Petra Eco Tours - Day Tours
Petra Eco Tours - Day Tours
Petra Eco Tours - Day Tours
4.3
Full view
About
At Petra EcoTours, we have an outstanding team of professionals who are dedicated to providing the highest quality services for all of our guests. We are a group of well-rounded individuals, many of us Bedouins ourselves, and we are known as the guardians of the desert. We are educated in the ways and history of this beautiful land and are dedicated to providing you with the best quality service i
Petra Eco Tours - Day Tours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.3
14 reviews
Excellent
10
Very good
1
Average
1
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Emily B
Washington DC, DC21 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
I booked a 1 day Petra tour with Eco Tours after reading many reviews online about issues with Tour Israel. I am glad that I chose this company. There were no delays on their end and all aspects under their control went smoothly. Drivers and tour guides were punctual. We left our hotel in Eilat at 6:30 am and returned around 5:00 pm. The border crossings went smoothly and the tour guide (Ali) was excellent.
The time spent in Petra was 3.5/4 hours which was the perfect length of time for our family (it was hot and there was a lot of walking). If you want to spend more time at Petra, book a 2 day visit.
My only feedback for the company would be to clearly advise tourists to bring cash (in dinars/dollars) to use during their time in Petra for purchasing extra water or snacks and to pay for any horse/camel rides or photos they may want. One member of our group had a miscommunication about payment for a horse ride and resolving the issue caused delays for the rest of us. The group was advised about this by Ali prior to arrival but apparently the guidelines need to be expressed more clearly. (If visitors want to engage in activities offered in Petra, what tip amounts are expected/exceptable? Always agree upon the exact payment amount beforehand.)
Also, some feedback regarding the restaurant buffet meal. It was good overall but the meat items (chicken/fish) were overcooked/dry.
The time spent in Petra was 3.5/4 hours which was the perfect length of time for our family (it was hot and there was a lot of walking). If you want to spend more time at Petra, book a 2 day visit.
My only feedback for the company would be to clearly advise tourists to bring cash (in dinars/dollars) to use during their time in Petra for purchasing extra water or snacks and to pay for any horse/camel rides or photos they may want. One member of our group had a miscommunication about payment for a horse ride and resolving the issue caused delays for the rest of us. The group was advised about this by Ali prior to arrival but apparently the guidelines need to be expressed more clearly. (If visitors want to engage in activities offered in Petra, what tip amounts are expected/exceptable? Always agree upon the exact payment amount beforehand.)
Also, some feedback regarding the restaurant buffet meal. It was good overall but the meat items (chicken/fish) were overcooked/dry.
Written August 7, 2023
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.
Susanna HF
Vineyard Haven, MA5 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
We were more than pleased with our Petra tour from Eilat. Everything worked like clockwork. From the hotel pick-up, to the border crossing, to the tours and accommodations, we had the most amazing time. Our guide in Petra, Kareem Helalat, was simply exceptional! His knowledge and professionalism combined with his humor and picture-taking talent, made our trip unforgettable. We loved everything!!
Written March 11, 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.
Orange G
Los Angeles, CA7 contributions
Mar 2016 • Family
Like the reviewer below, our Israeli Travel Agent (SUPERB travel - truly amazing) also used ECO to bring us from Eilat for an overnight in Petra. The personal service at the border crossing was truly helpful and made us feel very comfortable. Ali was our guide at Wadi Rum - he was very knowledgeable, made it so much fun for our 2 sons and an example of genuine hospitality. Like the other reviewer we had Mohammed (the former police officer) guide us through Petra. He was an amazing guide, his love for Petra was infectious and our whole family loved him. While we had had some (perhaps naive) concerns about travelling to and from Petra from Israel, all the folks at Eco made us feel very comfortable.
Written April 8, 2016
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.
