Day Two: Ancient City, Petra

We woke up very early as 7am because today we will be exploring the ancient city, called Petra. An ornate city carved out of towering red rock by an ancient civilisation, Petra is always appearing on top travel lists, the top ten places to see in your lifetime, the new seven wonders of the world. Explore this 2,000 year-old-city and discover for yourself why it has been named a new wonder of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A one-day ticket costs JD50 which is equivalent to $70 per person. You can buy your ticket at the visitor’s center when you arrive and make sure to withdraw enough cash before you going inside the Petra. Since we only spend one day in Petra so we mainly focus on the highlights. Everyone has different levels of historic site tolerance which mean some people could spend five to six hours exploring, or twice that time – but even so, a day gives you plenty of time.

Technically speaking, there are multiple ways by which you can explore Petra. However, if you are a kind, normal, human being who actually likes animals and believes in their welfare, there is only one, WALK! It’s a lot of walking with some hills so wear appropriate footwear.

Bab as-Siq ("Gate of the Siq"), which is about a half-mile-long pathway that takes visitors to the Siq, a narrow gorge that leads the way into the ancient city. Walking from the Visitor's Center to the Siq took around 10 minutes but can be quite hot as there is no shade along the way. There are horses, donkeys and carriages that can take you along this path. Walking through the Siq is beautiful. The rock walls soar up on both sides to heights of up to 150 meters, and at times we had to hug the walls of the narrow pathway to avoid being hit by oncoming carriages.

After walking for about 30 minutes, we finally caught a glimpse of the Treasury, peeking through the walls of the gorge like a golden mirage. Though packed with tourists and vendors, the Treasury was still impossibly beautiful. I wish I had a photo that would properly do it justice, but it really is a place you have to see in person to experience its full beauty. Unsurprisingly, the area in front of the Petra Treasury is also the busiest part of Petra so expect crowds. If you are really keen on getting photos without dozens of people, you’ll want to arrive first thing in the morning. Check the schedule for Petra depending on when you are visiting and plan to arrive right at opening time.

After you finish at the treasury, follow the main road to the right. You’ll pass a couple more impressive tombs on your left along with a few Bedouin vendors selling souvenirs and drinks. There will be a curve in the road going to the left. Stop following the curve and look to your right for the stairs in the rock. This will lead to some caves and towards the Royal Tombs, there are hundreds of tombs cut into the rock, an impressive view. This area takes some time to explore, and make sure to check every nook and corner. There are hidden caves and some very cool perspectives for photography.

There are several tombs that make up Petra’s Royal Tombs: the Urn Tomb, the Silk Tomb, the Corinthian Tomb, and the Palace Tomb. You’ll need to climb more stairs to see them, but they are worth it. The Tombs are definitely worth exploring up close but are also pretty incredible to see all lined up together from a distance as well. You can see a great view of them when you are back on the main road by the Theatre.

After that we take the short hike starts behind the Royal Tombs. Head up the mountain and continue on the path to the end where a small shack has a sign for the “Best View in the World.” Once you go to the age, it is hard to disagree with the sign! Have a cup of tea or traditional coffee and enjoy the view.

These grand colonnades are on the long street that was the main corridor and shopping area.Continuing along the main road past the theatre, you’ll come to Colonnade Street which is really the last main section on the road in Petra. You’ll walk on ancient flagstones and past the ruins of a number of arches and temples. There are plenty of excavation sites still being uncovered along this part of Petra as well as the Byzantine Church and Winged Lion Temple. At the end of the street, you’ll find two of Petra’s restaurants, the Al-Habees Museum, the Archeological Museum, and the path to the Monastery.

The furthest site and most difficult to get to, the Monastery is very impressive. It is massive and has beautiful artwork cut into the stone. This is the 2nd most popular building in Petra behind the Treasury. Luckily for those who do make it here, it is usually pretty quiet. Because of the climb up and long distance from the entrance, not everyone decides to come to see the Monastery. We highly recommend the full experience of Petra, and this cannot be missed. While we do not recommend it, you can take a donkey/mule up to the Monastery. There is also a great little café where you can enjoy a traditional coffee with this view!

The "Lost City" still has secrets to reveal: Thousands of years ago, the now-abandoned city of Petra was thriving.

Love,

Elene