camel tour petra

Camel riding: a bucket list experience!

If you want to try camel riding in Jordan during your trip there are two clear options: Petra or Wadi Rum.  Short rides are offered to tourists in Petra and make a nice photo opportunity. But if you want a longer trek, the real bedouin way, you’ll want to plan this experience in the majestic desert of Wadi Rum.  Full day tours with a local bedouin guide are a great way to see some of the highlights inside the protected area.

There’s no question that camels have been prized by bedouin for centuries.  You can see the petroglyphs of camels that abound in Wadi Rum, showing their importance to the nomadic lifestyle.  These are beloved and valuable animals that are well-cared for and carefully trained to accept riders. Lonely Planet travel guide recommends camel rides as an eco-friendly way to explore the desert of Wadi Rum.

The Ships of the Desert

During your visit to Wadi Rum you may see camels roaming freely in the desert, but they are not “wild.”  The bedouin owners often allow them to move about unsheperded, and know where they tend to go. You may even spot a group of camels who are being raised to compete in camel races that take place throughout the region.  A prize racing camel brings a hefty price. Usually the races in and around Wadi Rum are an event for the locals and not promoted to tourists.  

Jordan Travel Camel Tours in Wadi Rum

Have a look at our visual story to learn more about camel ride and tour opportunities with us at Wadi Rum Escape.

Some options for camel riding tours

CHECK OUT SOME OF OUR TOURS WHERE YOU WILL EXPERIENCE A FULL DAY OF CAMEL RIDING IN WADI RUM…

Full Day CAMEL TOUR

A one day shared tour with lunch, ending at sunset.

Jeep, Hike and Camel Tour

A combination tour with overnight stays included .

Jeep & Camel Tour

A 2 day combination guided tour with overnight.

Hike to Jabal Burdah Rock Arch

Wadi rum – sleeping under the stars.

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Camel Riding in Petra & Wadi Rum

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Tour features.

Camel riding is a traditional way of moving for Bedouin. It is a very quiet and leisurely way for you to discover our desert. You will feel like you are being transported back in time. The trip with your local Bedouin will be just the duration you need, from one hour up to four or five days  including sleepung under the stars with 4x4 vehicle assistance if needed.

Camel Ride in Wadi Rum & Petra is optional for 15 JD / $ 21 USD per camel per hour. You don’t need to book it in advance and can be arranged upon arrival to Petra or Wadi Rum.

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Camel Trek to Petra’s Monastery

I step out of the black, goat hair tent.  The morning spring air has a refreshing bite.  Next to the fire, Abu Ahmad offers me a cup of mint tea. I dip my last piece of bread in fresh olive oil and “za’atar”.  “Your camels are waiting for you,” he says.

Just past the last Bedouin tent, we hear the alien grunts of a dozen camels.  “Mount up”, says our Bedouin escort, who will be leading us on a camel trek to the hidden back entrance of Petra.

Everyone in our tour group mounts a camel, and soon, we’re off.  With each step, the pads of my camel’s feet squish out like a stress relief toy.  My mind is taken back to the ancient Nabateans, who meticulously carved the city of Petra out of sandstone over 2,000 years ago.  A major marketplace, Petra once brought camel riding merchants from all over the near East.  It’s thought that the magi (also known as the “wise men”) passed through Petra on their way to visit the newborn Jesus; buying their gifts for him, frankincense and myrrh, in this ancient city.

I’m thankful our camels aren’t in a hurry. Sitting 8 feet off the ground atop this saddled hump, I am afforded a fantastic view.  Sandstone seems to drip off the eroding mountains like melting wax.  So distant from everything I’m used to.  All we encounter are mountains, other camels, and occasionally a goat hair Bedouin tent.  Our caravan continues on until we reach the mountain where we will begin our hike to Petra’s Monastery.

“We walk from here,” says Musa, our Bedouin guide.  Dismounting, we give our patient new friends one last scratch behind the ears, and we start our ascent.  Most of the rock we tread on is firmly held, but I’m thankful I brought my walking stick as we cross a section of loose stones.

After hiking for nearly an hour, we get our first glimpse of the urn-like top of the Monastery.  The sharp, precisely cut structure is a stark contrast to the rugged sandstone surrounding it.  The Monastery is enormous, a breathtaking site. The door alone is 25 feet tall.

It is jaw-dropping.  For proof, here’s a picture of my parent’s reaction when they first saw it:

In taking the traditional way up, you climb 800 stairs to reach this spot.  I’ve done it many times.  It’s worth it.  However, if you get a chance to take a camel caravan and then hike to the secret back entrance, you feel like you’re the one discovering this magnificent site.

Want to try out the camel trek and hike to the Monastery at Petra? Check out this Jordan Ecotour itinerary . 

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The Complete Guide for Camel-Riding

Camel rides are a kind of activity everybody does when they visit the Middle East, especially if they take Israel and Jordan tours . The ride is a great way to experience the traditional, easy way to explore desert landscapes and feel a bit like Lawrence of Arabia. But camels are not horses, and a tourist who doesn't know how to approach them is in for a nasty surprise.

This professional guide , written with help from our field experts in Jordan and Israel, will make sure you'll have a great time on your camel ride. let’s take a look at the history of this splendid beast, what it’s like to ride one, and how to prepare yourself before you hop between its hump.

Camels in Arabic Culture

The word ‘camel’ in Arabic actually means ‘beautiful’ and whilst this is not perhaps the first word that comes to mind when describing these animals, it’s true to say they do have a certain charm.

Native to the Middle East (and also North Africa/Asia) in Arabic culture, camels are a symbol of strength and hardship. After all, for thousands of years they were the primary means of moving across desolate and inhospitable terrain. They were (and still are) prized as resilient beasts of burden who provide tasty meat (the hump being the most prized part).  

As for their distinctive features, the Dromedary has one hump and the Bactrian two.  Dromedaries make up 90% of the world’s population and they are the ones you’ll see if you‘re traveling in the Middle East. 

Hardy Beasts of Burden

A common myth is that their humps are filled with water but that’s not true! In actual fact, the hump is a place to store fat, which can be transformed at short notice into an instant energy source - this means camels can actually go up to six months without food!

