Petra
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the legendary 'Rose City' of Petra. Carved directly into vibrant sandstone cliffs by the Nabataeans over 2,000 years ago, Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New7Wonders of the World. Beyond the iconic Treasury (Al-Khazneh) and Monastery (Ad-Deir), explore a vast city filled with tombs, temples, and amphitheatres, all revealing the ingenuity and artistry of this ancient civilization. The dramatic desert landscape surrounding Petra adds to its mystical allure, offering breathtaking views and a true sense of discovery.
Population: Approximately 10,000 (in the modern town of Wadi Musa, serving as the gateway to Petra.
Timezone: Eastern European Time (EET) - UTC+2
Best time to visit: The shoulder seasons offer the most pleasant experience. Spring (March to May) boasts blooming wildflowers and moderate temperatures, perfect for exploring. Autumn (September to November) provides comfortable weather for trekking and clear skies. Summers can be very hot, and winters can be chilly with occasional rain.
Local tips
- Arrive Early or Stay Late: Beat the crowds and the midday heat by entering the Siq (the narrow canyon entrance) at sunrise or exploring Petra in the late afternoon for softer light and fewer people.
- Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing. Sturdy, broken-in shoes are essential.
- Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: The desert sun is intense. Carry plenty of water and refill it at designated points within the site. Consider camel milk or fresh fruit juices from local vendors as a refreshing option.
- Hike to the Monastery (Ad-Deir) and the High Place of Sacrifice: These require some effort but offer spectacular views and a deeper exploration of Petra beyond the main attractions.
- Engage with Local Bedouin Guides: Hire a licensed Bedouin guide for a richer understanding of Petra's history, Nabataean culture, and local lore. They often have fascinating insights and stories.
- Explore Little Petra (Siq al-Barid): This smaller, less crowded site offers a preview of Petra's architectural style and is a wonderful addition to your visit.
- Respect Sacred Sites: Petra is a place of historical and cultural significance. Be mindful of local customs and traditions when visiting tombs and religious sites.
- Consider a Petra by Night ticket: Witness the Treasury illuminated by thousands of candles for a truly magical and unforgettable experience (check schedule as it's not daily).
- Taste Local Flavors in Wadi Musa: After a day of exploring, head to the town of Wadi Musa for authentic Jordanian cuisine. Look for places serving Mansaf (an iconic lamb and rice dish) or Maqluba (an upside-down rice and vegetable dish).
- Support Local Artisans: Purchase handicrafts directly from Bedouin vendors. Look for authentic silver jewelry, woven goods, and sand bottles, but remember to bargain respectfully.
Rare and unlikely things to do
Off-the-beaten-path experiences you won't find in typical travel guides
Beyond the iconic Treasury, discover a tranquil ascent to the High Place of Sacrifice and share an unexpected moment of quiet contemplation with the local goat population.
Venture beyond the well-trodden paths towards the Al-Madras, the High Place of Sacrifice. While the panoramic views are breathtaking, a more profound experience awaits those who pause and observe. The resident goats, accustomed to their ancient kingdom, often seek out shaded nooks and precarious ledges. Find a comfortable, sun-drenched rock face, perhaps near the remains of ancient altars, and allow yourself to sink into a state of restful repose. The soft bleating and gentle presence of these hardy creatures create an atmosphere of unexpected calm. Imagine the generations of travelers who have sought solace here, now joined by these natural inhabitants. It's a unique opportunity to connect with the raw, untamed spirit of Petra, far from any tour groups or scheduled itineraries. The air, thinned by altitude, carries whispers of history, and the rhythmic chewing of your temporary companions is the only sound to break the silence. This is not just sightseeing; it's an immersion into the very soul of the ancient Nabataean landscape, a testament to the enduring power of nature in a sculpted world.
Embark on an investigative journey following the intricate ancient Nabataean water channels, leading to a secluded wadi rarely visited by modern explorers.
