Visiting Petra on your own might sound daunting at first—after all, it’s one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites, stretching over miles of desert and ancient trails. But the truth is, exploring the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site Petra without a tour group is not only entirely doable, it’s also incredibly rewarding.
Traveling independently gives you the freedom to start your day when you choose, decide which landmarks to prioritize, linger at the sites that fascinate you most, and discover hidden corners that many rushed tours might skip.
Whether you’re an early riser hoping to catch the Treasury in the morning light or someone who wants to take their time hiking to the Monastery, going solo allows you to truly connect with the place on your own terms.
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Table of Contents
Things to Know Before Visiting Petra on Your Own
Best time to visit Petra on your own
The best time to visit Petra is during the spring months, between March and May, and between September and November in the fall months. This is because the temperatures are pleasant during the day, the chances of rain are low, and the days are longer, meaning enough time to explore.
It gets freezing during winter, and you might experience instant floods or even snow. Hiking is not an option, and the best you can do is walk through the narrow dim until you reach the Treasury, take some photos, and return. Worse, the site can be closed for a while, and visiting Petra might be hazardous. So make sure to avoid this season.
The summer months are scorching, making even breathing difficult. Hiking under the burning sun is not a good idea for sure, so avoid the summer.
How can you get from Amman or the Airport to Petra?
Getting to Petra from Amman or Queen Alia International Airport is easier than you might think, with several convenient options depending on your travel style and budget.
The easiest and most flexible way to reach Petra is by renting a car and discovering Jordan at your own pace. Once you’re out of the major cities, traffic is manageable, and you’ll enjoy long stretches of open highway and scenic mountain roads. Some routes might be a bit bumpy, but nothing too challenging. Parking is easy and free in most places, and fuel prices are relatively low, making it a budget-friendly option for road trippers. Check out the best rental deals HERE.
If you’d rather not drive, you can arrange a private taxi or transfer from Amman or the airport directly to Petra. It’s a stress-free option and ideal for travelers short on time or looking for door-to-door comfort. Find the best rates HERE.
For a budget-friendly and reliable option, the JETT Bus runs daily between Amman and Petra. It’s more comfortable and tourist-friendly than local buses, with air conditioning and reserved seating. The journey takes about four hours, and buses usually depart from Amman’s central station or specific hotels.
Do you need travel insurance in Jordan?
We never leave home without travel insurance designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong. If you’re still on the lookout for travel insurance for your trip to Jordan, I highly recommend HEYMONDO, a trusted insurance provider for leisure and business trips, backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads. Their travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
How many days do you need for visiting Petra on your own?
Petra is vast—much more than just the famous Treasury you’ve seen in photos. With its hidden trails, tombs, temples, and viewpoints, there’s truly a lot to discover when visiting Petra on your own.
When purchasing the Jordan Pass, you’ll be asked to choose between a 1-day, 2-day, or 3-day entry to Petra. While each option is valid depending on your travel style and time constraints, I highly recommend spending at least two full days if you’re planning on visiting Petra on your own.
With two days, you can explore at a relaxed pace, venture beyond the main sights, hike up to places like the Monastery or the High Place of Sacrifice, and take in the incredible atmosphere without rushing.
That said, it is possible to see most of Petra in one day—especially if you’re efficient and start early. Arrive right when the site opens (usually around 6:00 AM), and you’ll beat the crowds, enjoy the early morning light at the Treasury, and have a much quieter experience overall.
Whichever option you choose, visiting Petra on your own allows you to set your own pace, avoid the tour group rush, and truly soak in the beauty and mystery of this ancient city.
Visiting Petra on your own in one day
You can explore the ancient city of Petra on your own in just one day—but it will be a full day of walking, hiking, and soaking in every possible moment. If you’re short on time, this is a perfectly doable and rewarding option, as long as you plan ahead and arrive at the Visitor Center early, ideally right when the site opens.
