Petra was the capital of the Nabataeans, desert traders who grew rich on the incense and spice caravans more than two thousand years ago. They carved temples, tombs and a whole city into pink sandstone cliffs, then faded from Western memory until the Swiss traveller Johann Ludwig Burckhardt reached it in 1812. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 1985) and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Everything starts with the Siq, a narrow canyon about 1.2 km long with walls up to 80 meters high. Walk it slowly and look for the carved water channels on both sides - the Nabataeans were brilliant water engineers. At the end, the canyon opens onto Al-Khazneh, the Treasury, and no photo prepares you for that first glimpse.
Past the Treasury the valley widens: the Street of Facades, the Roman-style theater, the Royal Tombs and the Colonnaded Street. Most visitors stop there. Do not. Around 800 rock-cut steps lead up to Ad Deir, the Monastery, even larger than the Treasury and far quieter. Allow about 45 minutes up.
Timing matters. Enter at opening time and you get the Siq nearly to yourself; the tour buses arrive mid-morning. One full day covers the highlights, two days let you add the High Place of Sacrifice and the back trail to Little Petra. Wear real shoes, bring water, and budget for a mint tea with a view at the top.
Coming from Israel? Petra is an easy day trip from Eilat through the Yitzhak Rabin (Arava) border crossing, or part of a longer trip combined with Wadi Rum. Ask us and we will build the route around your dates.
Keep reading
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