Make a long day from Amman count by walking the Siq to the Treasury and exploring Petra’s rock-cut streets. This guide outlines what to expect on the drive, the terrain, and how to plan your day for comfort and discovery.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You enter Petra by way of a cool, narrowing gorge — the Siq — its sandstone walls pressing close, color shifting from honey to deep red as you walk. The Treasury reveals itself in a sudden light, an ornate façade carved out of the cliff that stops most groups in their tracks. For a day trip from Amman, this sequence of sights is compact but immersive: drive across the arid plateau, descend into the canyon, and spend hours on foot among tombs, temples, and carved streets.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
10 hours (including transfers)
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness: able to walk 3–5 miles over uneven ground and climb short steep sections.
Wildlife
History
Petra was the Nabatean capital from around the 4th century BCE and flourished as a trade hub controlling caravan routes connecting Arabia, Egypt, and the Levant.
Conservation
Visitor foot traffic, vehicle pollution, and natural erosion threaten sandstone façades; follow established paths, avoid touching carvings, and support local conservation fees when offered.
Reserve your spot on the Petra Day Tour from Amman today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Start early
Leave Amman before sunrise to arrive mid-morning when light is best and crowds are lighter.
Hydrate and ration water
Bring at least 2 liters and sip frequently — shade is limited in exposed sections.
Wear sturdy shoes
Expect steep stone steps and sandy trails; closed-toe shoes with traction reduce slips.
Pace your climbs
Short viewpoint climbs are steep; take breaks and use trekking poles if you have knee issues.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Grip and ankle support for rocky, sandy paths and stone steps.
3L hydration system or 2L bottle
Keeps you hydrated through long sunny stretches and limited shade.
summer
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
Direct desert sun can be intense during the drive and at the site.
summer
Light packable jacket
Mornings and evenings can be cool, and wind picks up on exposed ridges.
spring