Petra was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom and is now one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It is bigger than most people imagine: the main route easily tops 6 miles on foot.
What to see in Petra
The route runs from the entrance at Wadi Musa to the Monastery, always along the same valley.
The Siq and the Treasury
The Siq is a canyon more than half a mile long between walls up to 260 feet high. At the end appears the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), Petra’s most famous facade, carved into the rock about 2,000 years ago.
Go in first thing: morning light hits the facade before the groups arrive.
The Street of Facades and the Theater
Past the Treasury the valley opens onto a street of carved tombs and a theater cut into the mountain that seated about 4,000 people.
The Royal Tombs and the Colonnaded Street
The great hillside tombs in rose and ochre stone, and the Roman street that leads to the Great Temple and Qasr al-Bint.
The Monastery
About 800 steps lead to Ad Deir, Petra’s largest facade, with lookouts over the Arabah valley. The climb takes 45 minutes to an hour.
Climb in the afternoon, when the stairway is in shade.
Petra by Night
On some evenings each week the Siq and the Treasury plaza are lit with hundreds of candles, with Bedouin music.
Little Petra
About 15 minutes by car, Siq al-Barid is a smaller, quieter Nabataean site, with a painted fresco on the ceiling of one of its rooms.
Petra in 1 or 2 days
One day covers the highlights; two let you climb the viewpoints without rushing.
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Day 1
Siq, Treasury and Royal Tombs
An early start, the Siq, the Treasury, the Street of Facades, the Theater, the Royal Tombs and the Colonnaded Street; the Monastery in the afternoon.
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Day 2
Viewpoints and Little Petra
The climb to the High Place of Sacrifice or the lookout above the Treasury, and a visit to Little Petra.
Best time to visit Petra
Spring and fall are ideal for walking the site.
- Jan Cold
- Feb Cold
- Mar Good
- Apr Ideal
- May Ideal
- Jun Very hot
- Jul Very hot
- Aug Very hot
- Sep Good
- Oct Ideal
- Nov Ideal
- Dec Cold
In summer the valley gets intensely hot by mid-morning. Winter can bring rain and even snow; heavy rain can close the Siq because of flash-flood risk.
Where to stay in Petra
The most practical base is Wadi Musa, the town next to the entrance.
- By the visitor center
- Hotels steps from the entrance: ideal for going in at sunrise and resting at midday.
- Wadi Musa
- The town, with hotels in every category and restaurants, 5–10 minutes by car from the entrance.
- Wadi Rum camps
- About two hours away; many travelers combine a night in Petra with one in the desert.
Tips for visiting Petra
Petra is calm and very well visited. What takes the most preparation is fitness: there is a lot of walking and many steps.
- Closed shoes and water. There are stalls inside, but prices climb the further you go.
- Skip donkey rides up the Monastery stairs: it is hard on the animals and on your back.
- Bring sunscreen and a hat. Much of the route has no shade.
- Buy the Jordan Pass before you travel: it includes Petra entry and the visa.
Entry requirements for Petra
Jordan’s entry requirements apply to Petra.
US citizens get the visa on arrival, and the Jordan Pass includes it along with Petra entry if you stay at least 3 nights in Jordan.
See the full entry requirements in the Jordan and Petra guide
Official sources: Jordan Pass (Jordan Ministry of Tourism) · U.S. State Department travel advisories
Our trips with Petra
Petra is one of the most memorable days on our Exodus Journey, between Wadi Rum and Mount Nebo.
Bookings for the 2026 trip are closed. Ask us about the next departures.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need for Petra?
One full day for the highlights, including the Monastery if you are fit; two days to explore without rushing and add the viewpoints and Little Petra.
Where is Petra?
In southern Jordan, about three hours by road from Amman and two from Aqaba, next to the town of Wadi Musa.
How much walking is Petra?
From the entrance to the Monastery and back is about 9 miles, with some 800 steps on the final climb.
What is Petra by Night?
An evening visit, a few nights a week, when the Siq and the Treasury are lit with candles. It is paid separately.