Start your day first thing in the morning. Enter the site through the narrow, dramatic Siq in silence—it’s a magical experience to walk alone through this canyon, knowing what awaits you at the end. When you reach the iconic Treasury, the light will be soft, and the crowds minimal. It’s the perfect time for photos and quiet reflection before the tour groups arrive.
Continue along the main trail past the Street of Facades to explore the Royal Tombs, carved high into the rose-colored rock. Around midday, begin the hike to the Treasury Viewpoint (Al-Khubtha trail). It’s not a difficult climb, but it does take some time—so bring water and wear proper shoes. The reward? A breathtaking aerial view of the Treasury, perfectly lit by the afternoon sun. It’s also a great spot to enjoy a packed lunch with a world-class view.
After a short break, make your way toward the Monastery (Ad-Deir). The hike includes about 800 steps, but the path is scenic, and the payoff is more than worth it. The Monastery is even bigger and quieter than the Treasury, and its remote location means fewer crowds. Nearby, you’ll find a small café with cold drinks and shaded seating, ideal for relaxing before heading back.
While Little Petra is worth visiting, it’s not realistic to combine both sites in one day—especially if you want to truly enjoy Petra. The good news? You can always stop at Little Petra on your way to Aqaba or Amman the next day.
Visiting Petra on your own in two days
If you have the time, visiting Petra on your own over two days is the ideal way to fully experience the site without rushing. With fewer time constraints, you can dive deeper into Petra’s incredible history, hike its scenic trails at your own pace, and truly appreciate the atmosphere of this ancient wonder.
Begin your first day early by entering through the Siq and enjoying a quiet moment at the Treasury, ideally before the crowds arrive. From there, continue along the main trail to explore the Street of Facades, Royal Tombs, and climb to one of the Treasury viewpoints, such as the Al-Khubtha trail. Since you’re not pressed for time, you can linger at viewpoints, take breaks, and explore side paths that are often skipped on a tight schedule.
Dedicate your second day to the Monastery (Ad-Deir), one of Petra’s most spectacular sites. The hike up (about 800 steps) is steady but manageable, especially when you’re not cramming it into an already full day. Once at the top, relax at the café, take in the view, and explore the surrounding trails and viewpoints near the Monastery at your leisure.
The slower pace across both days allows you to retrace parts of the main trail without it feeling repetitive. In fact, you’ll likely notice things you missed the first time—details in the rock carvings, different lighting, and new perspectives.
With two days in Petra, you’ll also have time to explore Little Petra, located about 15 minutes away by car. It’s a much smaller site but offers a quieter, more intimate glimpse into Nabataean life.
Visiting Petra on your own in three days
The excitement of visiting Petra on your own in three days wears off a little, but if you want to hike more remote trails, then you’ll have plenty of time to do it in three days.
Plan for the first two days to visit the Monastery, the Royal Tombs and the Treasury viewpoints. With extra time, you can really soak in the details of the rock carvings, take breaks to absorb the atmosphere, and enjoy the site without any rush.
Use your third day to venture onto less crowded, more remote trails. Hike to more distant tombs, like the fascinating Aaron’s Tomb, and other hidden spots that most day visitors don’t get to see. These trails offer a peaceful retreat and a chance to connect with Petra’s rugged natural beauty.
With three days, you’ll also have time to drive over to Little Petra, located just 15 minutes away. Spend a couple of hours wandering through its narrow canyons and carved facades, enjoying a more intimate experience.
To cap off your visit, don’t miss the spectacular Petra by Night light show, which transforms the Siq and Treasury with flickering candlelight and atmospheric music—a magical way to experience Petra after dark.
Do you need a Guide for visiting Petra?
Depending on your expectations, you might or might not need a guide. If you stick to the main trails and pick up the information from the internet or guidebooks, you should be fine. But if you want to discover the off-beaten parts of Petra, a guide would be a good idea.
If you don’t feel like discovering Jordan independently, guided tours can take you to the best places. I have selected some of the best for you based on the number of reviews and value for money. Be sure to check them out.
Discover the highlights of the historical city of Petra on a private day trip to the archaeological site from Amman. BOOK YOUR GUIDED TOUR TO PETRA FROM AMMAN HERE
Or visit the ancient rock-carved city of Petra on a 2-day tour from Amman. Float in the mineral-rich water of the Dead Sea and discover the beauty of Wadi Rum by spending the night in a Bedouin camp. BOOK YOUR 2-DAY GUIDED TRIP FROM AMMAN TO PETRA AND DEAD SEA HERE
The stairs leading to the Monastery
Why should I purchase the Jordan pass?
The Jordan Pass is a sightseeing package that includes the cost of the tourist visa and the entrance to over 40 tourist attractions, such as Wadi Rum, Petra, Kerak Castle, the Citadel of Amman, and Jerash. However, some popular sites, such as Mount Nebo, Wadi Mujib, or Petra by Night, are not included in the Jordan Pass.
You can choose one of three packages: Jordan Wanderer, Jordan Explorer, or Jordan Expert. The only difference between the three is the number of consecutive days you plan to spend at Petra: one, two, or three days. The number of attractions you get free access to is the same, over 40.
Is it worth it? Think about that: even if you only get to visit Petra, you would still save money by purchasing it. The more tourist attractions you visit, the more it is worth it.
Where to stay in Petra?
Since Aqaba and Amman are quite far from Petra, I don’t recommend trying to visit Petra on your own as a day trip from either city. You’ll likely be exhausted by the time you arrive and end up rushing through the site—probably just walking the Siq and seeing the Treasury before heading back.
Instead, the best option is to stay in Wadi Musa, the town closest to Petra’s entrance. Spending at least two nights here allows you to explore Petra thoroughly without feeling rushed.
Wadi Musa offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. You can choose to stay right next to Petra’s entrance for maximum convenience, in the heart of downtown for easy access to shops and restaurants, or opt for a luxury hotel just outside town if you prefer more comfort and amenities.
For those seeking luxury, the Mövenpick Petra Hotel is a top choice, boasting comfortable rooms, excellent facilities, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
If you prefer a more intimate experience, the Petra Boutique Hotel offers charming, personalized service just steps away from the entrance.
For our stay, we chose the Petra Plaza Hotel in central Wadi Musa—a cozy boutique hotel that put us right in the heart of town. It was the perfect base to explore local restaurants each evening and experience authentic Jordanian hospitality—because, full disclosure, I’m a bit of a foodie!
Tip: Since visiting Petra on your own is a full-day adventure, make sure to arrive in Wadi Musa the night before your visit. Enjoy a relaxing dinner, get a good night’s sleep, and wake up refreshed and ready for an unforgettable day.
Get an eSIM before the trip
Phones are our lifelines when traveling, so having data right away is essential. Instead of dealing with expensive roaming plans, tricky Wi-Fi, or hunting for local SIM cards, just get an e-SIM. Install it on your phone and activate it whenever you want. For me, being connected the moment I landed was a game changer—no lines, no waiting.
An e-SIM means no physical cards, no contracts, and easy top-ups through an app. Super convenient! You can get an e-sim card with AIRALO.
How do you dress when visiting Petra on your own?
When looking at pictures of Petra, you may notice beautiful girls wearing dresses or skirts with sandals. While this makes the perfect photo at Petra, it’s not the outfit you’re aiming for. Why? Simply because Petra involves a lot of hiking.
Of course, if you enter Petra to see the Treasury only and return, then wear your best clothes since the path is flat. But, if you want to explore more and understand the beauty of the place, wear your comfortable clothes!
Grab a hat and a scarf, as you will get a lot of sun exposure at Petra.
A pair of sneakers will do the work, so there is no need to pack heavy hiking boots. Instead, you can wear your lovely dress with your favorite sneakers and get incredible pictures.
I am all for exploring, so I picked some long-sleeved shirts and my cozy Arabic pants to keep me away from the heat while visiting Petra! Along with a hat, a pair of sneakers, and my rucksack, visiting Petra couldn’t have been more enjoyable!
