Visiting Petra in Jordan (2023)

The Rose Metropolis of Petra in Jordan has enchanted guests, for the reason that ruins of this historical Nabataean metropolis within the desert had been rediscovered by Europeans within the nineteenth century. As Jordan’s prime customer website, it’s one of many highlights of any go to to the nation and one which lived as much as our expectations. That can assist you take advantage of visiting Petra in Jordan, we’ve put collectively this journey information with all our prime ideas.

Regardless of the crowds, ubiquitous memento stalls and animal experience sellers, Petra appeared to extend its charms and mysteries the extra we explored past the Siq and Treasury. However to take advantage of your go to you do have to plan forward for the place to remain and the way lengthy to come back for, in addition to the highest issues to see and different issues to look out for.

Our goal on this article is to cowl many of the issues you’ll want to know earlier than you go to, on arrival and whereas contained in the archaeological website of Petra. Let’s go and uncover your internal Indiana Jones!

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Petra journey information – ideas earlier than you go

On this part you’ll discover our ideas to assist plan your journey, similar to lodging, getting there, tickets and what number of days you’ll want to go to Petra.

The place is Petra?

Petra is positioned within the south west of Jordan, 230 km (3 hrs drive) from the capital of Amman within the north or 130 km (2 hrs drive) from the Purple Sea resort of Aqaba to the south.

Most worldwide travellers fly into both Amman or Aqaba, then go to the Petra archaeological website as a part of a round tour of Jordan, visiting Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba and the Useless Sea.

The place to remain in Petra

The city that serves the archaeological website of Petra is Wadi Musa and that is the place nearly all of guests keep. When transport to Petra is talked about, the bus or taxi will really take you to the city of Wadi Musa.

Wadi Musa is roughly divided into the decrease city, which is closest to the Petra entrance and customer centre, and the higher city which is round quarter-hour stroll up the hill.

We’d advocate staying within the decrease city, since the very last thing you need after a protracted day strolling across the big Petra website is an uphill stroll to your resort. There are a selection of resorts, outlets and eating places within the decrease city and also you’ll be 5-10 minutes stroll from the Petra Customer Centre and entrance.

If you’re on a decent finances you might determine to remain within the higher city, since this space affords extra selection of finances lodging. You’ll additionally discover a wider vary of eating places up the hill. There are taxis obtainable outdoors the Petra Customer Centre, so you possibly can take considered one of these between the decrease and higher city, in case you don’t wish to stroll.

Within the decrease city we will advocate the next resorts, with one thing for all budgets:

Tips on how to get to Petra

By Automotive to Petra

It’s simple to rent a automobile in Jordan (we managed it!) and use it to organise a self drive journey of the nation that features Petra. In case you’re flying into Amman, it’s in all probability best to rearrange a rent automobile from Queen Alia worldwide airport, positioned simply south of Amman.

From the airport, it’s a simple drive south, on the principle Route 15 twin carriageway. Another highway south (there are solely two) is the extra scenic ‘King’s Freeway’ that runs by way of smaller cities and villages. From Aqaba, you may also simply rent a automobile and drive north to Petra.

By Bus to Petra

There’s one bus a day in every route between Amman and Petra with JETT.

The bus leaves Amman from Abdali bus station every day at 6.30am and the journey takes round 3 hours. On the return journey the bus leaves Petra at 5pm, from the bus station simply above the customer centre. Value for a 1 approach journey is 10 JD.

If you’re coming from Aqaba to Petra the every day bus leaves at 8am and from Petra to Aqaba leaves at 5pm. The journey takes round 3 hours and value is 15 JD.

By Taxi

In case you don’t wish to drive your self and like to have a taxi switch, the JETT web site has some simply bookable choices for taxi transfers from Amman or Aqaba to Petra.

You may also ask your resort to rearrange a taxi switch to take you to Petra. It’s additionally simple to rearrange a taxi switch to take you instantly from Queen Alia Worldwide Airport (simply south of Amman) to Petra, which is a 2.5 hour drive.

Take a gaggle tour to Petra

In case your complete vacation has been organized as a part of a tour, then transport might be taken care of. However in case you arrive in Jordan as an impartial traveller with no fastened plan, you possibly can nonetheless take a gaggle tour.

