Petra

Overview

Petra was the capital of the Nabataeans, who grew rich on the incense and spice routes, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You enter on foot through the Siq, a narrow canyon of about 1.2 km, and the Treasury appears at the end of it.

Beyond the Treasury the valley opens onto the Street of Facades, the Theatre and the Royal Tombs. If you have the legs for it, about 800 rock-cut steps lead up to the Monastery. Petra is a long way from Amman, so this is a long day: we leave early and come back after dark.

Itinerary

1. 06:30

   Early start from Amman

   About three hours south on the Desert Highway, with a coffee stop.

2. 10:00

   The Siq and the Treasury

   Walk in with the morning light on the canyon walls.

3. 11:30

   Street of Facades, Theatre and Royal Tombs

   The centre of the Nabataean city.

4. 13:30

   Lunch, then the Monastery if you wish

   The climb takes about an hour each way.

5. 16:30

   Walk out and meet your driver

   Horses and carriages can take you back along the Siq.

6. 17:00

   Return to Amman

   You are back at your hotel around 21:00.

Practical tips

• You walk about 8 km or more in a full day: wear shoes with a good grip.
• Carry more water than you think you need, especially in summer.
• Petra is much quieter before 09:00 and in the late afternoon.
• If you want to stay longer, ask us about a two-day trip with a night in Wadi Musa.