Other features that make camels hardy for desert life include double rows of long eyelashes and nostrils that can shut easily - this helps them when sandstorms hit.  They can also survive on seeds, dried leaves, and thorny plants when food cannot be found in the desert - and because they have thick lips and a large number of teeth (34), the thorns won’t even injure them!  

Is it fun to ride a Camel?

Yes, it really can be.  After all, what better way to see the hot, shimmering desert than from high up, trekking silently in formation across sand dunes, leaving nothing in your wake but footprints?

Many adults, and almost all kids, love the experience.  Sure, you’ll be bobbing up and down a bit, and you might disembark with sore legs, but as long as you have a positive approach, chances are you’re going to have fun.

The other thing to remember is you won’t be alone - you’ll be in a group, led by experienced Bedouins, who have an intimate relationship with the animals and know exactly how they need to be treated.  And because they were born and raised in the desert, they know the terrain incredibly well, which means you’re in safe hands.

What to wear when riding a Camel?

When riding a camel, it is important to wear clothing that is comfortable, loose-fitting and provides protection from the sun and the elements. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Clothing: Prefer lightweight, breathable clothing that covers your arms and legs to protect you from the sun and from any brush or thorns that you may encounter. Loose-fitting clothing is ideal as it allows for ease of movement. Cotton or other natural fibers are good choices. Oh, and don't forget to wear a hat!

Footwear: Closed-toe shoes or boots with a sturdy soles are recommended. This will protect your feet from the stirrups.

Layering: If you are riding in the early morning or evening when temperatures can be cooler, consider wearing layers that can be removed as the day warms up.

What to expect when Camel Riding

So what does it actually feel like to go camel riding?  Well, whilst it’s certainly fun, as we’ve said above, the truth is that it’s not always entirely comfortable or easy! Here are a few things to expect before you get going: 

Camels grunt, gurgle, and huff; they also moan and bellow loudly. This is their way of communicating with each other. Occasionally, they may even grind their teeth! Don’t be scared - it’s all part of the experience!

Camels move slowly - be aware that you won’t be racing across the desert, rather plodding along at a slow and steady pace. 

Camels are stubborn - if they don’t want to do something, you’ll have a fight on your hands.  If things get tricky, however, the Bedouin guides will step in to help you.

Tips for Riding a Camel

Avoid being bitten or kicked: if you’re going horse riding, it’s likely that if you pet your horse, or give them some straw beforehand, they will reach out and smell your hand. Unfortunately, this is not the case for camels - in fact, if you reach out to stroke one, you might end up bitten or kicked.

Fun fact: whilst horses only kick forward and backward, camels can kick in all four directions. Having said this, camels can also be very friendly and gentle, so please don’t worry too much - just go with your instincts.

Mounting and dismounting your camel: First of all, make sure the camel is kneeling down (ask a Bedouin guide for help, to hold the animal still, if necessary). Then put your left foot in the stirrup and swing your right leg over. Once you’re on, grab onto your saddle firmly with both hands. Lean back as your camel stands up - you’re then good to go.

Controlling your camel: This is where your reins come in. On the right side of the camel’s head, the rein will control its direction. On the left side is the rein you’ll use to deal with speed. When you want your camel to move forward, pull on both reins together - but to make it stop, give just the left rein a tug. Oh - and if you want your camel to turn around, loosen one rein and pull the other tight!

Do Camels Spit?  

Camels spit a lot although, technically, it’s not spitting - they’re actually bringing up the contents of their stomach, and mixing them with saliva. This ‘regurgitation’ can seem alarming but it only really happens when they feel threatened. 

Are Camels faster than Horses?  

No, horses are generally faster. Camels are known for their ability to travel long distances in hot and dry environments, but they are not typically used for speed. The average speed of a camel is around 20-25 miles per hour (32-40 km/h), whereas horses can reach speeds of up to 40-45 miles per hour (64-72 km/h).

Having said that, Camels are better adapted to travel over sand and rough terrain than horses, which can make them faster in certain situations. Camels have large, padded feet that are well-suited for walking on sand and their wide-spaced legs provide stability in uneven terrain. In addition, camels have a unique gait that minimizes the amount of energy they use and reduces the impact on their joints, which can help them move more efficiently over rough ground.

Horses can still be faster than camels over short distances because they are able to reach higher speeds. Overall, the relative speed of camels and horses will depend on the specific conditions of the terrain and the distance being covered.

What do you call a Camel with three Humps?

"Pregnant"; there are no camels with three humps on their backs. The single-humped camels are known as Dromedary Camels, the double-humped are called Bactrian Camels, and the three-hump thing is just an old joke. 

Camel Riding in Jordan

Jordan is the perfect place for camel rides; the combination of ancient cities carved into red cliffs in Petra , otherworldly sceneries in  Wadi Rum , and a mystic atmosphere just loops in every adventurous soul - and well, the scene won't be complete without a traditional camel ride.

You can get a camel ride at every glamping site in Wadi Rum, and all around Petra. Camel rides can be booked also from the Visitor’s Centre in Wadi Musa , the city right outside the Petra Archeological Park.

Finally, if you’re interested in taking Petra and Wadi Rum tours , feel free to click or just contact us ; our field experts in Jordan are the best and will make sure you'll have a great vacation.  

