe to get me up and back in 40 minutes. We agreed on a price, and off we went. Then, I realized that we would be running up the stone steps dodging tourists. The handler was swatting the donkey and yelling, “BEEP! BEEP!” to slower pedestrians. I hung on for dear life. Frankly, this was the most dangerous thing I did on the trip.
When we got to the top, he told me I had ten minutes before we had to head down. I informed him that my husband would not mind if I were late, particularly since I had the money (which I did not share with him). So anyway, I headed off to see the largest and grandest of the monuments. As it turns out, there are many more stairs to get to the site from the donkey corral, the equivalent of ten flights.
At the top, there were many overlooks, and I could have spent an hour there, but Joe was waiting, so I did a quick tour. It was worth the terror. The views were incredible, but it wasn’t great light, too harsh and into the sun. Morning light would have been better.
The City Ruins
Before reaching the City Gates with the guards in period dress, you pass the Temple Complex and the Colonnaded Street. Look for the camel in the rock formations over the gates..
Hiking to the Ruins
Getting there is half the fun! At first, the road was wide open under blue skies, but they we headed in between the rocks. The gorge zigzags along, and you can see the antique water channels that were dug into the rocks and various rock formations.
We started our visit to Petra later than most, and it was not crowded at all until we reached the Treasury, and even then, it wasn’t too bad.
Al-Khubtha Trail
There is a trail off the main road that climbs up the hillside to the royal tombs, then meets back up to the road before the city gates. It was steep, and the sand was slippery, but it was manageable; take it slowly. There are many caves filled with souvenirs, and you get a better view of the Theatre. It is large enough to seat 4,000 people and is the only Theatre in the world carved into rock.
Shopping in Petra
There are vendors everywhere. In addition to the Indiana Jones accouterments [The Last Crusade filmed in Petra], they were actually selling frankincense and myrrh – it is a real thing! What should you bring home from your visit to Petra?
I couldn’t seem to go past a stand without buying another scarf. Unfortunately, it was here that I made the worst deal of the trip, basically paying double for three scarves that were made in India.
Planning Your Visit to Petra
Plan on spending two days when you visit Petra; one day was not enough to jam everything in, particularly if you are interested in photography or hiking. Also, the shifting light throughout the day made for very different morning and afternoon conditions. So, I was shooting into the sun by the time I got to the panoramic vistas near the Monastery. Next time and I truly want there to be another visit to Petra; I will take a golf cart, then a donkey to get to the Monastery as quickly as possible and get the good light, then walk back toward the entrance.
Orientation
There is a 2.5-mile, winding road into the city’s gates, with landmarks and, of course, vendors to see on the way. It’s an easy walk. From there, you can continue for 1.6 miles uphill to the Monastery. Other hiking trails branch off from the main road, and you are provided a map with your ticket.
Getting Around in the Park
Some of Petra is accessible by golf cart if you have mobility issues. You get a round-trip ride to the city gates for a small fee. There are also animals: horses, donkeys, and camels. Everything is negotiable; even after closing the deal, the handler will work you for a tip.
Get a Map of Petra
What to Bring
It’s a long walking day; I logged 10 miles. You will need water and some good shoes, particularly if you want to hike on the cliffs. However, food and water are available, so you don’t need to bring a lot. You can bring a traditional headscarf, which I am pretty good at wrapping. I put it on Joe, but he does not look Middle Eastern.
Getting to Petra from Amman
We flew in and out of Amman from Cairo on Royal Jordanian Air, but Egypt Air flies the same route. Once we landed, we were driven to Petra. It takes three hours on the Desert Highway, and there is nothing to see on the way. An alternative is the ancient trade route called the King’s Highway, which has winding roads, vistas, and stops. The rest stop is state-sponsored and has lots of souvenirs. If you want items from the area, look for soaps and lotions from the Dead Sea.
Where to Stay in Petra
The Movenpick Resort, which is literally across the street from the entrance to the Petra Archaeological Park. The hotel was really cool, with an open courtyard in the center. On our first night, another group had a party with drums and bagpipes that echoed through the entire place but looked fun. Again, there was an extensive breakfast buffet with an omelet station like we saw every morning at every hotel and on every boat during our tour of Egypt and Jordan. We only ate at the hotel, but our guide recommended My Mom’s Recipe.
