Experience Petra in a Day

With its wind-whittled landscape, honeycomb tombs and silent canyons blessed by forgotten gods, the ancient city of Petra embraces human history on an epic scale. The breadth of the site, which is sprinkled over numerous mountains, accessed via narrow slot canyons and stretches across dry river beds, means a visit to Petra demands time.

Most visitors allow at least two days to do it justice – one day to get acquainted with the key monuments and a second day to bask in the majesty of this world wonder. However, if you have only 24 hours, a night in Wadi Musa along with some forward planning and insider knowledge can help capture the essentials of Petra in just one day.

Sunrise in the Siq

Start off at 6am with a brisk downhill stride towards the Siq. At this time of day, the path is quiet with only the occasional desert lark giving voice to the dawn. Sunrise brings with it the hint of the wonders to come, as blocks representing ancient gods appear on the right and tombs on the left. You will soon find yourself submerged in semi-darkness as the path gently winds into the narrow defile known as the Siq.

This dark, sacred corridor is cold at dawn, urging visitors to quicken their pace. Nevertheless, it’s worth pausing to notice the details—a fig tree sprouting from the rock, the ancient water channel carved into the cliffside, and votive shrines marking age-old holy spots.

10am at the Treasury

Described in many travel guides, the moment when the path through the Siq slides into sunlight, revealing the Treasury, is undeniably one of the defining experiences in Petra. The play of light on the honey-coloured facade contrasts sharply with the dim passage behind. As sunlight trickles down the Treasury columns, it illuminates various details—carved capitals, the builders’ footholds in the cliff face, and camels beside their colorful riders on the sandy forecourt. Full sunlight floods into the hollowed-out interior at particular times of the morning, providing a mesmerizing visual feast.

Mid-morning on Main Street

After leaving the Treasury, the path broadens into a wide corridor of sandstone, flanked on either side by the tombs that characterize the entire site. Once thought to be a necropolis, Petra served as the hub of the short-lived yet prosperous Nabataean empire, whose influence stretched across the region from 100 BC to AD 300. Although the dwellings have long since faded from history, the remnants of the main street, marketplace, temples, a theatre, and an early church illustrate that Petra was indeed a vibrant city, a resting place for the dead, as well as a thriving community for the living.

High Noon in High Places

In Petra, the elevated areas of the city were considered sacred. Processional steps lead from the valley floor to plateaus atop the cliffs. One of the most significant high places can be reached via a stairway near the theatre, which leads to two obelisks carved into the rock and a platform likely used for sacrificial rituals. The half-hour climb rewards hikers with breathtaking views across the heart of the ancient city, but the true delight lies in the descent through Wadi Farasa. A hidden gem of Petra, this wadi captivates visitors with its wildflowers, ancient waterspouts, and forgotten tombs. The seldom-visited tombs showcase nature’s artistry, adorned with windblown patterns and colors now home only to the occasional goat, lizard, or scorpion.

Lunch by the Basin

The Bedouin of Petra once inhabited the ancient city but were relocated in the 1980s. Nevertheless, the Bdoul tribespeople return daily, bringing with them the animals that sustain their livelihoods. Many have set up stalls in the city center, near the Basin, offering souvenirs, snacks, and chi nana (tea with mint or sage) to Petra’s many visitors. Enjoying lunch at one of these stalls provides a glimpse into contemporary life in Petra while replenishing your energy for the climbs ahead.

Mid-afternoon at the Monastery

Your visit to Petra isn’t complete without experiencing the so-called Monastery, whose original purpose remains a mystery. From the Basin, this impressive structure can be reached via a weathered staircase of 800 steps. The mid-afternoon sun enhances the golden hue of its sandstone facade. The nearby viewpoint, extending across Wadi Araba, offers a stunning vista, particularly at sunset when the mountains of Israel and the Palestinian Territories dissolve into ribbons of colorful haze.

Royal Tombs: Regal in Red

Although it is tempting to linger at the Monastery, the sunset experience is best reserved for the Royal Tombs. Camels await at the Basin to take weary visitors back to the Treasury. By sitting atop one of these gentle creatures as they stride along the main thoroughfare, you gain an excellent view of the Royal Tombs as they resonate with golden hues in the setting sun.

Heading Back After Dark

Visitors must exit Petra before dark, so the long trek back up the Siq from the Treasury is generally tiresome. Few relish the return walk on the Petra by Night tour, though the experience of walking by candlelight is magical. A more relaxing way to conclude your day in Petra might be to stop by the world’s oldest bar, the Cave Bar, back in Wadi Musa, and enjoy a drink to honor the spirits that once resided there.

Going the Distance

Exploring Petra in a single day requires considerable stamina. The distances are long, the climate can be harsh, and the climbs to high places are physically demanding. Although nothing technical is needed, if you’re determined to follow this route in a day, here are some practical tips to help with logistics and boost morale:

• Purchase the Jordan Pass online prior to your trip: this allows early birds access the park first thing in the morning, avoiding long lines at the ticket office.

• Study the route using maps available in various travel resources to identify key landmarks in advance.

• Bring plenty of water and request a packed lunch from your hotel, enjoying the unique experience of picnicking at a high vantage point.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes: this route covers more than 1000 steep steps, making flimsy footwear unsuitable.

• Don’t forget a hat and sunscreen, as there’s limited shade; a coat may be essential during winter months.

• Bring cash in Jordanian dinars for souvenirs or a ride back to base.

• To save time, organize a taxi to meet you at the backdoor of Petra (accessible from the Basin) to avoid the lengthy ascent back to Wadi Musa through the Siq.

Making It Happen

While it’s possible to navigate this itinerary on your own, hiring a knowledgeable guide from the Visitor Centre in Wadi Musa can enhance your experience by focusing on the key sites of interest. Tours like Petra by Night can be arranged through local agents to cap off a day of exploration.