Petra Sightseeing: Siq, Treasury, Monastery
Travel advisory, October 2026: Jordan is affected by the wider regional conflict involving Iran that began in 2026. At the time of writing, the US State Department rates the whole country Level 3, “Reconsider Travel”, and Level 4, “Do Not Travel”, for the borders with Syria and Iraq and a few named areas. The UK FCDO advises against travel only within 3 km of the Syrian border and gives no warning for Petra, Wadi Musa or Wadi Rum. Petra and Wadi Musa are open, but flights can be disrupted and conditions can change at short notice. Read the US State Department advisory and the UK FCDO advice before you book and again before you fly.
Petra is a valley of Nabataean tombs, temples and streets carved into pink sandstone, and Wadi Musa is the town beside its gate. Entry for visitors who sleep in Jordan is 50 JD for one day, 55 JD for two and 60 JD for three, with children under 12 free in daylight. Day visitors who do not stay overnight pay 90 JD. Prices are in Jordanian dinars (JD), and cash is best.
From the gate to the Treasury
The path starts at the Visitor Center. The first 800 m, called Bab as-Siq, passes the Djinn Blocks and the Obelisk Tomb. The Siq then winds for 1.2 km between high rock walls, at points only about 3 m wide, with ancient water channels and small votive niches carved into the sides. The walk takes 30 to 45 minutes.
The Siq ends at Al-Khazneh, the Treasury, a tomb facade about 40 m tall and 25 m wide. The name comes from a legend of hidden treasure. It was a royal tomb, and the interior is closed to visitors.
The main valley
Beyond the Treasury, the Street of Facades leads to the Theatre and the Royal Tombs, which include the Urn, Silk, Corinthian and Palace tombs. Further along are the Colonnaded Street, the Great Temple excavation and Qasr al-Bint, the best-preserved free-standing temple in the valley. The Petra Church, a Byzantine building from about the 5th or 6th century, has figurative floor mosaics in its side aisles. It is reported to be covered by the day ticket.
The Monastery
Ad-Deir, the Monastery, is reached by 800 to 850 rock-cut steps. Its facade is roughly 45 to 50 m wide, larger than the Treasury. The climb is strenuous, so start early. A shuttle and a 5 JD back-road transfer reach the trailhead from the Nabatean Cultural Village near Little Petra.
Little Petra and Beidha
Little Petra, also called Siq al-Barid, is about 8 km north of Wadi Musa and runs separately from Petra, so no Petra ticket is needed. The Painted Biclinium has Hellenistic-style vine, bird and winged figure frescoes. It is the best-preserved painted Nabataean interior. Beidha, a Pre-Pottery Neolithic B village, is nearby.
The museum
The air-conditioned Petra Museum stands next to the Visitor Center. It is a good stop in the heat of midday, and you should check its hours that day.
Practical tips
- Hours: the park opens around 6:00 to 6:30 am and closes between 4:00 and 6:00 pm depending on the season. Winter hours apply from 2 October 2026 to 1 March 2027.
- Heat: June to August is hot and shadeless, often 35 to 40 C or more. Spring and autumn are the best seasons.
- Floods: the Siq is a drainage channel, so never enter it in or after heavy rain.
- Closing time: visitors have been locked in overnight, so start back early.
- Allow two days if you want the Monastery as well as the main valley.
For guided choices, search GetYourGuide sightseeing in Wadi Musa . For tours inside the park, read more: attraction tours in Petra and walking routes .