Petra
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Petra (ancient capital city of the Nabataean people) recently proclaimed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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  • Love2Travel984
    43 contributions
    Wonderful and awe-inspiring
    The ticket is relatively expensive, but SO worth it! The walk down is very easy to do, gently sloping. A guide can explain about the history and what you are seeing as you walk down. The rose colored canyon walls are just amazing, as is the first view of the Treasury as you emerge from the passage. Once you come out, in front of the Treasury are lots of camels, vendors, a refreshment stand of sorts, and options to hike up higher for a different view. We did not find the vendors any more pushy than any other place, and a simple no seemed to suffice. Take water and wear good walking shoes!
    Visited November 2022
    Written December 7, 2022
  • HeidiM929
    Cincinnati, Ohio268 contributions
    One of the 7 Wonders of the World
    We can see why Petra is one of the seven wonders of the world! It was grand and spectacular! Around every corner is another awe-inspiring view. We absolutely loved it. If you’re in shape the walking isn’t too bad either. You don’t go over rocks or bad terrain. You walk on a dirt road that’s easy to navigate or you can take a golf cart for a fee.
    Visited December 2022
    Traveled with friends
    Written December 10, 2022
  • Mike M
    24 contributions
    Petra. It really is a wonder of the world.
    We got a private cab from Amman. Took around 3 hours. It was worth it. The walk through the canyon is good enough on its own but the moment you see the treasury come into view is something that will never ever leave you. You can spend hours there but there is so much more to see. Make sure you take water. It’s hot!
    Visited October 2022
    Traveled as a couple
    Written December 11, 2022
  • David W
    7 contributions
    Petra
    This was on my bucket list. The trip had canceled twice due to the pandemic, but the third time was the charm, and it did not disappoint. The angles of the sun hitting the rocks was breathtaking. My only tip to travelers. The horseback riding opportunity does not extend into the entrance path to Petra. I believe, however, the the one horse drawn carriage I saw can be hired for the path to the Treasury. In hindsight, I would do that. There is a lot more to Petra than the Treasury. If you have time, take the path to the theatre and climb the rocks opposite the Treasury for an amazing view.
    Visited December 2022
    Traveled as a couple
    Written December 14, 2022
  • Carlos M
    McAllen, Texas33 contributions
    Last Wonder of the world for us to visit! #bucket-list
    Our last Wonder of the World to visit was Petra. We postponed it for Pandemic but glad we did it after everything opened up. Our guides, weather, hotels, were outstanding but the feeling of visiting the sites priceless. Don’t wait to visit this Wonder before it’s too late .
    Visited July 2022
    Traveled as a couple
    Written December 14, 2022
  • 427ccfcfan
    Hinckley, United Kingdom252 contributions
    Bucket list dream that did not disappoint
    I have wanted to go to Petra for very many years and I have to say that having looked forward to it for so long, it did not disappoint. I hadn't realised it was such a big place though! Be aware that it took us 1 .5 hours to stroll back to the coach park as most websites say it is a 50 minute walk! We went in early December and the heat was very comfortable around 23 degrees C. Toilets are 'free' but you are expected to give the Bedouin handing it a single sheet of toilet paper at the entrance - a small donation. All in all a fabulous experience especially the long walk through the Siq and emerging at The Treasury! Just WOW.
    Visited December 2022
    Written December 16, 2022
  • ken j
    Manalapan, New Jersey905 contributions
    Deserves to be world- famous
    Wow! The site way exceeded my high expectations. The carved buildings are amazing, the colors were amazing, great walk through the Siq. This was the highlight of our trip to Jordan. Just remember it is a lot of walking, 5 mile round trip from the entrance to the main walk end. The entire site is much larger, you could spend days here with various hikes.
    Visited December 2022
    Written December 19, 2022
  • Bluebellplasnewydd
    Cardiff, United Kingdom1,935 contributions
    World Class
    We visited in very early December and the day temperatures were just right at about 23 degrees. It was cold at night so if you are outside of the town there may not be much to do. Obviously the place is commercialised with large car parks and an expensive entrance building with corresponding high admission fees. Once you are through the gates then the ruins are preserved although traders, camels, bedouin abound. But this is part of it. We just had an extended morning there. It is hard work and going to the end of the Colonnaded Street and back was exhausting. However some of the younger members of the group had no trouble hiking to the Monastery and other trails. There are refreshments just past the Great Temple where you can rest and this is a good place to head for as a goal. Probably 2 easy days there would be ideal but obviously you face the long walk and back down the gorge each time you visit. We didn't think the candle and music trip in the evening was good value but you do get a different aspect of the ruins.