The Nabataeans were masters of water management, and their ingenious systems are a testament to their civilization. Instead of simply admiring the El-Khazneh, dedicate your time to tracing the remnants of their water channels, especially those leading away from the main thoroughfares. Seek out the subtle depressions and carved conduits that once carried precious water through the sandstone. Following these ancient arteries, often overgrown and partially collapsed, will lead you on a scavenger hunt through the less-explored canyons and ravines. Your perseverance could be rewarded with the discovery of a hidden wadi, a miniature oasis shielded from the elements, where rare desert flora might bloom after rainfall and the silence is profound. This endeavor requires keen observation, a spirit of exploration, and a willingness to step off the beaten path. Imagine the Nabataean engineers meticulously planning and constructing these lifelines, a sophisticated network that sustained their thriving city. This pursuit offers a tangible connection to their ingenuity and a glimpse into a Petra that existed beyond the grand facades.
Experience the celestial spectacle above Petra with a guided desert astronomy session led by local Bedouin guides, sharing ancient lore and identifying constellations.
As dusk settles over the rose-red city, the true magic of the desert unfolds. Arrange with a local Bedouin family, those who have called this land home for generations, for a private stargazing experience. Away from the light pollution of any nearby settlements, the night sky above Petra becomes an awe-inspiring canvas. Your Bedouin guide, drawing upon centuries of oral tradition and intimate knowledge of the desert, will point out constellations, sharing the ancient stories and myths that are woven into their celestial tapestry. Learn how these patterns guided their ancestors for navigation, agriculture, and spiritual understanding. Feel the immensity of the universe unfold above you, a profound counterpoint to the ancient human endeavors etched into the rock faces below. This is an opportunity to witness Petra through a different lens, connecting with the cosmic cycles that have shaped both the land and its people for millennia. The crisp desert air and the silence broken only by the occasional call of a night creature enhance this truly immersive and humbling experience.
Engage in a unique geological exploration, meticulously examining unmarked rock formations for subtle signs of erosion and inferring the ancient environmental forces that shaped Petra.
While most visitors marvel at the carved facades, a deeper understanding of Petra lies in its very foundation: the sandstone itself. This activity involves venturing into areas of Petra that are not heavily trafficked and conducting a personal, albeit informal, geological survey. Focus on unmarked rock faces and natural formations, looking for subtle patterns left by millennia of wind, water, and temperature fluctuations. Observe the difference between smooth, wind-sculpted surfaces and the more pitted textures indicative of past water activity. Identify potential ancient riverbeds or evidence of flash floods, and consider how these forces interacted with the soft sandstone over centuries. This requires patience, a keen eye for detail, and a curious mind. Instead of just seeing a rock, aim to 'read' its history written in its surface. Imagine the geological forces at play, shaping this landscape long before human hands began to chisel it. This exploration offers a unique scientific perspective on Petra, revealing the dynamic natural processes that were the ultimate architects of its enduring beauty, before any human intervention.
Join a local Bedouin guide in a rare opportunity to respectfully gather wild herbs from the Petra landscape, culminating in a deeply cultural and flavorful tea ceremony.
Beyond the magnificent monuments, Petra's surrounds are rich with endemic flora, many of which have been utilized by local Bedouin communities for generations. This activity involves accompanying an experienced Bedouin guide into the more remote fringes of Petra's natural landscape. Under their tutelage, you'll learn to identify and respectfully harvest specific wild herbs known for their medicinal and aromatic properties, such as thyme, sage, or specific mountain mints. The process is not about mass collection, but rather about understanding the natural bounty and the traditional knowledge associated with it. Once gathered, you'll participate in an authentic Bedouin tea ceremony, where these freshly collected herbs are brewed over an open fire, creating a uniquely fragrant and invigorating beverage. This is more than just drinking tea; it's an intimate cultural exchange, a chance to connect with the land and its people on a fundamental level. The flavors of the herbs, imbued with the essence of the desert, will linger long after the last sip, a sensory souvenir of an unforgettable encounter.