Petra Main Trail
An ancient Nabataean city carved into rose-red cliffs, famous for the Treasury and Monastery.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat crowds and heat
Petra Main Trail
Best Time
Beat crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An ancient Nabataean city carved into rose-red cliffs, famous for the Treasury and Monastery.
"Petra is breathtaking, and the best advice I can give is: go early."
🎯 Start Your Day Early
Arrive at 6 AM to beat the crowds and the intense midday heat. :sunrise:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll walk miles and climb many steps. Sturdy footwear is essential! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Siq and The Treasury
Main Trail Entrance
Walk through a narrow, winding gorge to your first breathtaking glimpse of the iconic rose-red Treasury facade.
+1
Monastery Trail
End of Main Trail
A challenging climb of over 800 steps rewards you with the massive Ad-Deir Monastery, often less crowded than the Treasury.
Wadi Farasa Trail
Off the Main Trail
Explore a less-promoted, historically rich, and scenic route with unique tombs and structures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Comfortable Footwear is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Start Your Day Early
Arrive at 6 AM to beat the crowds and the intense midday heat. :sunrise:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll walk miles and climb many steps. Sturdy footwear is essential!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Water stands are available but can be pricey.
🗺️ Get a Map
Understand the different access points and trails to plan your exploration effectively. :world_map:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Start Your Day Early
Arrive at 6 AM to beat the crowds and the intense midday heat. :sunrise:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll walk miles and climb many steps. Sturdy footwear is essential!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Water stands are available but can be pricey.
🗺️ Get a Map
Understand the different access points and trails to plan your exploration effectively. :world_map:
🚶♀️ Explore Higher Trails
Venture off the main path for fewer crowds and unique perspectives. Ask locals for guidance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Petra as a breathtaking world wonder, with the Siq and Treasury being unforgettable highlights. Many recommend early morning visits to avoid crowds and heat, and emphasize the importance of comfortable shoes for extensive walking. While the sheer scale can be tiring, the historical significance and unique beauty of the 'Rose City' leave a lasting impression.
"Was there with my family and it was amazing! The worst part was the walking, but I didn’t care too much about it. Also the views on top of the mountains were amazing! Many cats rooming the area. Recommend 100% seeing this world wonder! If your wondering if it is possible to walk all the way there with crocs and flip flops, yes, yes it is. 😂🙈"
Martins Krūcis
"Very safe, don't worry. Encourage locals.
You have different points of access, ask for the map. You can start from one side to have easier. We had 5h walk with nice views."
Shadia T.
"Petra at sunrise – an experience like no other
Petra is breathtaking, and the best advice I can give is: go early. I went at 6 am, when the gates had just opened, and for almost two hours it felt like I had the whole place to myself. Running through the Siq and along the 7 km path up to the Monastery was unforgettable — the silence, the cool air, and the sight of the Treasury without the crowds is something I’ll always remember.
If you can, do it this way: start early, move fast, and let the city slowly wake up around you. It’s a mix of adventure and pure wonder, and the feeling of standing alone in front of such history is worth every step. Petra is a must in life, and doing it at sunrise makes it even more magical."
Francisco Javier Lorenzo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can arrange for a driver to take you from Eilat, Jordan, through the border crossing and directly to Petra. This often includes transport to your hotel and back.
The main trail is about 7 km (4.3 miles) and can be walked. You can also use the free shuttle bus from the visitor center to the Siq entrance. For longer distances or tired legs, consider donkey or camel rides (negotiate prices).
Yes, the main trail from the visitor center to the Monastery is approximately 5 miles (8 km) one way. It's a significant walk, so comfortable shoes are a must.
The main trail can take about 40 minutes to reach the Treasury from the entrance. Completing the full main trail to the Monastery and back can take 5-6 hours, or more if you explore side paths.
Yes, guided tours are available and can offer historical insights. Some visitors opt for a 2-hour guided tour to learn about the stories behind the sites.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on whether you are staying overnight in Jordan. For tourists staying one night or more, a one-day pass is typically around 50 JOD. Day visitors from outside Jordan pay more. Check the official Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) website for current pricing.
Petra typically opens at 6:00 AM and closes around sunset. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date hours, as they can vary seasonally.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance online can save time, especially during peak season. This is also recommended if you plan to visit Petra by Night.
Yes, multi-day passes are available and recommended if you plan to explore Petra thoroughly. A 2-day or 3-day pass offers better value for in-depth exploration.
The Jordan Pass often includes entry to Petra for one, two, or three consecutive days, depending on the pass purchased. It's a cost-effective option if you're visiting multiple sites in Jordan.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main trail is the most popular and accessible route, starting from the visitor center, passing through the Siq, the Treasury, Street of Facades, Roman Theater, and leading towards the Monastery.
Wear light, breathable clothing and comfortable, sturdy walking shoes. A hat and sunglasses are also highly recommended due to the sun exposure.
