Petra: Lost City of the Rose-Red Sandstone (Petra Travel Guide)

Hike the Jordan Trail to Enter Petra via the Backdoor

Few experiences compare to approaching Petra through its most secluded and scenic path. The Jordan Trail’s backdoor entrance leads adventurers through Wadi Ghurab and the stunning plateau of Ad-Deir. This route bypasses the crowded Siq and begins near Little Petra, rewarding trekkers with panoramic views and a sense of timeless isolation. The trail weaves past ancient shepherd paths and rock formations before revealing the Monastery—one of Petra’s most iconic sites—without the usual foot traffic. This hidden approach offers not only a physical challenge but a spiritual one, connecting modern explorers to ancient Nabataean routes. Hikers should be prepared for a 6- to 8-hour journey, complete with moderate elevation gains and limited shade. Hiring a local Bedouin guide enhances the experience with storytelling and regional insight. As you ascend the final stretch toward Ad-Deir, the grandeur of Petra slowly unfolds in quiet solitude—making every step unforgettable. Trekking this backdoor route is more than a hike; it’s a passage through history that reveals Petra’s secrets in the most authentic way possible. Ideal for seasoned hikers and cultural enthusiasts alike, it remains one of the most rewarding—and underrated—ways to encounter the rose-red wonder.

Explore the Painted Biclinium in Little Petra

Tucked inside the lesser-known archaeological gem of Little Petra, the Painted Biclinium offers a rare glimpse into Nabataean artistry. Unlike the monumental facades of the main city, this chamber is discreet yet historically profound. Its significance lies in the remnants of colorful frescoes adorning the ceiling—one of the very few examples of Nabataean painting that survived centuries of erosion and exposure. These intricate floral and vine motifs are believed to have held ceremonial or elite social significance, pointing to the biclinium’s use as a dining room for guests of high rank. Experts suggest that the artwork reflects both Greek influence and native cultural identity, with pigments and technique showcasing cross-Mediterranean exchange. Although the colors have faded, their symbolism remains vivid for historians and visitors alike. Due to its fragile condition, access is sometimes limited, so respectful observation is key. Visiting the Painted Biclinium feels like entering a private cultural space that contrasts sharply with Petra’s grand monuments. It is intimate, mysterious, and deeply revealing of the Nabataeans’ aesthetic sensibilities. For those intrigued by the intersection of daily life and sacred architecture, this small chamber stands as a masterpiece in miniature—quietly telling stories that stone carvings never could.

Attend the Medaina Electronic Music Festival

Blending ancient landscapes with pulsating modern rhythms, the Medaina Electronic Music Festival redefines what it means to party in Petra. This annual event is held near the archaeological park, transforming the desert into an open-air stage where international DJs, visual artists, and performers gather to celebrate music, light, and cross-cultural creativity. More than just a music festival, Medaina is a movement—promoting local artists while drawing a global crowd eager to experience something unforgettable under Jordan’s star-streaked sky. Set against sandstone cliffs and echoing valleys, the acoustics are as otherworldly as the setting. Sustainability and cultural respect form the backbone of the event, ensuring Petra’s heritage remains protected even as it becomes a temporary haven for free expression. Attendees can expect electronic, deep house, and fusion genres, often paired with local Bedouin musical acts and traditional food vendors. Medaina is limited in capacity and emphasizes immersive experience over scale, making it one of the region’s most exclusive and atmospheric gatherings. For travelers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime combination of history, music, and connection, this festival captures Petra’s ability to bridge ancient roots with modern soul—where beats bounce off thousand-year-old walls and memory lingers long after the lights fade.

Discover the Petra Theater’s Unique Architecture

Built in the 1st century AD, Petra’s theater showcases more than grandeur—it demonstrates Roman engineering filtered through Nabataean ingenuity. Carved directly into the mountainside, the semi-circular auditorium could once accommodate over 8,000 spectators. Unlike traditional Roman theaters that were constructed with separate blocks, Petra’s version emerges from the rock itself, blending performance space with geological artistry. This hybrid approach not only reflects the Nabataeans’ adaptability but also their deep respect for the natural landscape. The theater faces a series of elaborate tombs, suggesting it may have been used for both public performances and ritual ceremonies. Although time and erosion have softened its sharp lines, the scale and acoustics remain impressive even today. Restoration efforts have stabilized the structure, allowing visitors to safely wander its tiers and appreciate the vantage points once enjoyed by ancient audiences. As you step across its rows, imagine the clash of drums, the chants of poets, or the whispers of political discourse echoing through the sandstone amphitheater. This isn’t merely a relic—it’s a living blueprint of Petra’s cultural heartbeat, where performance, architecture, and heritage merge in every carved seat and sculpted step.