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Adventure travel & ecotourism - tours and trips, trek et chameau (15 jours), [pdf en français], ​​ petra to wadi rum trek and camel ride,, before relaxing in aqaba (15 days), all meals such as breakfast, lunch and dinner are included and with every meal, you can enjoy nice bedouin tea., camping equipment and the jeep assistance are also included for the hiking days., day 1: airport / madaba, meet and assistance at the airport (visa formalities, customs...). transfer to madaba, dinner, and overnight stay in a hotel. day 2: petra (hiking), after early breakfast, drive to petra, one of the seven world wonders. full day visit of petra : the siq (a narrow stunning gorge in the rock), al-kazna ("the treasury", the most impressive monument), the royal tombs, the theater, the colonnaded street, and, via the "secret" nabatean road, hike from wadi muaysra sharkiyya (canyon with a lot of nabatean monuments) to little petra. dinner and overnight camping. day 3: little petra / petra (hiking), breakfast. hiking visit of little petra : you will see a stone age village via siq grab (natural canyon) to badah (nabatean agricultural fields and water irrigation system), under the shade of mountains overlooking araba canyon. you will reach the monastery in petra (nabateaen temple), then go down to the center of the ancient city, hike to the temple of qasr el-bint, and continue to the snake monument, south of petra, overlooking petra center. dinner and overnight camping. day 4: petra / wadi sabra (hiking), in the early morning, climb to jabal haron for sunrise (the highest mountain in petra and the most spiritual place, linked to the legend on aron, brother of moses (1450m above sea level). breakfast on the top, then continue hiking to wadi sabra (red canyon with a lot of trees, water and a small theater from the nabatean times that used to be a caravan station). dinner and overnight camping. day 5: wadi sabra / ras masuda (camel riding), after breakfast, we will meet our mounts and start camel riding through wadi sabra, going south via the caravan route to the nabatean gardens, where we can have some shower. overnight camping in ras masuda, overlooking wadi araba. day 6: beer hamad / homayma (camel riding), breakfast. camel riding continues towards the desert of wadi rum, via beer hamad (old nabatean caravan cistern) to homayma (nabatean caravan station). dinner and overnight camping. day 7: on the way to wadi rum (camel riding), today, we will camel ride via the nabatean agriculture fields, and see many of the water reservoirs. then, we will enter the amazing region of wadi rum, also known as « the moon valley », probably the most awe inspiring mountain desert in the world  it brings to mind a dramatic moonscape of ancient valleys and towering weathered sandstone mountains rising out of the pink, red and white sand, where t.e. lawrence led the arab revolt in 1916-1918. dinner and overnight camping near the al-kharaza rock bridge. day 8: wadi rum (hiking), breakfast, then hiking in wadi rum to see different sites and sceneries: rocks with nabatean inscriptions, the colorful canyon of wadi abo enkalah, to end in beautiful red sand dunes where we will camp. dinner and overnight camping. day 9: wadi rum (hiking), breakfast, then hiking through the flat desert basin, where we will certainly see mirages, via lawrence road, as depicted in the seven pillars of wisdom . dinner and overnight camping. day 10: wadi rum (hiking), breakfast, then hiking via wadi um eshreen, one of the highest hills in the area, through sand dunes to the rock of inscriptions. then, continue to barrah canyon. dinner and overnight camping. day 11: wadi rum (hiking), breakfast, then hiking via barrah canyon to a magnificent siq with big dunes. visit of the nabatean dam (water pools), and continue via khor el-aajram to burdah rock bridge. there, we can climb the most famous natural bridge and enjoy the  sunset. dinner and overnight camping. day 12: wadi rum (hiking), breakfast. then, hiking to um fruth rock brigde via um sabbatah (red canyon), to reach a sunset point overlooking jabal qattar. continue to khazali canyon for dinner and overnight camping. day 13: wadi rum (hiking) / aqaba, breakfast. then, hiking in khazali canyon, nestling ancient inscriptions. continue to visit wadi shelaali (valley of the water fall), where we will see the « spring of lawrence », and a nabataean temple. your trek will end in the afternoon, reaching wadi rum resthouse. in the evening, transfer to aqaba, and overnight in your hotel. day 14: aqaba, free day to relax in  aqaba where you can dive, snorkel, go for a day cruise on the red sea, visit the city and shop. overnight at the same hotel. day 15: departure day ​, transfer to your airport for departure. ​ ​.

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Camel Ride in Petra - Petra - Wadi Musa Forum

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We have limited time in Petra and would like to see and experience as much as we can.

I read on the visitjordan site that you can use camels for transport.

Where can we arrange this type of transportation?

Can we hire them by hour?

Are we better off with a donkey? I know motorized vehicles are not allowed.

I had used camels for transportation in Morocco and had a very memorable experience.

I had the good fortune to be at Petra last week. I saw quite a few camels for hire spread around the site, starting from the Treasury and going up to the Street of Facades. I think it would be a matter of going up to the camel owner and negotiating a rate you're happy with. The donkeys were also spread around the site but concentrated around the restaurant at the end of SOF and they are much more active in touting for business (in particular they ask if people want a ride up to the Monastery). Again you would need to negotiate an appropriate price. Another piece of info you may find handy is that your ticket to Petra includes a horse ride to and from the entrance to the Siq leading into Petra. However, it does NOT include the tip which the boys leading the horses seem to consider compulsory ;-0

Hope this helps. Petra was a truly awesome experience.

You will find the camels in front of the Treasury, and they run between there and Qaser Al-Bint. You hire them direct from the owner and its by the trip.

As A99 mentioned you will find the camels operating between the Siq and the Royal Threatre.

There are 5 modes of transport once you have paid your entrance fee into Petra.

A) Horse riding with guides.

B) Horse and carriage down to the bottom of the Siq.

C) Camel from the Siq to the Royal Theatre.

D) Donkey from the Royal Theatre to the Monastery or tombs.

E) Walking by foot.

It seems each part of Petra is ruled by Order:

Horse - SIQ / Camel - TREASURY / Donkey - MONASTERY

How much should I expect to pay for a camel or a horse?

I just want to know ball park figures so I do not get overcharged.

Hi Passion,

And Thanks for Ellemay's input.

If you are happy and fir to walk,, I would avoid the horse-carrige thru the Siq,, it is a very bumpy ride.

As for the camel ride,, you can negotiate with the guys,, between 5-7 USD is the going price,,, anything over that,, forget it and move on to the next camel owner.

Aqaba, is that $5-7 per hour?

Is it in my interest to use USD vs JOD?

A99 surely you mean dinars and not USD!!!!!

I would have thought 10JD is something like a minimum from the Qasr el Bint to the Khazneh or vice versa. Take the camel ride on the way back, you will be wanting to look in at the various tombs on the way out.

There is no advantage in paying in USD anywhere in Jordan - on the contrary, people will levy an extra charge for the exchange. All hard currencies are readily available at banks, so few people are interested in them!

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Camel caravan

At a short distance behind Sabinos Alexandros Station, a two-piece, larger-than-life camel relief can be seen at a sharp bend on the south side of the Siq. It shows two camels with their guide going into town and two others in opposite direction. Both groups are separated by a narrow and steep gorge from which streams of water pour into the Siq when it rains, which will have been considered by the Nabataeans as a place with a strong divine presence. Just to the right is a betyl niche .

