Petra
Plan Petra with Haqqi Tours: day tours, private airport transfers, attraction tickets and packages, run by our own team and confirmed on WhatsApp in Arabic or English.
Walk into the Siq at opening time and Petra reveals itself slowly. The path narrows between sandstone walls that rise sheer on either side, streaked with rose, ochre and violet, and the only sounds are your footsteps and a bird calling high above. Then the gorge bends one last time, a sliver of light appears, and the carved façade of the Treasury glows pink in the morning sun.
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Petra Day Tours
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Petra at first sight
Petra was the capital of the Nabataeans, desert traders who grew rich on the caravan routes of incense and spice and carved an entire city into the mountains of southern Jordan. Tombs, temples, a theatre and long staircases are cut straight from the living rock, and the Bedouin families who still know these valleys make every visit feel alive rather than frozen in time.
Why include Petra in your itinerary?
- A city carved from the mountain. The Treasury, the Royal Tombs, the Theatre and the Monastery are not built but sculpted from rose-red sandstone, making Petra a World Heritage Site unlike anywhere else on earth and the jewel of any journey to Jordan.
- An arrival as dramatic as the destination. The walk through the Siq, a narrow canyon twisting between towering cliffs, is one of the great entrances in world travel, and the trails beyond lead to high places, hidden valleys and sweeping views.
- Two faces of the same wonder. By day Petra is vast and sunlit; on Petra by Night evenings the Siq and the Treasury glow by candlelight, while nearby Little Petra offers a quieter, more intimate glimpse of Nabataean life.
Signature experiences in Petra
The Siq and the Treasury
The Siq is a narrow gorge winding between cliffs, with traces of Nabataean water channels, carved niches and a paved caravan road beneath your feet. At its end the Treasury, Al-Khazneh, appears in a moment that stops every visitor in their tracks. Our guided day tours start at opening time, so you walk the Siq in cool morning air and see the façade before the crowds arrive.
The Royal Tombs and the City Centre
Beyond the Treasury the valley opens onto the Street of Facades and the rock-cut Theatre. Across the valley rise the Royal Tombs, including the Urn Tomb, the Silk Tomb with its swirling coloured stone and the Palace Tomb. Follow the Colonnaded Street to the Great Temple and Qasr al-Bint. Our licensed guides bring the trading city of the Nabataeans to life as you explore.
The Climb to the Monastery
A long staircase cut into the mountain climbs to Ad Deir, the Monastery, a façade even larger than the Treasury that stands alone on a high plateau. The climb takes around forty-five minutes at a steady pace, with Bedouin tea stalls offering shade on the way. At the top, short paths lead to viewpoints looking over the mountains towards Wadi Araba, especially beautiful in the afternoon light.
Petra by Night
On selected evenings each week, the Siq is lined with candles and you walk in near silence beneath the stars to the Treasury, where a sea of flickering candles fills the square in front of the façade. Traditional Bedouin music and storytelling follow, with a glass of sweet tea in hand. We add Petra by Night to your stay on the right evening, so it complements your daytime visit.
Little Petra and Bedouin Hospitality
A short drive north of Wadi Musa, Little Petra, known as Siq al-Barid, was a Nabataean caravan stop with carved halls, cisterns and a rare painted ceiling of vines and birds. It is quiet, compact and wonderful in the late afternoon. Nearby, Bedouin families welcome visitors with sage tea and dishes cooked over the fire. A private car with driver arranged by our team makes this easy to combine with Petra.
Neighbourhoods and quarters to know in Petra
The Visitor Centre Area
The lower end of Wadi Musa, around the entrance to the archaeological park, is the most convenient base for first-time visitors. Hotels lie a few minutes' walk from the gate and the Petra Museum, so you can be in the Siq at opening time and return easily for a midday rest. Restaurants and shops are close by, and the area is calm and safe.
Wadi Musa Town Centre
Uphill from the park, the town centre gathers around its main roundabout with local restaurants, bakeries, spice shops and small cafés. It feels lively and authentic, a good choice for travellers who like everyday life around them. Hotels here are a short taxi ride from the park gate, and evenings are relaxed, with families out walking and the smell of grilled meat in the air.
