As one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, Petra is definitely a must see when visiting Jordan. Personally, with my love for outdoor activities, I couldn’t wait to go hiking in Petra and explore this special spot.
From Amman, I organised a bus ticket (Jett Bus) via an American website to take me to Petra. It would have been a 4 hours journey in a comfortable bus. Waiting for the bus however, I soon realised that there is no bus leaving that day anymore. Apparently it left an hour earlier. I don’t know why my ticket said the wrong time but I was stuck once again. So, after another planned bus trip that didn’t go well (remember my dilemmas in Amman?), I ended up taking an Uber to drive me the 200 km to Wadi Musa and the famous town Petra. The place of the India Jones movies.
Taking an Uber to Wadi Musa was actually more enjoyable. It took three hours and I could relax in the car. The driver also stopped for a coffee break and every time I wanted to take some photos of the landscape. It was the perfect private service to enjoy the scenery. Although most of Jordan is a rocky desert, so there is not much to see. At least not until you reach the views of the Petra mountains. Wow!
The town Wadi Musa
Wadi Musa is a small and very, very hilly town. So when you stay at a hotel away from the main attraction, be ready to walk some hills and stairs. There is not much to find in Wadi Musa, however it has enough local supermarkets and restaurants to enjoy a few days. Although I think many tourists come here on a tour bus to spend the day hiking in Petra and then leave again.
As for me, I based myself in a private apartment for three nights so I could go hiking in Petra for two days. And I would highly recommend to take two days to enjoy Petra. There is lots to discover.
Hiking in Petra
DAY 1
On the first day I walked for over 5 hours. As I am an early riser I walked through the gate before 8am hoping to avoid the crowds. I wanted to be there before all the tour buses arrive. Clearly a few other people had the same idea as it was already quite busy.
Walking through the main gate, the flat and long path changes into a narrow gorge that leads soon into Petra and the first stunning facade. The Treasury (Al Kazna). It was a great first impression into Petra and the camels created a very idyllic set up for my photos.
It didn’t take long for the locals to try and sell me camel rides, souvenirs or a private guide to the viewing spot above. Apparently you can’t walk up there by yourself, but don’t be fooled. There is another path on the opposite side that gives you the same great view of the Treasury. For free. It is certainly a different perspective and worth the short climb.
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After the treasury and walking past many more souvenir stands as well as very keen sales people, I decided to walk the trail that went up to the ‘High Place of Sacrifice‘. It was a great addition to my hiking in Petra, going up and down, enjoying the views, rather than just walk along the main path to the Great Temple. I did that on the way back and on the second day, on my way to the Ad-Deir Monastery.
After the loop, past the Great Temple and back via the Treasury, my first day of hiking in Petra was complete as the day started to heat up. It was a beautiful sunny day and Petra and its carved structures looked incredible. I am not surprised Petra is also called the ‘Rose City’ because of the red colour. I especially noticed it when I looked at all my photos afterwards.
After my hike, all I had to do next, is walk up the steep stairs to my hotel in Wadi Musa. I certainly have done enough exercises for the day.
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DAY 2
On day 2 I headed towards the Monastery. I have read that you can hike to the Ad-Deir Monastery from Little Petra just up the road. However, given that it would involve catching a cab to take me there, I decided to just walk to the Monastery along the same path as yesterday. It is a pretty scenic route after all and hiking up the many stairs to the monastery was a challenge I was ready to take on. Otherwise, there is always the option of taking the donkey. They can take you anywhere.
The hike was really beautiful. From the view, to the souvenir stands along the way, offering tea and coffee as well as other local products, walking up the stairs was very enjoyable. At the top, the carved Ad-Deir Monastery stood very tall in the ancient Jordanian city of Petra. It is a stunning facade and is definitely worth the hike. Luckily I was here in March when the temperatures are quite nice and not too hot.
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The view
Sitting on top of the mountains, I could see signs for the ‘Best view of the world‘ everywhere around me. So I followed them all. Especially, as it was for free. And it didn’t disappoint. What an amazing view over this distinctive landscape of Jordan. From all angles.
Petra is definitely a remarkable spot in the world, and I really enjoyed hiking here. The weather was perfect, the people friendly and the arabic coffee delicious. That said, if you love places like Petra, go to Cappadocia. Somehow, for me Cappadocia was more unique. Maybe because it was bigger? I don’t know. But you should go and have a look yourself. Or just read my blog about it here.
After my two days of hiking in Petra I was pleased to have finally seen Petra. Next, I was looking forward to some rest in the Wadi Rum desert.
P.S. I wanted to do the night visit to Petra as well. However it is not included in the Jordan Pass and I have read that although the idea of the candle lights sounds amazing, it is not worth the extra 20 JID.
Also, as you know I don’t write much about the history, so here is the link if you would like to read more about Petra.
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