Petra the ancient city hidden in the mountains somewhere in Jordan. The ultimate adventure of Indiana Jones and the last crusade. The iconic picture in back of our minds of the hidden temple standing proudly in desert for centuries.
Petra is much more than this, it`s wast, complex and abandoned ancient town with a lot of walking if you want to explore it properly.
How to get to Petra?
You can fly to Amman and from there by bus to Wadi Musa which is small town close to ancient city of Petra.
You can book tour in Israel and do round trip on coach in tourist group
You can cross border in Eilat in Israel and take taxi from border crossing to Aquaba in Jordan and from there take local bus to Petra.
What I did?
Petra run, day one
I have arrived to Wadi Musa by local bus in early Afternoon, I just let backpack in my airnb and walked to ancient city. I just had several hours to explore Petra.
I did the main trail to High place of sacrifice, I just took it easy walked and enjoyed the scenery.
Petra run, day two
OK, now the hard but the most rewarding part of my Petra trip. The grand tour, stack yourself with enough water, hat and comfy shoes which will handle the all day walking.
I went all the way up to Ad-Deir the monastery and then back to Royal tombs and to Al-Khubtha Trail Viewpoint. I really don`t suggest to do it if you are not fit. It took me all day to walk it.
Why I did it? because I can and I had only two days to explore Petra.
What golden monkey likes about Petra?
The combination of hiking and the self-exploration part.
Tips from the Golden Monkey
If you are crossing border from Eilat be patient with taxi drivers on Jordanian side, they will offer to take you to Wadi Musa and can be really pushy.
If the taxi drivers tell you there is no local bus from Aqaba to Wadi Musa/Petra they are lying to you.
I tried to walk to the treasury view point by myself and without a guide which ended in argument between me and the local guides. When I approached police they just ignored me what I completely understand.
Don`t take the horse ride from entrance to entry point, Yes it should be for free but horse handlers will ask you for money or to tip them. The ride is also really short one.
There is different price for tourist and locals in Wadi Musa stores.
Drones are forbidden in Petra and this is enforced by guards here.
Talk to people, you can learn a lot about their culture and habits and I guarantee you will learn something.
Enjoy the place, I really haven`t seen many places as genuine like Petra.
Do your research about Nabateans who lived here centuries ago.
What I missed?
Sunrise from the treasury view point 😦
Sum it up!
Yes, Petra trip could be challenging and sometimes exhausting but you will get rewarded by genuine and unique experience. There are trips before Petra and after it.
I believe that this is the point on my travel journeys where I matured and became more understanding and patient as a traveler and as a person.
It`s rough on the edges but if you are patient you will find your treasure in Petra.
Golden Monkey 