JAMBrooklyn
New York City, NY129 contributions
Feb 2016 • Family
We used Eco Tours to get us from Eilat to Petra and back on an overnight trip. First, Achmed met us at the border crossing and got us through without difficulty (although the Jordanians seemed to want there to be a problem, as the date stamp refused to work, causing at least a 15 minute delay). We were then passed to Mohammad who drove us through Aqaba into the hills. Although his mini van was no where near as nice as the ones we rode in in Israel and smelled of cigarettes, he was very sweet and an excellent driver and drove us in the pitch black to our hotel. In the morning we were met by Mohammad W. who was our guide in Petra. He was an absolute treasure. A former police officer at the site, he was thoroughly knowledgeable about the history, but also about life at the site. He was so friendly and kind to my family (especially my son, who tripped and fell). We were very, very lucky to have him and I cannot recommend him enough. Later that day, our driver Mohammad took us to lunch high above Wadi Musa at Petra Magic--an excellent choice by Achmed #2 of the Eco Tour office--and drove us back to the border where Achmed #1 again brought us through the border--this time there was a 20 minute argument about our visa. Thank goodness I didn't have to try and negotiate that myself since my Arabic is negligible!! Thanks to Eco Tours-., I will definitely use them again.
Written March 14, 2016
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.
Margo Haydu-Givoni
Tel Aviv, Israel50 contributions
Jan 2018 • Couples
What a fun and interesting tour. We left our hotel at 06:30 hrs (returning at 18:30 hours) Met by Dina, she drive us to the border of Jordan-Israel, where her colleague Achmad took us through the passport control, visa, and taxes. When finished another colleague/chap and driver picked us up on the Jordanian side and drove us first to a souvenir shop (owned by 10 families) and had our first cup of tea/coffee) to Petra (Thru the dessert) onwards to the Capital of the Nabataeans and the Treasury (Al-Khazneh). We spent at the Treasury approx. 3 hrs. From entrance till exit. After this we drove to a very nice and clean restaurant, locally inhabited- great food, BBQ chicken, stewed chicken, fish and beef. Their salads were delicious as well as their rich puddings, custard, etc. I even got 3 tangerines. Around 15:30 we left, for our return trip, where Achmad met us and Dina to take us back to the hotel.
Written January 31, 2018
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.
Daddysmoney
New Braunfels, TX22 contributions
Apr 2019
Sheik Mohammed was okay at first, and then, he took off like a scared rabbit. His instructions were not clear and we were LOST in the middle of Petra. He was in a big hurry; we felt ignored and left behind. And then, he was gone. Other tours were also hampering our group and it was hard to stay with him and keep up.
Written April 15, 2019
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.
Sherrie B
Los Angeles, CA28 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
All of these arrangements were made in advance by our travel agent.
We flew to Eilat Israel from Tel Aviv - an easy trip - with the plan to go to Petra for a day tour. Our travel agent secured our visas ahead of time, and Eco Tours took care of the rest regarding the border crossing at Arava from Eilat into Jordan. In fact, we had a phone message from Eco tours waiting for us at our hotel in Eilat when we checked in. They were early to pick us up the following morning and brought us to the border by van. We paid the border crossing fees directly to the Eco employee and she directed us to the crossing gate. We went through the Israeli border and walked into Jordan where another Eco rep walked us through the Jordanian customs process. This was the beginning of our day trip to Petra.
We were escorted to a waiting bus, given water and proceeded through the desert into Jordan, making one stop along the way before we then descended into the valley where we were ultimately escorted through Petra by our day-tour guide Ali. A spectacular site from beginning to end. We were able to return to the entrance at our own pace and boarded the bus for the trip back to the border and re-entered Israel. A long but extemely satisfying day.
We flew to Eilat Israel from Tel Aviv - an easy trip - with the plan to go to Petra for a day tour. Our travel agent secured our visas ahead of time, and Eco Tours took care of the rest regarding the border crossing at Arava from Eilat into Jordan. In fact, we had a phone message from Eco tours waiting for us at our hotel in Eilat when we checked in. They were early to pick us up the following morning and brought us to the border by van. We paid the border crossing fees directly to the Eco employee and she directed us to the crossing gate. We went through the Israeli border and walked into Jordan where another Eco rep walked us through the Jordanian customs process. This was the beginning of our day trip to Petra.
We were escorted to a waiting bus, given water and proceeded through the desert into Jordan, making one stop along the way before we then descended into the valley where we were ultimately escorted through Petra by our day-tour guide Ali. A spectacular site from beginning to end. We were able to return to the entrance at our own pace and boarded the bus for the trip back to the border and re-entered Israel. A long but extemely satisfying day.
Written April 13, 2019
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.
levinfried
Chevy Chase, MD132 contributions
Jan 2016
Petra is unique and amazing but we loved Wadi Rum even more. Our guides were terrific and Eco tours did a great job getting us across the border with visas. The Bedouin guide in Wadi Rum made us a meal that I will never forget, in a setting that was beyond spectacular.