Most excursions begin in Amman and absorb Petra, Wadi Rum and the Useless Sea over the 2-3 day interval. This could possibly be an excellent possibility for solo travellers, however keep in mind you might solely get half a day to see Petra.

That’s a disgrace, since Petra is a big and wonderful website, that deserves a minimum of 2 days to see the highlights. So if reserving a gaggle tour, examine how lengthy you’ll really spend at Petra.

How lengthy do I want to go to Petra?

We advocate spending 2 full days in Petra, if you wish to see the principle highlights at a snug tempo. We had 2 days and three nights in Petra and felt it was about proper.

When you have 3 days you possibly can see the principle highlights and moreover discover among the attention-grabbing mountain climbing trails that take you a bit of off the crushed observe.

When you have just one day, you’ll need to start out early and keep late to do justice to the location. Alternatively, you might want to go away some key websites such because the Monastery out of your itinerary.

Keep in mind that Petra is a big archaeological website masking over 200 km sq., with the principle path by way of it being round 8km in size. Nevertheless lengthy you keep, put together your self for lots of strolling!

Finest time to go to Petra

The very best time to go to Petra is Spring (March – Might) or Autumn (September to November) when the times are heat and sunny however not too scorching for sightseeing. The evenings and early mornings may be cooler presently, so you should definitely pack a couple of further layers.

In Spring the desert is at its greenest after winter rains, with wildflowers and oleander blooming. Rain primarily falls between November and March, however there may be occasional rain showers outdoors these months. Heavy rain brings the hazard of flash floods within the slim wadis or ravines round Petra, so watch the forecast and comply with native recommendation.

We visited in August when the temperatures rose above 36 levels celsius and might say from expertise that it’s not the best time for sightseeing because of the warmth! It wouldn’t have been our first selection however we had been visiting Jordan for a good friend’s marriage ceremony. We tried to beat the summer time warmth of Petra by getting up early and getting into the location at 6.00am when it opened.

Petra journey information – ideas for once you arrive

On this part you’ll discover our tricks to organise your go to to Petra when you arrive, together with shopping for tickets, opening hours and the Petra Customer Centre.

Petra Customer Centre

The Petra Customer Centre is the purpose of entry to the Petra archaeological website, within the decrease city of Wadi Musa. A brief distance from the Petra Customer Centre is the JETT bus station and several other free automobile parks. Exterior the customer centre is an ATM machine.

On getting into the Petra Customer Centre (you might have to have your bag checked) there’s a courtyard with a number of memento outlets and cafes. The centre itself has a ticket workplace, the place you purchase your ticket (in case you don’t have a Jordan Go). Each money and playing cards are accepted, however there’s a small further payment in case you pay by card.

In the identical corridor because the ticket counters is a sales space the place you possibly can interact one of many official guides at set charges which are posted on the wall (beginning at 50JD for a 3 hour tour of the principle Petra sights). You may also rent a information for among the harder mountain climbing trails inside Petra.

In the back of the customer centre is an info counter and exhibition corridor which supplies background in regards to the historical past of Petra. This can be a helpful place to cease on the way in which out, in case you don’t have time to go to the Petra Museum, which is true by the Customer Centre and in addition free.

Additionally throughout the Customer Centre is a counter on the market of Petra by Evening ticket, however these solely go on sale a couple of hours earlier than the occasion itself.

Tip: In case you go to in scorching climate as we did, each the customer centre exhibition room and Petra Museum are blissfully air conditioned after a protracted scorching stroll again from the Siq.

Opening Hours for Petra

The Customer Centre and Petra archaeological website opens at 6am and closes at 4pm in winter and 6pm in summer time. Whereas your ticket might be scanned on the way in which into the location, on the way in which on the market didn’t appear to be any examine of who had left the location.

Having mentioned that, there isn’t any lighting throughout the website and staying in a single day in Petra is forbidden, so that you shouldn’t linger after the official closing time.

