A rose-red city carved into cliffs, then a night under the stars in a Martian desert.
Best months to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Petra, the ancient Nabataean city, is carved directly into sandstone cliffs. The first sight of the Treasury through the narrow Siq gorge is one of travel's great moments — and the site is so large that most people underestimate how long they need.
A few hours south, Wadi Rum's red dunes and rock arches are best explored by jeep with a Bedouin guide, followed by a night at a desert camp.
Ideal stay
3–4 days
Budget
$$ · Mid-range
Currency
Jordanian dinar (JOD)
Language
Arabic; English widely spoken in tourism
Main airport
Amman (AMM), ~3 hrs by car to Petra
Good for
Archaeology, hiking, desert camping
The full guide
Season by season, a day-by-day plan, where to stay, getting around, costs, and local tips — unlocks with a
short ad.
When to go
Spring (Mar–May)
Warm days and wildflowers; the best time for hiking.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Very hot at midday; start walking at dawn.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Comfortable temperatures and clear skies.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Cold nights and occasional rain or snow at Petra.
Suggested itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Wadi Musa. Petra by Night (Mon, Wed, Thu) if running.
Day 2
Enter Petra at opening: the Siq, Treasury, Street of Facades, and the climb to the Monastery.
Day 3
The High Place of Sacrifice trail or Little Petra, then drive to Wadi Rum.
Day 4
Jeep tour of Wadi Rum, sunset on the dunes, and a night in a desert camp.
Where to stay
Wadi Musa
The town at Petra's entrance — stay close to the gate.
Wadi Rum camps
From simple Bedouin tents to bubble domes.
Getting around
Hire a car (driving is on the right and roads are good) or book a driver. Inside Petra you walk; donkeys and camels are offered, but choose operators who treat animals well, or walk.
What it costs
The Jordan Pass, bought online before arrival, bundles Petra entry and the tourist visa for many nationalities and usually saves money.
Good to know
Buy the Jordan Pass before you fly.
Allow two days for Petra if you want to see more than the main trail.
Wear sturdy shoes and carry plenty of water.
Travel information changes often. Prices here are rough guides, and transport, opening hours, and
entry requirements can change without notice. Confirm details with official tourism sites,
operators, and your government's travel advice before you book, and travel with suitable
insurance.
🔓
Keep reading
Watch a short ad to unlock the full destination guide — free, no account needed.