In the summer of 1997, the Antiquities Administration had the rubble in the Siq - alluvialised over centuries-, removed down to the ancient pavement using heavy machinery. This exposed the legs of the camels and their guide as well as the water channel behind them (top photo). Therefore, they are better preserved than the upper, always unprotected areas.

There was a long discussion among researchers whether one of the camels might be carrying a betyl and therefore it could be a procession. However, according to more recent findings, the group is interpreted as a trading caravan.

Location on map

© Photos, text: Haupt & Binder

Petra Tour: The Siq

The main access to Petra is a 1.2 km long gorge with steep walls up to 70 m high. Along the way there are remains of Nabataean water channels, cult niches and other interesting sights.

See also in Art Destination Jordan:

Late Antique town built over Nabataean and Roman structures with impressive basalt buildings.

Nabataean Route

On the footsteps of the Nabataeans in Jordan, from the Red Sea via their legendary capital Petra to the north.

Remains of Nabataean water supply, Roman fort and bathhouse, Byzantine churches, Abbasid manor house.

Web guide for cultural travellers - a wealth of information and photos.

Contemporary art, archaeology, art history, architecture, cultural heritage.

A betyl (Semitic: bait-el = house of God; Greek: baitylos) is an aniconical God symbol, usually in the form of a vertical rectangular plate or stele. It can also be a negative form in a niche. Often there are several betyls in a niche next to each other, on top of each other or grouped together. "The betyl is not a representation of the God, neither an image of the God, nor an idol. As a medium of the presence of the God, however, it can also experience cultic veneration. This in turn means that in the act of worship, one could offer sacrifices and gifts to the betyl." (R. Wenning, 2007. Transl. UiU)

Inside Petra Jordan: Everything You MUST Know Before Visiting

Probably one of the most anticipated sights when planning your trip to Jordan is the chance to visit the Lost City inside Petra. I should state early on that Jordan holds many gems that are reason enough to plan a trip to this country, but Petra is the leading lady of the show.

Also known as the Rose City, due to the color of the stone it is carved from, Petra was established in 312BC as the capital city for the Nabataeans. The site remained unknown to the western world until 1812 when a Swiss explorer discovered it.

The Lost City of Petra was designated a World Heritage Site on December 6, 1985, and is Jordan’s most visited tourist attraction.

With all that lead up, I am sure you can imagine the excitement that revolves around a visit to Jordan . Our own visit was met by some fickle weather but turned out to be a very sunny, blue sky day.

With that said, this guide to the Lost City of Petra should give you everything you need to know to make your visit special.

Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet Jordan (Travel Guide)

Planning Your Visit Inside Petra

Table of Contents

Hours & Best Time to Visit Petra, Jordan

The ticket office for the Lost City of Petra is open from 6 am to 6 pm in the summer and 6 am -4 pm in the winter. Petra closes around sunset. The best times to visit are early morning and late afternoons when the tour groups have moved through. This will be the quietest time for your visit.

Petra by Night starts at 8:30pm and finishes around 10:30 pm, but only on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights. There will be long lines when you arrive, so make sure that after you enter the site you hang back and let the crowd go.

This will give you a chance to photography the Sig without crowds of people.

How Much are Tickets for Going Inside Petra?

Entrance to the Petra site will cost you 50JD for a one-day pass , 55JD for a two-day pass and 60JD for a three-day pass. The price of your ticket includes a free horse ride to the entrance of the Siq.

If you are not up for walking, this is a great option but remember that it is only the ride that is free, not the tip. There is no set price for the tip so you’ll need to negotiate hard.

The cost of the site is not cheap but well worth the price you pay. As you can see, spending two days at the site is the best way to utilize the ticket price, since you only pay an additional 5JD for the second day.

Petra by Night is a completely different affair and takes place only on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights. The cost is 18JD.

** This is the tour we took ** Book your own adventure in Jordan: 8 Day Jordan Explorer

Our Experience of the Entrance to the Lost City of Petra

Upon arriving at the visitor’s center, we gained access to the entrance of the historical site. At this point, we were offered the opportunity to ride horses to the entrance of the Siq. This is included in the cost of the entrance ticket, however, they do not disclose that you will be asked firmly for a decent tip at the conclusion of your ride.

We also saw horse and carriage options from the start point as well. This option can be utilized all the way to the treasury, giving you a chance to rest your legs through the Siq before you arrive at the site.

I won’t lie, there is a lot of walking involved in visiting Petra and those that are less fit should consider renting a carriage at the start of your visit. Carriage rides are not included in your ticket price like the horse rides are, and you must negotiate for a ride.

We opted for the walking and enjoyed watching the horses trotting by us in their designated lane to the opening of the Siq. This walk is a solid 10-15 minutes and is called the walkway to the Siq.

Once we reached the end of the walkway, it was hard to miss the entrance to the beautiful bright red Siq that leads straight into the lost city of Petra.

Petra Hotels: Location is Everything

The small town of Wadi Musa has literally been built up to sustain the tourist attention that Petra gets. It is a place with many hotels, restaurants and a local culture which makes the visit very pleasant. There is a wide variety of hotels available from budget to luxury and something that will suit everyone.

Make sure that you don’t miss out on a visit to the downtown area of Wadi Musa to sample local foods, shops the food stalls and search for souvenirs. Many people just blow through Wadi Musa, visit Petra and leave.

Don’t be one of those people, take the time to go for a walk and check it out. You will be rewarded with a charming little town.

Wadi Musa is also a really great place to tuck in and sample some Jordanian food . Don’t be shy, wander into some of the great shops and restaurants. The locals love the conversation too.

How to Get to Petra, Jordan

If you are traveling independently, most hotels have a shuttle available that will take you to the entrance of the Lost City of Petra. Some hotels charge for this while others do not. If you are part of a group tour, transportation to Petra will be included.

If you are not part of a group tour and don’t have access to hotel transport, then walk to the downtown area and hail a taxi. They are affordable and easy to find. You can expect to pay around 1-2JD for a 5-minute cab ride.

