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Visit Rose City of Petra | First-timers Guide to Petra

The ancient city of Petra has nestled in the desert of Jordan approximately 240km from Amman. The Rose City of Petra, so-called because of the dusky-pink rock face, was unknown to the Western world until it was discovered in 1812. This isn’t the only reason why this lost city is now one of the new 7 wonders of the world. Read on for the first-timer’s guide to Petra and discover the magic.

Donkeys at the Monastery in the Rose City of Petra
Donkeys at the Monastery, Petra

Journey Through The Pink City Of Petra

Spending an evening immersed in a traditional Bedouin camp full of colour, warmth, and generosity and a night under a stunning star-studded sky was unforgettable. Hospitality and a love for their beautiful lands are truly at the heart of Bedouin culture.

7 am sees our group clambering into 4×4 trucks and setting off into the desert towards Petra. The early start is made easier by the sight of the sun warming the sand and rocks to give them a glorious golden glow.

Our route took us bumping and bouncing through the desert in Wadi Arabia. It wasn’t the comfiest of rides, we came up with a few techniques on how to position ourselves in the back of the truck especially when we took a bump at speed, the adventure was too hard to refuse though.

Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. The city, part ‘built’ and partly carved out of rock has been inhabited since prehistoric times and saw occupation and development by the Nabateans, Greeks, and Romans.

Since UNESCO awarded Petra with World Heritage status in 1985, the Jordanian government forced the Bdouls, the largest Bedouin tribe in Wadi Musa, out of the caves to protect the archaeological site. Purpose-built ‘Bedouin Village’ dwellings were created known as Umm Sayhoun, where most still live today.

Trekking From The Back Of The Pink City Of Petra

Hiking through the quieter ‘back door’ of Petra, as we did, allowed us the time and peace to enjoy the fantastic views over Wadi Arabia. ‘Wadi’ is an Arabic word for a valley or an, often dry, riverbed.

Magnificent rocks and mountains jut into an endless sky and dunes of gold, ochre, and red undulate to the horizon. Just breath-taking! We passed a few Bedouins along the way with their donkeys, we fed them the cucumbers, tomatoes, and sandwiches from our packed lunch and got on our merry way.

Desert and mountains view over Wadi Arabia whilst trekking from the back of Petra
View over Wadi Arabia

In Awe Of The Monastery

Turning a corner and suddenly being greeted by The Monastery high above us makes us all stand and stare in absolute awe. This 3rd-century BC building was given its name by the crosses carved into the inside walls which suggest use as an ancient church. The Hellenistic (Greek) frontage looks almost as though it is part of the mountain. The colours and textures blend together in the sunlight.

It’s just mind-blowing to realise that my walking boots are kicking up dust where our most ancient, forward-thinking, culture-creating and most influential ancestors stood. There are history and beauty in every rugged inch of the vibrant pink, red, and white sandstone that towers above us.

There’s a café directly in front of the Monastery where you can grab a cup of tea and take in the magic of Petra. It is rare to be able to refuel in such awesome surroundings. If you’re feeling the effects of the sun, you can buy the Bedouin red and whit

Wanders Miles looking at the Monastery Petra
The Monastery Petra

Getting closer requires a walk down precariously and quirkily eroded paths and steps lined with Bedouin souvenir stalls and views outwards towards Israel, Palestinian territory and the peak of Jebel Haroun. Each entrepreneurial stall owner has learnt some English phrase to get you over “Looking is free” or “No money, no honey” and many offers from boys on donkeys shouting “Ferrari” to entice us to relieve our weary feet.

The Royal Tombs Of Petra

The next stop in this magical Rose City of Petra was the Royal Tombs of Petra – the Urn Tomb, the Silk Tomb, the Corinthian Tomb and the Palace Tomb – situated across from the Roman Theatre looking down on the main walkway. To reach them you have to climb a stairway that leads to the famous Urn Tomb, which was used as a place of worship during the Byzantine Empire.

Finding The Infamous Treasury In Petra

Now for the Treasury which is the most iconic part of Petra thanks, in part, to an appearance in the iconic movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. However, no traveller can think of this vast monument of astounding architecture as just a film set.

The Treasury at Rose City of Petra in Jordan
The Treasury at Rose City of Petra

The Treasury, Al-Khazneh in Arabic, was built around the 1st century BC by King Areta III Philhellene. He was a lover of all things Greek and The Treasury is heavily influenced by his passion. Lions, the goddess Isis, Winged Victories, majestic columns and urns adorn the facade.