Written February 4, 2016
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.
Saljd
1 contribution
Jun 2019 • Friends
Petra is UNESCO World Heritage site and it is treated by the local Bedouins as a playground for all kind of unwelcome activities making the experience absolutely terrible.
I will tell you what I observed and experienced:
1. ECO tours coordinated the border crossing and transportation, it was ok. Be prepared to pay $125 (cash) for the visa to Jordan.
2. Our guide was a proud Jordanian that wanted 100% attention and no pictures taken, so he hurried us unnecessarily. So, he end up losing our attention.
3. Once in Petra site there are bedouins and the "authorized" dealers trying to sell you rides on camels, donkies, mules. The prices are not posted anywhere, you are subject to scams because you have to negotiate with the "drivers", so be aware of it.
4. The animal abuse and mistreatment is appalling, the animals are kicked,hit with sticks, belts, and shouted constantly - it is deafening. I witness several instances of violence against the animals that let me speechless, for instance a young child saw a female dog under a bench in front of the Treasury, the dog was seeking shade, the kid hit the dog with all his strength with a piece of wood sending the dog crying in pain; another youngster was riding a donkey going uphill on a 109 degrees day at noon, after probably 4 hours of this animal being ridden with no rest or water. Because the donkey did not go as fast the youngster wanted he punched the donkey in the eye, the animal bolted and hee-hawed which prompted a series of kicks from the rider. Absolute salvage behavior.
I saw a place where the animals are parked; however, there is limited shelter and I could not see a single bucket with water. How could it be possible to mistreat so badly these creatures who are the mean of income? How we tourist can ignore this and be accomplices of such cruelty?
5. While you are walking you will be approached to ask you to give the local your water, phone, money, etc and in our case the guide asked the child not to do so... the child picked up a stone and threatened to throw it, it was scary.
6. Arabic is a harsh sounding language and body language is more emotionally active - it is ok; however, these people get in shouting matches and confrontations that for other cultures is very threatening and frightening. I understood there are several "groups" who compete for the tourist getting rides.
7. There are shacks with vendors and a couple "stores". Be aware that you need to hassle the prices and if you decide not to buy anything after asking for the price of an article, you will be subjected to their screams and name calling.
8. The youngsters running (ruining) Petra will offer tourists to guide them to the cliffs in front of the Treasury for a fee, they tell is short walk and easy. It is not short and it is not easy and it is forbidden because it is dangerous and it is ruining the site.
9. I visited during the 1st week of June 2019, it was 109 degrees fahrenheit (88 degrees celsius) at noon. The weather and feces gave the chance to flies to proliferate and it was unbearable. There were few people picking up after the animals here and there.. not to avail.
10. Be careful while walking in the narrow gorge/canyon, the drivers of the carriages, the bedouins riding with passengers on the mules, donkeys or camels will run you over and it will be your fault to be in their way! By the way, if you are a woman, the riders enjoy riding with you - behind you.
11. The brochure that your are given with your entrance ticket to the park says that you can call or talk to the police if you have a complaint (scams, animal abuse, for instance) - Do not bother, the police do not speak any other language than Arabic - so they claim, the phone is not answered and no one cares.
My conclusion, buy a book with great pictures, sit down peacefully at home, read/learn about it and save yourself the aggravation and money. I traveled 5800 miles (one way) with my hopes high and opened to a great adventure. I am disappointed at the misled information from ECO tours (I guess it is just a business, we tourist are just ATMs), the local authorities who allow such disgraceful behavior to ruin the experience, and to the UNESCO who just put a plaque and did not look back.
Please do NOT visit Petra.
I will tell you what I observed and experienced:
1. ECO tours coordinated the border crossing and transportation, it was ok. Be prepared to pay $125 (cash) for the visa to Jordan.
2. Our guide was a proud Jordanian that wanted 100% attention and no pictures taken, so he hurried us unnecessarily. So, he end up losing our attention.
3. Once in Petra site there are bedouins and the "authorized" dealers trying to sell you rides on camels, donkies, mules. The prices are not posted anywhere, you are subject to scams because you have to negotiate with the "drivers", so be aware of it.