Getting back to your hotel from Petra is also easy, taxis will be available at the same place you were dropped off. They will typically charge 3JD, sometimes you can negotiate to 2JD for a ride back to your hotel in Wadi Musa.

Alternatively, you could also walk to Petra. The entrance to the site is a 20 minutes talk from most hotels in Wadi Musa.

Amman to Petra – if you’re in Amman and want to make a quick trip to Petra, this possible by renting a car or booking a tour.

What Should I Wear?

You will be spending the day on your feet and exposed to the elements. So it is important that you check the weather forecast for the day of your visit and dress accordingly. I highly recommend comfortable walking shoes and a hat. Be sure to bring long sleeves and wear pants to be respectful of local culture.

Apply sunscreen before your visit, even on cloudy days. During the fall and winter months, Jordan can be surprisingly cold and wet. Not something you would expect from a desert country in the Middle East , but we can tell you, it’s true.

Our day at Petra was sunny but windy and required us to dress in layers that we constantly shed and redressed during our visit.

I also recommend bringing a day pack with a minimum of 2L of water, a small packed lunch (most hotels will make one for you), sunscreen, sunglasses, some cash and clothes layers. Sometimes the wind whips right through the site.

How Much Walking Can I Expect?

A complete full-day visit to the lost city of Petra can easily involve 10-15 miles of walking . The city is very spread out and also involves some stair climbing and slight grades to explore some of the off-path sites.

As I’ve mentioned a couple of times already, there are options to reduce the miles and hours spent on your feet by employing a donkey or camel ride within the city.

The camel ride can be a wonderful way to see the lost city of Petra as the handlers treat their camels well and sitting atop one is an experience you should have at least once while in Jordan.

Our Experience Walking the Siq of Petra

The Siq is the main entrance to the lost city of Petra. In my personal opinion, the Siq is one of the greatest attractions of Petra. The gorge stands between 91-182 meters high and is no more than 3 meters wide for the 2km it takes to reach the city.

Unlike some of the sites that are similar to the Siq, like Antelope Canyon in the USA that was shaped by water, the Siq is a natural fault that was split apart by tectonic forces and then later made smooth by water.

I like to imagine what it would have been like to discover this entrance complete with temples, tombs, and carvings. When you visit today, all that remains is the voids of their presence, filled only by imagination and a good guide.

We meandered along the path taking photos and listening to our guide as he told us the history of the site and the things we were looking at. At one point David and I actually got separated when he stopped to take some video and a group of people got between us.

We ended up walking the whole thing separately. Whoops! It wasn’t until I arrived at the treasury that I found him again.

Our Experience Exploring Inside Petra

After reaching the treasury we were able to start our visit to the city. There are 3 options to explore the city; by foot, by donkey, and by camel.

The rates can be a bit steep for a donkey or camel escort, but they will take you to the steps of each iconic site within the city and the Bedouins are good conversation. We opted for the walking at it ended up being one hell of a workout.

On a full-day visit on foot, we were able to visit most of the sites in the main part of the city. We even hiked some of the trails that lead to the back of the tombs and had the whole place to ourselves. Most people just stick to the main road that leads through the center of the site.

You absolutely shouldn’t miss the Tombs. It is a bit of a climb to get up to them, but they are beautiful and worth the hike. There are also a variety of sites including an ancient church, roman columns and ruined sites that lead you to the end of the main street. We didn’t have time to continue our tour to the monastery, so we regrettably missed out on that.

6 Sites You Cannot Miss in the Lost City of Petra

The treasury.

This will be the very first thing that you see when you reach the end of the Siq. You can’t miss it.  Depending on what time of day you arrive here, take your time to check out the structure.

You cannot go into the Treasury, but you can get close to it and look at the tombs below.  If it is busy when you get there, leave and come back later when there are fewer people.

Street of Facades

This is a walkway with various cutouts that have been weathered by the elements and time. Stroll along with this walkway imagine what it would have been like to arrive into this great city at the height of its power.

Imagine the trade, the entertainment and the way the facades would have looked.

The theater is small by Roman standards, but still worth checking out as it is carved out of the pink stone, right into the wall. Due to the wear and tear of it, you are not allowed to enter the theater, but you can climb up to a viewing platform to get an unobstructed view and some decent photos.

Royal Tombs

This is probably the coolest place you can visit in the lost city of Petra. Be sure to make the climb up to the top for a fantastic view of the whole city. Take your time to look at the market stalls along the way for some interesting souvenirs. The view inside the tombs is stunning as well.

Colonnaded Street

Colonnaded Street will take you all the way to the romanesque structured parts of the city and the museum. There is also a restaurant at the end, opposite of the museum, that serves a buffet lunch at a premium.

The Monastery

Arguably a better site to see than the treasury, this site is a long walk away from the end of the Colonnaded Street. you should be reasonably fit and have arrived here with enough time to hike out and back before the site closes.

I recommend visiting the Monastery on your second day, first thing in the morning. Then you can wander back through Petra and get more photos of things in a different light in the afternoon.

5 Things We Wish We’d Known Before Our Visit Inside Petra

• Petra is a huge site: One day is simply not enough time to explore this massive, beautiful site. The tour that we were with allowed only one full day to explore the site and we regret that. Even though we were there from sun up until 5 pm, we rushed around the site and were not able to fit everything in that we wanted to see.
• You need 2 days at a minimum: Two full days would give you the perfect amount of time to see all the sites at a pace conducive to photography and enjoyment. If you want to hike, you could easily spend 3-5 days on this site. The site is huge and the weather unforgiving making it hard to rush through the site in one day.
• The crowds move through fast: Part of this mistake was that we were on our own rushed visit of the mighty site. The truth be told though, the crowds you will likely encounter when you first arrive disappear very quickly. This leaves sites like the Treasury and tombs completely empty to photograph. We came through the treasury area 3 times during our visit, the first time it was packed as that was close to the opening time of the site, the other 2 times, completely empty.
• Bring a packed lunch: There are a couple of restaurants inside the site that cater to tourists and they are very expensive. The USD is weak to the Jordanian Dinar, so think tourist prices and then the loss on conversion! Easily solved by bringing in your own water supply (at least 2 liters) and a packed lunch from your hotel.
• Petra is fragile so be respectful: The site suffers from a host of threats, including the collapse of ancient structures, erosion due to flooding and improper rainwater drainage, weathering from salt upwelling, improper restoration of ancient structures and unsustainable tourism. Be careful when exploring the site and avoid touching the walls of the buildings. If we are not mindful of these things, Petra will not be around for future generations.

