When to arrive and how long you need
Petra deserves at least a full day, and ideally two. Arrive when the gates open at 6am to walk the Siq in cool air and reach the Treasury before the crowds and the harsh midday light.
If you only have one day, focus on the main trail to the Treasury, the city centre, and one big climb — either the Monastery or the High Place of Sacrifice.
Tickets and the Jordan Pass
A one-day Petra ticket is sensible for most visitors, but if you are spending three or more nights in Jordan, the Jordan Pass usually pays for itself: it bundles your tourist visa with Petra and 40+ other sites.
Buy the Jordan Pass online before you arrive to waive the visa fee at the airport. We are happy to advise which option fits your trip.
The trails worth your legs
The 800-step climb to the Monastery (Ad-Deir) is the classic reward, with a dramatic facade and a viewpoint over the surrounding mountains. The High Place of Sacrifice is shorter but just as scenic.
For something special, the back trail from Little Petra arrives at the Monastery from above — a guided route we love for avoiding the crowds entirely.
Petra by Night
On select evenings the Siq is lit by some 1,500 candles, ending with Bedouin music in front of the Treasury. It is touristy but genuinely magical, and a lovely complement to a daytime visit.
Book the separate Petra by Night ticket and bring a light layer — desert evenings cool quickly.
