Introduction to Petra Tour
Petra tour is often called some of the most beautiful experiences in the world, and it’s easy to see why. This ancient Nabatean city is in the Jordanian desert. Its temples and buildings were carved right into the cliffs, making it a great place for photos. Even though Petra is big, experts say that 85% of it is still hidden underground. You can live your trips to Petra Jordan by walking, riding a horse. It takes less than three hours to drive there from Amman, the capital city, and it’s easy to get to by bus or with a tour group from other cities. You can find many Petra tours from places like Aqaba, Amman Wadi Rum.
Not many people reach the Monastery, which is the last and one of the biggest places inside Petra. It takes at least 4 hours of walking to get there, so only the ones who are ready for the challenge make it. The Monastery looks a lot like the famous Treasury, but it’s even bigger. If you reach the Monastery, you can also climb to the top viewpoint, and from there, you’ll see one of the best views of your life.
In this article, we’ll cover the following:
- What To Consider Before Making Any Trips To Petra Jordan
- Tours of Petra: Guided Journeys into History
- Petra Tour Packages: What to Expect during your visit
- Petra Jordan Tours: Food, Guides, and Local Experiences
- Petra by Night: A Magical Experience
- Petra FAQ – What Most Travelers Don’t Think To Ask
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What To Consider Before Making Any Trips To Petra Jordan
One of the most important things to know before booking your trips to Petra Jordan is the opening hours, as they change with the seasons. In the summer, you can do a Petra trip as Petra opens early at 6:00 AM and closes at 6:00 PM, while in the winter, it opens at 6:30 AM and closes at 5:00 PM. If you’re planning to visit Little Petra, its ticket office is open from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM in summer, and from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM in winter.
There’s a free car park in Petra right across from the bus stop, in front of the Petra Moon Hotel. This bus stop is also where you can catch the JETT buses that connect Wadi Musa to Amman and Aqaba, which is perfect if you’re traveling around Jordan by public transport. The buses are comfortable and reliable, and you can even book your seat online in advance.
Petra is located in the town of Wadi Musa, which is a tourist town where almost all the locals work in tourism. From a young age, people grow up helping travelers, working in hotels, restaurants, guiding, and more. The local people are very friendly and welcoming, they love meeting visitors and sharing their culture and stories.
As for entry tickets to Petra:
- A 1-day ticket costs 50 Jordanian Dinars ( $71 / £57)
- A 2-day ticket is 55 JD ( $78 / £64)
- A 3-day ticket is 60 JD ( $85 / £69)
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Tours of Petra: Guided Journeys into History
Tours of Petra are best enjoyed during the spring or autumn months, especially in March, April, May, or September. During these months, the weather is just right, with temperatures usually between 19°C and 28°C, perfect for walking and exploring.
Petra trip in summer can be very hot, with average high temperatures reaching 33°C (91°F) in July and August. Since there’s very little shade at the site, it’s best to avoid visiting during the hottest part of the day.
On the other hand, winter is the quietest season in Petra, with fewer tourists. But it can be cold and rainy. In January, there are around eight rainy days, and temperatures range from 2–13°C (36–55°F).
Petra Tour Stays: Top Hotels in Wadi Musa
When it comes to where to stay, Wadi Musa has many types of hotels to suit every budget. Most of the hotels are located either near the main entrance or up on the hills with great views of the area:
- Luxury: The Mövenpick Resort is just across the street from Petra. This five-star hotel has over 180 rooms, seven restaurants, bars, and cafés, a beautiful outdoor pool, and a roof terrace where you can enjoy live music at sunset.
- Mid-range: The Petra Guest House is as close as it gets — right next to the Visitor Center. It offers comfortable rooms and chalet-style stays with views of the surrounding mountains. There’s also a restaurant, terrace, and a unique cave bar.
- Budget: If you’re driving, you can find great value hotels further up the hillside. One good option is the Rocky Mountain Hotel, a cozy family-run guesthouse. It has free tea and coffee on the roof terrace, amazing views, and free shuttles to and from Petra.
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Petra Tour Packages: What to Expect during your visit
Some Petra tour packages offer helpful extras to make your visit easier — like free drinks, a golf cart ride to the Treasury, or even a horseback ride from Qasr al-Bint to the Monastery. These are great options if you want to save energy for the hike.
Your adventure usually begins with a walk through the stunning Siq, a narrow path between towering red cliffs. Early along the path, you’ll see the Obelisk Tomb and Bab el-Siq, marking the ancient gateway into Petra.
