The ancient city of Petra is one of Jordan’s national treasures and by far its best-known tourist attraction. Petra is the legacy of the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people who settled in southern Jordan more than 2,300 years ago. Admired then for its refined culture, massive architecture and ingenious complex of dams and water channels, Petra is a UNESCO World Heritages Site, and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Inhabited by the Nabateans, Edomites and Romans, Petra brought together the knowledge and skill of these civilizations to create this world wonder. Caravans laden with incense, silks, spices and other exotic goods would rest at Petra.

Virtual Tour

as-Siq to al-Khaznah (the Treasury) Trail (main trail)

One of the most visited trails in Petra, starting from Petra’s Visitor Center, through as-Siq to al-Khaznah (the Treasury). While most tourists think that the trail ends at the ancient city’s main attraction, The Treasury, the main trail continues past the Siq, passing by the Royal Tombs, Colonnaded Street, and ends by Qasr al-Bint (the Daughter’s palace).

Duration: This depends on the pace of the tourist but can take up to an hour from the visitors’ center to the Treasury. 
Level: Easy 
Contact information/ how to book: 
Tickets can be purchased at the Petra Visitors’ Center 
Location

al-Khubtha Trail

This trail starts from the Visitors’ Center and takes you into the ancient city of Petra through as-Siq and past some magnificent monuments. This includes what is known as the ‘street of facades’, as well as a theater craved out of the rock, after which you will explore the intricately carved ‘royal tombs’, which include the Urn Tomb, Silk Tomb, Corinthian Tomb and Palac Tomb, before reaching al-Khubtha High Place and Cistern to enjoy the breathtaking view
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The trail takes around 4 -5 hours to complete
Difficulty: Hard
Contact information/ how to book: 
Please book a guide through the Petra Visitor’s Center 
Location

Petra by Night

Visiting Petra during daylight is awe-inspiring; to experience it at night by the light of 1,800 candles is truly out-of-this-world! Walk through as-Siq to the Treasury following a candle-lit path and enjoy the soul-stirring music of the Bedouins at the Treasury. Tours start at 8.30pm and finish at 10.00pm every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Allow yourself plenty of time to walk through as-Siq - you don't want to miss the show!

Contact information/ how to book:
Tickets can be purchased at the Visitors’ Center or through your hotel.
Location

ad-Dayr main trail

This trail begins at the end of the Main Trail, from the museum inside Petra, which is located next to the Basin restaurant. It leads you northwards up ancient steps and after a short walk you reach the Lion Triclinium, which is set in a small side wadi on the left. Continue past this up the carved stairway to reach a hermitage with chambers excavated in the rock and decorated with many carved crosses. You then move on upwards to reach Ad-Dayr, which lies a short way beyond and offers a fantastic view over the area.
This trail can be self-guided.

Difficulty: Moderate
Contact information/ how to book: 
It is optional to book a guide through the Petra Visitors’ Center.
Location

ad-Dayr back route

This trail takes you off the main track to reach Ad-Dayr, or the Monastery, via a back-road route. The trail begins at Kharrubat al-Fajjah, which is 50 meters west of the main road to al-Bayda, and ends at Ad-Dayr. The beginning of this trail is easy, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful landscape of the area and the mountain views overlooking Wadi Araba as you walk. It also takes you through an agricultural area. Donkeys can be used for the round trip, taking you from the starting point to the beginning of the steps that lead to Ad-Dayr and back again.
From the visitor center you can go by car or bus to the beginning of this trail, which starts at a site that is just off the main road leading to al-Bayda.

Duration: 4-5 hours
Level: Hard
Guided only
Contact information/ how to book: 
A guide can be booked through the Petra Visitors’ Center 

Location