What is Petra
Petra is the ruins of an ancient city rediscovered in 1812 by a Swiss traveler. Also known as the “Rose City” for the rose color cliffs and Monuments that surround it. Once a very popular trading route for silk, spices and more. Petra sits near the valley of Wadi Musa and has been through the hands of Paleolithic, Neolithic, Edomites, Nabataeans and the Romans. After the 2nd major earthquake and the trades moving elsewhere the city had fallen from the map of the Western World, until Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812.
Where is Petra
Petra is located in the Valley of Wadi Musa in the Southwest part of Jordan. It’s 3 hours from Amman and 2 hours from Aqaba.
Admission to Petra
If you are not doing a tour such as we did, I would highly suggest getting a Jordan Pass. This gives you one day entry into Petra, unless you get the Jordan Explorer and Jordan Expert Packages. Entry for Petra is as follows
| One Day | 50 (J.D) |
| Two Days | 55 (J.D) |
| Three days | 60 (J.D) |
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday each week you can take in this 2 hour tour.
Your guide to 2 days in Petra
Planning your time in Petra is important as there is so much to see and a lot of walking and hiking to see all of it.
If you want to learn about the Rose City and her history I would suggest getting a guide. You can get one at the front gate and for any amount of time. If you just want one for a few hours, just like we did, I would get it on your first day. Our guide was so nice and knowledgeable. Here is his contact info through WhatsApp. His name is Khalid Hasanat and his WhatsApp contact is +962772349890 or email him ahead of time. If you want more info please leave a comment below.
From the main gate to the Treasury is 4km and about 45min to an hour depending how much you stop to take in the scenery. As you make your way down you will be approached by people for a lift to the Treasury. This will be by horse, camel, donkey or cart. If you do have some mobility issues I suggest the cart. They will tell you that horseback is included in your ticket, it is, however they will expect a tip at the end. You can also get a guide at the entrance at an extra cost that will give you the history of Petra as you make your way to the Treasury. We had a great guide that was included in our tour package.
Please do not use the animals to get you around. Over our 2 days here we had seen these poor animals strapped to a fence, no water, no food and truly they are just not treated well. Also if you plan to go to the Monastery, please for your safety and the animals, do not use one up the trail.
Day 1
Both days will start at the entry gate. There is a backway into Petra and I have seen youtubers use this route. Our guide recommended we don’t use it for safety reasons. I do not know what the safety concern was but we trusted him and stuck to the main entrance.
From the main gate to the Siq you will pass a few tombs including Djinn Blocks. There is so much we learnt from our guide during this time. The small caves were not only homes but tombs. Families would bury their loved ones in their home and sleep above them.
From here you will make your way over the Dam and into the Siq. The Siq is incredible and reminded us of our time in Utah. If you have ever been to the Narrows in Zion National Park you will understand.
As you make your way through the winding, towering cliffs you will finally see it, the Treasury. Which I’m sure is what brings the majority of the people to Petra. For good reason, it’s stunning.
This amazing monument is not built, but carved into the stone. It’s really incredible the work that was put into this amazing structure. Now, if you are here around 9am be prepared it is very busy. Want to get those alone shots, be early.
If you want those Instagram shots from above, be prepared to pay for a guide. There was a spot you could climb yourself, they have closed it off now and will tell you that you need to pay. Very frustrating. I really wanted to do it, however my fear of heights kept my feet in the dirt. So depending what area you want the view from you will be looking at 10 dinars to around 30 dinars. This will depend on your negotiation skills so if you don’t like the price, walk away, they will come back.
Warning: this is where we had seen our first argument between the Bedouins. They have a bit of a temper, so try not to get between them. If they are fighting over you, WALK AWAY.
This is a great time to get yourself a Bedouin tea and take a moment to relax and enjoy the view. Trust me the tea is amazing, it’s a sweet tea, and you will really enjoy it.
As you make your way to the right of the Treasury you will make your way out of the canyon and into the Street of Facades. Here is where the market begins and where the branch trails for the High Place of Sacrifice and Royal Tombs will be.
We didn’t do the High Place of Sacrifice trail as our bodies were a little worn out on this day. If you want to do this trail I would suggest in the morning before the heat. This is not an easy trail and is 1.9 miles about 3.5 to 4 hours. There is a lot of climbing so if you are not in the greatest of shape or have a wobbly legs like myself I would skip this.
If you look to the other side you will see the Royal Tombs, this hike can start here or further down. Tip, the trail from the other side is not stairs, it’s a hill. Either way is great and the views are amazing.