Ain Musa and the Upper Hills
At the top of the town, around the spring of Ain Musa, linked by tradition to the Prophet Moses, hotels sit on the hillside with wide views over the mountains that hide Petra. It is quieter and cooler than the centre, ideal for couples and photographers who love a sunset terrace. A short drive takes you down to the park entrance each morning.
Little Petra and Beidha
North of Wadi Musa, around Little Petra and the Neolithic village of Beidha, desert camps and small lodges sit among sandstone outcrops. Staying here means starry skies, Bedouin dinners and deep silence after the day in Petra. It suits travellers who want nature and space, and the main park entrance is a short drive away by car.
How long to stay in Petra and how to pair it
Recommended stay
We recommend two nights in Petra. Arrive the afternoon before, then spend one full day in the park from opening time: the Siq, the Treasury, the Royal Tombs and the climb to the Monastery. Use the second morning for the High Place of Sacrifice or Little Petra. With three nights, add Petra by Night and a slower pace on the trails.
How to pair it
Petra pairs naturally with Wadi Rum, about an hour and a half to the south, for a night under the desert stars. A five-day loop combines Amman, Petra and Wadi Rum. In seven days, add the Red Sea at Aqaba and a final night floating at the Dead Sea. A longer journey can follow the scenic King's Highway between Amman and Petra, past Crusader castles and deep canyon views.
Best time to visit Petra and the rhythm of the day
Best months
The best time to visit Petra is spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, when days are warm and clear and the walking is comfortable. Summer is hot and dry, so start at opening time and rest at midday. Winter brings crisp sunny days, cold nights and occasional rain, when sudden floods can briefly close some trails.
The daily rhythm
Petra rewards early risers. The gates open soon after sunrise, and the first hours in the Siq are cool, quiet and beautifully lit. Late morning is for the Royal Tombs and the city centre, the afternoon for the climb to the Monastery as the light softens. Evenings in Wadi Musa are calm: dinner, sage tea and, on certain nights, Petra by Night.
On-the-ground logistics in Petra
Arrival
Queen Alia International Airport near Amman is about three hours from Petra by the Desert Highway, and King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba is about two hours away. Hotels in Wadi Musa lie a few minutes from the entrance to the archaeological park. Our private airport transfers meet you on arrival and take you straight to your hotel in Petra.
Getting around
Inside the archaeological park, everything is reached on foot along sandy paths and rock-cut stairs, so comfortable shoes are essential. Horse carriages help travellers with limited mobility on the main path, and donkeys climb towards the Monastery. In Wadi Musa, hotels are linked by short taxi rides, and a private car with driver arranged by our team is ideal for Little Petra.
Local etiquette tip
The Bdoul Bedouin and the people of Wadi Musa live alongside Petra and welcome visitors warmly. Dress modestly in town, with shoulders and knees covered, while light, practical clothing is fine on the trails. Ask before photographing anyone, accept an offered glass of tea graciously and bargain politely with traders. Choose animal rides with care and never encourage overloading or rough handling.
Must-do things in Petra
- Walk the Siq at opening time to reach the Treasury
- See the Treasury from the viewpoint high above its façade
- Explore the Street of Facades and the rock-cut Theatre
- Stand inside the vast Royal Tombs, including the Urn Tomb
- Climb the rock-cut staircase to the Monastery
- Hike up to the High Place of Sacrifice for the views
- Walk the candlelit Siq on a Petra by Night evening
- Discover the rare painted ceiling at Little Petra
- Share sage tea with Bedouin families inside the park
- Taste mansaf and maqluba in a Wadi Musa restaurant
Do’s and don’ts in Petra
Do
- Do arrive at the park gate at opening time
- Do wear sturdy shoes with a good grip
- Do carry plenty of water and sun protection
- Do keep your entry ticket with you all day
- Do hire a licensed guide to understand the history
Don’t
- Don't climb on the monuments or the carved façades
- Don't start the Monastery climb late in the afternoon
- Don't wander off the marked trails without a guide
- Don't encourage rough treatment of working animals
- Don't take stones or pottery fragments as souvenirs
Petra at a glance
Plan Petra with Haqqi Tours
Every option is confirmed by our team on WhatsApp before you pay, and delivered by our own people or by trusted local partners we work with in every city. Because we send travellers from all over the world, our partners give us special rates and priority, so you always receive the best. Prices are per person unless marked per vehicle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask most about Petra.