Read reviews and check prices with our Hotel Search Engine , that gives you the best hotel deals found on the web. Our search engine pulls results from all of the major booking places, including Expedia, Hotels, Booking and more. All the options, all the deals, all in one place and just for you.

More on Jordan:  

• Is Jordan Safe to Visit?
• Petra by Night is Pure Magic
• Swimming in the Dead Sea in Jordan
• Best Time to Visit Jordan: Month by Month Breakdown

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Travel planning resources, about lina stock.

Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

2 thoughts on “Inside Petra Jordan: Everything You MUST Know Before Visiting”

Petra is amazing, but I found the people of Wadi Musa to be the least hospitable in Jordan, with exorbitant prices, and a true Us and Them mentality towards foreigners. Petra is well worth seeing, but best done as a day trip so as to avoid Wadi Musa in my opinion.

That’s too bad! We didn’t get that from our visit at all. Many friendly merchants and locals in the area where we stayed.

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Petra – Wadi Rum – Petra

The Tour starts from Petra (Wadi Musa) with a private VIP vehicle (Taxi or Vans).

Upon arrival in Wadi Rum, you start the full-day classic Jeep Tour as the following itinerary:

We will start this tour from Wadi Rum village. You will have a chance to enjoy visiting and seeing some of Wadi Rum’s historical and natural places. During this trip, we will go to the Nabatean temple. After that, you will go to Lawrence’s spring with a shortstop. Then you continue to Khazali Canyon where you can walk through the canyon. After that, you will go to the little bridge where you can climb to the top. After that, we will go to Um frouth Rock Bridge which takes 10 minutes to be on the top. After that, we continue to Burdah Rock Bridge ( The biggest arch in the desert of Wadi Rum). After that, we will continue to Almahama Canyon where you will have around 30 min walk and then do the sandboarding. After that we will take you to Lawrence’s house After that we will take you to the Inscription ( Nabatean and Bedouin ancient inscription drawn on the mountain), The next place we will see and visit is Sand dunes where you walk up the Soft sands and enjoy running down fast. Finally, we will drive you to the sunset area where you can enjoy watching a fascinating sunset.

After the sunset, we drive you back to the hotel in Aqaba where you stay that night.

Our Tours Run from 2 pax only.

2 people 85 JD per person

3 people 75 JD per person

4 people 65 JD per person.

The price includes:

• A round taxi or cap from Petra.
• Full-day jeep tour
• Bedouin-cooked Lunch
• Bottled water
• Bedouin Tea
• Sandboarding

If you would like to do the jeep tour as a private tour this costs you 20 JD extra per person

It’s optional to add a camel ride as the following options:

2 hours camel ride costs 25 JD per person 1-hour camel ride costs 15 JD per person 40 min camel ride costs 10 JD per person

If you would like to be dropped off somewhere else after the tour is done (not in Aqaba) Like a camp in Wadi Rum, Petra, or any other city please contact us to reschedule the tour for you.

Mixed Tours

Day tours – no stay, 1 day tour with transportation, jeep tour with overnight, sleep under stars (bivouac), camel tours with stay, adventure tours with overnight, hiking tours with stay.

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 Trips to Jordan - Eilat to Petra, visit Wadi Rum, Jerash, Madaba & Mt. Nebo. Excursions and tours from Eilat and Israel to Petra, Wadi Rum and Jordan. Tours to Petra and Jordan from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.  All tours c an start in Jordan.   

"In my case it was love at first sight. This desert, all deserts, any desert." The Journey Home - 1977 Edward Abbey.

{related  Long Tours in Jordan | Private Petra day Tour Options | Petra and Pyramids: 4 Day Tours }

Promotion price for the coming mount - 1 day Petra tour from Eilat: 239$ p.p instead of 259$!   This page contains the prices of 2023

Our one day Petra tours from Eilat remain the number one choice for visitors to Petra from Israel but since entrance fees to Petra have increased for day trips more and more clients are choosing to join our Two Day Petra tours as an alternative.  The most requested two day tour option is our Petra and Wadi Rum tour from Eilat, this tour has been running daily for several years and continues to be hugely popular with visitors. Our other Two Day Petra Tours are focused entirely on Petra and cover it's most famous attractions. Two day tours to Petra from Eilat were always the better option in terms of tour experience and now they are more appealing than ever.  

People booking tours with us can also take advantage of our very special rates for hotels and domestic flights in Eilat and throughout Israel, Egypt and Jordan. Our best hotel deals are reserved for tour participants. The New York Times is recommending Desert Eco Tours' trips to Jordan and Petra.  On the forums, we hold th e 'Tripadvisor Award of Excellence'  of 2010- 2022

Photo gallery of our tours to Jordan and Petra

You can add a day to: Mt. Sinai  for sunrise and St. Catherine Monastery Eilat: southern  Negev Jeep tour  incl camels and Red Sea snorkeling From Tel Aviv or Jerusalem to Eilat via  Masada , Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea From Eilat to Jerusalem or Tel Aviv via  Mitzpe Ramon  and Zin Valley Visit Jordan - Eilat to Petra One Day Group Tour (Jordan tours)

For all options of private Petra day tour from Eilat Desert Eco Tours is consistently the number one choice for visitors to Petra and Jordan from Israel because we do things somewhat differently. All our tours are exclusively Desert Eco Tours,  we do not put our Petra tour clients together with any other tour company. Booking with us  means an early start for getting to and through the border and avoiding the inevitable delays that the other companies face, this gives our clients an average of one hour more touring Petra. Our permanent Jordanian tour staff are selected by us and operate according to our guidelines. Apart from having the best Petra tour guides available we also use the services of Jordan's leading bus company for maximum comfort on route. On particularly busy days we add additional guides to our Petra tours and divide the participants into smaller groups to ensure a higher quality tour experience for everyone. We operate a large selection of Petra tours most of which run on a daily basis and our experienced staff are dedicated to providing the best possible tour to each and every visitor. On our two day Petra and Wadi Rum tours we spend a whole day exploring the highlights of the spectacular Wadi Rum (8 hours) in new 4x4 vehicles driven by our local Bedouin English speaking staff. The jeeps commonly used in the Rum by smaller tour operators are generally driven by local youngsters and spend a maximum of 4 hours touring the Rum itself.  

