Petra, the former capital of the Nabataeans carved into pink sandstone, is Jordan's most visited site and one of the main reasons to come to the country. The classic visit runs from the park entrance through the Siq, a canyon about 1.2 km long that opens onto the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), then follows the Street of Facades, the theatre and the royal tombs. For the Monastery, add a climb of about 800 steps. Allow one full day for the essentials, or two days if you want to climb to the Monastery and the viewpoints without rushing. The prices below come from the official Visit Petra site, checked on 23 October 2026.
Highlights
The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)
The facade, about 40 metres high, appears at the end of the Siq; it is Petra's most photographed monument. See the Siq and the Treasury.
The Siq
A narrow canyon with coloured walls, walked in 20 to 30 minutes, which builds up the surprise of the Treasury.
The Street of Facades and the theatre
Beyond the Treasury the valley opens onto dozens of tombs cut into the rock and a Nabataean theatre.
The royal tombs
A little further on, large facades carved into the cliff; morning light shows them off well.
The Monastery (Ad-Deir)
Bigger than the Treasury, at the top of a long staircase; see the Monastery page.
Practical info
Tips
- Official ticket for visitors who spend at least one night in Jordan: 50 JD for 1 day, 55 JD for 2 consecutive days, 60 JD for 3 consecutive days; children under 12 enter free in the daytime. Without a night in Jordan (a day visit, for instance from Aqaba or Eilat), the one-day ticket costs 90 JD. The Jordan Pass includes Petra entry and the visa: see the Jordan Pass guide. Petra by Night is paid separately: see the candlelit evening. To plan your routes and avoid the usual mistakes, read how to visit Petra. Bring water (at least 1.5 litres per person), a hat, sturdy closed shoes and some food: prices on site are high. Be wary of offers from guides and of donkey or camel rides that are not part of the ticket; agree a price before setting off. To sleep near the site, see Wadi Musa; for the second Nabataean town close by, Little Petra.
How to get there
Petra is in Wadi Musa, about 3 hours by road from Amman on the Desert Highway. See the day trip from Amman; if you can, sleep on the spot.
Opening hours
Our guides that feature it
Nearby
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