    Visited December 2022
    Written December 21, 2022
  • Madalyn H
    Huddersfield, United Kingdom1,902 contributions
    Fantastic
    We spent threee full days in the site walking and viewing from various perspectives, including the Monastery and the high Place of Sacrifice. There is plenty to see, including Byzantine churches and plenty to wonder about. With a little confidence it is easy to avoid the crowds
    Visited November 2022
    Written December 22, 2022
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Alicia W
Birmingham, UK119 contributions
Oct 2019
At first sight, I'm not sure Petra is what I expected. It took us a few hours to get to there down spirally roads and through little villages. When we arrived, the first thing I noticed was the number of coaches there was, there must have been over 100 coaches. Hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops laid beside the entrance of the archaeological site, packed with tourists from all over the world, I was very shocked to see a museum, solely dedicated to Petra. The first day of Petra was a guided tour, witnessing locals selling souvenirs and taking some tourists to the Treasury in a horse and carriage. I wouldn't recommend the horse and carriage, the walk to the Treasury was comfortable, mostly under the shade and took around a duration of 30 minutes, this included stopping for information and photo viewpoints. Once we arrived at the Treasury, I couldn't believe my eyes, it was indeed the Wonder of the World, the site from Indiana Jones. The photo we all know Petra by was standing in front of us, 40 metres high and carved into the rocks. There were crowds that formed outside the Treasury, however, the crowds dispersed as we moved throughout the site. Petra felt empty when we left the Treasury, it is said that passengers from the cruise ships walk that far, then they walk back to the coach. We had a map that had the different routes you could take, some were harder than others and they all had different qualities. On the second day at Petra, there was no guide so we were free to go where we please. We walked high up a mountain route to get a full view of the Treasury, please note that this is not well signposted and ensure to ask other tourists for directions. Once you walk to the top there is a tent selling drinks, the owners will try to charge you to take a photo of the view. Please note that you do not have to do this.
We headed up the famous 900 steps to the Monastery, it was definitely worth the walk and I would highly recommend it. There is a lovely cafe at the top with a view of the structure and other viewpoints. There are donkeys that take the same steep path up to the Monastery for JOD 40, however, the donkeys were mistreated and it looked extremely unsafe. I could have easily stayed at Petra for longer and explored the different routes, ensure that you have AT LEAST two days there.
Written May 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DonnamjCan
Kelowna, Canada447 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Top of the list for experienced we have had. Highly suggest staying at a Bedouin camp nearby and hitting this early in the morning when it opens and before the crowds do. Go with a guide to the first 2 km walk (and walk it and learn about Petra as you do). This will take you to what is known as The Treasury. The scene you see in Indiana Jones and where a lot of people stop. If you take a buggy ride to this you may miss many important opportunities to learn and see how Petra came to be. Once you get here, it’s another approx 2 km and about 900 stairs up to the Monastery which you should not miss. We did not have a ton of time so did hop on donkeys for this part of the journey. This in itself was part of the epic experience. What this allowed us to do was experience everything. We were able to come down from the Monastery on our own and gauge the time we had to stop and see and visit all we trotted past between the Treasury and the Monastery. If you are on a limited timeframe I’d recommend this approach. So much to see and a lot to experience. There are bathrooms between the Treasury and Monastery and a few places along the way to buy drinks and souvenirs. Lots of opportunities at the entrance for that as well for after you finish taking in this incredible site. There are camels to experience as well if you are interested in that. By mid to late morning the Treasury will be absolutely overrun with tons of tours so get your pictures and experience that first before moving on to the rest of the city.
Written February 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Katie
11 contributions
Jan 2020
My experience at Petra this week was largely ruined by the treatment of the horses, donkeys and camels. I encourage anyone who felt the same to email Jordan's Ministry of Tourism and ask for changes.