Next on the Main Trail is the Theatre. This is the only Theatre carved into the stone and it is amazing. We seen the one in Amman, which is larger, however this is so stunning. I’m sure in its time this place would have been such a sight. Even multiple earthquakes couldn’t shake this place down.
Following the Theatre you will come to Colonnaded Street. Again, much of laying in ruins from the earthquakes a long time ago. Still, it’s a really spectacular site.
Last before you hit the restaurants is the Grand Palace. Now there is not much left of this monument, however what is standing is amazing. I could just imagine the size and beauty she possessed back in her prime.
Now head to get a bite to eat or tea and make your way back. Depending on the day this could be your Petra at night day. This day could take you 4 hours or 8 hours. This depends on you, the amount you stop to take pictures or really explore each spot.
Day 2
Day 2 will start the same, or you can take the other way in. As I said before, it was not safe at that time so we opted for the same way in.
You will make your way from the entry gate, passing everything you seen yesterday and make your way to the end of the Main Trail. It is at this point where you will be asked if you want a donkey ride up to the Monastery. Please do not do it, for your safety and for the animals.
Now be prepared this climb is around 850 steps up. There are a lot of amazing view points to stop and rest. Trust me the view from the top and the Monastery are worth it.
Then after 850 steps you are there. Up here you will find a tea house, great views points and the Monastery. This is a great time for a snack, a tea and some water. Find a spot to sit and relax.
If you are looking for these pictures go to the right of the tea house you will see the small cave and the entrance is around the back of it. Be nice and let people get that perfect shot. If you see someone alone, offer to take the picture.
Once you have rested it is time to make your way back down. Please note that the way down is faster but more dangerous. It’s a busy and slippery trail. Watch your footing and watch out for the riders coming up.
Next up is a stop not far from the restaurants. Just up to the left is the Winged Lion Temple and the Byzantine Church. I know your legs maybe a little sore but this is a short trail and the places are really beautiful.
The views from this area are really lovely. They overlook the center of Petra and a great spot for more pictures. Maybe to try a new shot with your camera, like this panoramic shot.
The second day is about the Monastery and taking your time to look at the places you may have overlooked the day before. After doing that hike up you will want to take your time walking out.
Petra at Night
This is that experience you can do just once and not think about doing again. Not that I didn’t love it, I thought the show was wonderful and I loved the lighting. The journey back to the Treasury in the dark was great, need to watch your footing. What I was a little upset over, was once again, the Bedouin men fighting. The best part was, Jodi thought it was part of the show, I died laughing.
The trail is truly beautiful lit up with paper lanterns lining the path. Some of the tombs and other focal points were also beautifully illuminated.
The other issue I had was the being hurdled in like cattle and rushed to be seated. The show was beautiful but was not long and most got up because they thought it was over.
They give you a tea, which for me was worth it. Then you make your way back out. It is truly amazing looking up through the Siq and seeing the narrow cliffs hugging the stars.
Would I recommend it, yes, for 17 Dinars it’s not horrible. Would I do it again, no. I really hope in the future they get more organized, and can stop arguing in front of the tourists.
Petra Final Thoughts
Now that I have been home over a week I like to sit back and reflect on my experiences. Petra was definitely memorable and one day I would like to get back and explore a little more. If I could do things a little different, here is what I would change.
- I would go earlier both days. Yes, we had a guide our first day, but still I would have wanted to be there around 6:30am to beat the crowds.
- I should have sucked it up and had a different view of the Treasury. Not even for the Instagram post but for a less crowded view and to see it from above.
- I would do the High Place of Sacrifice trail. Yes, it is not an easy trail. Again, the views from here would have been amazing.
- I would arrive to Petra at night really early to I could be ahead of the herd of people
Petra is a beautiful spot and it’s why it is the 2nd wonder of the world. It really is different from the rest of Jordan. Let me explain. I felt during our time traveling around Jordan that the people were amazing, caring, giving and most of all polite. However, with that said, Petra was different. You could see that the experience was low on the list for the guests and money was the main priority. I get that tourism was really bad for some time, but the greed was unbearable. The fighting was something you see in a downtown city not at a tourism hotspot.
My advice is to keep your head up, you don’t want to miss the views. When someone approaches you, put your hand up in a stopping motion and say not thank you, not rude but in a stern voice. Also GO EARLY. I say this to beat the crowds but also to avoid the locals as they aren’t up that early trying to get you on a horse or to buy something.
Petra is amazing and I truly think everyone should visit this majestic place at least once in their life. Strap on some good walking/hiking shoes and take the adventure. If you have any questions, leave a comment below.