Why Petra Belongs on Every Traveler's List

There are places that surpass every expectation, and Petra — the ancient Nabataean capital nestled in the sandstone mountains of southern Jordan — is unquestionably one of them. Walking through the narrow canyon called the Siq and suddenly facing the towering facade of Al-Khazneh (the Treasury) is a moment that stops you cold. No photograph fully prepares you for it.

A Short History of the Nabataeans

Petra was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom, a sophisticated Arab civilization that flourished from around the 4th century BC to the 1st century AD. The Nabataeans were master traders who controlled spice, silk, and incense routes linking Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean. Their wealth funded the extraordinary city they carved directly into rose-pink sandstone cliffs — an engineering feat that still astonishes architects and historians today.

After the Romans annexed the kingdom in 106 AD, Petra gradually declined. Earthquakes in the 4th and 8th centuries AD caused further abandonment. The city remained largely unknown to the Western world until Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt re-encountered it in 1812.

Key Sites Within Petra

  • The Siq: A 1.2 km natural gorge that serves as the dramatic entrance to the city. Walls rise up to 80 metres on either side.
  • Al-Khazneh (The Treasury): Petra's most iconic monument, a 40-metre-tall tomb facade with extraordinary Hellenistic detail.
  • The Street of Facades: A row of rock-cut tombs lining the main valley, showcasing Nabataean funerary architecture.
  • The Monastery (Ad-Deir): Larger than the Treasury and requiring an 850-step climb — the reward is magnificent views and relative solitude.
  • The High Place of Sacrifice: A hilltop altar with panoramic views across the ancient city.
  • Petra By Night: Three evenings per week, the Siq is illuminated by thousands of candles for a remarkable atmospheric experience.

Practical Travel Information

Getting There

Petra is located near the town of Wadi Musa in southern Jordan, approximately 3 hours by road from Amman and 2 hours from Aqaba. Buses and shared taxis run from Amman's South Bus Station. Renting a car gives you more flexibility to explore the region.

How Much Time Do You Need?

A single day is the minimum, but Petra rewards longer visits. Two full days allow you to explore the main valley thoroughly and tackle the Monastery hike without rushing. Three days opens up the surrounding landscape including Little Petra (Siq al-Barid).

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most comfortable temperatures. Summer can be intensely hot, while winter evenings are cold but the site is less crowded.

Practical Tips

  • Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes — the terrain is uneven and involves significant walking.
  • Bring more water than you think you need, especially in warm weather.
  • Start early to beat both crowds and the midday heat.
  • The Jordan Pass (available online) includes visa fees and site entry, offering good savings for international visitors.
  • Hiring a local guide enriches the experience enormously — Bedouin guides carry generations of knowledge about the site.

Responsible Tourism in Petra

Petra faces significant pressures from tourism volume and environmental stress. Visitors can help by staying on marked paths, avoiding touching carved surfaces, and purchasing crafts directly from local Bdoul Bedouin artisans rather than mass-produced souvenirs. The Bdoul people have lived in and around Petra for generations and their knowledge, crafts, and stories are an inseparable part of the site's living heritage.