Do you also get some Indiana Jones vibes here?
What to expect from visiting Petra on your own
There is so much to see and do, so be prepared for a full day of walking! While you may have seen pictures of donkeys, horses and camels carrying tourists around, I highly recommend against taking advantage of this opportunity. The animals are fragile and kept and fed in precarious conditions, so don’t encourage this type of tourism.
Another thing to keep in mind is the local guides offering their services. They can be pushy, misbehaving, and sometimes even aggressive. I am not trying to scare you; I tell you to be vigilant, ignore them and let them be. It’s so simple. The cautiousness of the tourists visiting Petra should be one thing that the Jordan authorities should pay more attention to!
Depending on the time of the visit or the time of the day, prepare to face the heat. Hiking under the scorching sun can be challenging, so make sure to bring a lot of water and wear a hat and long sleeves. You can easily find people selling water and refreshments along the way, so there is no need to panic if you don’t bring enough.
Is the terrain suitable for a wheelchair or the elderly?
I knew I wanted to answer this question since I saw a couple with the husband in a wheelchair, and they were a little bit lost while trying to get some pieces of information.
The terrain in Petra is pretty rough and varies in difficulty, and a regular wheelchair would have significant issues getting to the Treasury. However, there are some paved paths along the way.
The only option would be riding golf carts from the Visitor Center, but those are not wheelchair accessible. So, the person should be carried on a golf cart, and the wheelchair should be stowed in the back. Consider paying around 100 USD for the two people in a golf coach.
Are you elderly and afraid you might not get to the Treasury due to the steep terrain? Don’t be! The path to the Treasury is smooth and well-maintained; just wear some sturdy shoes and don’t rush! You can even explore Colonnaded Street and the Hadrian Gate. To get to the Royal Tombs, you’ll have a few steps up, but manageable. The only part I wouldn’t recommend is getting to the Monastery. There are many steps involved, and it’s pretty far from the entrance.
A Complete Guide to Visiting Petra on Your Own. The Best Places to See in Petra
There are many things to see and places to go, and visiting Petra on your own can be overwhelming. Of course, you won’t see everything as the area is enormous, with many trails and hiking routes. But one or two days of Petra will give you a glimpse of this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you follow my itinerary, you will be able to say that you saw the best places Petra has to offer!
The entrance to the Lost City of Petra
First thing, if you want to have the Treasury for yourself, you’ll have to get up early. Unfortunately, you won’t be serving breakfast at your accommodation on this day. However, that’s not a problem since almost every host will pack a breakfast box you can carry.
Find out Petra’s opening time and be there first thing in the morning. Usually, it is 6 a.m. There is plenty of free parking if you’re not staying close to the entrance and wondering where to leave the car.
By the time we got there, it looked like a ghost city, and somehow, we got the impression that everything was closed. The merchandisers were not there, and we hardly noticed the man sitting inside the ticket office near the main gate.
So finally, embarrassed, we asked him if it was open, and he was like yes, of course, what do you think? So we showed him the Jordan Pass, he gave us the proper tickets, and we got inside the Lost City. It was so quiet and serene; no one was around except us. I will never forget that feeling!
Make sure to wake up early and be at the gates at the opening time!
Getting to the Siq
To reach the Treasury, you have to walk on a smooth path approximately 2 kilometers from the Visitors Center. The first part is wide and open, with sightseeing on both sides. The most famous structure is probably the Obelisk Tomb.
The Obelisk Tomb
The Siq
Soon, you’ll reach The Siq, a narrow and beautiful 1.2-kilometer-long natural gorge! Don’t hurry; take time to observe the colors, listen to the silence, and feel the energy of the place. If a stray dog greets you, don’t freak out. They are used to people, and the only thing they are looking for is some food.
making friends along the way
The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)
At the end of the dramatic Siq, get ready for Petra’s most iconic moment: your first glimpse of the Treasury. Standing 40 meters tall and carved with stunning symmetry into rose-colored sandstone, this masterpiece is Petra’s most photographed and awe-inspiring site.
