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Imagine Asia  >  Destinations  >  Jordan  >  Petra
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Petra

The ancient rose-red city of Petra is one of those places that needs to be seen to be believed. Huge temples and tombs are carved into the vividly-coloured valley walls, hidden staircases lead to panoramic viewpoints across the site, and ruined temples line the main promenade. A visit to Petra is truly a once in a lifetime experience.

When to go

J F M A M J J A S O N D

There are two main ways to enter the Petra site. The first is through the winding canyon known as The Siq. Here you can embrace your inner Indiana Jones as you journey through the narrow passageway before arriving at one of Petra’s most iconic sites; The Treasury (Al-Khazneh). The Treasury is incredibly impressive, and once you turn the corner and head into the main valley, the site is positively awe-inspiring. The second entrance is often referred to as ‘the back way’. This usually involves starting at Little Petra and trekking along narrow mountain paths before reaching The Monastery (Ad Deir), another of Petra’s most magnificent sites. From here you can walk down the 800 or so stairs to reach the main thoroughfare and continue your adventure.

Whilst it is possible to take in the key sites of Petra in a day, there are so many hidden corners to explore that a visit to the rose-red city can easily be spread across two or even three days should you wish to take things at a leisurely pace. A number of the valley walls are lined with empty tombs, which can be reached by sporadic stairways and paths. If you are willing to head a bit more off-piste and clamber across the rocks there are also incredible ‘rainbow’ caves, which feature a kaleidoscope of colours amongst the sandstone walls and ceilings. The elevated locations of the tombs and caves also offers stunning views across the main thoroughfare and the Roman theatre. For the best views, climb up the steep stone stairway to the High Place of Sacrifice. It is believed this area was used for religious ceremonies, and the panoramas across the site are spectacular.

The history of Petra is fascinating. The city was built by the Nabateans, a historically nomadic tribe who had used their knowledge of the inhospitable desert landscapes to become key players in the trade routes across Arabia. As of around the 3rd to 1st centuries BC, Petra was a major hub in the trade route connecting Asia and Europe, and at one point it is believed the city was home to approximately 30,000 people.

The Romans took control of Petra in around 63 BC. Whilst initially this helped the city to boom, with increased wealth and further construction, in the end, trade routes were diverted to other Roman strongholds, taking away much of Petra’s power. Whilst Petra continued to be inhabited over the following centuries, and ruins of Byzantine churches have even been uncovered at the site, its glory-days as a commercial capital remained in the past. The city once again became home to nomadic tribes and Bedouin, and the western world forgot about this once bustling trade hub.

Beyond Arabia, Petra remained little more than a myth until 1812, when the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt followed the rumours of a lost ancient city to Jordan and tricked local Bedouins into revealing the location of the Petra. However, it wasn’t until the 20th century that serious excavations began at the site, and even now, it is only with the introduction of satellite imagery that archaeologists have begun to truly appreciate the extent of the site and the ruins which still lie buried beneath the sand.           

Petra by night is a wonderfully atmospheric introduction to the rose red city.


Bjorn Behlert
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Wadi Musa, Petra, Jordan

Located just steps away from the entrance to Petra, the Movenpick Resort Petra blends Arabic style with warm hospitality, providing a comfortable and convenient base for exploring one of Jordan’s star attractions.

Movenpick Resort Petra

Taybeh Village near Petra, Jordan

A lovely alternative to the international-style hotels of Jordan, the Hyatt Zaman has been built in and around the abandoned 19th century village of Taybeh. Just 15-minutes from ancient Petra, the hotel is full of rustic charm and local character.

Hyatt Zaman

Wadi Musa, Petra, Jordan

Designed to reflect the history and culture of the local area, The Old Village Resort was once a 19th century traditional hamlet. Now a charming and characterful hotel, the property is only a short drive from the entrance to the ancient city of Petra.

The Old Village Resort

Wadi Musa, Petra, Jordan

With wonderful views towards Petra and the surrounding mountains, the Petra Marriott is located on a hillside above Wadi Musa, offering comfortable accommodation and great facilities close to the ancient red rose city of Petra.

