Petra is probably the number one reason why many tourists come to visit Jordan – and it is the most visited city in southern Jordan. It might be because it’s an archaeological gem, or perhaps because a lot of people just love history; regardless of your reason for visiting Petra, if you’re planning to visit anytime soon, we’ve got 7 things you need to know about Petra…
SEE ALSO: 7 things you need to know about Jordan!
In no particular order…
You’ll have to learn to handle the heat – and the cold!
The desert is a hot place to be, especially when you’re there during daytime. If you haven’t spent the night at the desert, well, you should know that it can get very cold at night. So if you’re planning to go to Petra, better bring sunhats, sunscreen – and something warm for those chilly evenings (especially if you’re looking at doing Petra by Night)!
It’s busy busy busy, so plan your visit
Just like any of the more popular tourist spots around the world, Petra is filled with tourists on weekends. Even Fridays and Thursdays are often packed to the rafters. Thus, we’d highly recommend you plan your visit carefully. Do you want to see the place at its quietest, most chill moment, or is a visit with busloads of other tourists okay with you? You might also want to check out our post on the best time to visit Jordan.
It’s not just about The Treasury…
OK, so The Treasury is definitely the one that grabs all the headlines, and the big majority of tourists – but there are some other mighty fine sites in Petra to see, perhaps most notably The Monastery. The Monastery is definitely a must-add to your Petra bucket-list, even with 850 steps to climb to get there! Also known as El Deir, it is the largest monument in Petra, and it dates back from the 1st century BC. More information about it is inscribed on The Monastery ruins.
Think about a Bedouin tent if you’re staying the night
Well, it depends on your travel plans but, if you’re planning to stay the night in Petra, renting a Bedouin tent at The Rock Camp is a must. As mentioned above, it’s probably going to be cold but hey, this camp has bonfires! And you will be amazed at how comfortable these tents are. It’s just a great experience to be able to see the night sky without wires or trees or buildings and practically no light pollution.
Determine what you need – a DIY trip or tour group
The hours you might be stuck on a tour bus on your way to Petra varies, but it’s probably going to be at least 3 or 4 hours. The advantage of this is that you have a guide telling you what this magical place is about, and so on. Once you’re actually in Petra, you’re stuck with that group and the same guide…but with a DIY tour, you do everything on your own, walk on unknown paths and just figure things out by yourself. If you’re up for something more fun and challenging, DIY touring is the way to go.
Plan to visit in the mornings or afternoons
Early mornings are generally great. Aside from the fact that there’s not so many tourists around, the sun is also not that strikingly hot. You’ll enjoy the place all to yourself (or almost all to yourself) and you won’t be sweating too much. Another alternative would be late afternoon, around 4pm, especially if you’re planning to stay the night in Petra.
If you’re animal-friendly, look away…
Things you need to know about Petra that nobody really tells you about>>> The modes of transport for tired tourists trekking to and from some of Petra’s sites are pretty much down to some rather scraggly-looking donkeys and horses. Not much of a fun experience if you ask us, especially when you see those little donkeys carrying a huge, overweight tourist… so if you are tempted to say yes to a donkey, be sure it looks reasonably healthy and hydrated and not tired.
There you have it, the things you need to know about Petra! Don’t forget to check out the 6 must-sees of Petra once you’re there! And if you’re still not sure what to expect, check out this amazing video of Petra!