Visit the High Place of Sacrifice at Sunrise

Starting early rewards intrepid visitors with Petra’s most spiritual sunrise. The High Place of Sacrifice, perched atop Jebel Madbah, offers panoramic views bathed in golden morning light. Reaching it requires a steep ascent of ancient rock-carved steps, winding through narrow paths and occasional goat trails. Along the route, you’ll pass obelisks, ceremonial platforms, and hidden tombs that hint at the mountain’s sacred significance. Archaeologists believe this summit was used for religious rituals, possibly involving offerings to Dushara, the chief Nabataean deity. The altar, cistern, and adjacent courtyards suggest both symbolic and functional uses, blending spiritual purpose with community gathering. Few visitors make the climb at dawn, making the journey deeply personal and rewarding. As the first light spills across Petra’s rose-red canyons, you’ll experience a silence that feels reverent—echoing the devotion of ancient pilgrims. Bring water, sturdy footwear, and an open mind, as this trail tests both endurance and wonder. While the Treasury may be Petra’s face, the High Place of Sacrifice reveals its soul. Watching the valley awaken from this sacred perch leaves an impression far deeper than photos can capture—it’s Petra at its most elemental and transcendent.

Experience Petra by Night Illuminated by Candles

Walking through the Siq under a starlit sky, with nothing but candlelight to guide your steps, transforms Petra into something magical. “Petra by Night” offers a sensory-rich experience that stands apart from any daytime visit. The path to the Treasury glows with thousands of flickering candles, casting soft shadows on the sandstone walls and amplifying the natural beauty of the narrow gorge. Upon reaching the Treasury, visitors are greeted by the haunting melodies of traditional Bedouin music—often performed live with flute or oud—while seated on rugs beneath the ancient facade. The show includes storytelling and sometimes tea, allowing for a quiet moment of cultural immersion. The atmosphere feels sacred, almost theatrical, as light, sound, and setting combine in perfect harmony. Photography is permitted only at specific times to maintain the ambiance, so it’s best to set your camera down and simply be present. This intimate nighttime ceremony offers more than just aesthetics—it deepens your emotional connection to Petra’s history and spirit. Reservations are highly recommended as this experience is limited to three nights a week. For travelers craving depth beyond sightseeing, “Petra by Night” is a poetic reminder that wonder doesn’t always need daylight to shine.

Explore the Royal Tombs’ Hellenistic Facades

Rising along Petra’s eastern cliff face, the Royal Tombs stand as monumental witnesses to the Nabataeans’ architectural sophistication. Their elaborate facades reflect a fusion of styles—Hellenistic columns, Assyrian crowns, and indigenous carving techniques—making them architectural palimpsests of Petra’s cultural connections. These grand mausoleums include the Urn Tomb, believed to have served as a church during the Byzantine era, the Silk Tomb with its swirling bands of multicolored sandstone, and the Corinthian Tomb, whose design closely resembles the Treasury. Each offers a different narrative of craftsmanship and function. Climbing up to these tombs allows visitors to admire detailed carvings up close, observe centuries of weathering, and absorb sweeping views of the ancient city below. Unlike the central monuments, the Royal Tombs feel contemplative—less trafficked yet equally profound. The interiors are mostly empty, yet their vastness and acoustics invoke a reverence for what once lay within. No two facades are alike, symbolizing both individuality and social hierarchy in Nabataean burial customs. Exploring these tombs adds context to Petra’s identity—not only as a commercial hub but also as a city of memory and tribute. They are more than burial places; they are stone stories carved for eternity.