Where should first-time visitors stay in Petra?
First-time visitors usually stay in Wadi Musa near the visitor centre, a short walk from the park entrance, so they can reach the Siq at opening time. For views and calm, the upper hills around Ain Musa are lovely, while camps near Little Petra suit nature lovers. Our team can suggest a hotel and arrange your private airport transfer.
Can Petra be done as a day trip, or does it need an overnight stay?
Day trips to Petra are possible from Amman, Aqaba or the Dead Sea, but they are long, with hours on the road each way. Petra truly deserves at least one or two nights so you can walk the Siq at dawn and climb to the Monastery without rushing. We arrange private transfers and guided day tours to fit your schedule.
What is the dress code and etiquette in Petra?
Dress modestly in Wadi Musa, covering shoulders and knees, while light, breathable clothing, a hat and sturdy shoes are ideal in the park. Ask before photographing people, accept tea with a smile and bargain politely with traders. Respect the monuments and choose animal rides thoughtfully. Our guides explain local customs on the way.
Is Petra tourist friendly?
Yes. Petra is Jordan's best-known site, and Wadi Musa is built around welcoming visitors from all over the world. Hotels, guides and restaurants are used to travellers of every age and style. Vendors and animal handlers may offer their services, but a calm, polite reply works well, and exploring with our guided day tours makes everything easier.
Is it safe to travel to Petra now?
Petra is generally considered safe for visitors, with tourist police at the park and a long tradition of hospitality in Wadi Musa. The main risks are heat, steep steps and sudden weather, so follow your guide's advice. Before departure, check your own government's official travel advice, and keep our WhatsApp line handy throughout your stay.
What are the must-do things in Petra?
The must-do things in Petra include walking the Siq to the Treasury, exploring the Royal Tombs and the Colonnaded Street, climbing to the Monastery, hiking to the High Place of Sacrifice, Petra by Night and an afternoon at Little Petra. Our guided day tours combine these in the best order and timing.
How many days do you need in Petra?
Two days is ideal for Petra: one full day for the Siq, the Treasury, the Royal Tombs and the Monastery, and a second for the High Place of Sacrifice, Little Petra or a slower pace. One day covers the highlights at a quicker rhythm, while three allows Petra by Night and quieter trails.
What can I book in Petra with Haqqi Tours?
Day tours, including Wadi Rum Jeep Tour with Hotel Transfer from Petra and Private 3-Hour Guided Petra Tour with Hotel Pickup. Each has its own page, and the WhatsApp desk combines any of them into one plan with one written price.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel in Petra?
With a private transfer: a driver at arrivals, flight tracking and a fixed price for the whole vehicle, door to door. Tell the desk the flight number and the hotel.
Is there public transport from the airport to Petra?
Public options vary by airport and end at a station rather than your hotel; the private transfer starts at the arrivals door and ends at your door.
Which tours are available in Petra?
Among them: Wadi Rum Jeep Tour with Hotel Transfer from Petra and Private 3-Hour Guided Petra Tour with Hotel Pickup. Each page says whether the day is private or small-group, what it includes and how long it lasts.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Both exist, and each tour page says which. A private tour has a vehicle and guide for your party alone; the desk can make most group tours private on request.
How do I book?
Fill in the form on any page or message us on WhatsApp with the date, the number of travellers and the hotel. A member of our team confirms the price and the details in writing within minutes.
Are the prices fixed?
Yes - every price is agreed in writing on WhatsApp before you travel and does not change on the day.
Do the drivers and guides speak Arabic or English?
It depends on the city and the day, so we do not promise a particular language; tell us your preference and we do our best. The WhatsApp desk always works in Arabic and English.
Can I change or cancel a booking in Petra?
Yes, in the same WhatsApp conversation. The terms depend on the product and on how close to the date the change comes; the desk states them before you pay.