I’m amazed by how well-preserved this sculpture of rock is. The carvings are set deep into the cliff so that wind and rain haven’t been able to take their toll. There are imperfections of course, but these reminders of Petra’s extraordinary age simply intensify the impact of one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Bedouin on camel at Treasury in Petra
Bedouin on a camel at Treasury in Petra

Wandering Through The Siq

Passing through the exit of the Rose City of Petra, the high narrow channel in the rock known as The Siq feels as though we are leaving an entirely separate universe behind us. Looking back over my shoulder, I can still see the afternoon light making The Treasury appear as though it’s glowing. 2000 years of time travel is easier than you think in Petra. Just takes a few steps, well, maybe a few more but worth every single one of them!

Walking through the Siq at the Rose City of Petra
Walking through the Siq

SUGGESTED READS ON EXPLORING JORDAN

Visiting Petra | Travel Essentials

Get Your Jordan Pass

The Jordan Pass is a cost-effective way of exploring the wonders of Jordan. For one pre-paid fee you can have access to 40 different places of beauty and interest. Operated by The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities this great-value pass can be paid for before entry to Jordan. As long as your trip is for at least three days your tourist entry visa fee will be waived on the production of your pass.

A pass for 3-day pass costs only $113 and includes comprehensive digital guide books in the price, no more heavy books to carry!

Best Time To Visit Petra

PETRA IN SPRING (MARCH-MAY): For the weather, spring is the best time to visit the Rose City of Petra as temperatures are just perfect, however, it will be more crowded.

PETRA IN SUMMER (JUNE-AUGUST): You will beat the crowds at Petra in the summer, 5am start time is probably a good idea. If you struggle with the heat then avoid visiting at this time. The colour of the stone in the summer months can appear washed out.

PETRA IN AUTUMN (SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER): Temperatures start to cool down making this a pleasant time to visit. Take a jacket for the evening as it can get a little chilly.

PETRA IN WINTER (DECEMBER-FEBRUARY): In winter, you can expect warm weather with a cool breeze. The nights are pretty cold though and can be in the minus temperatures. Low light in wintertime creates more variation in the colour of the sandstone at Petra so can have its’ advantages.


How To Get From Amman To Petra

BY CAR: From Amman (230km) to Wadi Musa, it takes 3h 50m via Desert Hwy./Route 15/Route 45M. Click for directions to from Amman to Petra

BY BUS: Journey takes approximately 3h departing from Amman Abdali Terminal in Amman. Check up-to-date travel times with JETT.

ORGANISED TOUR: CLICK TO A DAY TOUR OR MULTI-DAY TOUR TO PETRA

Petra Opening Times

The ancient site of Petra and its Visitor Center is open to visitors daily from 6 am to 6 pm during the summer and 6 am to 4 pm in the winter. Petra opening times are from 6.30 am to 5 pm and you can hang around until they try and clear you out at sunset. 

Petra by Night runs every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday of each week, starting at 20:30. The walk from Siq to the Treasury is lit with over 1,500 candles which is a tremendous sight to behold.

CLICK TO BOOK YOUR PETRA BY NIGHT TOUR

What To Wear To Petra

Expect a LOT of walking at Petra so the main advice is a good pair of walking shoes. There is not much shade at Petra so a scarf or sunhat is advisable. There are no set recommendations as to what to wear to Petra but comfortable clothes are a must. It’s a good idea to wear layers and depending on the time of year you may need a warmer layer for the evening time. Don’t forget the sunscreen too! 

Where To Stay Near Petra

The closest town to Petra is called Wadi Musa which is where most of the accommodation is for easy access. Here are some recommended hotels closest to Petra for you to choose from.

BUDGET CHOICE – Shaqilath Hotel – Located 1.1 km from Petra, Shaqilath Hotel offers 2-star accommodation with a restaurant, shared lounge, terrace and garden. CLICK FOR LATEST PRICES AT SHAQILATH HOTEL

HIGHER END CHOICE – The Old Village Hotel & Resort – Located 1.9 km from Petra, this 5-star resort is in a building dating from the 1800s and offers an outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, restaurant, and fitness centre. CLICK FOR LATEST PRICES AT THE OLD VILLAGE HOTEL & RESORT

Is Jordan Safe?

The people of Jordan are typically friendly and very welcoming.  The country is safe to travel but there are some considerations you may want to bear in mind if travelling to Jordan as a solo female such as how to dress, places to avoid, and how to travel around Jordan.

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3 Comments

  1. To stand, sit and even enjoy a coffee surrounded by such amazing and ancient history must be an incredibly mind blowing experience. The Petra’s have been on my list since I was 6, think it’s time I stop eating cookies and use the money to get there for real! Awesome post!

    1. It’s definitely worth a couple of months off the cookies to save up some cash to see this beauty – it will be everything you imagined and more!

      1. Months? No cookies? You may have a point mind… I’ve been looking at flights and costs so we shall see 🙂

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