Explore inside Petra from the famous Treasury site on two or four feet
Inside Petra, there’s a slit in the vast rock they call the Siq. Narrow, sandstone walls rise in ribbons of grey then reds, and far above, the sky is a slice of blue. Ages ago the slim passage was lined with cobblestones and the Nebeteans shuttled guests through in red-carpeted carriages. Today you can still ride horse-drawn carriages but to really savor this noble entrance, walking inside Petra gives the heart time to adjust to continual awe.

Roman costume inside PetraA little history

By 250 BC, Petra was a flourishing trade and power center. By then the Nabateans had been trading throughout the Middle East, into China and the Mediterranean. They were master carvers who adapted much from other societies into their structures and buildings. They also devised ingenious tunnels and water systems to avoid flash floods and protect those walking through the Siq. One tunnel is 88 meters long and cut from solid rock.

One viewpoint inside Petra beyond the famous gate

One viewpoint inside Petra beyond the famous gate

Ride a camel from the Treasury site inside Petra

Ride a camel from the Treasury site inside Petra

Most travelers envision looking up to the beauty of the famous Treasury carvings at the end of the Siq, which opens dramatically to the carvings made famous by Hollywood’s Indiana Jones. But they don’t consider their options for getting to that point, into the vast city beyond and back out again. The Siq opens dramatically to the carvings made famous by Hollywood’s Indiana Jones. To really enjoy seeing Petra, plan for a day spent walking, hiking trails or up steps if that calls to you, or ride donkeys and camels when it doesn’t.

Carriages waiting to take visitors inside the Siq of Petra and back.

Carriages waiting to take visitors inside the Siq of Petra and back.

The best ways to explore inside Petra

  • Be prepared to walk for hours across the flat complex. Hikers will be happy to know there are optional challenges that include steep stairs and trails.
  • Near the entrance to Petra, you can hire a horse-drawn carriage and ride in style to the Treasury or return from there.
  • Whether you walk or ride, don’t miss all that lies beyond the most famous site. From the Treasury, you can negotiate a ride through the rest of the grand city.
  • The complex is laced with canyons and carved, not just for grand temples, but also homes. Many Bedouins still live in Petra’s canyons. They train the camels and donkeys, run the shops and many are guides.

    Make time to enjoy the delicious Jordanian tea and coffee.

    Make time to enjoy the delicious Jordanian tea and coffee.

  • There are grand avenues and vast stretches still waiting to be excavated. Tourism is helping Jordan discover all the ancient Nabataeans built around 250 BC after trading for centuries with the rest of the known world.
  • Do stop for Jordanian tea and coffee or a full lunch at the central cafe.
  • Explore the hills and trails beyond the Treasury site. There are many small shops and artifact collections to peruse on and off the main trail.
Partial excavation inside Petra

Partial excavation inside Petra

The steep hike up to the Monastery is well worth it but if you’re not up for the trail, hire a donkey as we did. I decided to follow my guide’s lead and rode a donkey up the steps – giggling nervously as he stepped close to steep edges or nearly rode other hikers off the trail. It was harrowing but fun. Walking down was a lot easier!
The Treasury light show inside Petra

The Treasury light show inside Petra

Not say goodbye Petra? Return after sunset to see the evening light show. It’s a bit woo-woo with traditional music and muffled narration echoing off the walls. Find a spot to sit for about 30 minutes. Watch for the trays of sweet tea that are passed out to the crowd.
Man and monastery inside Petra

Man and monastery inside Petra

More tips for seeing Petra.

  • Know your limits.
  • Come prepared with water and snacks.
  • Trust the Bedouin guides who know their donkeys, camels and horses. Negotiate but pay them fairly.
  • Wear sunblock, bring a hat and a long-sleeved shirt can be helpful too.
  • Explore side trails and you might find wonderful souvenirs. I brought home silver bracelets and bought spices in small shops hidden off the main trails.
  • Take advantage of the toilets when you see them.
  • Stop for tea often and admire the view.
Here’s a short video about exploring inside Petra:

Petra is one of the world’s wonders for good reason. (And Jordan is full of other wonders too. Here’s another post about that.) I hope these tips will help you to see as much as you can as comfortably as you can.
Many thanks to Jordanian Tourism and the International Food Writers and Travel Writers for making my Petra dreams come true.
Hope you found this helpful in planning your Petra adventure. Here’s a pin to share or bookmark.
Inside Petra with many lookouts and viewpoints