Some smaller horses were forced to pull carriages full of people, which were far too heavy for their size. They were being forced to run--when they tried to stop and rest the drivers whipped them and shouted. One had a wound on its neck and many clearly looked exhausted. From what I've since read on line, it appears that the horses are also forced to run with the carriages in the blazing summer heat as well.

Additionally, the drivers were quite aggressive with trying to get me to take a ride. I was asked over and over and over again if I wanted to ride and when I said no, they continued to hassle me and insist that it was cheap and that I would like it. I came to Petra for a peaceful experience in nature, not to be bothered by pushy salesmen.

It also seemed dangerous to have the horses running through the crowds of people.

Petra is beautiful, but I left feeling very sad. I planned to stay two nights so i could return to Petra for the night tour, but I didnt want to give more money to a place that mistreated the animals.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gabriela S
Florham Park, NJ98 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
Petra is beautiful and worth visiting in your lifetime. With that said you do need to keep a few things in mind. We personally stayed two nights in Petra town to make it easier and less hectic. On our first night we visited the Petra museum and found it a great introductory to the actual site. It is also free.

The second day we had deducted the full day to Petra (Get the Jordan pass like we did). We had read about being there right when it opens at 6am and we were there at 6:30am. It was a very peaceful walk down to the main site (takes about 30min) so I recommend going early or based on our experience later in the afternoon. Due to Covid it wasn’t as packed so you still may be ok going around 8am but more people do come in around 9am-1pm.

In terms of people bothering us, it was very annoying being asked to take rides non stop or buy stuff, or take us on tours or take pictures so be prepared to say no a lot. Also know what you want to spend money on. I would recommend a guide from the entrance. In terms of going up to take photos of the treasury, we got a local and he was phenomenal but again bargain on the price and know what you are looking to get out of it. Also the view from the top was great but the hike up is not for anyone that is not in decent shape.

The 850 steps to the Monastery are a killer..we also ended up going at around 1pm so the heat made it a slow and hot journey up. Now here I would suggest getting a donkey if you wish. With that said, the animals are treated so so from the looks of it. I think some are treated better than others but overall they are there fo help provide them a livelihood. We said no to donkeys or camels all day but after walking and climbing since 6:30am we caved in for a 5-10min donkey ride back to the Treasury. Towards the end of day you may be able to bargain more on the price.

Lastly we were lucky to see Petra at night (17JD per person in cash) and though it was beautiful and magical if you don’t have time you can skip it. This place is stunning and like some others have said it is run by the locals on the inside.
Written September 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ladolcevita89
Scotland, UK149 contributions
Feb 2020
I wish I had the opportunity to visit Petra 20 years ago - sadly this beautiful historical site has been very commercialised. Entrance fee at £55 feels overpriced. Lots of shops, cafes and restaurants throughout and some hassle to buy souvenirs, take camel rides etc. Camels, horses and donkeys don’t look happy or well cared for it was sad to see.
I visited during the day in February and needed a light jacket although it gets warm in the sun once you walk a bit. Takes 3.5hrs to get as far as where you would start the Monastery walk and back again. I opted not to do the Monastery walk. The Treasury is beautiful, as is the walk to it through the rocks, although I was disappointed by the rest of the site. It felt like it hasn’t been very well maintained/too many tourists now.
You definitely need walking shoes and it’s perfectly safe to go solo. I imagine it gets extremely crowded at peak season, February was a good time to go.
I visited again at night for Petra by Night which was fantastic - a beautiful sight to see the Treasury lit up. Don’t leave early the best bit is at the end! Nice touch to be offered hot tea. Gazing up at the stars from there was wonderful. £20 extra to add this on to a day ticket. Bit of a treacherous walk in the darkness so go easy. It would be good if they could light up the paths just a touch more so you can see where you’re walking.
Written February 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kim G
Pacific Grove, CA3,187 contributions
Dec 2019
My adult son and I began our journey from Eilat, Israel, on the Gulf of Aqaba, where an Israeli tour company successfully got us through this easier southern border crossing into Jordan, for a day excursion to Petra. Following a wait, we were picked up by a Jordanian tour company on the Jordan side of the border, which provided a sack lunch and all entrance and border fees for our visit. This was my second visit to Petra. While the first visit was indeed a wonderful experience, on this subsequent visit we left our guide and group, and departed to explore on our own at a more rapid pace. We are avid hikers and adventurers, so we were able to make it all the way back up to The Monastery, enjoy a cup of hot mint tea, and complete an overall 10 mile hike in our allotted time. On my first visit, I was unable to proceed much further than half way, due to the group limitations and time constraints. So much to see, if you are interested in "Ad Deir" (The Monastery), initially work your way up to it, then explore all of the other wonderful sites on your return. Be aware of the donkeys bearing tourists led by Bedouin children, or worse yet, the adult Bedouin men upon horseback as you scale the approximate 850 steps up to The Monastery. Both Bedouin males and females wear and sell charcoal black eyeliner, which renders an attractive "Johnny Depp, Pirates of the Caribbean" appearance to the Bedouin men. Souvenirs and scarves are sold by vendors throughout Petra, which is an unusual contrast to the ancient, surrounding setting. "Al Khazna" (The Treasury) is the icon of Petra, intricately carved out of the beautiful rose colored sandstone. Walking through the slot canyon gorge approach to Petra called "The Siq", the sense of excitement upon your first glimpse of the immense Treasury facade finally being revealed to view is quite overwhelming and stunning, causing most to gasp with wonder and amazement. Along The Siq, notice the ancient cartwheel ruts worn down into the original stone streets of this historic, yet rediscovered gem (1812 by Swiss Explorer Johannes Burckhardt), having been lost since the mid 7th century to all except the Bedouins. Logistically placed on an a formerly active trading route, prospering in the 1st century B.C. as the Nabataean Capital, the history of Petra's inhabitants dates back thousands of years B.C. Be cautious in The Siq of the horse-drawn carriages that rapidly transport visitors through The Siq which is 1.2 kilometers in length, to The Treasury at its terminus, although they do make for an exotic photo. We visited Petra in December and it was extremely cold. Bring numerous layers of clothing if you are able to visit Petra in the winter, when it can be closed due to snow and adverse weather conditions. A visit to Petra is a truly magical experience!
Written November 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Steve H
Boynton Beach, FL120 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
There are a number of options for the ambulatory handicapped person.

