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Petra: Travel Guide

Discover the ancient wonder of Petra and immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the Nabataean civilization.

 
 

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General information

Petra, in the heart of Jordan, is an ancient city carved into the rocky cliffs of the desert. It is famous for its imposing rock-carved tombs, including the famous Treasure of Al-Khazneh. With its thousand-year-old history and breathtaking architecture, Petra is a must-see for lovers of cultural discovery and adventure.

POPULATION

Petra's population is mainly made up of Jordanians who live in the surrounding villages. The town itself is not permanently inhabited, but attracts many visitors from all over the world who come to explore this exceptional archaeological site.

CLIMATE

Petra enjoys a desert climate, with very hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures can reach 40°C in summer, while winters are generally pleasant, with temperatures fluctuating between 10°C and 20°C.

CURRENCY

The official currency is the Jordanian dinar (JOD).

LANGUAGE

The official language is Arabic.

A bit of history

Founded by the Nabataeans, an ancient Arab people, Petra was once a major commercial crossroads on the incense route linking Arabia, Egypt and Syria.The Nabataeans created a flourishing civilization by mastering water management and developing advanced construction techniques to carve monumental structures into the sandstone cliffs.

In the 1st century AD, Petra came under Roman rule and became a prosperous Roman city. Over time, however, trade routes changed, and Petra was gradually abandoned and forgotten.

It was not until the early 19th century that Petra was rediscovered by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt.

Since then, Petra has become a major tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world to admire its incredibly well-preserved architecture and fascinating history.

Today, Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains an extraordinary testimony to human ingenuity and the cultural imprint of past civilizations.

Petra

What to visit in Petra

Discover Petra's hidden treasures and plunge into an unforgettable adventure in the heart of this ancient city. Here are some suggestions for making the most of your visit to Petra.

Al-Khazneh treasure

Ad-Deir Monastery

the royal tombs

The siq

When to visit Petra

The best time to visit Petra is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the climate is more pleasant, with moderate temperatures, allowing you to fully enjoy exploring the city without being too bothered by the summer heat.

Things to do around Petra

In addition to the wonders of Petra, the surrounding area also offers exciting attractions to discover. Here are a few suggestions for things to do in the vicinity of this captivating destination:

WADI RUM

Shobak Castle

the Dead Sea

the historical site of Kerak

Our selection of accommodation in Petra

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Our selection of Restaurants in Petra

Discover authentic and delicious Jordanian cuisine during your stay in Petra. Here is our selection of restaurants where you can enjoy traditional dishes and local specialties.

Al Qantarah Restaurant

My Mom's Recipe

Events Not-to-be-missed in Petra

Soak up Jordanian culture and take part in exciting events during your visit to Petra.

The Rose Festival

Every spring, the Petra region celebrates the blossoming of roses with a colorful festival. Visitors can enjoy parades, traditional music performances and discover locally-made rose products.

Wadi Rum Festival

Petra By Night

A magical experience where Petra is illuminated by thousands of candles, creating an enchanting atmosphere. Visitors can stroll down the Siq to the Treasury, while listening to stories and traditional music.

Transportation in Petra

Car rental

Car rental is a practical option for those wishing to explore Petra and the surrounding area independently. Several car rental agencies are available there and in nearby towns.

Bus

Public buses connect Petra with other towns and villages in the region. They are an economical option for longer-distance travel. Timetables may vary, so it is advisable to check in advance.

By foot

The best way to discover Petra is on foot. You can follow the paths and footpaths to admire the historic sites at your own pace.

Horse and carriage

Horses and carts are available to take you to Petra's main points of interest, such as the Treasury and the Monastery.

The cost of living in Petra

0
Average Salary in Petra
The cost of living is very affordable. 35%

Petra's cost of living offers a favorable balance between affordability and quality. making it an affordable destination for travelers. Here are some examples of common costs in Jerash:

Accommodation

Accommodation options in Petra vary in price, typically ranging from €31 to €71 per night depending on the level of comfort and amenities offered,You can find luxury hotels, mid-range hotels, hostels and campsites.

Food

Restaurants in Petra offer a variety of dishes from Jordanian specialties to international cuisine. Meal prices vary according to the type of establishment and the level of service, but the average cost of a meal is around €6.

Transportation

Transport fares in Petra depend on the mode of transport chosen. Local cabs have set fares, while guided bus tours have predefined rates. If you rent a car, costs will include fuel and the rental itself.

Activities

The cost of entertainment in Petra varies according to the activities you choose. Entrance fees to visit Petra's historic sites are included in the admission ticket.

Must-do activities in Petra

Practical information

Petra is a relatively safe city for travelers, but it's always important to take certain precautions... In addition, it is advisable to keep abreast of the latest updates on the city's security situation by consulting the local and international media.

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR Petra

Travel insurance is particularly important if you're planning a trip to Petra, Jordan.

Although the city is relatively safe for tourists, it is still possible to encounter unexpected situations such as health issues, lost or stolen luggage, or transportation delays.

In such cases, travel insurance can help you resolve the issues quickly and efficiently, without having to bear high costs or additional complications. 

CASH MANAGEMENT

When traveling to Petra, it's important to take into account bank charges in order to manage your financial transactions efficiently. The easiest way to do this, and the one we recommend, is to open a bank account. Revolution Metal.

Here are the advantages of having a Revolut Metal account for your trips

  1. Currency conversion free of charge Revolut enables instant and transparent currency conversions without hidden fees. You can load your Revolut account with your local currency and convert money to Colombian pesos (COP) at the real exchange rate, thus avoiding the costly commissions charged by traditional currency exchange offices.

  2. Use without borders With Revolut, your account is usable worldwide. You can make online and in-store payments, withdraw cash from ATMs, and even use your Revolut card to pay for public transportation and taxis in Colombia. This saves you from carrying large amounts of cash and facilitates your daily transactions.

  3. Security and Control Revolut offers advanced security options to protect your account. You can easily enable and disable your card in real-time through the app if needed. Additionally, the Revolut app allows you to track your expenses in real-time, set spending limits, and receive instant notifications for each transaction, giving you full control over your finances.

  4. Budget and savings Revolut offers budgeting features that help you track your expenses during your trip. You can create budgets for different spending categories such as accommodation, food, and tourist activities. Additionally, you can round up your purchases to save money automatically in a separate savings account.

  5. 24/7 Support In case of any issues, Revolut's support team is available 24/7 to assist you. You can contact them through the app or the website for any questions or concerns related to your account or transactions.

In such cases, travel insurance can help you resolve the issues quickly and efficiently, without having to bear high costs or additional complications. 

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Frequently asked questions

Petra's landmarks include the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), the Monastery (Ad-Deir) and the Siq, a narrow gorge leading to the ancient city.

The best time to visit Petra is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild and pleasant for exploring the site.

The main means of transport in Petra are local cabs, horses and camels for certain journeys within the site, and walking to explore most of the ancient city.

Try Mansaf, a traditional Jordanian dish made with lamb and rice, and Galayet Bandora, a local specialty made with tomatoes.

The Petra Nabataean Museum and the Petra Visitor Center are two must-see museums for learning more about Petra's history and culture.

Yes, Petra regularly hosts cultural events such as the Petra Festival, featuring music and dance performances, as well as exhibitions of local crafts. Stay tuned for these events to enjoy a unique cultural experience in Petra.

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