Learn About Nabataean Astronomy at the Monastery

Far from being just a feat of architecture, the Monastery at Petra holds celestial secrets carved into its structure. Archaeological studies and local Bedouin oral history suggest that the Monastery—locally known as “Ad-Deir”—was used for religious observances tied to solar and lunar cycles. Its massive facade aligns with the sun’s path, casting precise shadows during solstices and equinoxes. Researchers believe this architectural alignment was intentional, used to track agricultural seasons and sacred days. Unlike the Treasury, the Monastery’s interior is relatively unadorned, shifting attention to its size and positioning. Visitors who reach its summit after the long stair climb are rewarded not only with breathtaking views but a chance to reflect on ancient Nabataean wisdom. Informational plaques and guided tours help decode its astronomical functions, turning a scenic visit into an enlightening one. The remoteness of the Monastery, requiring over 800 rock-cut steps, ensures a quieter, more immersive experience. Standing before this monumental structure, one can sense its dual role—as both sanctuary and observatory. It reminds travelers that the Nabataeans were not just skilled merchants and builders but also deeply attuned to the cosmos. Their connection to the sky is quite literally etched in stone.

Visit the Old Petra Museum Inside a Nabataean Cave

History lovers will find hidden richness inside Petra’s original museum, discreetly located within a Nabataean cave near the main path. Before the newer Petra Museum opened in Wadi Musa, this cave-based site served as the primary depository for artifacts uncovered across the archaeological park. Though modest in size, its charm lies in the way it merges natural rock with curated history. Visitors can explore pottery shards, tools, sculptures, and inscriptions—all housed in stone-walled chambers that once echoed with Nabataean voices. Each artifact is labeled with both English and Arabic descriptions, offering accessible insight into daily life, trade, and religious customs. The setting itself enhances the experience, allowing you to touch the same textured walls that ancient Petra’s citizens once used. While the main exhibits have been relocated to the modern facility, this cave museum still serves as a cultural stopover—quiet, uncommercial, and full of character. Guides nearby often share tales of the excavation process and the site’s transformation into a museum. Spending time here enriches one’s appreciation for Petra’s heritage beyond its grand facades. It’s a chance to see fragments of history up close and to realize that even in the shadow of greatness, smaller spaces can tell powerful stories.

Take a Guided Camel Ride to the Monastery

Riding a camel through Petra’s expansive trails offers an entirely different rhythm to exploring this ancient city. One of the most memorable options is to journey toward the Monastery with the guidance of local Bedouins, whose families have traversed these lands for generations. The camel’s swaying gait, paired with the crunch of sand and stone, lets visitors absorb the surroundings more meditatively than rushing from one site to the next. Bedouin guides often share oral histories, pointing out lesser-known carvings or former trade routes etched into the cliffs. The route leading to the base of the Monastery climb includes scenic plateaus, gorges, and rest stops where tea is served in true desert hospitality. Camels are well cared for and outfitted with comfortable saddles, and rides are regulated by local conservation efforts to ensure ethical treatment. While the animal can’t climb the final 800 steps to Ad-Deir, dismounting and hiking that last stretch makes the destination feel even more earned. This hybrid journey—part ride, part trek—blends tradition with adventure. It’s a powerful way to experience Petra’s vastness, guided by those who call it home and atop animals that once carried incense, spices, and legends along the same route.

Explore the Crusader-Era Al-Wu’ayra Castle

High above the arid cliffs northwest of Petra, the ruins of Al-Wu’ayra Castle tell a lesser-known chapter in the region’s history. Built by Crusaders in the 12th century during their brief occupation of Transjordan, this stone fortress offers commanding views of the surrounding valleys and ancient caravan trails. Unlike Petra’s Nabataean splendor, Al-Wu’ayra feels rugged and utilitarian—designed for defense, not beauty. Its remote location requires a moderate hike, which helps preserve its untouched character. Once atop the plateau, visitors can explore remnants of towers, walls, and water cisterns built using local sandstone. The strategic position reveals why Crusaders chose this site: it allowed surveillance of key access points into Petra and served as a defensive outpost against Saladin’s forces. While the structure is partially ruined, its bones remain strong, narrating stories of occupation, conflict, and eventual retreat. Very few tourists make the journey here, making it ideal for those seeking solitude and historical intrigue. No entrance fee or formal signage means exploration is self-guided, so background reading or a knowledgeable guide adds value. Al-Wu’ayra doesn’t seek attention—it commands it quietly, standing as Petra’s sentinel from an era of empires and emblems now long faded.