Ticket prices for Petra

The Jordan Go

Earlier than you propose your journey to Jordan and Peta, you’ll want to know in regards to the Jordan Go. The Jordan Go is obtainable to buy earlier than you enter the nation and consists of the price of your vacationer entry visa and ticket to Petra, in addition to free entry to another points of interest in Jordan.

You should purchase the Jordan Go on-line earlier than you journey and the fee varies relying on how lengthy you wish to keep at Petra. A Jordan Go for 1 day in Petra is 70JD, for two consecutive days at Petra is 75 JD and for 3 consecutive days at Petra is 80 JD. Because the Jordan Go consists of the price of vacationer entry visa, you’ll want to purchase earlier than you arrive in Jordan.

In case you purchase your ticket for Petra on the customer centre, the value is 50JD for 1 day, 55 JD for two days and 60 JD for 3 days. With the price of the vacationer entry visa being 40 JD, this implies you save a minimum of 20JD in case you purchase the Jordan Go and presumably extra in case you use it to go to a number of points of interest.

Shopping for tickets on the Petra Customer Centre

In case you discover that the Jordan Go doesn’t give you the results you want, you possibly can simply purchase your ticket to Petra on the customer centre. If doubtful about what number of days you may be visiting Petra, I’d e-book the ticket permitting 2-3 days, since every further day solely prices 5 JD extra.

The costs talked about above are for guests who keep a minimum of 1 evening in Jordan. Non-accommodated guests or native residents pay a distinct fee. Youngsters below 12 go free. You want a Petra common ticket (both by way of the Jordan Go or the ticket workplace) to attend Petra by evening however there may be a further cost to purchase the Petra by evening ticket.

If you’re visiting Petra as a part of a pre-booked tour, examine whether or not the entry ticket to Petra is included in your tour payment.

Essential: It’s essential present your passport on the customer centre once you purchase the tickets, or once you present your Jordan Go to select up the ticket.

Petra Jordan – ideas for visiting the location

On this part of our Petra Jordan information, you’ll discover our ideas as soon as you’re contained in the Petra archaeological website, together with what to see, plan your time in Petra and maps to navigate the location.

A quick historical past of Petra

It’s wonderful that the historical past of the Nabataean individuals, who constructed Petra, is so little recognized, contemplating they as soon as dominated the area.

Initially pastoral nomads, the Nabataeans grew wealthy by controlling the profitable overland spice commerce from Asia to the Mediterranean. Their capital, Petra was constructed from the first century BC, as a hidden metropolis on the commerce route, the place retailers might relaxation safely earlier than transferring on throughout the desert.

Because the spice commerce shifted westwards to simpler routes alongside the Purple Sea and Useless Sea, the Nabataean Empire declined, and the Romans finally annexed their territory. Petra continued as a thriving Roman settlement, till an earthquake within the 4th century AD destroyed a lot of the town.

In later centuries Petra was deserted and brought over by native Bedouin who used among the tombs and buildings as homes. However a go to in 1812 by a Swiss Explorer who entered the town disguised as an Arab pilgrim, woke up the curiosity of nineteenth century European travellers in Petra.

Artists similar to David Roberts who visited Petra in 1839, created work and lithographs which are nonetheless offered in Petra at this time and put the ‘Rose-Purple Metropolis’ on the want listing for a lot of Victorian travellers.

High issues to see in Petra

For extra details about these highlights, learn my article (coming quickly) in regards to the Finest issues to do in Petra.

Petra in sooner or later

In case you simply have sooner or later, I’d stroll down the Siq to the Treasury, then take the path as much as the Excessive Place of Sacrifice. After coming down by the identical route, bypass different points of interest as you stroll to the Basin space and have a relaxation and snack at one of many 2 eating places.

Then climb as much as the Monastery and after seeing it, come again by the identical route. For the remainder of the afternoon, discover the Royal Tombs, permitting an extra hour to stroll again from there to the Customer Centre. Phew! that was a protracted and tiring day!

• The Siq – This slim gorge leads the traveller into Petra, ending with the a lot photographed view of The Treasury. The gorge was created as a pure break up within the rock, with layers of various colored sandstone.

