Petra Travel Guide: All You Need To Know
Petra Travel Guide
Petra: A Rose-Red Wonder
Carved into the heart of Jordan‘s rugged desert landscape, Petra stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the enduring power of nature. Often referred to as the “Rose City” due to the color of its sandstone cliffs, Petra is a mesmerizing archaeological site that has captured the imagination of travelers for centuries. This Petra Travel Guide can help you planning your trip!
Once a thriving metropolis of the Nabataean kingdom, Petra was a crucial trading hub along the ancient Silk Road. Its inhabitants, skilled engineers and architects, carved intricate structures and water channels into the towering cliffs, creating a city unlike any other. Today, Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing visitors from around the globe to marvel at its breathtaking beauty and rich history.
As you venture through the winding Siq, a narrow gorge that serves as the main entrance to the city, anticipation builds with every turn. Emerging into the vast, open space, you’ll find yourself face-to-face with the iconic Al Khazneh, or The Treasury, a breathtaking facade carved into the sandstone cliffs. This is just the beginning of a journey through a world of wonder, where ancient history meets natural splendor.
Attractions
Popular Attractions in Petra
Top 10 Attractions in Petra
The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)
The iconic symbol of Petra, carved into the sandstone cliffs.
Address: Petra, Ma’an Governorate, Jordan
Website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Khazneh
Treasury (AlKhazneh) Petra
The Monastery (Ad-Deir)
A colossal temple carved into the rock face, even larger than the Treasury.
Address: Petra, Ma’an Governorate, Jordan
Website: https://universes.art/en/art-destinations/jordan/petra/ad-deir
Monastery (AdDeir) Petra
Royal Tombs
A collection of elaborately carved tombs, showcasing the Nabateans’ architectural prowess.
Address: Petra, Ma’an Governorate, Jordan
Website: https://universes.art/en/art-destinations/jordan/petra/royal-tombs
Royal Tombs Petra
High Place of Sacrifice
A large stone platform with stunning views of the city, believed to have been used for religious rituals.
Address: Petra, Ma’an Governorate, Jordan
Website: https://universes.art/en/art-destinations/jordan/petra/high-place-sacrifice
High Place of Sacrifice Petra
Qasr al-Bint
A well-preserved temple dedicated to the Nabatean goddess, believed to be one of the earliest structures in Petra.
Address: Petra, Ma’an Governorate, Jordan
Website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qasr_al-Bint
Qasr alBint Petra
Roman Theater
A beautifully preserved Roman theater with stunning acoustics, once used for performances and public gatherings.
Address: Petra, Ma’an Governorate, Jordan
Roman Theater Petra
The Siq
The dramatic entrance to Petra, a narrow gorge with towering sandstone cliffs on either side.
Address: Petra, Ma’an Governorate, Jordan
Siq Petra
Little Petra
A smaller version of Petra with hidden tombs and rock-cut architecture.
Address: Petra, Ma’an Governorate, Jordan
Wesite: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Petra
Little Petra Petra
Wadi Musa Market
A bustling market offering a variety of souvenirs, handicrafts, and local products.
Address: Wadi Musa, Ma’an Governorate, Jordan
Wadi Musa Market Petra
Nabataean Tombs
Numerous intricate tombs scattered throughout Petra, showcasing the unique Nabataean burial customs.
Address: Petra, Ma’an Governorate, Jordan
Nabataean Tombs Petra
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Hotels
Recommended Hotels in Petra
Weather
Petra Weather by Month
The following table shows the monthly maximum, mininum, avgerage temperature (°C) and days of rains in Petra:
| Month | Min | Max | Avg | Rain (Days) | Suitability of Travel | Reminder |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jan | 3℃ | 14℃ | 8.0℃ | 5 | Somewhat Suitable | Mild temperatures, occasional rain. |
Feb | 4℃ | 16℃ | 10.0℃ | 4 | Somewhat Suitable | Mild temperatures, occasional rain. |
Mar | 6℃ | 19℃ | 13.0℃ | 3 | Suitable | Mild temperatures, occasional rain. |
Apr | 10℃ | 24℃ | 17.0℃ | 2 | Highly Suitable | Warm temperatures, low chance of rain. |
May | 15℃ | 29℃ | 22.0℃ | 1 | Highly Suitable | Warm temperatures, low chance of rain. |
Jun | 19℃ | 33℃ | 26.0℃ | 0 | Highly Suitable | Warm temperatures, low chance of rain. |
Jul | 21℃ | 35℃ | 28.0℃ | 0 | Highly Suitable | Warm temperatures, low chance of rain. |
Aug | 21℃ | 35℃ | 28.0℃ | 0 | Highly Suitable | Warm temperatures, low chance of rain. |
Sep | 18℃ | 32℃ | 25.0℃ | 0 | Highly Suitable | Warm temperatures, low chance of rain. |
Oct | 13℃ | 27℃ | 20.0℃ | 1 | Highly Suitable | Mild temperatures, low chance of rain. |
Nov | 8℃ | 20℃ | 14.0℃ | 3 | Suitable | Mild temperatures, occasional rain. |
Dec | 4℃ | 16℃ | 10.0℃ | 4 | Somewhat Suitable | Mild temperatures, occasional rain. |
Petra Travel Guide: Best Time to Travel
Best Time to Visit Petra
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most pleasant times to visit Petra. The weather is mild, making it comfortable for exploring the ancient city.
Additional Factors to Consider
- Summer (June to August): Temperatures can be extremely hot, making outdoor activities challenging. However, this is when the sandstone glows with a unique reddish hue.
- Winter (December to February): Expect cooler temperatures and occasional rain. While the crowds are smaller, some facilities might have limited hours.
Quick Summary
- Spring and Autumn: Pleasant weather, ideal for exploring.
- Summer: Hot weather, but stunning sandstone colors.
- Winter: Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds.
Ultimately, the best time to visit Petra depends on your preferences. Consider the weather, crowd levels, and specific activities you want to enjoy when making your decision.
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Public Transportation
Public Transportation in Petra
Transportation in Petra
There is no public transportation within Petra itself.
The site is spread over a large area, and the best way to explore is on foot. You can hire local guides or horses, but these are not considered public transportation.
Transportation to Petra:
If you’re staying in a nearby town like Wadi Musa, you can take taxis or local buses to reach the site. However, most visitors opt for organized tours that include transportation.
Reminders:
Be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially if visiting during the colder months.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
Respect the site’s historical significance and avoid touching the ancient structures.
Thank you for reading this Petra travel guide!
Petra: A Rose-Red Wonder Carved into the heart of Jordan‘s rugged desert landscape, Petra stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the enduring…