Yes, many visitors report seeing numerous cats roaming the ancient city. They are a common sight among the ruins.
Petra is considered very safe for tourists. The local people are friendly and welcoming, and security is generally good.
Beyond the Treasury, look for viewpoints from above the Treasury (accessible via local guides), the Monastery, and various high trails. The Siq itself offers dramatic photographic opportunities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes within the Petra archaeological park, offering local and international cuisine. However, prices can be higher inside.
You can bring your own water and snacks. It's a good idea to pack some to save money and stay energized, especially if you plan a long day of exploration.
Expect traditional Jordanian dishes like Mansaf, falafel, and various grilled meats. Many eateries also offer lighter snacks and refreshments.
The town of Wadi Musa, just outside the Petra entrance, offers a wider range of dining options, from local eateries to more upscale restaurants.
Food and drinks inside Petra tend to be more expensive than in Wadi Musa due to the location and logistics. Packing your own snacks is a budget-friendly option.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning, right after sunrise, offers soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the Treasury and Siq. Late afternoon also provides beautiful golden hour light.
Drone usage is generally prohibited within Petra to preserve the site and for safety reasons. Always check the latest regulations before your visit.
The Siq leading to the Treasury, the Treasury itself, the Monastery, the Royal Tombs, and panoramic viewpoints from higher trails are all incredibly photogenic.
It's polite to ask for permission before photographing people, including local Bedouins. Some may offer photo opportunities for a small fee.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both wide shots of the Siq and tighter details of the facades. A wide-angle lens is great for the grand scale. Consider a lightweight setup for hiking.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing snacks and plenty of water, as younger children might tire easily. The novelty of the 'rose-red city' and the many cats roaming the site often captivate children's imaginations. 💰 Budget Travelers
Opt for walking the trails instead of using paid transport like donkey or camel rides. Staying in Wadi Musa and walking to the entrance can also be more economical than staying in hotels closer to the site. 🚶♀️ Avid Hikers
For more adventurous routes, seek out local guides who can lead you on less-trafficked paths like Wadi Farasa or to stunning viewpoints overlooking the Treasury. +2 Be prepared for significant elevation changes and uneven terrain; sturdy hiking boots are a must. +1 Allocate at least a full day, if not two, to fully experience Petra's extensive trail network. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Main Trail
+1 The walk through the Siq, a narrow gorge with towering sandstone walls, is an experience in itself, building anticipation for the first glimpse of the Treasury. Many visitors find this part of the trail easy, but it can get very crowded, especially after 8 AM. +1Beyond the Treasury, the main trail continues past the Street of Facades, the Roman Theater, and the Royal Tombs. This section involves more walking and some gentle inclines.
While the main trail is well-trodden, exploring the numerous side paths and higher viewpoints can significantly enhance your experience. These less-trafficked routes often lead to stunning, uncrowded vistas and offer a deeper dive into Petra's vastness. +2For those seeking a more challenging hike, the main trail eventually leads to the ascent for the Monastery (Ad-Deir). This involves climbing over 800 steps and is a significant workout, but the reward is a monumental facade comparable to the Treasury, often with fewer people.
The entire main trail, including the Monastery, can take a full day to explore thoroughly, especially if you take time to appreciate the details and venture onto side paths. Beyond the Treasury: Exploring Petra's Vastness
Many visitors only see the main trail, but there are numerous other trails that offer unique perspectives and historical insights. The Wadi Farasa Trail, for instance, is highlighted as a historically rich and scenic route that diverts from the main path, showcasing less-promoted but equally fascinating structures. Redditors and travelers on social media emphasize that Petra is a hiker's playground with much more to discover than just the Treasury.
+1 These less-trodden paths allow you to escape the main crowds and appreciate the scale and beauty of Petra at your own pace. To truly appreciate Petra's scope, consider dedicating at least two days to exploration. This allows ample time to cover the main trail, tackle the Monastery climb, and explore some of the more remote areas like Wadi Farasa or the High Place of Sacrifice.
+1The Nabataean Legacy
Their ingenuity is most evident in their ability to carve elaborate structures directly into the sandstone cliffs, a testament to their architectural and engineering skills. The most iconic structures, like Al-Khazneh (The Treasury) and Ad-Deir (The Monastery), were likely tombs or temples, showcasing intricate Hellenistic-inspired facades.
+1 The city also features a complex water management system, including dams, cisterns, and channels, which allowed them to thrive in this arid environment. The sheer scale and artistry of these carvings, combined with the natural beauty of the surrounding canyons, make Petra a truly awe-inspiring historical site. Exploring Petra offers a tangible connection to this ancient civilization. As you walk through the Siq and gaze upon the monumental facades, you can imagine the bustling city that once stood here, a vital hub of commerce and culture.
+1 The ongoing archaeological work continues to uncover more about the Nabataeans, making Petra a living testament to their enduring legacy. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit