Petra is one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological sites and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Carved by the Nabataeans into rose-red sandstone cliffs over 2,000 years ago, the ancient city of Petra stretches across a vast protected valley in southern Jordan. This complete guide covers everything you need to know before you visit.
“Petra is not just a site you visit. It is a world you enter – and it takes more than one day to understand it properly.”
Getting to Petra
Petra is located near the town of Wadi Musa in southern Jordan, approximately 230 kilometres south of Amman. The drive from Amman takes around three hours via the Desert Highway. From Aqaba it is approximately 130 kilometres and two hours by road. The nearest airport is Aqaba (AQJ), served by Royal Jordanian and several low-cost carriers. Most visitors arrive by private vehicle or coach arranged through their tour operator.
How Many Days Do You Need in Petra?
Two full days is the minimum we recommend. Day one covers the classic route: the Siq entrance canyon, the Treasury, the Street of Facades, the Theatre, the Colonnaded Street and the Qasr al-Bint temple. Day two is for the Monastery – a 45-minute climb of 850 carved steps rewarding with the most dramatic view in Petra – plus the High Place of Sacrifice and the quieter back trails. Visitors with only one day invariably leave wishing they had more time.
The Siq and the Treasury
The Siq is a narrow 1.2-kilometre gorge that serves as the dramatic entrance to Petra. Walking through it – high sandstone walls towering above, the light shifting with every bend – is one of the great approach sequences in travel. The moment the Treasury reveals itself at the end of the Siq is one of the most photographed instants in all of archaeology. Arrive by 6am when gates open to experience it in near-silence before the crowds arrive.
Petra by Night
Three times a week, Petra opens after dark for a candlelit experience: 1,800 candles illuminate the Siq and Treasury, with traditional Bedouin music played at the site. Atmospheric and genuinely memorable. Quest Travel Jordan can incorporate Petra by Night into any programme on the appropriate evenings.
Visit Petra with Quest Travel Jordan
Quest Travel Jordan designs private Petra programmes with licensed specialist guides, timed for the best light and least crowds. We manage entrance tickets, transport and accommodation in Wadi Musa. Contact us to design your Petra itinerary.
