One of the new Seven Wonders of the World, the mythical ancient city of Petra is the major attraction in Jordan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site with magnificent ruins of tombs, temples, palaces and other ancient structures carved in the mountainside. The desert area around Petra has also great hiking opportunities. The Turkish baths, hammams of Petra and Wadi Rum are ideal places for relaxing and pampering yourself.
Ancient architecture. Since the beginning of the 19th century Petra has been the major attraction in Jordan and it was here the filmings of the movie ”Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” took place. The entrance to the archaeological park of Petra is named Siq: it is a massive, long sandstone canyon with some carvings. The Treasury Facade is the most spectacular monument in Petra. Other attractions in Petra include the Roman Theater, Royal Tombs and the Monastery.
Activities & relaxation. Hiking in Petra and Wadi Musa area is the best way to explore the historical area. There are several interesting hikes in the mountainous desert area, such as the Mountain of Aaron, the highest peak in Petra. If you are not keen on walking, you can also take a camel or a donkey ride. After hiking and sightseeing in Petra all day long you might need some relaxation and refreshment. The Turkish baths in Petra and Wadi Musa) offer steam baths, massages and many kinds of body treatments. If you want to explore other fascinating attractions in Jordan, visit for example the Desert Valley of Wadi Rum, which is located around one hour trip from Petra.
Sightseeing, hiking and Turkish baths - Attractions and activities in Petra
One of the main attractions in Jordan, the ancient city of Petra was carved into the slope of Mount Hor already thousands of years ago. Petra served once as the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom and an important center of commerce and was later included in the magnificent Roman Empire. The city was destroyed around 663 AD and was almost totally forgotten, until the ruins were first discovered by a Swiss explorer.Ancient architecture. Since the beginning of the 19th century Petra has been the major attraction in Jordan and it was here the filmings of the movie ”Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” took place. The entrance to the archaeological park of Petra is named Siq: it is a massive, long sandstone canyon with some carvings. The Treasury Facade is the most spectacular monument in Petra. Other attractions in Petra include the Roman Theater, Royal Tombs and the Monastery.
Activities & relaxation. Hiking in Petra and Wadi Musa area is the best way to explore the historical area. There are several interesting hikes in the mountainous desert area, such as the Mountain of Aaron, the highest peak in Petra. If you are not keen on walking, you can also take a camel or a donkey ride. After hiking and sightseeing in Petra all day long you might need some relaxation and refreshment. The Turkish baths in Petra and Wadi Musa) offer steam baths, massages and many kinds of body treatments. If you want to explore other fascinating attractions in Jordan, visit for example the Desert Valley of Wadi Rum, which is located around one hour trip from Petra.
Practical information for your stay in Petra (Wadi Musa)
Like most of Jordan, Petra has a very dry desert climate with only little rainfall. The hottest months of the year are July and August, when the weather is usually unbearably hot in Petra. Best times to visit Petra are spring and autumn months.
Photo: Argenberg, used under Creative Commons License (By 2.0)
Lots of water and protection against the sun is absolutely necessary for any visit to Petra.
How to get there. Petra is located around 200 km south of Amman, the capital of Jordan. Travelling to Petra and Wadi Musa is easiest by taking some of the many available guided sightseeing tours to Petra from Amman or Aqaba. Buses to Petra are well available in Jordan, and there are also long day trips to Petra from Eilat in Israel. However, you usually need to stay in Petra at least two days in order to see all the fascinating major attractions in the ancient city. Car rental in Petra (Wadi Musa) is not available but you can rent a car elsewhere in Jordan, for example in Amman.
Wadi Musa, the Valley of Moses, is the village built around Petra, where the majority of the souvenir shops, restaurants in Petra (Wadi Musa) and hotels in Petra (Wadi Musa) are located. You can also choose to stay in authentic bedouin tents in Wadi Musa. There is no actual nightlife in Petra or in Wadi Musa, but you can find some bars mostly located at the hotels. There are also many vendors selling souvenirs such as decorative sand bottles. English is widely spoken.
Safety. Although the slight possibility of terrorist attacks and political conflicts in the surrounding regions may cause concern, Petra can be regarded a safe destination, as it has no crime problems.
hint See also these nearby destinations: Jerusalem, Amman