4. The animal abuse and mistreatment is appalling, the animals are kicked,hit with sticks, belts, and shouted constantly - it is deafening. I witness several instances of violence against the animals that let me speechless, for instance a young child saw a female dog under a bench in front of the Treasury, the dog was seeking shade, the kid hit the dog with all his strength with a piece of wood sending the dog crying in pain; another youngster was riding a donkey going uphill on a 109 degrees day at noon, after probably 4 hours of this animal being ridden with no rest or water. Because the donkey did not go as fast the youngster wanted he punched the donkey in the eye, the animal bolted and hee-hawed which prompted a series of kicks from the rider. Absolute salvage behavior.
I saw a place where the animals are parked; however, there is limited shelter and I could not see a single bucket with water. How could it be possible to mistreat so badly these creatures who are the mean of income? How we tourist can ignore this and be accomplices of such cruelty?
5. While you are walking you will be approached to ask you to give the local your water, phone, money, etc and in our case the guide asked the child not to do so... the child picked up a stone and threatened to throw it, it was scary.
6. Arabic is a harsh sounding language and body language is more emotionally active - it is ok; however, these people get in shouting matches and confrontations that for other cultures is very threatening and frightening. I understood there are several "groups" who compete for the tourist getting rides.
7. There are shacks with vendors and a couple "stores". Be aware that you need to hassle the prices and if you decide not to buy anything after asking for the price of an article, you will be subjected to their screams and name calling.
8. The youngsters running (ruining) Petra will offer tourists to guide them to the cliffs in front of the Treasury for a fee, they tell is short walk and easy. It is not short and it is not easy and it is forbidden because it is dangerous and it is ruining the site.
9. I visited during the 1st week of June 2019, it was 109 degrees fahrenheit (88 degrees celsius) at noon. The weather and feces gave the chance to flies to proliferate and it was unbearable. There were few people picking up after the animals here and there.. not to avail.
10. Be careful while walking in the narrow gorge/canyon, the drivers of the carriages, the bedouins riding with passengers on the mules, donkeys or camels will run you over and it will be your fault to be in their way! By the way, if you are a woman, the riders enjoy riding with you - behind you.
11. The brochure that your are given with your entrance ticket to the park says that you can call or talk to the police if you have a complaint (scams, animal abuse, for instance) - Do not bother, the police do not speak any other language than Arabic - so they claim, the phone is not answered and no one cares.
My conclusion, buy a book with great pictures, sit down peacefully at home, read/learn about it and save yourself the aggravation and money. I traveled 5800 miles (one way) with my hopes high and opened to a great adventure. I am disappointed at the misled information from ECO tours (I guess it is just a business, we tourist are just ATMs), the local authorities who allow such disgraceful behavior to ruin the experience, and to the UNESCO who just put a plaque and did not look back.
Please do NOT visit Petra.
Written June 7, 2019
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.
rss1836
New York170 contributions
Jun 2018 • Couples
This trip was incredibly smooth especially considering we had to cross a border and deal with an Israeli and Jordanian travel agency partnership. We were accompanied every step of the way and by my count we had 5 people helping us. Despite the nearly 2 hour drive the 3 hours in Petra was definitely worth it. I was very surprised that we were only going to there for that long but it was very hot and we did not hike. The natural gorge and topography is fabulous but there is really only one building to see and you cannot go inside. There is little to learn as apparently there is not much known about the site and the civilization that was there. Be advised that it is a very long way back on foot or a 35 minute mule ride!
Written June 21, 2018
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.
Sofia S
New York City, New York
What is the best tour group to take for Petra, Dead Sea, wadi rum etc?
Written June 16, 2019
Eco Tours is the one we used - don't think there are many options. Our “guide”was ok although he had a hard time keeping the group together, and we were separated for a short while heading to lunch.
Written June 16, 2019
Sofia S
New York City, New York
Hi! Is it safe if we friends are all females go as a group?
Written April 27, 2019
We felt completely safe. With that said, we had an Eco Tour guide meet us at the Israeli border who had all of our Visa applications already processed via our travel agent in advance. We paid We then had an Eco Tour gentleman meet us at Jordanian customs as we walked through to assist us there and then he walked us to our bus and Jordanian tour guide and driver who took us to Petra (2-hour drive with one bathroom/coffee/gift shop stop along the way). He gave us a walking tour and history lesson as we walked and then met him back at the entrance and walked back to the bus as a group. Lunch at a local restaurant and back to the border. The same process in reverse. NEVER felt unsafe. Hope that helps. Have fun!
Written April 27, 2019
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