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Picture of Petra, Jordan

Travel Guide for
Petra

Jordan

Arid, hot summers, mild winters, low rainfall

Introduction

Petra, Jordan, is a breathtaking ancient city carved into rose-red cliffs, set in the rugged desert landscape of southern Jordan. Once a thriving trading hub, Petra boasts stunning monuments like the iconic Treasury and Siq canyon. The city’s Nabataean heritage and welcoming local Bedouin culture give it a fascinating, friendly vibe.

Visiting Petra in mid-October means pleasant weather—sunny and warm, but not too hot—perfect for exploring with friends. Hike the scenic trails, share delicious local meals, and snap group photos by spectacular ruins. Petra combines history, adventure, and affordable travel for an unforgettable friends’ getaway.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleTravelling with friends

Dates14-17 October 2025

BudgetAverage budget

AccommodationHotel, hostel, apartment or house, villa, homestay

Interests and Activities:

arts and culturefestivals and eventsgastronomysightseeing and toursoutdoor adventuresnightlife and entertainmentvolunteering

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Picture of Petra, Jordan

Key Facts

Location

Ma'an Governorate, southern Jordan

Currency

Jordanian Dinar (JOD)

Religion

Islam (Sunni)

Population

9,000

Language

Arabic (Modern Standard, Jordanian dialect)

Electricity

230V, 50Hz, Type C/D/G

Time zone

UTCEEST (UTC+3)

Country code

+962

Internet access

Widespread 4G/mobile, moderate Wi-Fi in hotels, affordable

Climate

Arid, hot summers, mild winters, low rainfall

See More Jordan Facts

Language:

Arabic

  • hello

    مرحبا (mar-ha-ban)
  • goodbye

    مع السلامة (ma-a as-sa-la-ma)
  • yes

    نعم (na-am)
  • no

    لا (la)
  • how much

    بكم هذا؟ (bee-kam ha-tha)
  • please

    من فضلك (min fad-lik)
  • thank you

    شكراً (shook-ran)
  • excuse me

    عفواً (af-wan)

Map

Logistics

To reach Petra, fly into Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan’s capital. From Amman, most travelers take a JETT bus or hire a car for the roughly three-hour drive to Petra (Wadi Musa). Shared taxis are also available, offering a balance of comfort and cost for groups of friends.

There are no trains or boats to Petra, and flying directly to Petra isn’t possible. The weather in mid-October is usually pleasant, with mild temperatures and little chance of rain—ideal for exploring. Book accommodations in Wadi Musa for convenience. Plan ahead, as Petra can be busy during autumn, especially with friends.

Weather

Petra has a semi-arid climate, with hot, dry summers and cooler winters. Summer temperatures (June–August) can soar above 35°C (95°F), while winter (December–February) brings cooler days, chilly nights, and occasional rain. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are pleasant, making them the most popular seasons to visit.

From October 14 to October 17, Petra typically enjoys mild, comfortable weather, with daytime highs around 22–28°C (72–82°F) and cooler nights. Rain is still rare but possible, though extreme weather events are unlikely during this period. It’s an ideal time to explore Petra’s ancient wonders and scenic trails without intense heat or crowds.

Food & Drink

Petra’s local cuisine is hearty and flavorful, featuring dishes like mansaf (lamb with yogurt sauce), maqluba (rice and vegetables), mezze, and sweet knafeh. Mint tea and strong Arabic coffee are popular drinks, often served with meals or after your day of exploring.

Great places to eat with friends include Al Qantarah, renowned for its traditional buffet and Bedouin atmosphere, and My Mom’s Recipe, a friendly spot for home-style Jordanian food. Petra Night Restaurant offers a mix of local and Middle Eastern dishes, plus you can unwind at Cave Bar, set in a 2,000-year-old Nabataean tomb.

Tipping 10% is customary. Vegetarians will find plenty of options with mezze and salads, but it’s wise to check menu details. Ramadan may affect hours, but hospitality remains warm year-round.

A picture of Mansaf

Mansaf

Mansaf is a traditional Jordanian dish consisting of tender lamb cooked in a flavorful jameed sauce made from...