• The Treasury (Al Khazna) – The very best recognized view of Petra, that is the monument that you simply meet first, carved into the face of the cliff. The small rooms behind the facade had been made because the tomb of a king within the 1st century, and the identify derives from the legend that treasure was as soon as hid in some a part of the constructing.

• Excessive Place of Sacrifice – After the Treasury, a path leads up by way of a gorge bringing you to a plateau with wonderful views of the traditional metropolis under. On the highest level is a rock altar that was used for spiritual ceremonies and sacrifice.

• Royal Tombs – Carved into the cliff face are 4 main tombs, with giant chambers you can enter, though they’re now empty. You’ll admire the intricate rock carving from the first and 2nd century AD and the swirling colored layers of stone.

• The Monastery (Advert Deir) – On the furthest finish of the location from the Treasury, 800 steps lead up a gorge on an arduous hike to the Monastery. This carved facade of a tomb rivals the Treasury in its dimension and magnificence, and is so referred to as as a result of it was later used as a church.

Extra Petra highlights in case you have time

When you have extra time after masking the important thing highlights above, right here’s what it’s best to see.

• The Theatre – a theatre constructed by the Nabataeans and repurposed by the Romans, that might maintain as much as 4000 spectators.

• The Nice Temple – the stays of the traditional temple advanced with columns and stays of the stone partitions, constructed within the 1st century BC by the Nabataeans.

• The Colonnaded Avenue – the stays of a colonnade that was constructed by the Nabataeans as the town’s principal procuring road.

• The Church – constructed across the fifth century, with a effectively preserved mosaic ground.

• The Treasury Viewpoint – behind the Royals Tombs is the beginning of a path (Al Khubtha Path) which takes you on stone steps as much as a viewpoint wanting down on the Theatre. After an extra scramble downhill to a Bedouin tent on the cliff edge, you get a view over the Treasury. Be warned it’s an arduous path that takes 2-3 hours spherical journey. There’s one other extra accessible viewpoint which you climb from the Treasury space, however you might have to tip an area ‘information’ to take you up there.

• The Petra Museum – this wonderful fashionable museum is true by the customer centre and is free to go to. It tells the story of the Nabataeans and historical past of Petra, with all the principle artefacts that had been discovered on the website. The Museum stays open fairly late, permitting you to go to after your day at Petra.

Highlights outdoors the principle Petra website

These are effectively price visiting and could possibly be fitted in in your second day, bringing you into Petra by the ‘Again Door’ and all the way down to the Petra Previous Metropolis space by lunchtime. After refreshments at one of many Basin eating places, you possibly can go to additional websites such because the Temple and Colonnaded road, earlier than returning by way of the Treasury and Siq.

• Little Petra (Siq Al-Barid) – This smaller gorge space with carved tombs and facades is a brief drive from the principle Petra website and is far quieter and smaller. It’s effectively price a go to and there’s a free automobile park, or a free minibus shuttle that may take you there from the again of the Petra Customer Centre (first shuttle 7.30am).

• The hike from Little Petra as much as the Monastery – From Little Petra a 20 seat 4 wheel drive automobile is obtainable to drive you (price 5 JD money) to the beginning of the hike as much as the Monastery. From the place you’re dropped off the path is apparent and simple to comply with, bringing you as much as the Monastery by the so referred to as ‘Again Door’ of Petra. The path winds alongside the aspect of the cliff, with gorgeous views. Being rather a lot much less crowded than the principle Petra website, this was considered one of our private highlights. It’s essential have already bought your Petra ticket to take this path, since tickets usually are not offered at Little Petra.

Petra by Evening tickets

Petra by Evening is an opportunity to expertise the world in entrance of the Treasury after darkish, lit up by a whole lot of flickering candles. It’s essential have a common ticket for Petra to attend, and you’ll want to purchase a further Petra by evening ticket. The price of the Petra by evening ticket is 17 JD with kids below 10 going free.

Petra by evening occurs each Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, so it’s price timing your go to for considered one of today. The expertise begins on the customer centre at 8.30 pm if you find yourself allowed to stroll down the observe, into the Siq and on in the direction of the Treasury. The occasion is completed by 10.30pm, once you go away the Treasury space to stroll again to the customer centre.