Wadi Rum and Petra- Day tour:  If you take the private Petra day tour or the 1.5 day tour, you can consider the option of doing 1.5 hour jeep tour in Wadi Rum in the way back to Israel from Petra (additional charge). Full itinerary in option 5 . We encourage visitors to Petra to spend an additional night in Aqaba before their tour. Apart from the $60 savings at Petra, people staying two nights also get the $60 visa for free. On top of that hotels in Aqaba are cheaper than those in Eilat and the later morning pickup times mean guests get to enjoy breakfast in their hotel before the tour begins.

A selection of  hotels in Aqaba  Jordan for the night before the tour to Petra

Flights, Same day return from Tel Aviv available upon request Tours to Petra and Jordan from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem

Travelling to Jordan: Petra day tour with overnight option Many of our one day Petra clients choose to stay in Jordan the night before their Petra tour. We offer a wide selection of hotels just minutes away from Eilat in the town of Aqaba on the Red Sea, we also include transportation to each of the hotels. Visitors who choose to stay in Aqaba benefit from lower room rates than those staying in Eilat, more time experiencing Jordan with a more comfortable morning pick-up time for the Petra tour itself. Please advise by email if you require further information about this option.

Optional tour activities in Wadi Rum with Desert Eco Tours: Wadi Rum hot air balloon  ride at sunrise. Climbing and rappelling in Wadi Rum. Camel tours in Wadi Rum: From 1.5 hours to several days.  Diving in Jordan and Aqaba 

Excursions to Petra and Jerusalem from Sharm El Sheikh and Taba in Egypt

Visiting Jordan - Wadi Rum Day Jeep Tour from Israel (Jordan tours)  A one day Jeep tour in Wadi Rum from Eilat. Including an optional camel tour in Wadi Rum. This Wadi Rum tour from Eilat covers some of the most spectacular desert scenery in the world. Not only one of the most famous tourist attractions in Jordan, Wadi Rum is also a UNESCO protected world heritage site. It was here that T.E Lawrence led the Arab Revolt and the epic movie that followed 'Lawrence of Arabia' was filmed here on location. Tours to Wadi Rum from Israel have for many years been a popular tour option for people wishing to experience for themselves this mysterious and mesmerizing landscape. Our one day tours of Wadi Rum from Eilat cover all of the major highlights of Wadi Rum and go off the regular sight-seeing tour routes to explore the lesser traveled trails that few tourists get to see. The tour departs early morning to Jordan from Eilat in Israel and by mid morning we begin our off-road jeep along the most remarkable Wadi Rum jeep routes. We enjoy a hearty picnic lunch in the great outdoors as we take in the fascinating sights and experience the vast desert expanses and unique atmosphere that Wadi Rum is so famous for. The local Bedouin tribesmen provide short camel rides in Wadi Rum which can also be included into this one day Wadi Rum tour. Towards evening we leave the desert trails and head back to the road to commence our return journey to Eilat. The camel tours in Wadi Rum must be pre-ordered when booking to assure availability.  Sites incl: Jabel Rum, Jabel Umm Asharin, the Haz Ali Canyon, Wadi Barra Canyon, Jabel Burda Tour includes: Transport from hotel and assistance at Eilat - Jordan border, professional guide Tour doesn't include:   Visa to Joedan, Israel and Jordan Border taxes and tips.

 Visit Jordan - Eilat to Petra and Wadi Rum 2 Day Tour (Jordan tours)   For the full itinerary on the 2 days Petra Rum tour First Day - Departing Eilat with the daily one day tour we are among the very first to get to and through the border thus avoiding the lengthy delays that follow. We set off to Petra in plenty of time to take in all the sites of the one day tour route and still have extra time to cover the places that the one day Petra trip doesn't reach. This is an ideal opportunity for people to spend more time touring Petra and take in other major attractions such as the Monastery or the High place of Sacrifice. Our Petra tour guide returns with the one day tour but before he departs he will give you advice on how to spend the rest of the afternoon according to your interests and energy levels. The Monastery is quite a difficult walk up but is the most popular choice for the more energetic visitors. You can explore Petra at your leisure and a short walk from the entrance of the site takes us to our Jordan office nearby from there you are taken to your hotel or Bedouin Camp. Second Day - Today we set off bright and early into the magnificent expanses of Wadi Rum.  This is where Lawrence of Arabia famously served during the first world war and the epic movie about his adventures was also filmed here. We go off-road  into Wadi Rum taking in all the major attractions including the Seven Pillars, Lawrence's Well and  the inscriptions of Khaz Ali canyon. To witness the best of the desert scenery here we head away from the tourist traps and go right off the beaten track into the depths of Wadi Rum to enjoy the breathtaking scenery that few tourists get to see. We return to the road late afternoon and make our way to Eilat arriving by evening.

Accommodation options in Petra:

Tour doesn't include: Visa to Jordan $60,  handling and Israel/ Jordan border tax - $65 per person. & tips ($6 per person. per day)

Optional tour activities in Wadi Rum and Petra: Petra candle light tour- a magical two-hour tour into Petra walking through the Siq Canyon to the Treasury, all by candle light. Climbing and rappelling tour in Wadi Rum. Camel trip for 1 or 2 hours in Wadi Rum

We encourage visitors to Petra to spend an additional night in Aqaba before their tour. Apart from the $60 savings at Petra, people staying two nights also get the $60 visa for free. On top of that hotels in Aqaba are cheaper than those in Eilat and the later morning pickup times mean guests get to enjoy breakfast in their hotel before the tour begins.

