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Petra is the ancient city of the Nabataeans, carved into rose-colored sandstone cliffs in the desert of southern Jordan. The Nabataeans grew wealthy controlling caravan trade in incense and spices, and their capital flourished for centuries before passing under Roman rule. Long known mainly to local Bedouin, it was brought to Western attention in the early nineteenth century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The approach is part of the drama. A path from the visitor center passes Bab as-Siq and the Obelisk Tomb before entering the Siq, a narrow gorge with walls rising high overhead. At its end, the facade of Al-Khazneh, the Treasury, suddenly appears. Beyond, the valley opens to the Street of Facades, a Roman-style theater and the Royal Tombs set into the mountainside. The Colonnaded Street leads past the Great Temple to Qasr al-Bint. A long climb of rock-cut steps reaches the Monastery, Ad Deir, and the High Place of Sacrifice offers sweeping views, as does the Al-Khubtha Trail above the Treasury.
The site is vast and the walking is strenuous, so good shoes, water and an early start matter. The town of Wadi Musa provides hotels at the entrance. Little Petra, a short drive north, offers a quieter glimpse of Nabataean carving.
WiserMap travel guidePetra Jordan Treasury Monastery and Royal TombsExplore Petra beyond the Treasury: the Siq, Royal Tombs, Monastery, High Place of Sacrifice, Little Petra and Al-Khubtha, plus seasons, tickets and Wadi Musa.Read the guide
The first section of the walk from the visitor center to Petra, where the path passes large block tombs called djinn blocks and the Obelisk Tomb with its four pointed pillars above a triclinium. It sets the tone before the Siq. Horses can be ridden in this part, but walking it is easy and pleasant.
Beyond the Treasury, the Outer Siq opens into a street lined with rows of Nabataean tomb facades carved into the cliffs. Further on is the Theater, carved from the rock and able to seat several thousand people. It is a good place to rest in the shade while walking deeper into the ancient city.
Center of the ancient city, with a Roman-style colonnaded street, the large Great Temple complex with its hexagonal column bases and Qasr al-Bint, a freestanding temple that is among Petra's best preserved buildings. Restaurants near the end offer a lunch break before the Monastery climb.
Siq al-Barid, a smaller Nabataean site about fifteen minutes' drive north of Petra, with carved buildings, cisterns and a rare painted ceiling with vines and birds in one chamber. Entry is free and it is far less crowded. A trail links it to the Monastery for experienced hikers with a guide.
Narrow canyon about 1.2 kilometers long leading into Petra, with sandstone walls up to 80 meters high, ancient water channels and remains of carved niches and a paved Roman road. It ends dramatically at the Treasury. Arrive at opening time to walk it in quiet, and watch for passing horse carts.
Petra's most famous monument, a richly carved royal tomb facade cut into rose-colored rock at the end of the Siq, probably from the first century. The inside is closed to visitors. The best light is in the morning, and the viewpoint above it can be reached by trail from the Al-Khubtha side.
Row of grand tombs carved into the face of Jabal al-Khubtha, including the Urn Tomb, the Silk Tomb with its colorful swirling stone, the Corinthian Tomb and the Palace Tomb. Steps lead up to the Urn Tomb terrace with wide views. Visit in the afternoon when the sun lights up the colors in the rock.
Huge carved facade high in the hills above Petra, reached by about 800 rock-cut steps that take around 45 minutes to climb. It is larger than the Treasury and the plateau has cafes and viewpoints toward Wadi Araba. Start the climb early or late to avoid midday sun, and bring plenty of water.
Ancient ceremonial site on top of Jabal Madbah reached by a steep stair trail from near the Theater. The summit has an altar, obelisks and wide views over Petra. A longer route continues down through Wadi Farasa past the Lion Fountain and the Garden Tomb. Allow two to three hours and wear good shoes.
Trail that climbs steps behind the Royal Tombs to a viewpoint high above the Treasury, giving the famous view down onto its facade. The round trip takes about two hours. Tea stalls near the end sell drinks, sometimes with a charge for the best lookout. Go in the morning when the Treasury is lit by the sun.
Evening event held several nights a week when the Siq and the Treasury square are lit by hundreds of candles, with Bedouin music and storytelling in front of the Treasury. It lasts about two hours and needs a separate ticket from the day pass. Bring a flashlight for the walk and a warm layer in winter.
Modern museum next to the Petra Visitor Centre in Wadi Musa, displaying hundreds of artifacts found at Petra and nearby, including Nabataean pottery, coins, statues and inscriptions, with displays on the city's trade and water systems. It is free and air-conditioned. Visit before entering the site for context.
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