Summary
Mention your visit to Petra in casual conversation and watch eyes widen, mouths drop, and a flurry of “Was it incredible?” inquiries hit you. The phrase “unlike any other” gets thrown around often, but when it comes to this Nabatean city carved entirely out of pinkish rock, with over 800 tombs and intricate details that have withstood the test of time, Petra truly is unlike anything you’ve seen. The thousands of Petra photos on your Instagram explore page might entice you, but until you’ve climbed almost 1,000 steps, chugged a bottle of water, and looked out at the expanse of Jordan and Wadi Arabia, you will not know the magic of Petra.
History of the Lost City of Petra
Petra was the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom from around the 4th century B.C. and served as a successful trading route. Due to its strategic location and innovative water irrigation systems, Petra was a wealthy city. After surviving attacks from the Greeks, the Nabateans were eventually conquered by the Romans, who ruled for 250 years until a massive earthquake rendered Petra uninhabitable. The Byzantines took control for about 300 years, and by the beginning of the 8th century A.D., it was a completely abandoned city.
Recently, a small Bedouin tribe lived inside Petra’s caves for about 170 years. However, as Petra became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the 1980s, they were forced to abandon their semi-nomadic lifestyle and relocate to the nearby settlement of Umm Sayhoun. Many of these Bedouins now work within the park, providing donkey and horse carriage rides, as well as selling merchandise and food. The site attracts almost a million visitors each year.
How to Get There
Many travelers choose to add a visit to Petra during their holiday in Israel. From Israel, there are several options to access Petra. One convenient way is through a tour operator, like Abraham Tours, which offers multiple packages from various start locations. While they provide a one-night, two-day tour from Jerusalem, the two-night package is highly recommended. This longer option includes a visit to Wadi Rum, a protected desert known for its stunning sandstone mountains and breathtaking sunsets—definitely worth your time.
For entry into Jordan, you’ll need cash for border crossing fees as these are not included in the tour price. The Israel exit fee is 107 ILS (about $30), payable in euro, dollars, or ILS. The Jordanian visa fee is 40 Dinar (around $56), which is payable only in cash. Additionally, you’ll be required to pay a Jordanian exit fee of 10 Dinar (around $14).
Planning your own trip is also an option. You can travel by bus, train, or flight to Eilat, Israel’s southernmost city. Upon reaching Eilat, cross the border (make sure to have cash) and take a short taxi ride to Aqaba.
From Aqaba, you can rent a car or take a taxi for 60 Dinar (around $85), which will wait for you throughout the day. Alternatively, you can catch a bus operated by JETT, costing about 12 Dinar (around $17) for a one-way ticket to Petra.
If you’re flying into or staying in Amman, the capital city, it’s roughly a 2.5-hour drive if you rent a car. For public transport, you can take a JETT bus for about 20 Dinar (around $28) directly to Petra, leaving once a day starting at 6:30 a.m.
Where to Stay in Petra
Seven Wonders Bedouin Campsite
Bedouins inhabited Petra for nearly 200 years before being displaced. Fortunately, several traditional campsites offer a more rugged, local experience. The warmth and hospitality of the Bedouins provide an unforgettable atmosphere. At the Seven Wonders Bedouin Camp, guests can sit around a campfire enjoying tea, savor a buffet of fresh food prepared daily, and gaze at the stars while nestled between lantern-lit rocks. For approximately 35 Dinar ($49) per day, you receive accommodation with meals.
Old Village Resort
For visitors preferring more luxurious accommodations, consider staying at the beautifully decorated Old Village Resort, located just a mile from the park entrance. Along with its quaint and colorful rooms, the resort boasts enchanting views and amenities such as air conditioning, daily cleaning service, a TV, WiFi, an international à la carte menu, an indoor pool, sauna, and a free shuttle service to Petra. Rates begin at around $150 per night.
What to See
Upon entering the park, you’ll walk through the Siq—a narrow canyon almost a mile long that leads to the main city. Along the way, you will pass the Treasury, a majestic 130-foot facade adorned with figures and Corinthian capitals, and then continue toward the Royal Tombs. The entire main trail is approximately a 90-minute walk on mostly flat terrain. However, various side trails provide additional exploration opportunities.
- Street of Facades: Upon emerging from the Siq, you’ll enter the “Outer Siq,” featuring a row of monuments and cliffs with tombs and accessible homes. Though many details have eroded over time, it remains worth exploring.
- The High Place of Sacrifice: This site rewards hikers with breathtaking views. Located near the Theatre, it takes about 45 minutes to ascend steep steps to the altar for ritual sacrifices. The views and intricate details make the climb worthwhile.
- Royal Tombs: A quick detour from the main path leads to the Royal Tombs, which include the Urn Tomb, Silk Tomb, Corinthian Tomb, and Palace Tomb, all showcasing stunning mineral mosaics.
- The Theatre: Able to host approximately 8,500 people, this remarkable rock-built theatre dates back to the 1st century A.D. and is located near the Street of Facades.
- The Monastery: Perhaps Petra’s most famous site, the Monastery is a Nabatean tomb thought to be a church. It requires climbing around 800 stone steps to reach the summit for stunning views over the Petra basin and Wadi Arabia. If you’re short on energy, hiring a donkey for about $35 can make the ascent easier.
Where to Eat While Inside Petra
It’s advisable to pack snacks, as dining options within the park are limited. However, a few establishments do exist to cater to visitors. The Basin Restaurant, located at the trailhead leading to the Monastery, serves a buffet lunch for approximately $25, which, although a bit pricey for mediocre food, may be necessary before embarking on your trek. Alternatively, you can enjoy lighter fare such as snacks, tea, or water at the Cafe at the Monastery once you reach the summit.
Outside the park, there are some notable dining spots. Visit the Cave Bar for a unique experience, complete with ancient cave ambiance and delicious sandwiches. For a leisurely break, check out Chiffchaff Cafe, where you can enjoy coffee and shisha. For affordable eats, consider kebabs or BBQ chicken at Bukhara in downtown Wadi Musa, or indulge in local falafel, hummus, and shawarma at Reem Beladi Restaurant.