Despite its name, the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) was not used to store riches—it was actually a royal tomb, believed to have been built in the 1st century for King Aretas III. Its façade is decorated with intricate carvings, mythological figures, and Nabataean deities, reflecting the city’s cultural richness.
Although entry into the structure isn’t allowed, you’ll have plenty of time to admire and photograph it—especially if you arrive early. For the best Instagram-worthy shot, climb the rock to the right-hand side of the Treasury for a higher perspective.
One of my most unforgettable moments was standing there in complete silence, just after sunrise, with no one else around. That peaceful, magical feeling is worth the early wake-up.
Do keep in mind that, later in the day, the area becomes busier with tourists and vendors offering camel rides and souvenirs—some more persistent than others. A polite but firm “no, thank you” usually does the trick. We were lucky to have this place for about half an hour before locals showed up. They call themselves Bedouins, and I doubt they have anything to do with them. They use make-up to get that Bedouin feeling and they can be very pushy and annoying. Very!
The best photo spot of the Treasury
Treasury Viewpoint – accessible only with a guide (and a fee)
If you have already been impressed by the Treasury, it’s time to head to one of the viewpoints for a better view. There are two viewpoints of the Treasury, one accessible with a guide only for a fee and the other one free to access, but it requires more time.
On the left-hand side facing the Treasury, the first viewpoint is only accessible with a local guide for a cost. It is the shorter but more challenging and steeper way.
Don’t try to get there on your own because the locals can be very territorial and aggressive. There are daily conflicts between tourists and so-called guides, and the police do nothing about it. And what intrigues me the most is that this viewpoint is off-limits, but the Jordan Tourism Board shares photos from this prohibited place all the time.
Anyway, if you choose to go to this viewpoint, consider hiring a guide and paying around 15 JOD per person. The local guys will approach you as soon as you get to the Treasury.
Even if they convince you the hike takes only 10 minutes, keep in mind that it will take longer to get up there. And beware of the slippery rocks. I’ve seen people literally crawling on their hands and knees on those rocks.
Street of Facades
Once you’ve finished admiring the Treasury, you can join the Street of Facades, lined with souvenir shops and the famous stone toilet on your right-hand side.
It’s the last toilet until you return from the second viewpoint of the Treasury, so make use of it! You can also buy water or enjoy the breakfast box on one of the benches here.
The Royal Tombs
After this short break, turn right after the shopping stalls. Don’t look for signs, as the so-called Bedouins erased those to make finding the path harder. Instead, follow the stairs, and you’ll bump into the gorgeous Royal Tombs.
Almost as impressive as the Treasury, the Royal Tombs are easy to reach. One next to the other, the four tombs have detailed facades carved into the rock, similar to the Treasury.
Palace Tomb, Silk Tomb, Corinthian Tomb, and Urn Tomb are some of the best reasons for visiting Petra on your own. If you’re spending more than one day in Petra, you can hike to every tomb and take your time to discover everything.
One of the most stunning views in Petra is looking up at the Royal Tombs from the Colonnaded Street—especially in the late afternoon, when the golden sunlight hits the sandstone façade just right.
Treasury Viewpoint from the Al-Khubtha Trail (No Guide Needed & Free)
For one of the best views of the Treasury, head to the second viewpoint, accessible without a guide and completely free. Start by walking to the Royal Tombs, then continue along the path behind them. You’ll soon begin climbing a series of stairs—this is the start of the Al-Khubtha Trail.
This route is slightly longer but more accessible than the first viewpoint trail. The hike takes around 30 minutes, depending on your pace and fitness level. The climb is steady but manageable, and the views along the way are fantastic.
Incredible views over the valley in Petra and also over the Theater
At the top, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking aerial view of the Treasury, framed by the surrounding cliffs. If you have the time, this viewpoint is a must—it’s arguably the most beautiful one and far less crowded early in the day.
