Petra, Jordan — Travel Guide
Jordan
4.9/5.0

Petra

The Rose-Red City is one of the Seven Wonders of the World — a Nabataean civilization carved entirely into rose-colored sandstone cliffs 2,000 years ago. Walking the Siq (1.2km narrow gorge) toward the suddenly-revealed Treasury (Al-Khazneh) is one of the great dramatic reveals in travel. Beyond the Treasury, 800 monuments, a Byzantine church, and a High Place of Sacrifice extend through a city lost to the Western world until 1812.

Best Time to Visit
March–May or September–November
Budget From
$700/week
Region
africa

Budget Breakdown by Tier

All prices are estimates for one person. Double for couples (hotels are often the same price for 1–2 guests).

$

Budget Smart

$35/day
$700/week

Budget hotels in Wadi Musa, falafel and local restaurants, Jordan Pass entry (essential)

$$

Business Class

$200/day
$3,200/week

Movenpick or Petra Marriott, horse rides, guided trails, Petra by Night

$$$

Luxury

$380/day
$6,100/week

Private guide, sunset Monastery, Wadi Rum camp, helicopter over Petra

Top Experiences

1.
Walk the Siq at dawn and watch the Treasury emerge from the narrow canyon
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this
2.
Climb to the Monastery (Ad-Deir) — 850 rock-cut steps to a monument larger than the Treasury
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this
3.
Hike to the High Place of Sacrifice for panoramic views of the canyon and mountains
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this
4.
Attend Petra by Night — candles line the Siq for a twice-weekly evening spectacle
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this
5.
Explore the Royal Tombs and the Street of Facades
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this
6.
Ride horseback through the Wadi Araba desert to Little Petra
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this
7.
Take the back trail from Little Petra through the mountains to the Monastery
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this
8.
Visit the Petra Museum inside the archaeological park
Ask your WDC advisor to arrange this

Where to Stay

Rocky Mountain Hotel Wadi Musa — hotel in Petra
$ Budget Smart

Rocky Mountain Hotel Wadi Musa

$35/night

What guests say

Claire M.★★★★4.3

The best budget option in Wadi Musa — rooftop views of the mountains and a genuinely helpful owner who organized our guides and horse rides.

Tom B.★★★★4.2

Very good value for Petra — clean, well-positioned for early morning entry, and the owner's local knowledge about trails is invaluable.

Movenpick Resort Petra — hotel in Petra
$$ Business Class

Movenpick Resort Petra

$250/night

What guests say

Sarah T.★★★★★4.7

Directly next to the Petra entrance gate — the convenience is extraordinary. The pool and spa are excellent after a long day hiking the canyon.

James K.★★★★★4.6

The best location hotel in Jordan. Rolling out of bed and being first through the Petra gates while staying in this comfort level is ideal.

Petra Marriott Hotel — hotel in Petra
$$$ Luxury

Petra Marriott Hotel

$350/night

What guests say

Valentina M.★★★★★4.7

Excellent views of the Petra hills from the restaurant terrace. Very comfortable and the proximity to the site entrance makes every morning visit easy and early.

Nicolas B.★★★★★4.6

The most reliable luxury option near Petra. Consistent Marriott service and a beautiful pool terrace looking over the Jordanian mountains.

Getting There

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Tours & Activities

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Getting Around

Car Rental

Rent from locals or traditional agencies for maximum flexibility exploring Petra.

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Private Transfer

Door-to-door service with professional, vetted drivers.

Available at Business tier and above

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Local Insider Tips

  • Buy the Jordan Pass before arriving — it covers the Petra entry fee and pays for itself in one day
  • Arrive at the gate at 6am opening — the first hour is magical before the crowds arrive
  • The Monastery hike is 3-4 hours round trip and arguably more spectacular than the Treasury
  • Petra in summer (July-August) is very hot — visit in spring or autumn
  • The horse rides inside the Siq are controversial — the donkeys to the Monastery are better managed

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Petra?

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The best time to visit Petra is March–May or September–November. During this period you can expect the most favorable weather conditions and a great overall travel experience.

How do I get to Petra?

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Getting to Petra in Jordan is straightforward — most international travelers fly into the nearest major airport and connect via local transport. World Destination Club can arrange all transfers and logistics for you.

What is the average cost for a trip to Petra?

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Budget travelers can explore Petra from around $700 per week. Mid-range travelers typically spend $1,400–$2,450 per week. Luxury experiences start at $3,500+ per week. See the full budget breakdown on this page.

Is Petra safe for tourists?

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Petra is generally considered safe for tourists. As with any international destination, we recommend exercising normal travel precautions, purchasing travel insurance, and checking your government's latest travel advisories before departure. World Destination Club provides up-to-date safety guidance for all members.

What are the must-see attractions in Petra?

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Top must-see attractions and experiences in Petra include: Walk the Siq at dawn and watch the Treasury emerge from the narrow canyon, Climb to the Monastery (Ad-Deir) — 850 rock-cut steps to a monument larger than the Treasury, Hike to the High Place of Sacrifice for panoramic views of the canyon and mountains, Attend Petra by Night — candles line the Siq for a twice-weekly evening spectacle, Explore the Royal Tombs and the Street of Facades. Our local guides and WDC advisors can help you prioritize based on your travel style and budget.
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