Every visit to Petra starts the same way. From the visitor centre in Wadi Musa a wide track leads down past the first tombs to the Siq, a cleft in the rock a little over a kilometre long, its walls rising high and sometimes almost touching overhead. Look for the Nabataean water channels cut into the sides and the worn reliefs of camel caravans. Then the gorge narrows, a sliver of pink stone appears, and you step out in front of Al-Khazneh, the Treasury, a royal tomb carved into the cliff face around the first century. The ticket is valid for the whole park, so carry on past the Street of Facades, the theatre and the Royal Tombs to the colonnaded street. Tickets are bought at the visitor centre or online, with one-, two- and three-day options, and the multi-day tickets cost only a little more than a single day.
How it works: the site opens early, around 06:30 in winter and 06:00 in summer, and the official fees page lists one-, two- and three-day tickets that must be used on consecutive days. Children under 12 enter free in daylight hours. The Jordan Pass includes Petra entry and is worth pricing up before you fly.
What to expect: it is about two kilometres from the gate to the Treasury, mostly gently downhill, which means the walk back is uphill at the end of the day. Horse rides for the first stretch are part of the ticket, and electric club cars run along the main route for a fee. Visitor numbers in 2026 are well below the record years, so the Siq is often calm, but tour groups still arrive mid-morning.
Making the most of it: be at the gate at opening for an empty Siq and soft light on the Treasury, then push on into the city before the groups. A two-day ticket lets you save the Monastery or the High Place for a fresh pair of legs.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided or guided walk from the visitor centre through the Siq to the Treasury and on into the ancient city.
Best time
Opening time, for an empty Siq and soft light.
How long
One full day at least; two days is better.
Tips
Wear real walking shoes, carry water and sun protection, and price the Jordan Pass before you buy a gate ticket.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Every first-timer: this is the Petra on the postcards.
- Families
- Children under 12 go free by day, and the flat main route suits young walkers.
- Couples
- Arrive at opening and you may have the Treasury almost to yourselves.
- Pair with
- The Monastery climb and the Petra Museum at the gate.
- Time needed
- One to two days.
Good questions
How long is the walk to the Treasury?+
About two kilometres from the visitor centre, through the Siq gorge, mostly gently downhill on the way in.
Should I buy a one-day or multi-day ticket?+
If you can, take two days. Multi-day tickets cost only a little more and must be used on consecutive days.
Is Petra open in November 2026?+
Yes. The site keeps winter hours, roughly 06:30 to 17:00, and visitor numbers are lower than in recent peak years.
Does the Jordan Pass include Petra?+
Yes, the Jordan Pass includes Petra entry for one, two or three days, depending on the version you buy.
Can I ride into Petra?+
Horses cover the first stretch to the Siq, and electric club cars run along the main route for a separate fee.
