Petra

View of Treasury from Siq, Petra
Bethany Layton 2011

Most of the time you mention Jordan, the first thing that comes to everyone’s mind is Petra.  Petra, Greek for “stone,” is Jordan’s most popular and recognized historical site.  If you do not recognize the name, you will most likely remember it from the 1989 movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade where Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) found the Holy Grail.  

More than 2,000 years ago, the Arab Nabataeans intricately carved hundreds of temples, tombs, sacrificial altars and houses into the sheer salmon-colored stone walls we now know as Petra.  Although the city was built over two millennia ago, the city was once lost to the world and was only recently rediscovered by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812.  Best described by John William Burgon in 1845 in his poem titled Petra, “…A rose-red city, half as old as time.”  While written over a century and a half ago, this quote is still often used when describing and referring to the city.  You can find a copy of the entire poem in his book Petra and Other Poems on Google Books.

Treasury at Petra
Bethany Layton 2011

Located in the southern half of Jordan, Petra is approximately 3 hours from the capital of Amman.  While there are many ways to get there, including tour groups, public transportation buses, and taxis, your best bet is to rent a car.  This allows you as much time as you want to explore the park, and you can even stay overnight in one of the many hotels located in the surrounding city.  The biggest benefit of renting a car is that you do not arrive with a large tour group and you are able to explore the city at your own pace without the concern that you are on a set time schedule and end up rushing through.  This is not to say that Petra isn’t a huge tourist attraction and that it won’t be busy if you arrive via car, however, it will allow you to relax and really take in the majestic properties that it holds at your leisure.  Whether you are spiritual or not, it is an amazing feeling being surrounded by such a feat created by man over 2,000 years ago.  There is a lot to say of what humans can accomplish in the absence of television and internet!

One of many stone carved temples within Petra
Bethany Layton 2011

While you can cover the main attractions of the city in one day, I suggest that you get a two or three day pass to the park to allow a sufficient amount of time to truly explore the city.  For more in-depth information on Petra, please visit one or both of the websites specific to the park here or here. 



Fees:

A one day ticket for a visitor without a hotel accommodation is 90JD or about $125 U.S. Dollars (Currently, 1JD = Approx. $1.40 USD).  If you do have a hotel accommodation for at least one night within the surrounding city, the entrance fee to the park is much less: 50JD/1 day; 55JD/2 days; and 60JD/3 days. 

Tips:

• Don’t forget your camera! The sights are incredible and you will no doubt take many pictures, so it is best to have an extra battery on hand, just in case.
• Arrive as early as you can. You’ll beat the initial bus tour crowds and you will get the best sun for pictures in early to mid-morning (as well as late afternoon).  When the angle of the sun low, you will get the most red and pink colors of the surrounding rocks.  Another benefit to going early is to avoid the extreme temperatures that can occur in this desert city.
• Bring plenty of water and a snack or two, as well as sunscreen.  While there are a few shops, as well as a restaurant located inside the city, it is highly suggested to bring your own for economical purposes.
• Wear comfortable cotton clothing, a hat, and walking or hiking shoes.  I suggest that you find a shoe that does not have any mesh on it, or as little mesh as possible.  This will help lessen the amount of sand that will inevitably find its way inside your shoes.   Also, bring an extra pair of socks.  Your feet will thank you for the fresh change at the end of the day.