Our Petra by Evening expertise

We had a enjoyable expertise and had been glad that we had achieved Petra by evening. Arriving on the Customer Centre 20 minutes earlier than the beginning time, we discovered {that a} lengthy queue was already creating.

As soon as the gates had been opened we walked down the trail which was lit on either side by flickering candles. A few of the rock carvings en route had been additionally illuminated. Passing by way of the Siq we reached the Treasury the place a whole lot of lamps had been burning on the sandy floor in entrance of the Treasury.

We took a seat on the rows of stools, which had been organized in the direction of the again with empty house in entrance. The house in entrance of us was regularly taken up by those that arrived later and needed to sit on mats the bottom.

The efficiency concerned an introduction to the historical past of Petra, adopted by a efficiency of some conventional music. We had been additionally served a complimentary cup of mint tea. All through, the Treasury was lit up with a succession of various colors.

The narrator made a degree of telling us that this is able to not be some slick mild present however an genuine cultural expertise. Whereas this was the case, all of it felt fairly low key, contemplating that it occurs so usually for therefore many individuals.

You may think a quiet and magical expertise, permitting you to understand the great thing about Petra by candlelight. The fact was a whole lot of individuals in a confined space, all chatting and taking photographs. All through the efficiency, latecomers had been continuously being ushered by way of to discover a seat in entrance of us, which was fairly distracting.

My recommendation is to reach as early as attainable to take your photographs and get a seat within the entrance row of the stools (until you wish to sit on the bottom). Then chill out and take the entire expertise because it comes, with out too many pre-conceptions.

Map of Petra Archeological website

Paper maps can be found in a number of languages together with English from the Petra Customer Centre. We couldn’t discover any copy of this map on-line, so we’ve taken a photograph of it under.

Beneath is our personal map displaying places of the important thing issues to see in Petra,in addition to eating places and bathroom places. There are additionally quite a few stalls promoting souvenirs, drinks and snacks, that are too many to mark on the map. For extra element, click on on this hyperlink or on the map under.

Visiting Petra – extra ideas for an awesome go to

On this part of our Petra Information you’ll discover different ideas to make sure you have an awesome go to to Petra, similar to what to put on, the amenities obtainable and avoiding widespread scams.

What to put on for Petra

There are two principal concerns about what to put on when visiting Petra. One is respect for the native Muslim tradition and the opposite is the climate situations.

Out of respect for the native Bedouin, it’s higher for each women and men to cowl their shoulders and knees, with no revealing or determine hugging outfits for women. Though many native ladies and men put on a shawl or head masking, it’s not required for guests to take action, until you wish to defend your head from the solar, mud or rain.

Having mentioned that, Petra is a serious vacationer attraction and we noticed a couple of individuals oblivious to the native tradition sporting vest tops or quick shorts as they might at house. There’s no official who will cease you, however you might get undesirable stares and a focus from the younger males and teenage boys who experience round making an attempt to promote donkey rides.

If you wish to put on lengthy shorts within the burning warmth of the summer time, that appeared acceptable for males. Most girls we noticed wore unfastened lengthy trousers, skirts or minimize offs and t-shirts or unfastened shirts that coated their shoulders.

As Petra is open all 12 months spherical you’ll additionally want to decorate for the climate, each variable temperatures and potential rain showers. If heavy rain is forecast it’s probably the location will shut because of the hazard of flash floods.

Within the desert the temperatures in spring and autumn can range vastly, from early morning when it’s chilly, to the center of the day once you’ll solely want a t-shirt if the solar’s out. So the perfect strategy is to decorate in layers, with a sweatshirt or mild jacket and maybe a shawl, you can take away because the temperatures rise.

A hat or scarf to cowl your head can also be really useful because the solar may be fairly robust. On sunny days don’t neglect your solar display. The terrain is stony and tough in locations, so trainers, strolling sneakers or mountain climbing sandals are the perfect footwear.

Tips on how to keep away from the crowds at Petra?

Whereas spring or autumn provide essentially the most snug temperatures to go to Petra, these are additionally the when the location is most crowded. Listed below are a couple of tricks to keep away from the crowds at Petra.

