Petra

البتراء

An ancient Nabatean city carved into rose-red sandstone cliffs, Petra is one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Treasury facade and the Monastery are must-see monuments that showcase extraordinary stone-carving craftsmanship from over 2,000 years ago.

Things to do

• Explore the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) — Marvel at the iconic rose-red carved facade, Petra's most famous monument standing 40 meters high, best photographed in early morning light.
• Hike to the Monastery (Ad-Deir) — Trek uphill for 45 minutes past Nabatean altars to reach this massive carved temple, the largest monument in Petra offering panoramic desert views.
• Walk through the Siq — Journey through the dramatic 1.2-kilometer winding gorge with towering sandstone walls leading to the Treasury, a breathtaking natural and archaeological passage.
• Visit the Royal Tombs — Examine the four monumental facades carved into the cliff face near the Treasury, representing elite Nabatean burial chambers from the 1st century CE.
• Climb to the High Place of Sacrifice — Ascend steep stone steps to this ancient ritual site where Nabateans made offerings, featuring two stone altars and commanding views of the valley.
• Explore the Nabatean Temple — Discover the ruins of this limestone temple complex with reconstructed columns, revealing the religious and commercial importance of Petra's city center.
• Trek to Aaron's Mountain (Jabal Harun) — Undertake a challenging 2-3 hour hike to the 1,350-meter peak where a white shrine marks the traditional tomb of Moses's brother, offering vast desert vistas.

Food to try

• Mansaf — A traditional Jordanian dish of lamb cooked in a yogurt-based sauce served over rice and bread, commonly enjoyed at local restaurants near the visitor center.
• Zarb (Bedouin barbecue) — Slow-roasted lamb or chicken with vegetables cooked in underground pits, a desert specialty reflecting the cooking traditions of local Bedouin communities.
• Falafel and hummus — Crispy chickpea fritters and creamy chickpea paste, staple street foods available from vendors at the Petra entrance and within the site.
• Maklouba — An inverted rice and vegetable dish with meat, traditionally flipped onto a serving plate and eaten communally, popular in Wadi Musa town.
• Bedouin tea with herbs — Strong black tea infused with mint and local desert herbs, served throughout the day at rest stops and Bedouin camps within Petra.
• Stuffed grape leaves (Dolma) — Grape leaves filled with rice, herbs, and sometimes meat, a classic Levantine appetizer found in restaurants surrounding the archaeological site.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress modestly and wear sturdy footwear — Respect local customs by covering shoulders and knees, and wear closed-toe hiking boots with good grip as trails are steep, uneven, and made of loose rock.
• Arrive early to beat crowds and heat — Visit before 9 AM to experience monuments with fewer tourists and avoid the intense afternoon desert sun that can reach 35°C+ in summer.
• Hire a local Bedouin guide — Engage guides from the resident Bedouin community who offer deep knowledge of Petra's history, secret passages, and can enhance your experience with authentic perspectives.
• Respect archaeological preservation — Do not touch carved surfaces, remove artifacts, or venture into restricted areas; Petra's survival depends on visitor responsibility to this 2,000-year-old heritage site.