How many days in Petra? 2 days in the rose-red city, plus a night in Wadi Rum
By Tony Panopoulos · travel-agency planner in Greece · Updated
Petra, the capital of the Nabataeans carved into pink sandstone more than 2,000 years ago, is much larger than the famous Treasury: the site covers about 260 square kilometres. Two days inside the site lets you walk the Siq at opening, see the Treasury before the crowds, climb to the Monastery and the High Place of Sacrifice, and come back at night for Petra by Night. Add a night in the desert of Wadi Rum, about 1h45 south, for the full Jordan experience.
Short answer
One day covers the Siq, the Treasury, the Street of Facades, the Royal Tombs and the Monastery, but it is exhausting (15-20 km on foot). Two days let you add the High Place of Sacrifice and quieter trails.
The 2-day plan, day by day
Day 1: The Siq, the Treasury and the Monastery
Morning. Enter at 6:00 (opening time in most seasons) and walk the Siq, a 1.2 km gorge whose walls rise up to 80 metres, until the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) appears through the gap. Early morning is the only time you might see it nearly empty.
Afternoon. Continue along the Street of Facades, the Theatre and the Royal Tombs (the Urn Tomb, the Silk Tomb, the Corinthian Tomb, the Palace Tomb), then the colonnaded street to the Great Temple. Climb about 800 rock-cut steps (about 45-60 minutes) to the Monastery (Ad-Deir), even larger than the Treasury.
Evening. On Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, Petra by Night (about JD 17) lines the Siq and the Treasury square with some 1,500 candles for music and storytelling.
Donkey rides are offered everywhere, but animal welfare is a concern. Walk if you can; if you need help, choose a rested, healthy animal.
Day 2: High Place of Sacrifice and the back trails
Morning. Climb from near the Theatre to the High Place of Sacrifice (about 45 minutes), an altar on a mountain top with views over the city, then descend through Wadi Farasa, past the Lion Fountain, the Garden Tomb and the Roman Soldier's Tomb, a quieter route back to the city centre.
Afternoon. For the classic view down onto the Treasury, take the trail from the Royal Tombs side or the Al-Khubtha trail to the viewpoint above it (allow 2-3 hours). Rest in the afternoon heat.
Evening. Visit Little Petra (Siq al-Barid, free), about 15 minutes by car from Wadi Musa, a smaller Nabataean site with a painted ceiling, before sunset.
Carry 2-3 litres of water and snacks: the site is huge and the walk back up the Siq at the end of the day is uphill.
Only have 1 day?
With 1 day, enter at opening, see the Siq, the Treasury, the Royal Tombs and the Monastery, and leave in the late afternoon.
Got extra days?
Spend a night in Wadi Rum, the red desert of Lawrence of Arabia and many science-fiction films: a jeep tour to the Lawrence Spring, rock bridges and dunes, then sunset and a zarb dinner (meat and vegetables cooked underground) in a Bedouin camp. The Dead Sea and Amman's Citadel and Roman theatre are about 3 hours north.
Where to stay in Petra
| Budget | Area | Why | Typical double/night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Wadi Musa (town centre) | Cheap hotels and guesthouses, 10-20 minutes' walk to the gate. | JD 30-50 |
| Mid-range | Wadi Musa near the Visitor Centre | Walk to the entrance for a 6:00 start. | JD 70-130 |
| Mid-range | Wadi Rum camps | Bedouin camps or 'bubble' tents under the stars. | JD 50-150 |
| Comfort | Hotels at the Petra entrance | A few steps from the gate. | JD 200-400 |
Getting around
Inside Petra, everything is on foot (or by donkey, camel or horse cart for parts). JETT buses run daily from Amman to Petra (about 3-3.5 hours). Many visitors rent a car or hire a driver for Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea; Jordan's roads are good. Aqaba has an airport and is about 1h45-2 hours from Petra.
What to eat in Petra
Jordanian food is generous. Try mansaf (lamb cooked in fermented yoghurt over rice, the national dish), maqluba ('upside-down' rice with chicken and vegetables), zarb in Wadi Rum, falafel and hummus for breakfast, and knafeh, a warm cheese pastry with syrup. Restaurants in Wadi Musa serve buffets; a meal costs JD 8-20. Sweet mint tea is offered everywhere.
Best time to visit
March to May and September to November, with highs of 20-30°C. Summer is very hot in Petra and Wadi Rum (above 35°C), so start at dawn. Winter is cool, sometimes cold and rainy, with occasional snow; flash floods can close the Siq.
Month-by-month weather for Petra →
What a day costs
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing a double) | JD 20 | JD 50 | JD 150 |
| Food & drink | JD 12 | JD 25 | JD 50 |
| Petra ticket (per day, from multi-day pass) | JD 28 | JD 28 | JD 28 |
| Transport & tours | JD 10 | JD 30 | JD 80 |
| Total per person, per day | about JD 70 | about JD 135 | about JD 310 |
Approximate 2026 prices in Jordanian dinars (JD 1 is about €1.30). Petra tickets cost about JD 50 for one day, JD 55 for two days and JD 60 for three days for overnight visitors.
Before you go
Common questions
Is the Jordan Pass worth it?
Usually yes. It includes the tourist visa fee (if you stay at least three nights) and entry to Petra and about 40 other sites. If you plan two days in Petra, buy the pass with two days included.
How many days do I need in Petra?
Two full days to see the main sites and a few trails without rushing. One day is possible but very tiring.
Is Petra by Night worth it?
It is atmospheric, but crowded and short (about 2 hours). It runs only on certain evenings; check the days.
Is Jordan safe?
Jordan is generally considered safe and welcoming for tourists. Check your government's travel advice before travelling, as regional situations can change.
What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes, a hat and layers. Modest clothes covering shoulders and knees are respectful outside the tourist areas.
Can I visit Petra from Aqaba or Eilat?
Yes, as a long day trip (about 2 hours each way from Aqaba), but you will see much less than with a night in Wadi Musa.
Should I add Wadi Rum?
Yes: a night in the desert is one of the best experiences in Jordan and it is less than 2 hours from Petra.
How do I get from Amman to Petra?
By JETT bus (about 3-3.5 hours, leaving early in the morning), by private driver or rental car along the Desert Highway, or the slower but scenic King's Highway past Madaba, Kerak and Shobak castles.
What is the best time of day to see the Treasury?
At opening (about 6:00), before the tour groups. The façade is in the sun from mid-morning; in the late afternoon it glows warm pink but the square is busy.
How this guide was made
Written by hand, without AI, from experience planning Middle East trips. Prices are approximate for 2026; confirm on the official Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority, Jordan Pass and JETT websites, and check current travel advice, before booking.
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