• Begin early when the location opens at 6am. This manner you should have walked by way of the Siq, photographed the Treasury, and moved on to different websites earlier than the principle guided teams come by way of mid morning.

• Keep late or arrive later within the day. The positioning closes round sundown, at 4pm in winter or 6pm in summer time however many of the crowds may have dispersed by mid afternoon.

• Think about taking a break in the course of the day. This may imply that you simply return to the customer centre and relaxation at your resort, though it requires a protracted stroll again to the doorway. Maybe it’s higher to discover a quiet spot off the principle path to relaxation and chill out with a leisurely picnic.

• Get off the principle path by taking one of many mountain climbing routes up the hill, similar to as much as the Excessive Place of Sacrifice. It’s stunning how few individuals do and the way rapidly the crowds skinny out.

• In your second day, enter Petra by the “Again Door” as we did for a mild hike to the Monastery, then descend the 800 steps, going towards the circulate of the crowds arising from the valley.

• Go to the location independently, so that you could make your individual schedule. Whereas guided excursions are handy for transport, you’re prone to be visiting Petra on the busiest time of the day.

Animal rides at Petra

Round the entire website of Petra there are many native Bedouin who will give you a experience on a donkey, horse or camel. It’s attainable that on such a giant website at Petra, you might be flagging at occasions and welcome the chance to relaxation and take considered one of these rides.

This is likely one of the principal ways in which the native Bedouin earn money in Petra, however you’ll learn lots of dialogue on-line about animal welfare and the ethics of animal rides typically. We typically keep away from animal rides and didn’t take any in Petra, however if you’re contemplating it, right here are some things to consider:

• In case you select to take an animal experience, attempt to choose one that appears effectively cared for. In case you see any mistreatment, sign your disapproval to the animal handler or report any main points on the Customer Centre.

• Keep in mind that donkeys would historically carry items a lot lighter than the common western vacationer. Carrying heavy travellers up and down steep slopes to the Monastery or different excessive locations in scorching climate is exhausting work for them. So possibly it’s OK for youngsters or lighter adults, however in case you’re a bit heavier I’d give the donkey a break and stroll.

• The routes as much as the Monastery, Excessive Place of Sacrifice and path above the Royal Tombs have steep stone steps, and are slim with steep drops in locations. Going up may really feel OK however I believe that taking place the steep stone steps on a donkey or horse can be fairly hair-raising, even the Bedouin do it and not using a care on this planet!

• There are horse drawn carriages that run between the Basin space and Treasury and I really feel this is able to be extra acceptable to take a experience on the finish of a protracted and weary day, for the reason that route is comparatively flat. You may also order a golf buggy model Membership Automotive to take you from the Customer Centre to the Treasury and again.

• On the finish of the Siq there are horses ready to take you again to the Customer Centre. Admittedly, this could possibly be fairly a gorgeous proposition if you’re feeling drained on the finish of the day. Technically the value of the horse experience is included in your ticket for Petra. Nevertheless, a compulsory tip is anticipated (upwards of 5 JD per particular person) and might be demanded. Subsequently it’s finest to ascertain an appropriate tip with the handler earlier than you settle for the experience.

• With any animal rides, similar to {a photograph} on a camel in entrance of the Treasury, it’s finest to agree the fee earlier than getting on the animal. We didn’t take any animal rides so I don’t know the going fee, however you possibly can all the time ask different travellers you see on the finish of their experience, or examine with a couple of completely different animal handlers.

The place to eat in Petra

There are a few eating places to eat throughout the Petra archaeological website, however many extra stalls that may promote you a bottle of water, canned drink, mint tea or contemporary orange juice. Keep in mind that because of the nature of the archaeological website, the locations which have entry to electrical energy and working water are restricted.

At the least in your day in Petra, I might pack some snacks and a few bottles of water in your bag, particularly in case you plan to take any of the hikes off the principle route. Most resorts provide a packed lunch at an affordable price so that you can order the evening earlier than, which is what we took into Petra.

You will discover cafes that serve drinks on the Treasury, the trail for the Excessive Place of Sacrifice, reverse the Royal Tombs and within the Basin space in the beginning of the stroll as much as the Monastery.