A picture of Maqluba

Maqluba

Maqluba is a popular Jordanian one-pot dish featuring layers of rice, vegetables, and meat (often chicken or lamb)...

A picture of Knafeh

Knafeh

Knafeh is a beloved Jordanian dessert made of shredded phyllo dough layered with sweet, gooey cheese, and soaked...

A picture of Falafel

Falafel

Falafel is a popular street food in Jordan, made from ground chickpeas or fava beans blended with herbs...

A picture of Sayadieh

Sayadieh

Sayadieh is a classic seafood dish in Jordan, featuring tender fish (often white fish like cod or grouper)...

Accommodation

For a trip with friends on an average budget, look for accommodation in Wadi Musa, the town closest to Petra’s entrance. Popular hotels like Petra Moon and Petra Guest House offer comfort and easy access, while hostels such as Petra Capsule Hostel and Valentine Inn cater to budget travelers and provide a social atmosphere.

Apartments, private rooms, and homestays can be found on Airbnb, Booking.com, or Agoda, giving you privacy and local experiences. October is peak season, so book well ahead for October 14–17, as hotels fill up quickly. Staying near the Petra Visitor Center maximizes your time exploring and makes returning at night easier.

Itinerary

Kick off your Petra adventure by immersing yourself in the city’s ancient history, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant artisan traditions alongside friends.

Main Entrance and Siq Walk

Begin your adventure with a walk through the dramatic Siq, Petra’s iconic gorge. Marvel at the stunning rock formations and ancient carvings. Tip: Arrive early to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds for photos.

Marvel at The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)

Experience the breathtaking sight of The Treasury, Petra's most famous facade. Learn about its history and enjoy sharing the moment with friends. Don’t miss the photo opportunities here – it’s a must for your Petra journey!

Bedouin Tea and Handicraft Experience

Immerse yourself in Petra’s living traditions by visiting a Bedouin tent for locally brewed tea. Browse handmade crafts and souvenirs while chatting with friendly artisans about their heritage and daily life.

Private Petra Day Trip Including Little Petra from Amman

Private Petra Day Trip Including Little Petra from Amman

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Experience Jordan’s greatest ancient treasure on this private day trip to Petra from Amman. After traveling from Amman to Petra with a private driver, enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of UNESCO-listed Petra: a rock city cut into a sandstone valley some 2,000 years ago. Walk along the “Siq” entrance canyon, and behold the rose-tinted Treasury, Royal Tombs, and more. During your explorations, learn about Petra’s history from your local guide and see lesser-known Little Petra, whose sculpted rock buildings were a suburb of the main city.

4.6 (117 reviews)

From $187 USD

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Attractions

5.0 (6 reviews)
Petra, Little Petra and Shobak Castle - Private Tour

Petra, Little Petra and Shobak Castle - Private Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Personalized attention: Unlike large group tours, this private tour concentrates on your interests and preferences. Your driver will customize the itinerary to match your pace, ensuring more time is spent at the sites you value most. Flexibility: You can modify the schedule and itinerary at any time during the day. Want to linger longer at Petra? No problem! Interested in visiting a local market? Your driver is happy to accommodate that. Beyond the classics: This tour expands beyond the usual Petra visits by including Little Petra and Shobak Castle. These lesser-known sites provide a unique insight into Jordan's history and culture, offering a richer and more diverse experience. Comfort and convenience: With a private driver and an air-conditioned vehicle, you can relax and enjoy the ride. Bottled water and refreshments are provided to ensure your comfort.

From $129 USD

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5.0 (77 reviews)
Jordan Private 4-Day Tour: Mt Nebo, Kerak, Petra, Wadi Rum, Baptism Site, Amman

Jordan Private 4-Day Tour: Mt Nebo, Kerak, Petra, Wadi Rum, Baptism Site, Amman

INSTANT

Visit Jordan and discover the country's amazing tourist's spots. This 4 day tour gives you a glimpse of what Jordan has to offer and takes you to the ancient and modern sites of the capital Amman, the heritage of the Roman heyday, the Byzantine mosaic art and the legacy of the Nabateans Petra. Float on the waters of the Dead Sea and explore the impressive Wadi Rum desert in the south of the country during a 4x4 Jeep tour. You will have to book 2 nights in Petra and 1 night at the Dead Sea.

