The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)
KivutioThe most iconic monument in Petra, a towering carved facade revealed at the end of the Siq. Entry is included in your site ticket; arrive early for softer light and fewer crowds.
Bure saa 2
Vyacheslav Argenberg / CC BY 4.0 — Wikimedia Commons Mwongozo unaoaminika · umelindwa dhidi ya ulaghai
Petra
The rose-red city carved into desert cliffs
Uhakika 90%
Imethibitishwa 4 Agosti 2026 · vyanzo 2 · uhakika 90%
Muhtasari
Petra is Jordan's most famous archaeological site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, hidden in the sandstone mountains near the town of Wadi Musa. Built more than two thousand years ago by the Nabataeans as their caravan capital, it is a vast city of tombs, temples and monuments carved directly into rose-coloured rock. Most visitors enter through the Siq, a narrow canyon that opens dramatically onto the Treasury, but the site stretches for kilometres and rewards a full day or more on foot. Beyond the famous facade you will find the Monastery high above the valley, Roman-era ruins, royal tombs and sweeping viewpoints. Petra is best explored slowly, with good shoes, water and an early start to beat the heat and the crowds. Evenings bring the candle-lit Petra by Night experience. It remains the anchor of any trip to southern Jordan.
Mambo ya kufanya
Vivutio na uzoefu unaostahili muda wako — kwa bei za uaminifu.
The Monastery (Ad-Deir)
ShughuliA huge carved facade reached by a climb of roughly 800 rock-cut steps. The hike takes about an hour each way and is quieter and more rewarding than the Treasury.
Bure saa 3
Walking the Siq
KivutioThe dramatic 1.2 km canyon that forms the main entrance to Petra, with towering walls and ancient water channels leading to the Treasury reveal.
Bure saa 1
The Royal Tombs
KivutioA row of grand carved tombs on the eastern cliff, glowing at their best in late-afternoon light. Reached on foot from the main valley floor.
Bure saa 1.5
High Place of Sacrifice
ShughuliA cliff-top Nabataean ritual platform reached by a steep stepped climb, offering some of the best panoramic views over the whole site.
Bure saa 2.5
Petra by Night
UzoefuAn evening event held on select nights, where the Siq and Treasury are lit by hundreds of candles with traditional music. A separate ticket is required.
JOD 17–21 · US$ 24–30 saa 2
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
KivutioA smaller Nabataean site a short drive north of Petra, free to enter, with carved dwellings and a painted ceiling. A good, quieter half-day add-on.
Bure saa 1.5
Bei za haki na ngao ya ulaghai
Kile wenyeji hulipa — angalia bei kabla ya kutoa fedha taslimu.
Petra one-day entry ticket
kwa kila mtu
JOD 50–90 · US$ 70–127
The one-day ticket is much cheaper for visitors staying at least one night in Jordan than for same-day visitors. If you are seeing other sites, the Jordan Pass usually works out better value.
Jordan Pass
kwa kila mtu
JOD 70–80 · US$ 98–113
Bundles Petra entry with many other attractions and waives the tourist visa fee if you stay three or more nights. Buy it online before you arrive.
Short taxi ride within Wadi Musa
kwa safari
JOD 2–6 · US$ 3–8
Short hops around town are cheap. Agree the fare before getting in, as meters are rarely used.
Licensed guide inside Petra
kwa kikundi
JOD 50–78 · US$ 70–110
Hire only official guides from the visitor centre. Prices are per group for a set route, so splitting the cost among several people is good value.
Mid-range restaurant meal
kwa kila mtu
JOD 7–16 · US$ 10–22
Restaurants right at the site entrance charge more. Eat in Wadi Musa town for better prices and portions.
Bottled water at the site
kwa chupa
JOD 1–2 · US$ 1–3
Water inside Petra costs several times the town price. Carry plenty from your hotel, especially in warm months.
Donkey ride to the Monastery
kwa safari
JOD 7–14 · US$ 10–20
Optional and negotiable. Agree the full price and destination first, and never feel pressured. Walking is free and often just as fast.
Angalia bei — Petra one-day entry ticket
Ulaghai wa kawaida
Unlicensed guides
WastaniJinsi inavyofanya kazi: Someone approaches you near the entrance or Treasury offering a tour or a shortcut, then demands a high fee afterwards.
