Summary
Meticulously carved from the rose-colored sandstone cliffs, the historic city of Petra stands as Jordan’s most cherished landmark and is an essential destination for travelers globally.
Nevertheless, it is paradoxical that this delicate heritage site, once a closely guarded Bedouin secret, remained obscure to Western culture for over 1000 years and is now experiencing the adverse effects of overtourism. Tragically, Petra frequently features on the World Monument Fund’s list of the most endangered sites worldwide. The chief concern is the surge in visitor numbers, with annual attendance exceeding 1 million in 2019 and declining to around 900,000 per year in the post-pandemic era.
Protecting the legacy of Petra should be a primary concern for visitors, ensuring it does not deteriorate under our stewardship. Below are recommendations for responsible visitation.
Visit off season
Petra experiences two peak seasons—March through April and September through October—during which daily attendance can reach approximately 4000. For the chance to experience the Treasury without the throngs or to wander through the Siq in solitude, consider visiting in winter, from December to February. While you may need to dress warmly, this season offers the opportunity to uncover Petra’s wonders almost alone. If your travel dates are unchangeable, arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds; the site opens at 6:30 am throughout the year. Visiting during less crowded times is advantageous for both the site’s management and your personal experience.
Reconsider whether you need a ride
The iconic image of camels positioned in front of the Treasury has prompted numerous travelers to stroll down the Siq, the 1.2km-long (0.75-mile) narrow winding gorge that constitutes the primary entry point. However, many visitors return with a dismal impression after observing the treatment of the camels, horses, and donkeys within Petra.
Efforts by the local Bedouin community and the Jordanian authorities have led to some improvement in the treatment of working animals, but challenges remain. While many owners genuinely care for their animals, reports of mistreatment persist, including young handlers issuing harsh commands and the Street of Facades resembling more of a racetrack as the heavyset “Bedouin Ferraris” are hurriedly transported back and forth to meet visitor demand.
Recognize that Petra spans an extensive area—264 sq km—thus, attempting to cover the entirety of the site in a single visit is impractical, particularly if you are there for just one day. Understand your limits and proceed at a comfortable pace, especially if you intend to navigate the 850 fragile steps to the Monastery, which have been worn down by increasing donkey traffic. If you choose to ride, seek an adult handler (not a child) whose animals appear healthy and fit for the intended load. Ensure you pay the appropriate fare (as indicated at the Petra Visitor Centre) and refrain from negotiating down, which puts immense pressure on the Bedouin animal handlers to compensate for lost income. Any incidents of abuse should be reported, preferably with photographic or video documentation, to the tourist police at the visitor center.
Tread lightly and don’t leave a mark
The ancient Nabataean civilization meticulously crafted the stunning facades of Petra from large slabs of sandstone, a rock that is remarkably easy to inscribe, whether by hand, rainfall, or hiking footwear. The Nabataeans were aware of Petra’s susceptibility to the elements and designed an extensive system of aqueducts and cisterns to mitigate nature’s erosive effects.
What the Nabataeans could not foresee was the inundation of millions of tourists arriving at their capital, often wearing high-tech footwear that damages the terrain. During your visit, choose shoes with a gentler tread and refrain from using walking poles with pointed tips. Unfortunately, you may encounter others, including local Bedouin, climbing on monuments, carving their names or love notes into the rock facades, and touching the ancient masonry, particularly in the Siq. Allow Petra to make an impression upon you rather than the reverse.
Shop ethically
The affluent trade center of the Nabataeans, Petra continues to resemble a lively market where vendors display goods to the continual flow of visitors. Informal stalls can be found along the Street of Facades from the Treasury, cascading down the ledges in front of the Royal Tombs and precariously positioned on the steps leading to the Monastery.
As traveler volumes increase in Petra, which has been a historical nexus for trade, local residents should rightfully benefit economically, though caution is advised when perusing items for sale.
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Avoid purchasing “authentic artifacts,” as these are likely stolen from tombs and are illegal to transact.
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Do not buy natural souvenirs such as vibrantly colored stones and jars of sand, as they detract from Petra’s beauty.
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Be cautious of shops operated by children; purchasing from them may pressure their families to prioritize commerce over education.
Bring your own water and skip the plastic bottles
There is no greater Bedouin enjoyment than savoring a warm cup of sweetened black tea, and numerous cafes in Petra provide opportunities for breaks during your arduous journey. Although one may indulge in a hot beverage, refraining from the purchase of plastic water bottles—brought in and contributing to the global plastic crisis—is advisable. Instead, equip yourself with a large water bladder to remain hydrated throughout your visit.
Step away from Petra’s main street
Petra includes over 800 registered sites, with around 500 tombs among them, offering many attractions along a frequently traveled path. Although fully exploring Petra may take several days, most guests only allocate a day and remain on the primary thoroughfare, leading to congestion at prominent attractions. A slight detour into the surrounding valleys can significantly enhance your experience: even popular trails, such as Al Kubtha with its remarkable panoramic view of the Treasury, attract substantially fewer visitors.
Another of Petra’s remarkable secrets involves entering through the “back door” near the Monastery—part of the extensive 675 km-long (420-mile) Jordan Trail—where you are likely to find space to yourself if you arrive early, well before even the most enthusiastic explorers begin their ascent from the Siq. An engaging journey through Wadi Farasa to the High Place of Sacrifice will feature numerous impressive but less-frequented tombs, including the Roman-columned Garden Triclinium. It is advisable to engage a local guide if you plan to venture off established paths, due to the lack of clear signage.
Stay longer
Indeed, visitor numbers to Petra have surged rapidly; however, many travelers allocate only a brief visit, exerting pressure on local water resources in accommodations, which require replenishing for each new group of guests in this arid environment. You may also derive greater value from your Jordan Pass—the Jordan Expert version permits three consecutive days at Petra. By extending your stay, you contribute to the conservation of one of the world’s most remarkable and endangered ancient sites, enhancing both your experiences and those of future visitors.
Lauren Keith traveled to Jordan with support from Intrepid. GoTravelDaily contributors do not accept complimentary services in exchange for favorable coverage.
This article was first published on Jun 5, 2019, and updated on Jun 25, 2024.