Marriott Petra

Petra, Jordan

Just steps away from the entrance to historic city of Petra, the relaxed and homely Petra Guest House has one of the best locations in town, offering superb value for money, friendly and helpful staff, as well as spacious and comfortable accommodation.

Petra Guest House

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Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea

Our Simply Jordan itinerary is a wonderful introduction to one of the Middle East's most beguiling countries. Take in some of Jordan's most enchanting sites, including Roman ruins at Jerash, the rose-red city of Petra, and the extraordinary Wadi Rum.

7 nights from $2516 per person Culture & history, Family

Simply Jordan

Amman, Ajloun, Dana Biosphere, Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea

Jordan is a playground of rugged landscapes, providing plenty of opportunities for trekking, mountain biking and canyoning. Combined with ancient history, including Petra, this action-packed itinerary is the ideal trip for those seeking adventure.

10 nights from $4403 per person Culture & history, Off the beaten track, Spectacular scenery

Active Jordan

Amman, Ajloun, Dana, Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba & Dead Sea

This in-depth itinerary includes the best of Jordan’s highlights, such as Petra and Wadi Rum, as well as some off-the-beaten-track adventures into secluded nature reserves, giving you a real taste of the country’s diverse geography and history.

13 nights from $4780 per person Culture & history, Honeymoon

Jordan In-Depth

Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba & Dead Sea

Enjoy the best of Jordan in style with our Luxury Jordan itinerary. Explore Amman, the ancient Nabatean city of Petra, take in the stunning desert panoramas of Wadi Rum and enjoy the chance to snorkel in the Red Sea and float on the Dead Sea.

9 nights from $3774 per person Culture & history, Honeymoon, Luxury

Luxury Jordan

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Petra, Jordan

Established as a suburb to Petra possibly to accommodate visiting traders on the Silk Road, Little Petra makes for an interesting visit which is often quieter than Petra itself.

Visit Little Petra

Petra, Jordan

Your guide will introduce you to the wonders of Petra on this two-hour guided excursion of the ancient Nabataean City. Visit the Siq, the Treasury, view intricately carved Royal Tombs, and finish at the Street of the Facades.

Two-Hour Guided Tour of Petra

Petra, Jordan

Stroll down the Siq to the Treasury under the cover of darkness and lit only by 1,500 candles. Seeing the Treasury lit up at night is one of Petra's unforgettable experiences and is accompanied by traditional music, tales, and tea.

Petra by Night

Petra, Jordan

Jordanian cuisine is a highlight of any visit to the country, and Petra Kitchen offers you the chance to learn some freshly prepared local dishes.

Petra Kitchen

Mount Nebo, Madaba, Jordan

Mount Nebo lies 820 metres above sea level, with stunning panoramas taking in the Dead Sea, the Jordan River, Jericho, Bethlehem, and on a clear day, Jerusalem. Mt Nebo is believed to be the site where Moses was shown the Promised Land.

Visit Mount Nebo

Petra, Jordan

You will trek in via the winding back roads with panoramic desert and mountain vistas. Travelling this route allows you to beat the crowds, arriving at the famous Monastery whilst most visitors are still at the start of the site.

Backdoor Walk from Little Petra

Madaba, Jordan

Visit the Church of St George in Madaba, where you can see an intricate, ancient mosaic, which depicts key features of the Holy Land. Whilst only a section of the original mosaic remains, it is still very impressive.

Visit the Church of Saint George in Madaba

Wadi Rum, Jordan

A visit to “The Valley of the Moon” wouldn’t be complete without a jeep drive in to one of the world’s most picturesque deserts; and your local Bedouin guide will take you in to the heart of the desert on a two hour drive.

Jeep Ride in Wadi Rum

Kerak, King's Highway, Jordan

Built in 1161 by the Crusaders, Kerak is a perfect example of mediaeval castle design. The castle is a dark maze of stone-vaulted halls and passageways. Its most famous occupant was Reynald de Chatillon, who had a reputation for treachery and brutality.

Visit Kerak Castle

Shobak, King's Highway, Jordan

Once called "Mont Real," Showbak dates from the same turbulent period as Karak. It is perched on the side of a mountain, with a grand sweep of fruit trees below. The castle's exterior is impressive, with a foreboding gate and encircling triple wall.

Visit Shobak Castle

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Active Jordan

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