Just inside the entrance, you can choose to take a golf cart (up to 5 people and price is basically by the cart), donkey, or horse drawn carriage (two people). I saw a number of people pose on a camel in front of the Treasury, but did not pass any riding the trail leading to and from the Basin. I also heard that you could ride a horse, but saw none on the day our group was there.

Regardless of mode of transportation, all will take you further on to the end of the Main Trail and the Basin Restaurant, for an extra fee. It appears that there is a general Jordanian government fee for the transportation and then a tip on top of that is expected.

If going further on to the Monastery, you will need a donkey as it’s tough and broken ground from there and it’s a 90 minute or more ride. But worth the view, if time permits.

Donkeys are the slowest as you are led. The carriage rides are terribly bumpy and not recommended for anyone with sensitive back issues. But it is the fastest and not terribly expensive. The golf cart was mega expensive since they are very limited.

Each driver will give you plenty of time at the Treasury for pictures. But drivers are generally not amenable to making photo stops further along the route. Once past the Treasury, they want to deliver you to the end of the Main Trail. There, you can schedule them to come back and pick you up later or you can choose to return immediately. We spent an hour there early in the morning before the restaurant opened up and that was sufficient for us. Be sure to visit the few Bedouin vendors that still live in the caves there. They have some great stories to tell. One vendor knew the couple written about in ‘Married to a Bedouin’.

Yes, they have corded ropes that they whip the horses with. But not hard, just enough to get their attention and keep them moving. They do care for the horses as my guide got out of the carriage and walked beside the horse on one uphill portion of the journey.
Written February 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

nickiBH
Hong Kong354 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Out of 6 New Wonders of the World we visited, we found the Petra a big Wow as we finished the narrow Siq and into the opening Treasury, as compared to other Wonders like Machu Picchu or Chichen Itza where you could see from a great distance away, diminishing the surprise awaits you.

We started early, leaving our Movenpick Hotel next door at around 7am to avoid crowds and mid day heat, and most important of all, to see the iconic Treasury in morning light when the sun shone on it to bring out the best color during the day!

It might seem a bit cool in the early morning but as you continue walking and as more and more tourists join you, you would find it warm enough, and then very hot after mid day. So dress in layers with hat, and if possible, avoid summer visits.

It is better to visit the free museum the night before to get more knowledgeable about the site before the actual walk early next morning.

I was totally overwhelmed I could finally meet in person the author, Marguerite van Geldermalsen, of her memoir of Married to a Bedouin, which I had always wanted to get a copy autographed by her and I did that day enjoying chat with this amazing Newzealand tourist decades ago and now a long time resident there.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Chee Khan Wong
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia314 contributions
Jan 2020
We went to Petra was on late January and it was consider non-peak season for us. Temperature was acceptable, windy in the morning but warm during the noon so nothing to worry about the clothing. However, make sure you get a nice shoes which is comfortable for you to walk whole day including hilly terrain. If you coming with Jordan pass then you don't have to pay anything as the entrance fees is already covered by Jordan pass. The first thing you will see is the Treasury and following into deeper to the center part of Petra archaeology site which you will see more ancient buildings of Nabataeans Empire. The last will be the Monastery building which going take you another 1-2hrs from the centre part of Petra archaeology site to there. Generally, you may not able to complete the whole site within a day subject how fast you can walk as the distance from end to end total about 5km. There were restaurants and toilets in the site so nothing to worry about it except the foods there were quite pricey so you may try to prepare some foods prior the visit. It was wonderful experience to see the most iconic ancient building in the World and one of Seven Wonders of the World. Highly Recommended. You will find a lot decent hotels with reasonable price around the Petra archaeology site. Some of the hotels can arrange free shuttle service to the site.
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DRUK09
Carluke, UK206 contributions
Sep 2019
I travelled to Petra in September this year whilst I was staying with family. I've always wanted to visit this beautiful place after watching Indianna Jones (who hasn't??) and this year I finally got my chance! The walk through The Siq was stunning! To see the rose coloured stone up close was a highlight! I went as part of a tour group and was told by our guide to ignore the locals who said that rides etc were included in our entrance fee. I found some of the locals quite intrusive invading my personal space and not taking "Laa Shukran" for an answer. They didn't put me off or ruin my experience. I will visit Petra again but this time I'll be getting a two day pass and stay in Little Petra that way I can experience Petra at night and explore more of this beautiful site!
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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