The city of Petra, one of the most beautiful wonders of the world.

There are places that are emblematic of a country, and Petra is no exception. If you’re planning a road trip in Jordan, it’s unthinkable not to include Petra, the eighth wonder of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

This majestic place will transport you away from time… Grandiosely, there are no other words to describe this gem; it is an ancient city dating back 2,000 years, carved in stone by the Nabateans in the heart of the Djebel Haroun mountains. In the past, it was a veritable strategic crossroads on the Silk Road and spice routes connecting Asia with Europe.

There are no words to describe the excitement we all felt as we walked through the Siq in its magnificent colors, eager to reach the Treasury, the famous gate of Petra that leaves anyone who approaches it in awe… I felt like Indiana Jones. The Last Crusade !
«Through the desert and beyond the mountain, to the canyon of the crescent moon...» A quote from the film that marked my childhood!

 

A dream come true 💛 Finally, here we are in Petra, in front of one of the most beautiful wonders in the world… Words fail to describe the emotion felt, it’s magnificent! Follow on Snap (travelmehappy) #Petra #Jordan #Jordan #shareyourjordan #gojordan @visitjordan

A photo published by Travel & Lifestyle bloggers (@travelmehappy) September 3, 2016 at 0h59 PDT

Practical:

→ In Petra, the colors change throughout the day, and if you are passionate about photography, I recommend you visit the place early in the morning around 5 to 6 a.m., or later in the afternoon, and why not admire the sunsets on the site. Besides, you will be guaranteed not to find yourself with the crowds… And yes, the political crises in neighboring countries (Syria, Iraq, etc.) have driven away many tourists, even though one feels completely safe in Jordan… A few years ago, the city of Petra welcomed more than 6000 visitors per day, whereas today there are only about 300 people!

→ Opening hours: Open from 6am to 4pm in winter – Open from 6am to 6pm in summer.

→ If you are afraid of the heat, it is best to avoid the summer (June, July, August) in Petra because the temperatures there exceed 36°.

→ If you are tired, you can always take a carriage tour of the site!

→ It should also be noted that the visit to Petra is paid. 1 day = 50 JD, 2 days = 55 JD, 3 days = 60 JD, if a tour of Jordan is included = 90 JD (free for those under 15 years old). But if you buy in advance Jordan Pass, With this ticket, you can visit Petra and many other tourist attractions for much less (the visa fee is included in the price!)

→ You will find something to refresh and restore you on site

→ Many Bedouins from the neighboring village sell local handicrafts as well as water bottles (the prices are higher, so plan ahead). Be careful not to buy old pieces or pieces of pottery; you would have serious problems if you were caught by the airport police.

Things to see/do on site :

→ Crossing the 1.5km long Siq. It feels very small next to these large red and ochre cliffs with their graceful curves.

→ Admire Al-Khazneh («the Treasury»), this imposing gate 43 meters high and 30 meters wide carved into the rock.

→ If you want to enjoy a beautiful view overlooking the gate, climb the stone staircase on the right (200 meters further on); once up there, you can set up a tent in a Bedouin style and have a mint tea while facing the Treasury (it really is worth it!)

→ Discover these hundreds of Nabatean tombs

→ See the former theater with 3000 seats

→ Visit the Petra Archaeological Museum (Petra archaeological museum) and the Petra Nabataean Museum (museum dedicated to the Nabatean civilization)

→ Climb (on foot or on donkey) to Al Deir Monastery; the view is spectacular!

→ Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Little Petra site nearby the city or the road that runs through the mountains; the scenery is remarkable and devoid of any tourists.

We only stayed one day in Petra, but given the immense size of the site, I recommend staying for 2 days to take the time to fully immerse yourself in the magic of the place.

For more information, visit the website of the Jordan Tourism Office. You can also find the articles and photos of my adventure partners Elisa & Max (BestJobers), Mathilde (StayTunedForLife), Clo and Clem (UnTourSurTerre), Samantha (ParisTuParis) and Nathalie (Instagram) @Nathparis)

* Stay was made possible thanks to a partnership with the Jordan Tourism Board. The content of this article only reflects my opinion; I maintain complete freedom in my statements, and my recommendations are always objective.