The view over the Treasury once you reach the top is impressive for sure!
Once here, you will spot a tent with the best view of the Treasury. Step inside the small Bedouin tent and enjoy the views from here. It’s totally worth it! Pay the owner some respect by buying something from his shop and enjoying the fantastic views! We opted for a delicious tea and spent more than an hour here!
Amazing view over the Treasury from the Bedouin tent! The hike was so worth it!
Colonnaded Street
From the second viewpoint, follow the same path until you reach the Street of Facades once again. You might need to use the toilet once again or buy some refreshments or local delicacies. From here, the Street of Facades turns into Colonnaded Street, the main shopping street of Petra. Its name comes from the remains of the Romans, who took control of Petra in 106 AD.
Here, you’ll find a few restaurants where tourists take a break before returning to the entrance or starting climbing to the Monastery. You’ll also meet many Bedouins trying to convince you to get on a donkey, horse, or camel. I highly advise you not to, as those animals are mistreated!
The High Place of Sacrifice
As the name suggests, it is a spot where they used to carry out sacrifices. There are several steps to climb to reach this place, but the trail is well-marked, and it takes around 30 minutes to ascend to the top. Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with fantastic views over Petra!
The Monastery (Ad-Deir)
The Monastery, or Ad-Deir, is one of the most iconic and awe-inspiring monuments in Petra—and, in my opinion, even more beautiful than the famous Treasury. Its exact purpose remains unclear, but it’s believed to have first served as a royal tomb, and later, during the Byzantine period, may have been used as a church.
To reach the Monastery, you’ll need to hike from the Royal Tombs—a 4.5 km round trip that takes about 2 to 3 hours, including a climb of roughly 800 steps. While the hike is moderately challenging, the views along the way are incredible, and the reward at the top is absolutely worth the effort.
If you’re only spending one day in Petra, it’s possible to combine this hike with the second Treasury viewpoint, but I highly recommend saving it for day two if you have more time—it makes the experience far more enjoyable.
Despite its grandeur, the Monastery is usually much less crowded than the Treasury. The peaceful setting, surrounded by mountains and open space, makes it feel even more magical. The trail is lined with local souvenir stands, and there are a few Bedouin tents near the top where you can rest and grab a refreshing drink before taking in the view.
And once you reach the final step—prepare to be amazed. The Monastery is not only larger and wider than the Treasury, but its setting, carved into a cliff high above the city, gives it a majestic presence that’s hard to beat.
Incredible view over the Monastery in Petra
There is a lovely terrace nearby where you can sit, savor a refreshment in total silence and admire the best view of the site!
The best place in Petra to have a refreshment while admiring the gorgeous Monastery!
The best views of the Monastery
Are you looking for the best insta-photo of the Monastery? Above the restaurant, you’ll spot a rock and maybe people waiting in line to get the famous photo.
We were alone at the Monastery, so we didn’t have to worry about people, but the smell inside the small cave was awful. Why? Some donkeys decided to rest in the shadows before our visit and felt inspired to leave their marks.
If you’re looking for a better view of the Monastery, away from the crowds, you’ll spot a sign pointing in the direction of the best view. Actually, several paths say that it will lead to the best viewpoint. It’s up to you which one you choose and there is only a short hike uphill! If your legs are still working, hike there for more incredible scenery!
Monastery to Little Petra
The hike from the Monastery to Little Petra is called the Back Door to Petra or Petra’s back entrance. However, this hike is not easy, and the path is not marked. You might need a guide to take this trail or research online before venturing.
Keep in mind that from Little Petra, you need a ride back to Wadi Musa, so hitchhiking shouldn’t be an issue as the locals are friendly and always willing to help. But there is an easy way to visit Little Petra; I’ll talk about it briefly.
Great Temple and Hadrian Gate
The walk from the Monastery to the main path is now easy, with no hiking involved. On your way to the exit, you can use the toilets or have a refreshment.
