Petra
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Must-Do Experience,
Nature & Wildlife,
UNESCO Heritage Site,
Monument - Historical
Petra: highlight not just of Jordan but of the entire Middle East; sublime and mysterious city; incomparable jewel of ancient architecture. Petra was once an important stop on a Roman trading route, but was only assimilated into the empire in 106 AD. Until then it had been a stronghold of the Nabataen Arab kingdom, whose knowledge of Greek architectural styles is reflected in their astonishing cliff-bound monuments. Today Petra is a UNESCO- World Heritage site.
Approaching through the long, narrow chasm, or Siq, you come face to face with the graceful columns of the magnificent Treasury, Petra’s most-photographed building. Like almost all structures here, it wasn’t built but rather carved out of the pink-hued rock, which means the interiors are usually modest in comparison with their grand facades. Further sights at ground level include an 8,000-seat amphitheater, numerous tombs and the triumphal arch of the Temenos Gateway.
Climb to higher ground and you'll find an open-air site of ritualistic sacrifices, the huge Monastery and the Triclinium, or Feast Hall, which has the best of Petra's few surviving decorated interiors.
Latest Reviews
Review by Edwin E, USA, April 2013
Doing what: Private Tour: Petra Day Trip from Amman
Our tour driver Muneer was great. He was very informative, punctual and always asked us what we wish to do and was flexible to accommodate our requests. Thanks Muneer for making our tour interesting, pleasant and safe. Shoukran my friend.
Review by Rababa, United Arab Emirates, April 2013
Doing what: Private Tour: Petra Day Trip from Amman
Absolutely amazing! Couldn't recommend this trip enough. If you are planning to visit Petra from Amman in one day, then this is the most convenient way. Our driver (who was amazing) picked us up and headed for Petra. We stopped for breakfast/coffee on the way, then got to Petra where he helped us get tickets and a tour guide (included in the price). He then left us to our own devices for a few hours before we headed back. You'll be exhausted by the end!
Note: Bring money for tipping the tour guide and for drinks (water...etc. is readily available at the entrance). Wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat because it gets VERY sunny. On the way in, you are descending therefore walking is easier - the further you go, the harder your ascent back to the entrance will be!
Review by Juliet H, March 2013
Doing what: Private Tour: Petra Day Trip from Amman
Highly recommend! This is a long trip to do in a day but is definitely possible. Our driver arrived promptly at the hotel and stopped to get us coffee at our request on the way. He introduced us to our guide upon arrival. Note, the guide is included in the trip as is the horse ride to the entrance but the tip for the horse guide is not (he told us our tip was insufficient and that most people give something like 10JD for the 5 minute ride, although this person is not affiliated with Viator, just letting you know). The tour guide was very knowledgable and nice and provied great detail. We had 5 hours at Petra before meeting our driver in the afternoon. There is a lot to see and we didn't get to see everything but if this is all the time you have it is certainly sufficient. Great experience, definitely a must see in Jordan and recommend the tour company.
Practical Info
Petra is 150 miles (240 kilometers) south of Jordan, near the town of Wadi Mousa, where there is a variety of accommodation. A stay of at least two days is recommended.