Tour Incl: guide, transportation, bottles of water, 2 lunches and 2 entrances to Petra, overnight in hotel or camp with half board. Not incl:  Visa to Jordan, border tax and tips. Optional: Petra by night- every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday

Visiting Jordan - Petra, Jerash, Mount Nebo & Madaba 2 Day Tour from Israel

Day 1 - The tour to Jerash, Madaba and Nebo begins early morning in Eilat or Israel and Jordan's northern crossings (Sheik Hussein). We enter Jordan and meet our Jordanian tour staff. A 2 hour drive takes us to Petra for a full day tour of Petra (see Petra One Day tour). We spend the night near ancient Petra at 3 or 5* hotel. Day 2 - Visiting the historical sites of Madaba, Mt. Nebo and Jerash. Following breakfast we start the day at Madaba. Madaba is rich in history and renowned for its ancient mosaics and Byzantine churches. We take in the highlights of Madaba including the famous 'Madaba Mosaic Map' (Madaba Map), consisting of 2 million pieces and dating back to the sixth century it depicts Jerusalem and the surrounding areas. Other mosaics are found in nearby churches and museums. Not far from Madaba is the biblical Mt. Nebo, where according to Jewish and Christian tradition Moses looked over the Promised Land. After taking in the views from the mountain we head to Jerash. Jerash is widely considered to be one of the most remarkable and best preserved Roman cities in the world. It was hidden beneath the desert sands until just 70 years ago when excavation and renovation work began. This day is particularly long and includes relatively long drive times. Leaving Jordan we return to Israel at Eilat or the Sheik Hussein border crossing.

Price : 2 people $1195 in total, 3 people- $550 p.p. 4 people or more- $520p.p. Tour does not incl : border tax, tips and visa to Jordan in case of ending/ starting in Sheik Hussein border. Private tours:     2-3 people:  additional $125 per person,   4-6 people additional $95 per person. .

This tour to Jerash, Nebo and Madaba can start from Eilat, Tel Aviv or Jerusalem.

. Longer Jordan and Petra tours incl: hiking, trekking and camels

Optional tour activities in Petra Wadi Rum tour with Desert Eco Tours: Petra by Night- a magical two-hour tour into Petra, all by candle light. Wadi Rum hot air balloon  by sunrise. Climbing and rappelling in Wadi Rum. Camel tours in Wadi Rum: From 1.5 hours to several days.  Diving in Jordan and Aqaba  Excursions to Petra and Jerusalem from Sharm El Sheikh and Taba in Egypt Trips and tours to Jordan include: specialist guide, 4x4 vehicles, camping equipment, entrance fees to Petra and all meals.  Tours to Jordan don't include: Visa to Jordan, Israel to Jordan border taxes, which  total $65 per person. It is customary to tip in Jordan; we recommend the equivalent of $6 per client - per day. This is shared by the Jordanian guide with the rest of Jordanian tour staff. Please be advised that the issue of the animal handlers in Petra is entirely out of our hands and therefore we cannot accept any responsibility for the services they provide. Unfortunately, based on a lot of experience, we must advise you to avoid using them if you possibly can. We hope that very soon we will be able to update this page without these negative points but for now, we cannot stress strongly enough our stance against using any animal transportation services in Petra.  We strongly encourage visitors to Petra to spend the night before their tour in Aqaba. This ensures no delays on the morning of the tour. 

Remember: you can also visit Egypt, the Pyramids or the Sinai desert from your Eilat base.

Petra private day tour's options from Eilat

The full itinerary of the 2 days Petra & Wadi Rum tour: Highly recommended

3-4 day tour from Israel to Jordan and Egypt visiting: Petra, Wadi Rum, Cairo and the Pyramids

Longer tours of Jordan

customize your own tour of Israel, Jordan and Egypt including Jerusalem, Dead Sea, Petra, Sinai, Egypt, Cairo and Luxor

Our 2 day Cairo and Pyramids from Israel remains our most popular Egypt tour out of Eilat

Other favorites include the 4x4 jeep tours in Eilat

Read what our clients had to say about their desert experience

Photo gallery of Petra and Wadi Rum in Jordan

The map of Jordan

{related  Cairo & Egypt from Eilat | Create Your Own Tour  | Jerusalem Sightseeing Tour }

Special offers for flights to Eilat and back starting from 80$ p.p. per way. Tickets are changeable and refundable.

Latest Offers

  ↵ New! Petra and the Tomb of Aaron: 2 days tour in Petra from Eilat

  ↵ The best of Eilat, superb off road adventure: Jeep tours in the Eilat Mountains  

The best of the Negev desert: 1 & 2 day jeep tours to the Ramon Crater, Zin Valley, Judean desert  

The best highlights of Jordan, Petra and Cairo: Petra Pyramids tour 

  Israel, Egypt and Jordan, design your own tour of 3 countries

Desert tours from Jerusalem to the Judean desert. Wadi Kelt, St. George & Marsaba Monastery.

Eilat hotels- Enjoy our special rates on hotels and domestic flights for our tours' clients

   ↵   The legendary sunrise from Mount Sinai: 1 & 2 day tours to Saint  Catherine Monastery and Mt. Sinai

Sightseeing Tours of Jerusalem: The Jewish, Christian, Armenian and Moslem quarters of the old city.

  Our favorite Jordan tour, 2 days of magic to Petra & Wadi Rum- Jordan

Wadi Rum Jordan

The Treasury- Petra

Jabel Bueda- Wadi Rum

Jeep & hiking tours, Wadi Rum

The Monastery- Petra

Jabel Harun- Aaron tumb

Air Balloon in Wadi Rum

The Hazane- Petra

Jeep tours in Wadi Rum

Tours to Petra from Eilat

Camel tours in Wadi Rum

Petra by night

Colored Sand stone in Wadi Rum

Petra & Wadi Rum- 2 days tour

Jeep tours to Wadi Rum

Hiking in the Dead Sea canyons

Rappelling in Jordan's canyons

Wadi Rum- Jordan

Hiking in the canyons

Tours from Eilat

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• Eilat to Dead Sea Masada
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• Petra & Wadi Rum
• Eilat to Petra: Options
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• Tours from Aqaba Port
• Hotels in Aqaba & Petra

Israel Tours

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Desert Eco Tours  - P.O. Box 4113, Zofit center, Eilat Israel. E-mail: [email protected] Office Phone:  +97286326477   08-6326477 ,

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