From $420 USD

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4.9 (14 reviews)
4-Night Private Jordan Classic Tour: Petra, Dead Sea, and Wadi Rum

4-Night Private Jordan Classic Tour: Petra, Dead Sea, and Wadi Rum

INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL

This five-day tour gives you a great opportunity to see the cultural highlights of Jordan. Start with a panoramic tour of Amman center, downtown area with its Roman Theater, Citadel, traditional markets, churches, mosques, and the new modern city. Proceed to Jerash one of the most complete and best-preserved cities of the Roman Empire. Carry through for a classic 2 hours visit of Wadi Rum in a 4x4 local Jeep to explore its mountains of reddish hue. The desert of Wadi Rum where Matt Damon movie the Martian was filmed. Then head to visit Petra one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Your private tour includes overnight in 3,4,or 5-star hotel accommodation in Amman and Petra.

From $867 USD

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4.3 (6 reviews)
2-Day Private Tours in Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea from Amman

2-Day Private Tours in Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea from Amman

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Explore Jordan’s natural wonders and ancient history on a 2-day, Private tour of Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea. Travel by climate-controlled vehicle with an English-speaking driver as you explore Petra’s rock-cut architecture, go off-road in Wadi Rum and soak up the mineral-rich mud of the Dead Sea. Then, spend the night beneath the stars and enjoy an evening of Bedouin cuisine and culture.

From $245 USD

View Details
5.0 (6 reviews)
2-Day Private Tour in Jordan: Petra | Wadi Rum | Dead Sea from Amman

2-Day Private Tour in Jordan: Petra | Wadi Rum | Dead Sea from Amman

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Explore Jordan’s natural wonders and ancient history on a 2-day, Private tour of Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea. Travel by climate-controlled vehicle with an English-speaking driver as you explore Petra’s rock-cut architecture, go off-road in Wadi Rum, and soak up the mineral-rich mud of the Dead Sea. Then, spend the night beneath the stars and enjoy an evening of Bedouin cuisine and culture.

From $240 USD

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5.0 (3 reviews)
Jordan Pass 4-Night Private Cultural Tour: Jerash, Petra, and Wadi Rum Overnight

Jordan Pass 4-Night Private Cultural Tour: Jerash, Petra, and Wadi Rum Overnight

INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL

This five-day tour gives you a great opportunity to see the cultural main sites of Jordan.Start with a panoramic tour of Amman center,downtown area with its Roman Theater,Citadel,traditional markets,churches,mosques,and the new modern city.Proceed to Jerash one of the most complete and best-preserved cities of the Roman Empire.Then head to visit Petra one of the Seven Wonders of the World,and one of Jordan’s most enchanting archaeological sites.A city carved in stone more than 2000 years.Carry through for a classic 2 hours visit of Wadi Rum in a 4x4 local Jeep to explore its mountains of reddish hue.The desert of Wadi Rum where Matt Damon movie the Martian was filmed.Proceed to Madaba the mosaic city,as well as Mount Nebo.Roll down to the lowest point on earth and the first natural spa,the Dead Sea for a unique swimming experience not to be missed.Your private tour includes overnight in 3,4,or 5-star hotel accommodation in Amman,Petra,Dead Sea with one-night camping in Wadi Rum desert.

From $749 USD

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5.0 (11 reviews)
3-Night Private Jordan Special Tour:Amman,Petra,Wadi Rum with Dead Sea Overnight

3-Night Private Jordan Special Tour:Amman,Petra,Wadi Rum with Dead Sea Overnight

INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL

This tour includes one-night accommodation at each of Amman, Petra, and the Dead Sea. Start the tour off to visit the desert of Wadi Rum, called the valley of moon, where the movie Lawrence of Arabia and The Martian were filmed. You will have the chance to visit the soaring cliffs with its magnificent red colored sandstones. Then travel to the Nabatean Red Rose City of Petra, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. A city carved in stone more than 2000 years ago to dominate the trade routes of ancient Arabia, three nights of accommodation in your choice of tourist, prime, superior, and higher-class hotels; meals as per program, and time for lunch (on your own expense) on each day of your travel.

From $708 USD

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FAQ

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