As you walk through the Siq, notice the ancient water channels carved into the rock on both sides. Built by the Nabataeans thousands of years ago, they carried water into the city — a brilliant example of advanced engineering. You’ll also meet many local Bedouins offering horse rides along the way. Some might approach you more than once, but a friendly “no, thank you” usually works just fine.
There are a few small shops and stalls along the Siq selling water and drinks. However, the prices can be a bit high, so it’s smart to bring your own water and snacks before starting the tour.
At the end of the Siq, you’ll be rewarded with your first breathtaking view of the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), one of Petra’s most famous monuments. The cliffs perfectly frame this view, making it a great spot to take a memorable photo. And just like that, you’ve arrived at the heart of Petra.
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Petra Jordan Tours: Food, Guides, and Local Experiences
If you’re a solo traveler in Jordan, don’t worry, you can easily book your Petra Jordan tours with a local guide through the Visitor Center. The guides are very knowledgeable and friendly. They’ll share stories and facts you won’t find in books or online, making your experience much more meaningful.
It’s also usual to see film crews shooting movies or documentaries inside Petra, of course, this happens only with permission from the Petra Development & Tourism Region Authority.
When it comes to food, you’ll find plenty of options both inside the archaeological site and in Wadi Musa, the town just outside Petra.
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Outside the site:
The main tourist street in Wadi Musa is lined with a variety of restaurants, from international options like pizza places to local spots serving traditional Jordanian dishes such as mansaf or magloubeh. A great example is My Mom’s recipe, which specializes in home-style Jordanian cooking. If you’re interested in learning more about Jordanian food, you can even join a cooking class and enjoy the full cultural experience of making and eating your own dish. These courses take place at the Petra Boutique Hotel, where you can cook with locals and enjoy a fun, practical activity.
You’ll also find local cafés where you can sit back, smoke shisha, or enjoy a glass of traditional mint tea, perfect for relaxing after your tour.
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Inside Petra:
There are several rest stops and food stands throughout the site offering snacks and drinks. If you’re looking for a proper sit-down meal inside Petra, the Basin Restaurant is your best choice. It’s clean, well-rated, and located just before the Monastery trail, near Qasr al-Bint. And as you explore, you’ll see small souvenir shops run by local Bedouins, offering handmade crafts, jewelry, scarves, and unique items. Buying from them is a great way to support the community and take home a meaningful gift or memory from your journey
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A Quick Pass Of Petra by Night
If you happen to be in Petra on a Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday, then consider yourself lucky.You’ll have the chance to end your day with Petra by Night experience, one of the most magical events in Jordan. The night begins with a peaceful walk from the main entrance of Petra, following a path lit by over 1500 candles. The soft candlelight not only lights the way but also guides you through the narrow Siq all the way to the Treasury. The walk itself is part of the magic, quiet, mysterious, and incredibly atmospheric.
Once you arrive at the Treasury, the show begins. You’ll be welcomed with a cup of traditional Bedouin tea, setting the mood with its warm flavors and hospitality. Then, the performance starts, you’ll hear traditional music, and a local storyteller will share tales of Petra trip that will transport you back in time. The experience is so enchanting that the hour passes before you even realize it.
If you’re someone who enjoys peaceful, soulful moments, you will love Petra by Night. Just make sure to bring a jacket, as the area around the Treasury can get chilly at night. Also, arriving early ensures a better spot close to the front with a clear view of the show.
The event starts at 20:30 from the Petra Visitor Center and lasts until around 22:30, with guidance by certified guides. In addition, tickets can be purchased directly at the Visitor Center or the Petra by Night office, and the entrance fee is 17 JD. Kids under 10 years old can join for free, and no advance reservation is required.
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Petra Tour FAQ – What Most Travelers Will Ask
- What should I wear when visiting Petra?
Comfortable shoes for hiking, breathable clothes, and a hat are essential. Layers are helpful because the temperature can shift during the day. Modest clothing is respectful in Jordan. Especially during Ramadan
- Is Petra by Night Included in the Jordan Pass
Unfortunately, Petra by Night is not part of the Jordan Pass. The Jordan Pass is for regular-hours Petra visits only (between 6am and 6pm)
- Can I camp or stay overnight inside Petra?
No, overnight stays inside Petra are not allowed. But there are plenty of best hotels just outside in Wadi Musa.
- Can I do a Petra trip without a guide?
Yes, Petra trip is open for self-guided exploration, and there are signs along the main trail.
Still have questions? book your trips to Petra Jordan with Simsem app, and let a local expert guide you through every detail of your trip.