Of those the one ones which are correct eating places, serving a full meal and snacks are the 2 within the Basin space: The Nabataean restaurant and the Basin restaurant.

Within the city of Wadi Musa that serves Petra, there are quite a few restaurant choices to select from in your night meal.

Are there bogs in Petra?

There are public bogs in a number of locations all through the Petra archaeological website, usually with an attendant who retains them clear and in good order. Earlier than you enter the location there are bogs within the Customer Centre, then a conveyable bathroom on the entrance to the Siq.

After seeing the Treasury, there are additional public bogs on the turning for the Excessive Place of Sacrifice, reverse the Royal Tombs and within the Basin space earlier than the climb to the Monastery.

On the Monastery we didn’t see any public bogs however heard that there’s a transportable bathroom. It’s possible you’ll have to carry your individual bathroom paper or give a small tip for the attendant to present you some.

Different amenities in Petra

At many of the locations talked about which have a cluster of cafes and public bogs, there may be additionally a wifi hotspot, though we didn’t do this out as we had good telephone sign for more often than not.

When you have any well being points, it’s best to return to the Customer Centre for assist, or there’s a First Assist Clinic close to the Basin Restaurant.

If you wish to cease for a picnic, we didn’t see any organised picnic areas with tables and benches. Nevertheless, there are many locations to perch on a rock or ledge all through the location.

All through the entire website are quite a few memento stalls run by the native Bedouin and if you’re ever doubtful of the principle path, you possibly can normally inform by the situation of the stalls!

Paper maps can be found on the Customer Centre, which give the places of all of the amenities.

Are there guided excursions for Petra?

There are lots of organised group excursions that take you to Petra and different key vacationer points of interest, similar to Wadi Rum and the Useless Sea.

When you arrive on the Petra Customer Centre, there’s an official information stand reverse the ticket counters. Right here an official information is obtainable to speak you thru the choices and reply questions. The costs and path choices are additionally clearly posted on the wall of the kiosk.

Costs begin at 50 JD, for a 3 hour tour with an official information to clarify the historical past the principle websites of Petra. If you’re a small group and particularly focused on historical past, this could possibly be an excellent possibility. As a result of there have been simply two of us, we discovered it a bit costly and so relied on the reasons in our guidebook.

Many of the shorter trails round Petra will also be explored independently. Nevertheless there are some the place a information could also be advisable, if they’re extra distant or you aren’t a assured hiker. The worth of a information for the completely different trails varies however for example a 5 hr path prices 120 JD or a 6-8 hr path prices 150 JD.

We personally discover that an skilled information provides rather a lot to the expertise, however for these costs you’re going to get finest worth if you’re a gaggle of 4-6 individuals.

Unofficial guides in Petra

Throughout the Petra website, it’s attainable that you could be be approached by native Bedouin providing to information you. In the event that they don’t have an official information’s badge, you are taking these unofficial guides at your individual danger, as the fee and high quality of service could also be variable.

The exception is those that stand within the Treasury space and can provide to take you as much as the perspective instantly above the Treasury. We didn’t do this, and in case you know how you’re in all probability free to stroll up your self. However if you wish to take the most well-liked social media photograph wanting down on the Treasury, it might be higher to pay a pre-agreed tip to be taken safely to the perfect spot.

Sustainable journey in Petra

The accountable traveller will wish to be certain that such an incredible website as Petra is preserved for generations to come back. With this in thoughts, listed here are a couple of ideas for an eco-friendly go to.

• Whereas there are garbage bins in Petra, I personally assume it’s higher to take all of your garbage out of the location the place it may be correctly disposed of by way of your resort. You need to definitely not drop any litter, particularly on the much less visited mountain climbing trails.

• Plastic water bottles are a giant subject, since there isn’t any recycling that we had been conscious of in Petra. On the one hand I might not advocate ingesting faucet water in Jordan, in case you get a tummy upset (we did). Nevertheless if there’s a secure supply of filtered water in your resort, it’s higher to fill your bottles there earlier than getting into the location. You may also use a water bottle with a in-built filter. Another choice is to rehydrate on the native drinks of scorching mint tea or freshly squeezed orange juice at one of many stalls in Petra.

