Petra, Jordan 2 Day Itinerary

Petra, Jordan: A 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1:

Morning:

  • Arrival at Queen Alia International Airport (AMMAN). You can book a flight ticket through Royal Jordanian or other international airlines. From Amman, rent a car, hire a taxi or join organized tours to Petra. The journey takes approximately 3 hours.
  • Check-in at one of the hotels in or near Petra such as the Mövenpick Petra Hotel or the Petra Guest House.

Afternoon:

  • Start your exploration of Petra with the Siq, a narrow gorge leading to the famous Al-Khazneh (The Treasury). Spend some time marveling at this ancient tomb and take plenty of photos!
  • Continue exploring the site, visiting other sites like the Street of Facades, the Roman Theater, and the Monastery. Remember to wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.

Evening:

  • For dinner, head to the Petra Kitchen in Petra Village, where you can enjoy traditional Jordanian dishes like Mansaf and Maqluba.

Day 2:

Morning:

  • After breakfast at your hotel, visit the High Place of Sacrifice, offering panoramic views of Petra. Then, explore lesser-known sites like the Labak Valley, Al-Deir (Monastery) via the back route, or the Rummana Tomb.

Afternoon:

  • In the afternoon, consider visiting the Petra Museum in Wadi Musa. It provides a comprehensive overview of Petra’s history and archaeology.
  • Alternatively, take a relaxing dip at the Dead Sea, located about an hour from Petra. You can also cover yourself with its healing mud!

Evening:

  • Return to your hotel in Petra, pack your bags, and head back to Amman for your flight home or onward journey.

Things to Know:

  1. Petra is an archaeological city that was established around the 4th century BCE. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  2. The best time to visit Petra is either in spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November). Summers can be extremely hot, while winters may be cold and rainy.
  3. Always carry water with you as it can get quite hot during the day. Wear comfortable walking shoes and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
  4. Entry fees for Petra are JOD 50 (1-day ticket) or JOD 70 (2-day ticket).
  5. Bargaining is common in Jordan, especially at souvenir shops.
  6. Jordan’s currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). Credit cards are accepted at most establishments, but it’s a good idea to have some local cash on hand.
  7. English is widely spoken in Petra and other tourist areas. However, learning a few basic Arabic phrases will make your experience more authentic and appreciated by locals.

Transportation:

  • Renting a car is a convenient way to explore Petra and nearby sites at your own pace. Make sure you have valid international driving insurance.
  • Taxis are readily available in Petra, but fares may be higher than in Amman.
  • Organized tours can also be booked through travel agencies or online. These tours often include transportation, guides, and entrance fees.

Tips:

  1. Visit the Petra By Night tour, where you can walk through the Siq by candlelight to the Al-Khazneh. Book in advance as it’s a popular event.
  2. Take your time exploring Petra – there’s so much to see and appreciate! Don’t rush through the site.
  3. Support local businesses, such as restaurants and shops, during your visit. This helps preserve the culture and tradition of Petra and Jordan.
  4. Keep an open mind, be respectful, and enjoy the incredible beauty and history of Petra!