Petra

Petra is a highlight of the Middle East, renowned for its astonishing cliff-bound monuments and Greek-influenced architectural style. Thanks to the city’s Hollywood portrayal inIndiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Petra rose to international fame and is now one of Jordan’s most-visited attractions. Travelers usually approach the site through the long and narrowSiq, a chasm that opens up on the magnificent Treasury—Petra’s most-photographed building. Within the winding mountain ravines you’ll also find tombs, an 8,000-seat amphitheater, and the triumphal arch of the Temenos Gateway.

While it’s possible to catch Petra’s highlights on a day trip from Eilat, Jerusalem, or Amman, there’s enough to see to warrant a multi-day stay. Petra is often included on longer tours of Israel and Jordan that typically include visits to Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, Jerusalem, and Bethlehem, depending on the length and option chosen. For a personalized experience, opt for a private tour.

• Petra is a must-see for adventure travelers and archaeology buffs.

• Visitors can opt for a 1-day or 2-day pass for entrance into Petra.

• It gets hot in the Jordan desert; don’t forget to bring sun protection and plenty of water.

• Remember to dress respectfully in loose-fitting clothing that covers your legs and shoulders.

• Petra tours from Eilat, Jerusalem, and Amman can last up to 12 hours.

Petra is 150 miles (240 kilometers) south of Jordan, near the town of Wadi Mousa. It takes roughly 20 minutes to walk from town to the archaeological site. A guided day tour is the most convenient way to get there, but Wadi Mousa can also be reached by JETT bus from Amman or Aqaba. Transportation by taxi is also an option.

Plan to arrive at the main entrance first thing in the morning to explore the site before crowds begin to arrive. Spring and autumn offer the best weather, with warm days and cool nights. Expect temperatures over 100°F (38°C) in summer.

While the Treasury ranks as Petra’s most famous structure, the Monastery is just as impressive and often much less crowded, due in part to the strenuous hour-long hike necessary to get there. Those who brave the journey up some 800 rock-cut steps are rewarded with a chance to explore Petra’s largest carved monument. The path up to the Monastery sits mostly in the shade during the afternoon.

You need at least two days for Petra, but three or more days is even better. The site is huge, and with only a day, you may feel rushed—and you may not have time to visit the Treasury—even if you’re a fast walker.

It depends. Tickets for one, two, or three days are available, and the per-day rate decreases depending on how many days you visit. Overseas visitors pay more than Jordanian nationals, and visitors on day tours from Israel pay more than those staying at least one night in Jordan.

No, you do not need a tour of Petra, but it’s encouraged. If you come independently and explore without a guide by your side, you’re almost guaranteed to be bothered nonstop by local guides who want to show you around, and women traveling alone should expect plenty of unasked-for attention.

The best time of year to visit Petra is in the late fall or early spring when the weather is usually pleasantly warm in the daytime. The May–September season gets too hot for some people’s comfort, while winters can be a tad chilly (but rarely unbearably cold).

The walk from the parking area to the Monastery of Petra takes about 20 minutes to half an hour via what’s known as the Siq, and many people enter by donkey. Once you’re at the site, expect to spend a lot of time walking from point to point.

The best day of the week to visit Petra is either Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday. After the sun sets on these three days, the pathway leading to the site known as the Siq—and the famous monastery at the site entrance—are beautifully illuminated by candlelight.