• Erosion in a desert panorama may be a problem, so in case you go on any of the mountain climbing trails, make sure to not get lost the paths that are normally apparent and effectively marked. Climbing is just not allowed because of the danger of rockfalls.

• In case you like to purchase souvenirs of your journey, strive to decide on gadgets which are made in Jordan. There are lots of handicraft tasks in Jordan that present a a lot wanted earnings for girls dwelling in rural communities. We noticed many scarves and different souvenirs on sale all through Petra that didn’t look like domestically made. Something domestically made can even usually have an indication to inform you this, or you possibly can ask the stallholders.

• In case you select to rent one of many animal rides in Petra, be aware of animal welfare and select an animal that appears effectively cared for. See my different feedback on this article about animal rides.

• There are lots of teenage or youthful boys across the Petra website, typically concerned within the household enterprise of animal rides, memento outlets or cafes. I choose to not do enterprise at any stalls the place I can see kids working, if they appear as if they need to be at school.

• It will be disrespectful to take photographs shut up of native stallholders and Bedouin round Petra, until you ask permission first. If there’s somebody who is clearly giving a public efficiency similar to taking part in conventional music, a tip can be anticipated in case you cease and take a photograph. If you wish to take photographs shut up of animals similar to camels, you must also ask permission and be ready to tip.

Is Petra secure?

Typically we felt very secure at Petra and in Jordan typically, for the reason that nation has a really low crime fee. Petra is the nation’s flagship vacationer website, which is effectively managed and has vacationer police throughout the website.

Jordan, whereas a steady nation, is sadly surrounded by neighbours the place conflicts and wars might flare up, so it’s best to all the time examine your Authorities’s recommendation on journey within the area.

Listed below are a couple of different points to be careful for.

• The Bedouins working the donkey, horse and camel rides may be very persistent, to the purpose of nuisance. So in case you have no intention of utilizing their service, it’s finest to not get into an excessive amount of banter and stroll away politely in the event that they turn out to be annoying.

• The animal rides are largely run by younger males, who are inclined to particularly goal youthful ladies in dialog, to a degree that may verge on harassment. As an older lady accompanied by my husband I didn’t really feel it an excessive amount of however heard different ladies complaining about it. One technique to keep away from cultural misunderstandings is to decorate and behave in a extra modest approach. Nevertheless in case you really feel you’re being harassed as a lady, even after a couple of well mannered “no thank yous”, it’s finest to keep away from additional dialog, transfer right into a busy space and gravitate in the direction of an older Muslim lady or different travellers.

• In a tradition the place bargaining is anticipated and the value of something is what you’re ready to pay, be alert to apparent scams. It’s finest to stay to the official guides that may be booked on the customer centre, as anybody else providing their providers throughout the website might not be certified. The price of souvenirs and animal rides can also be fluid, however you possibly can cross examine typical costs with different travellers.

• You need to deal with your belongings, as at any crowded vacationer website, since pickpocketing is all the time a danger. Be sure you report any thefts to the vacationer police or on the customer centre.

• As a desert panorama with deep wadis and ravines, Petra has up to now been affected by flash floods after heavy rain. Watch the climate forecast and if rain is due, it’s finest to postpone your go to. The authorities are massively conscious of this danger and can shut the location if any hazard is forseen. Nevertheless you should definitely search and comply with native recommendation and concentrate on the excessive danger in case you get caught in a wadi (dry river mattress) throughout a rainstorm.

• There are lots of mountain climbing trails up steep paths that will at occasions have unfenced drops beside them. Be sure you put on acceptable footwear for the stony, rocky and typically slippery terrain, taking care on such climbs and descents.

• There are additionally a few viewpoints overlooking the Treasury, the place individuals like to take that gorgeous social media selfie. I’ve achieved it myself with warning, however have been shocked how many individuals are prepared to hold off a sheer cliff edge to get the right photograph!

Advisable resorts for Petra

Extra info to plan your journey

You’ll discover extra info to plan your journey on the next official tourism web sites

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This text is initially printed at Heatheronhertravels.com