Jinsi ya kuuepuka: Only hire guides with an official badge booked through the visitor centre, and agree the route and price in writing before starting.
Animal-ride pressure
WastaniJinsi inavyofanya kazi: Horse, donkey or camel handlers offer a ride as 'included' or 'free', then demand a large tip or claim a much higher price at the end.
Jinsi ya kuuepuka: Confirm the exact price and destination before mounting, carry small change, and decline firmly if you are not interested.
Fake antiquities and coins
ChiniJinsi inavyofanya kazi: Vendors sell 'ancient' coins or artefacts claimed to be genuine Nabataean relics.
Jinsi ya kuuepuka: Assume all such items are modern replicas. Buying or exporting real antiquities is illegal, so treat them as souvenirs only.
Siq carriage overcharge
WastaniJinsi inavyofanya kazi: Horse carriages through the Siq are pitched as included in the ticket, then drivers demand a heavy extra 'tip' at the Treasury.
Jinsi ya kuuepuka: Know that a nominal carriage is only for those with mobility needs and any extra is optional. Set a price first or simply walk.
Kufika na kuzunguka
Nauli halisi, si bei za watalii.
Jinsi ya kufika
JETT bus from Amman saa 4JOD 9–11 · US$ 12–16
A comfortable daily coach links Amman with Petra in around four hours. Book a day ahead in high season and confirm the return departure time.
Private taxi from Amman saa 3.3JOD 50–78 · US$ 70–110
Faster and flexible but far more expensive. Agree a fixed price for the whole trip before departing.
Rental car saa 3.5JOD 25–43 · US$ 35–60
The Desert Highway makes self-driving straightforward. Fuel and tolls are modest; parking is available at the visitor centre.
Kuzunguka
Walking the site
Petra is explored almost entirely on foot over uneven ground and steps. Wear sturdy shoes and plan for several kilometres.
Horse and carriageJOD 0–21 · US$ 0–30
Short horse rides near the entrance are officially included in the ticket, but tips are expected. Carriages carry an extra charge.
Local taxi in Wadi MusaJOD 2–6 · US$ 3–8
Handy for reaching the site gate from hotels up the hill. Fares are small; agree them before you set off.
Wakati mzuri wa kutembelea
Machi–Mei na Oktoba–Novemba
Spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) offer warm days and cool evenings, ideal for the long walks and climbs. Summer midday heat can be extreme, and winter can be cold with rare but dangerous flash floods.
Usalama
TahadhariSummer temperatures can exceed 40C with little shade on the trails. Start early, carry more water than you think you need, and wear a hat and sunscreen.
OnyoThe Siq is a narrow canyon that can flood suddenly during rain, mainly in winter and spring. Heed any closure or warning from staff and never enter during a storm.
TahadhariTrails involve steep, uneven and sometimes slippery rock-cut steps with unfenced drops. Take your time on climbs like the Monastery and High Place, and turn back if tired.
Vito vilivyofichwa
Climb the back trail to the viewpoint above the Treasury for a bird's-eye photo most visitors miss.
Walk to the Monastery in the late afternoon when the crowds thin and the stone turns golden.
Add Little Petra for carved dwellings and one of the region's few surviving painted Nabataean ceilings.
Maswali yanayoulizwa mara kwa mara
How many days do I need for Petra?
One full day covers the main highlights if you start early, but two days let you reach the Monastery, viewpoints and side trails without rushing.
Is the Treasury the whole site?
No. The Treasury is only the entrance reveal. Petra stretches for kilometres and includes tombs, a Roman street, temples and the Monastery high above the valley.
Should I buy the Jordan Pass?
If you are visiting other sites and staying three or more nights, the Jordan Pass usually saves money and waives the tourist visa fee. Buy it online before arrival.
Is Petra suitable for children or limited mobility?
The main path to the Treasury is manageable, but the wider site involves long distances, steps and steep climbs. Assisted options exist near the entrance but the far trails are demanding.
When does Petra by Night run?
It is held on select evenings each week and requires a separate ticket. Confirm the schedule locally, as nights and availability change seasonally.
Ulaghai wa Petra — soma kabla hujafika
Bei ya haki na ulinzi dhidi ya ulaghai kwa kila huduma.
Imesasishwa · kutoka vyanzo 2 vilivyothibitishwa · takwimu huangaliwa kiotomatiki kabla ya kuchapishwa.