Petra-3-day-itinerary

3-Day Itinerary for Travelling in Petra

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Petra’s Ancient City

  • Morning
    • Arrive at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) and take a taxi or bus to Wadi Musa, the town nearest to Petra ( approx. 4 hours)
    • Check-in at your hotel, such as the Mövenpick Resort Petra or similar
    • Visit the Petra Visitor Centre to purchase tickets and get an overview of the site
  • Afternoon
    • Start your journey through the Siq, a narrow canyon that serves as the main entrance to Petra
    • Explore the Treasury Plaza (Al-Khazneh) and take in the stunning views
    • Visit the Monastery (Al-Deir) and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains
  • Evening
    • Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, such as The Basin Restaurant or Al-Wadi Restaurant, serving traditional Jordanian cuisine
    • Take a stroll around Wadi Musa’s town centre and shop for souvenirs

Day 2: Discovering Petra’s Hidden Gems

  • Morning
    • Hike to the High Place of Sacrifice (Al-Madbah) for breathtaking views of the Treasury Plaza
    • Explore the Royal Tombs, a collection of monumental tombs carved into the mountain face
    • Visit the Byzantine Church, a stunning example of early Christian architecture
  • Afternoon
    • Take a guided tour to Little Petra (Siq al-Barid), a smaller version of Petra with similar architecture and scenic views
    • Enjoy lunch at a local eatery, such as Petra Kitchen or Al-Hamzah Restaurant
  • Evening
    • Relax at your hotel or explore Wadi Musa’s night market

Day 3: Adventure and Departure

  • Morning
    • Take a camel ride or horseback ride through the Petra Archaeological Park (optional)
    • Visit the Petra Museum to learn more about the history and significance of Petra
  • Afternoon
    • Depart for Amman (approx. 4 hours) or other destinations in Jordan
    • Stop at the Dead Sea, a natural wonder with its unique buoyancy properties (optional)

Things to Know

  • Petra is an archaeological site, so be respectful of the ancient ruins and artifacts.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for hiking and walking.
  • Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines during peak season.

Transportation

  • Taxi: readily available at the airport and in Wadi Musa
  • Bus: frequent services between Amman and Wadi Musa
  • Private car or driver: can be arranged through your hotel or a local tour operator

Tips

  • Purchase a Jordan Pass, which grants access to multiple attractions and sites, including Petra.
  • Hire a licensed guide to get the most out of your visit and learn more about Petra’s history and significance.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas.

Other Things of Interest

  • Take a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Jordanian dishes.
  • Visit the Wadi Musa market for a glimpse into local daily life and to purchase souvenirs.
  • Explore the surrounding countryside on a hike or jeep tour (optional).

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Petra!