When you think of Jordan, you immediately think of the magnificent site of Petra, whose photos flood travel sites and magazines. Your adventure begins on the Siq (translate "canyon"), the road that leads you to the entrance of the Petra site. It gives you a little time to take in the immensity of the site and the wonders you're about to discover. Let's set off together to discover all the useful information you need to visit Petra in Jordan in the best possible conditions.
What is the City of Petra?
The City of Petra in Jordan is an ancient Nabataean city famous for its impressive rock-cut monuments. Founded around the 6th century BC, it was originally used for trading spices and incense. Petra remains a truly remarkable site for its unique architecture, composed of superb facades carved from pink sandstone. Unfortunately, an earthquake put an end to its golden age in the 4th century. Today, Petra is one of the wonders of the ancient world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How to organize your visit Sites and temples not to be missed
Before visiting Petra in Jordan, we recommend a visit to Little Petra, a few kilometers from Wadi Musa. This pre-visit will give you the opportunity to admire the tombs carved out of the rock and the golden color of the sandstone... free of charge !
Then, in Petra, many splendid sites and temples await you:
- The Gaïa necropolis: tombs and "Djinn blocks", as well as funerary towers.
- The Siq: the narrow passage and canyon, with visible aqueduct.
- The Treasury (Khazneh): Petra's main monument, with its beautifully sculpted façade.
- The lower town: tombs and a theater carved into the rock.
- The royal tombs: imposing façades with complex architecture.
- The ancient city: ruins of ancient shops, temples and churches, and a panoramic view to boot!
- The monastery : an immense monument accessible after a climb (be brave!).
So how do you discover these wonders in the best conditions?
Read the article: Top 5 of the most beautiful wadis in Jordan
What you need to know before visiting Petra
Make sure you have everything you need before setting off to visit Petra in Jordan. Organization is the key to a successful trip!
How do I get to Petra?
The main entrance to Petra is in the town of Wadi Musa . Good news: it's also the ideal place to find accommodation! Just 1.4 km away, the town is a perfect strategic point. From Amman, you can reach Petra in a few hours by bus.
The most practical option is to book here an all-inclusive tour from Amman, including pick-up from your hotel, transport and guided tour of Petra.
What are the prices and opening times?
Between April and October, the Petra site is open daily from 6 am to 6 pm. From November to March, it closes two hours earlier, at 4 pm.
Good news! Once you've paid the entrance fee of 50 JD for the day (approx. 66€), the other days only cost you an extra 5JD, i.e. 55 JD for day 2 and 60 JD for day 3 (72€ and 79€). On the other hand, the price rises to 90 JD if you plan to stay for just one day.
Good to know: the currency in Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JD).
Where can I buy tickets to visit Petra?
If you're visiting Jordan with a tour operator, the price of your trip will normally include the Jordan Pass. This is a precious sesame, which gives access to the site of Petra, but also to many other sites in Jordan. The price of the visa is also included. It can be purchased online before your departure, on the official website of the Ministry of Tourism. The entrance ticket to the site alone can also be purchased at the entrance to Petra.
Tip: if you plan to visit other sites in Jordan, opt for the Jordan Pass instead of buying your single ticket at the entrance to the Petra site. You'll be able to fill up on exciting sights for just 20 JD more!
Our tips for visiting Petra with or without a guide
You can visit Petra without a guide. However, if you want to learn more about the history and details of the site, a guide is highly recommended. The site lacks clear explanatory panels, which can limit your understanding of the site. The most practical option is to book an all-inclusive tour from Amman here , including pick-up from your hotel, transport and guided tour of Petra.
For an even more complete experience, you can also book this 2-day tour of Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea. You'll visit the ancient city of Petra, float in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea and discover the beauty of Wadi Rum by spending the night in a Bedouin camp.
In addition, some hikes around Petra also require the presence of a guide for safety reasons.
Good to know: guide fees vary between 50 and 90 JD (66-118€) for a large group. It's more expensive for a small group, but it's always possible to share the cost.
How long does it take to visit Petra?
It's possible to visit Petra in a day, but you'll have your hands full! The site is around 10 km long (from the entrance to the monastery), so it's best to plan on two full days for peace of mind. A third day can be added if you want to do a few more hikes.
Visiting Petra in Jordan: how do I get around once I'm there?
From the Siq, you'll find Bedouins offering horses to take you to the site entrance. However, you can make your way on foot! The same applies to camels and dromedaries inside the site. Finally, golf carts are also available, if you don't want to (or can't) walk the 10.5 km of the site.
Please note if you'd like to opt for a personalized travel itinerary in Jordan, we recommend that you request a free quote right here. A tailor-made, responsible trip, direct with the best local agencies, awaits you!
Hiking in Petra
There are a total of eight hiking trails in Petra (between 2.5 and 10 km). Among the best known is the main trail (8 km round trip) linking the entrance to the ancient city to the end. Other trails, such as Sabra and Al Madras, take you off the beaten track, but beware! You'll need a guide to make sure you don't get lost. Would you like to enjoy beautiful views of Petra? Head for the High Place of Sacrifice trail, the Al-Khubtha trail or the Monastery!
The article to read: What to do and see in Amman The 15 must-sees in 2025
Among Jordan's must-sees, Petra is one of the best-known sites, and not for nothing! The city is one of the top 10 wonders of the ancient world that can still be visited today. Between its rich history and breathtaking scenery, Jordan, including Petra, has many treasures to reveal. So, for your next vacation, forget the white sandy beaches and overrated destinations: a change of scenery and a warm welcome await you in Jordan!
See the most popular Petra tour options below:
