The thought of visiting Petra, Jordan often conjures up images of a place untouched by the hands of time, a lost city where crumbling ruins tower above and arid desert landscape stretches as far as the eye can see. view. This is exactly what you’ll find in this immense ancient place, where travelers marvel at the otherworldly stone formations jutting out of the red earth, while dodging donkeys and camels fighting for space in the narrow corridors of the cannons.
It is as if nothing has changed since the days of the Nabataean kingdom 2,000 years ago , when the industrious Arab peoples who carved the Treasury of Petra out of a sheer rock face settled here, designating Petra, Jordan as an important location for silk, spices and trade .
Despite its ties to China, India, Greece, and Rome, by the time the 16th century arrived, the city of Petra was completely lost to the west and remained so for 300 years. This changed in 1812, when a Swiss adventurer named Johann Ludgwid Burckhardt , who had heard of the so-called Lost City, persuaded a guide to bring him here. This again led to Petra being put on the map and eventually named a UNESCO World Heritage Site .
Since then, its vast territory, impressive carvings, and monuments have earned it a well-deserved spot on the New 7 Wonders of the World list, making Petra one of the best places to visit in Jordan.
Exploring Petra, Jordan
Most visitors to Petra, Jordan are captivated by images of the Treasury of Petra (royal tomb built in the 1st century BC by the Nabataeans in Hellenic style), so it is understandable that they are confused to think that this is all there is to see during a trip to Petra.
As it turns out, however, the ancient city’s footprint is so vast that it takes days to properly explore all of its landmarks , hike the miles of surrounding trails, and visit its scaled-down sister site, Little Petra .
Some of the main attractions that you cannot miss in Petra, Jordan are:
the Siq
This long, narrow piece of jagged rock serves as the main entrance leading to the Pink City , beginning at the dam and continuing for over a kilometer to end at the Treasury of Petra . Although most of the rock is natural, some parts were carved into sculptures and statues of gods by the Nabataeans. Here you can see the ancient canals that were used to draw water from Wadi Musa and the stone panels that filtered it.
Petra’s Treasure
With a façade of impressive intricate carvings stretching almost 40 meters high , the Petra Treasury is rightfully considered a wonder of the world and one of Jordan’s top tourist attractions . It dates back to roughly the 1st century BC, and its actual purpose remains a mystery: some archaeologists believe it was meant to be a temple, others think it was used to store documents, and a recent dig unearthed a buried burial ground beneath.
The tombs
A series of sandstone tombs (the Palace Tomb, the Corinthian Tomb, the Silk Tomb, and the Urn Tomb) that feature decorated columns, doors, and pillars , and were used for cleansing rituals and cemeteries, among other purposes .
The Street of Facades
This group of small tombs was carved into the cliff just after the Treasury of Petra . It is believed that they served as a cemetery for the high officials or royalty of the time.
Best photo spots in Petra, Jordan
The wonders found within Petra are a photographer’s dream, and while you can go crazy in certain places (for example, in front of Petra’s Treasury), it doesn’t take much to get off the beaten track and find a perfect angle to shoot. photograph a colorful scene full of souks, landscapes of red roses and shadows dancing on the walls of the canyon . Some of the best places are:
Khubtha Trail
To take this iconic photo of the Treasury of Petra from above, you’ll need to climb the Khubtha Trail . You’ll work out as you climb hundreds of stairs to a plateau , and a little further on, you’ll find a cafe that leads to a cliff with a panoramic view of Jordan’s most famous landmark .
Petra at night
Seeing one of the most stunning sites in the world lit only by the magical glow of 1,500 candles is the very definition of enchantment, which is why Petra’s night show is an absolute experience for photographers.
The two-hour tours run every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday starting at 8:30 p.m. , and visitors can walk through the Siq and end at Petra’s Treasury, where carpets are laid for a 20 -hour show. minutes with music .
If photography is your main goal, show up half an hour before the doors open and you might be lucky enough to be let in before the crowds. This will give you time to set up those long exposure shots without the interruption of other camera flashes or people.
royal tombs
There is an impressive viewpoint near the Royal Tombs, which overlooks the vast territory with rock formations. It’s a short walk past the Treasury and Calle de las Fachadas , and since it’s not in the main area, there are usually very few people around.
How to travel to Petra, Jordan
The unassuming town of Wadi Musa serves as the gateway to Petra, and most visitors should spend at least one night in this town , especially if they want to be the first through the gates to enjoy the view of this enchanting sight. city during the first light of dawn. These are the best options to plan trips to Petra, Jordan:
Organized tours to Petra
Countless companies offer guided tours of Jordan with a stopover in Petra, and these packages typically include accommodation, food, guides, and transportation. You can opt for itineraries ranging from multi-day trekking tours that take you to Petra through the lesser-known and impressive ‘Back Gate’, to epic cycling trips with stops at Jordan’s most beautiful sights, such as Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea . Travelers in neighboring Israel can easily visit for a couple of days by joining one of these tours from Eilat, Jerusalem, or Tel Aviv.
self-guided trip
This involves flying to Amman, the capital of Jordan, and from there arranging your own transportation to Wadi Musa (try renting your own vehicle, booking a private transfer, or taking the JETT bus), booking accommodation nearby, and paying for the entrance ticket to Petra. when you reach the gates. A good option for those with free time.
A self-guided tour of Petra allows you to explore the place freely without having to stay in a group , and you’ll have the flexibility of hiring a guide, enjoying a camel or donkey ride, and exploring the surrounding trails.
You must bear in mind that during 2022, the access road to Petra is under construction , so it may not be very convenient to make an organized visit by yourself during this season. Alternatively, opt for a guided tour from Amman or Wadi Musa to avoid any inconvenience.
