Petra rewards people who go slowly and start early. The walk in leads you through a narrow canyon before the Treasury appears, and that moment is still the best of the day. A good local guide turns a pile of carved sandstone into a city with a story, and shows you which paths are worth the climb.
Where is Petra?
Petra is in southern Jordan, in the Ma'an Governorate, about three hours' drive south of Amman. It sits in a basin among desert mountains, close to the town of Wadi Musa. Wadi Rum lies further south, which is why many travellers pair the two.
Best time to visit
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most comfortable seasons for a long day on foot. Summer can be very hot on the exposed stretches, so start at first light if you come then. Winters are cooler and quieter, though you should pack a layer for the mornings.
Top things to do in Petra
1. See the Treasury
arrive at the carved facade, with its detailed carving and grand scale. On the full-day tour this comes early, around 09:15, while the light and the mood are still calm.
2. Walk past the Royal Tombs
follow the guide along the tomb facades and learn who they were carved for. The full-day itinerary pairs them with the Roman Theatre.
3. Sit in the Roman Theatre
pause among the ancient Roman structures and see how the city mixed Nabataean and Roman styles.
4. Climb to the Monastery
take the stairs and rocky uphill trail to the Monastery. It's the hardest part of the day, so wear proper shoes and pace yourself.
5. Choose your own route
on the 2-day Petra and Wadi Rum tour, you decide with your guide. You can enter by the Visitor Center for the Treasury first, or take the back trail to the Monastery and work your way back.
6. Add Wadi Rum
the 2-day tour continues from Petra to Wadi Rum with a jeep safari and a Bedouin camp. It's a good contrast to the stone city.
How many days do you need?
One full day is the minimum for the main sights, and our full-day Petra tour is built around about five hours with a guide. If you'd like a slower pace or want to see Wadi Rum too, the 2-day option is better. Longer Jordan itineraries include Petra as one stop among several.
The best Petra tours (with a local guide)
These tours are led by local guides, so you get stories and route advice rather than just directions. Choose a focused Petra day, a two-day trip with Wadi Rum, or a week-long journey through Jordan.
Petra Full-Day Guided Tour in Jordan | Treasury, Monastery & Royal Tombs Experience
Full-Day Guided Petra Exploration This is a full-day guided tour exploring the highlights of Petra, Jordan …
2-Day Petra & Wadi Rum Tour in Jordan | Guided Petra Visit, Jeep Safari & Bedouin Camp
Your adventure kicks off at 10:30 am when your local guide meets you at the bus stop area. If you're in Petra…
7 Nights in Jordan: Explore Iconic Landmarks and Christian Heritage
This journey through Jordan is thoughtfully designed to balance iconic sights with meaningful, local experiences…
Petra travel FAQ
How much walking is there on a Petra tour?
Expect several hours on uneven desert terrain with stairs, rocky paths and uphill sections, especially on the trail to the Monastery. Moderate fitness is enough, and good shoes matter.
Can I start at the Monastery instead of the Treasury?
Yes, on the 2-day Petra and Wadi Rum tour you choose between the front entrance via the Visitor Center or the back trail to the Monastery. Your guide then builds the day around that choice.
Can I combine Petra with Wadi Rum?
Yes, the 2-day tour covers a guided Petra visit, then a jeep safari and a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum. There's also an 8-day Jordan itinerary that includes both.