Once you get back to Colonnaded Street, you’ll have time to notice the Great Nabataean Temple, built in 100 BC, the largest freestanding building in Petra. Here you’ll glimpse the Hadrian Gate also, or better said, the remaining pillars of the gate. Take some time and snap some photos.
Aaron’s Tomb
One of Petra’s holiest and most remote sites is Aaron’s Tomb, believed to be the burial place of Prophet Aaron, the brother of Moses. Unfortunately, we had to skip it from our itinerary, but it’s definitely a trail worth considering if you have the time and energy.
The hike takes around six hours round-trip, and the views from the summit are said to be absolutely breathtaking. It’s one of the less-traveled routes in Petra, offering peace, solitude, and a deeper connection to the surrounding landscape.
While it’s highly recommended to go with a guide, some experienced hikers have done it on their own. Looking back, it’s probably something we could have managed ourselves, but for safety and navigation, a local guide is a smart choice.
The Treasury, on the way out
You simply can’t leave Petra without stopping one last time to admire the Treasury. Seeing it again in the softer light of the late afternoon, after a full day of exploring, gives it an entirely different feel—quieter, more reflective, and even more magical. That final glimpse will stay with you forever.
By the time you walk back through the Siq, you’ll likely be exhausted—but incredibly fulfilled, having experienced one of the world’s greatest wonders on your own terms.
The best view over the Treasury remains the one from the narrow gorge
Petra by Night
Petra by night is a special event that is not included in the Jordan Pass or any other day ticket. Held every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 8:30 p.m., you need to buy a different ticket. This is a unique way to see Petra, but the presumptions are different. Some described it as a magical event, while others found it commercial, as locals were highly vocal and annoying.
You’ll walk one mile from the entrance in the dark. Once you get to the Treasury, they’ll deliver a site presentation while locals play instruments. After this show, the lights are turned on to highlight the Treasury.
As we’ve witnessed the Treasury at different times of the day, we wanted to see Petra by night also. And we choose not to care about others anymore. So, we found a cozy spot to see the lights and admire this incredible masterpiece!
Little Petra
Everyone has heard about Petra in Jordan, but did you know there is a similar ancient city called Little Petra, which is only 6 kilometers away from the town of Wadi Musa? It is another incredible place to see in Jordan and is well worth visiting!
Excavated in the 1950s, Little Petra remains one of the oldest villages in the Middle East, a testament to human civilization’s early beginnings. Now, Petra and Little Petra are considered one of the modern seven wonders of the world.
Here are a few things to know about this place:
There are no entry fees, so don’t fall into the trap of paying someone who asks you to. The site is easy to roam around and less crowded, so you don’t need a guide to explore. You don’t need much time to visit this tourist attraction but make sure to wear comfortable shoes. The site is small, and you can visit it in one hour and a half on your way to/from Aqaba.
The Siq al Barid leading to the Treasury is much narrower and shorter than Petra’s siq; it only measures 400 meters. After some rock climbing, you can reach a panorama terrace where you can enjoy delicious tea and buy some souvenirs. The stone-carved structures and the landscape are impressive.
It is possible to reach Petra from here, but the hike is 6 kilometers long and not well signposted.
Find out more from my article: HOW TO VISIT LITTLE PETRA IN JORDAN. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR VISIT
Interactive Map of Visiting Petra on Your Own
Underneath, you’ll find a customized map that includes all the locations you will visit in Petra. Just open this article on your phone and click on the frame in the upper right corner of the map. The Google Maps app will open, and you can check all the details. I hope it helps!
Jordan Related Posts
If this is your first time in Jordan or the Middle East, and you want to gather more information about this incredible country, check out my articles:
USEFUL THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELING TO JORDAN
AN EASY-TO-FOLLOW 10-DAY JORDAN ROAD TRIP ITINERARY
THE BEST TIPS FOR SWIMMING IN THE DEAD SEA
HOW TO VISIT LITTLE PETRA IN JORDAN. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR VISIT
