Okay, okay—it may well be a bit of a mainstream destination, absolutely packed with tourists (some of them a little annoying, too!), but whatever you may say about it… Petra is an incredible place that would leave anyone breathless!
That said, simply deciding to go, set off, and ‘see how it goes’ is definitely not the best approach for a destination like this.
You need to know when to go, how to get around, what to wear, and how to make the most of your time at the site.
The good news? As always, we’ve got all the answers.
Destination Petra: here’s what you need to know to arrive prepared and organized
What to expect when visiting Petra
Petra is a vast complex of elaborate tombs and sacred sites, half built and half carved into red sandstone cliffs. But no matter how much you read about Petra or how many pictures you see, your first glimpse of the lost city of the Nabataeans will still take you by surprise.
Petra is truly विशाल!
The first thing that strikes you when visiting Petra is its sheer size. Even the tombs and public buildings lining the main road seem to have been built for giants. Petra is enormous, covering at least 60 square kilometers across canyons, riverbeds, and mountains.
There are plenty of hiking trails
Most of Petra’s sites are located near the main road and do not require any special effort to visit. Others, such as the Monastery or the Treasury viewpoint, can be reached only by following steep trails with many steps.
There are also some sites, such as the High Place of Sacrifice, that can only be reached by going off the main route, along unmarked trails. These paths are almost impossible to follow unless you know what to look for.
Expect to walk mostly in the sun
There is very little shade at Petra, so be prepared to do a lot of walking under the sun. This makes exploring Petra especially challenging during the summer months and even in early autumn. The sun is relentless, so you’ll need a hat or scarf and plenty of sunscreen!
Also, make sure to drink lots—and lots—of water.
There are several places to eat and drink at Petra
We don’t think anyone comes to Petra for a food and wine tour, but it’s good to know that if you want something to eat or drink, there are several restaurants on site. You’ll see them along the Street of Façades and beyond.
We usually bring along a few snacks and plenty of water, then enjoy our lunch with a breathtaking view. We don’t need anything else.
Read also: The 5 most beautiful American national parks and how to visit them
Petra: when to go to enjoy this spectacle
The best time to visit Jordan is during the spring and autumn months—so March, April, and May, or September, October, and November. At this time of year, the weather is usually dry but not too hot, with average high temperatures between 19°C and 28°C.
Summer can be very hot, with average temperatures reaching 33°C in July and August, and there is very little shade on site, so avoid the hottest hours of the day.
Winter is the quietest season to visit Petra, but it can be cold and rainy: keep in mind that in January average temperatures range from 2°C to 13°C!
The site closes around sunset, and the quietest times to visit Petra are usually early in the morning and late in the afternoon.
At this point, you may be wondering how much time it takes to visit the site.
Let’s say that many people visit Petra in a single day, but since it is such a vast place, you should be prepared for a long day and focus on the highlights:
- the walk along the Siq to the Treasury;
- the Amphitheatre;
- the Colonnaded Street;
- Qasr al-Bint;
- the Royal Tombs.
If you have a full day, you can also add the walk to the Monastery, which takes about 45 minutes.
At Sto Gran Tour, we spend a full day in this wonder of the world, passing by Indiana Jones’ ‘Treasury Gate’ all the way to the Siq, the water-carved gorge.
To learn more, discover all the other stops by clicking here.
What should you wear in Petra?
Since you’ll be walking on sandy and rocky terrain for several kilometers, forget runway-ready outfits: the best choice is to wear hiking boots or sturdy sneakers with socks. We may not look glamorous, but we’ll survive!
Also remember that Jordan is a Muslim country, so it is advisable to cover your shoulders and knees. Women do not need to cover their hair, although a scarf is useful protection from the sun and dust.
Early morning temperatures can be cool if you visit Petra in spring or autumn, so an extra layer is helpful, or a waterproof jacket in winter. There is very little shade at the archaeological site, so bring a hat or scarf and sunglasses, and don’t forget a good amount of sunscreen to avoid looking like a roasted lobster by the evening.
Read also: Northern Lights: the best time to enjoy the spectacle in 2023
Conclusions
In this article, we’ve tried to give you some key information about Petra, a must-see stop for anyone planning a trip to Jordan.
So, if you’re looking for a way to visit the site and, why not, explore the country too, take a look at our itinerary!
