Petra
The rose-red city carved into the mountains
Petra is Jordan's defining landmark: a Nabataean city carved directly into rose-colored sandstone cliffs over two thousand years ago. Walking through the narrow Siq canyon and arriving at the Treasury is one of the most memorable moments any traveler can have in the Middle East.
Why Visit
Beyond the famous Treasury, Petra is a vast archaeological site with tombs, temples, a Roman-style theatre, and the dramatic Monastery reached by an 800-step climb. Few places combine this level of history, scale, and natural beauty in a single visit.
Highlights
- The Siq — a narrow, kilometer-long canyon leading to the Treasury
- Al-Khazneh (the Treasury), Petra's most photographed facade
- The Monastery (Ad-Deir), reached via a scenic mountain trail
- The Royal Tombs and the Street of Facades
- Petra by Night, a candlelit walk to the Treasury (seasonal)
Suggested Experiences
- Suggested duration
- Most travelers spend one full day for the highlights, or two days to add the Monastery hike and Little Petra without rushing.