Participate in a Traditional Arabic Cooking Class

Food becomes a bridge between cultures when shared hands-on, and taking part in a traditional cooking class in Wadi Musa offers one of Petra’s most immersive experiences. Hosted by local families or culinary collectives, these sessions teach you how to prepare regional dishes like mansaf, maqluba, lentil soup, and freshly baked shrak bread. Participants are introduced to spice blends such as za’atar and sumac while also learning about the origins and significance of each recipe. Sessions often begin in the host’s home or rooftop kitchen, creating a relaxed atmosphere where storytelling flows as easily as olive oil. You’ll knead, season, roll grape leaves, and grill eggplant with guidance passed down through generations. Once the meal is complete, everyone gathers for a communal feast—a celebration of hospitality and heritage. Many classes also offer vegetarian and vegan options, making them accessible to all. The experience often includes a visit to local markets or gardens, showcasing how ingredients are sourced sustainably in desert environments. Beyond the food, it’s the personal interaction that resonates most. Sharing laughter over simmering pots and sipping tea with your hosts turns a cooking session into a lasting memory. Petra’s flavors don’t end at mezze—they begin there.

Engage with the Bedouin Community in Wadi Musa

Gaining a deeper appreciation of Petra means connecting with those who have safeguarded its secrets for centuries. The Bedouins of Wadi Musa, many of whom are descendants of Petra’s original guardians, welcome respectful engagement through cultural programs, guided walks, or overnight stays in traditional goat-hair tents. Whether over sweet tea or around a fire under desert stars, visitors can listen to stories passed down orally—about camel caravans, desert survival, and Petra’s sacred traditions. Participation might include learning the basics of Arabic, crafting silver jewelry, or playing the rababa, a one-stringed instrument central to Bedouin music. Community-led initiatives prioritize authenticity and empowerment, offering fair income while preserving intangible heritage. Some programs also include nature conservation and animal welfare education, creating a holistic exchange that benefits both sides. These moments go beyond tourism—they are about listening, sharing, and recognizing mutual humanity. Guests often leave with handmade keepsakes, new friendships, and a different lens through which to view Petra’s ruins. For travelers seeking to move beyond photos and into meaning, spending time with the Bedouin community becomes an enriching chapter in the Petra journey—grounded not just in place, but in people.

Visit the Temple of the Winged Lions

Lying just off Petra’s Colonnaded Street, the Temple of the Winged Lions stands as one of the city’s most symbolically rich and archaeologically intriguing structures. Built in the 1st century AD, this temple was likely dedicated to the Nabataean goddess al-Uzza, and its name comes from decorative capitals shaped like lions with outstretched wings. Excavations have revealed painted plaster walls, incense burners, and small figurines, all suggesting a vibrant religious life rooted in ritual and ceremony. Though partially collapsed, the site retains enough structure to spark the imagination—columns still stand, and fragments of painted stucco provide rare insights into Nabataean art. Restoration efforts continue to stabilize and interpret the area, often led by local communities and international teams. Unlike Petra’s more famous monuments, the Temple of the Winged Lions is less crowded, allowing time for quiet exploration. Interpretive panels and walking paths help visitors understand its layout and historical importance. Its location also places it within easy reach of other key Petra sites, making it a rewarding addition to any itinerary. This temple doesn’t just highlight spiritual devotion—it showcases Petra’s artistic and architectural complexity beyond the familiar facades of its tourist-famous icons.

Hike from Little Petra to the Monastery via the Back Route

Adventure-seekers looking for solitude and spectacular scenery will find both on the back route from Little Petra to the Monastery. Starting at Siq al-Barid, also known as “Little Petra,” the trail leads through high desert terrain and past ancient Nabataean waypoints—stone-built rest stops and cisterns that once served camel caravans. The hike covers roughly 8 kilometers and takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on pace. Gradual elevation gains give way to jaw-dropping vistas as you approach the final staircase leading to the Monastery. Unlike the main Petra entrance, this path is uncrowded, offering an unfiltered connection to the landscape and its ancient rhythms. Along the way, you’ll encounter grazing goats, carved niches, and perhaps even a Bedouin tea tent nestled in the rocks. Hiring a local guide is recommended for both safety and cultural context. By arriving at Ad-Deir from behind, you’ll experience one of Petra’s grandest monuments as the Nabataeans may have—without distraction or crowd. This route isn’t just scenic—it’s experiential, combining nature, history, and silence in a way few paths can match. If your goal is discovery with a sense of purpose, this trail delivers on every front.