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Petra, located in the rugged desert of Jordan, captivates travelers with its ancient wonder and beauty. Its impressive rock-cut architecture and stunning desert setting make it a must-see destination. However, without careful planning, visiting Petra can be expensive. In this guide on budget travel to Petra, we’ll share tips to help you experience all that this amazing city has to offer while making it affordable. Read on to learn more!
Table of Contents
What is Petra?
Petra is an ancient city that was once inhabited by the Nabataean people. They founded the city around the 5th century BCE where it served as an important trading center. The Nabataeans carved elaborate temples, tombs, and other structures into the sandstone cliffs, creating a city that is unlike any other. Petra is perhaps most famous for its Treasury, a massive temple-like structure with a distinctive facade that has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows.
Other notable features of Petra include the Royal Tombs, a series of elaborate burial chambers for the Nabataean kings and nobles; Qasar al-Bint, a well-preserved religious temple; and the Petra Theater, a large amphitheater used for performances and public gatherings. In 1985, Petra was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is now a popular tourist destination in the Middle East.
Where is Petra?
Petra is located in southern Jordan, about 3 hours south of the capital city, Amman. It is found in the Arabah Valley and only 2 hours away from Wadi Rum.
How to Get to Petra
For most people visiting Petra, they will be coming from outside of Jordan. For budget travelers, it is best to fly into Amman and then taking a bus to Petra. Make sure to book your flights in advance and keep an eye out for sales and promotions. If you have flexible travel dates, you will save even more money. Try to fly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays to maximize your savings.
Because Petra is such a popular destination in Jordan, you will find tours in every major city offering transportation services to it. You can spend a few dollars to get there by bus from Aqaba, a major city on the Red Sea. If you plan on visiting Wadi Rum as well, look for tours offering packages to both destinations. You will often save money by booking both experiences together.
When to Visit Petra
The best time of year to visit Petra depends on a few factors. For example, the weather in Petra can be quite extreme, with temperatures ranging from around 50 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter to over 100 degrees in the summer! If you’re not a fan of extreme heat, the spring and fall months (March to May and September to November) can be a good time to visit. Another factor to consider is the crowds. Petra is a popular tourist destination and can get quite crowded during peak season (typically June to August). If you prefer to avoid crowds, consider visiting during the low season (December to February) when there are fewer tourists.
If you are traveling on a budget, the best time to visit Petra is from December to February. The prices for flights, tours, and hotels will all be lower during this time. If you can’t go during this time, go during the spring and fall months. Prices will be more expensive than during the winter months, but not as expensive as they would be during the summer months.
Why You Should Book a Tour for Petra
Normally, I try not to engage in tours while I travel unless it is absolutely necessary. The main reason is to save money, but I also like to be independent when I explore new places. For Petra, however, booking a tour can actually be a smart move. There are tours available for all types of interests and budgets.
If you want to save money, look for a tour that will arrange transportation to and from your city of choice. If you go on a large tour, the price of transportation will be about the same as taking public transportation. It will also be much more convenient, as you will already know what time you will arrive and depart. To save more money, avoid booking a tour that offers a guided tour in Petra. Instead, you can walk around Petra on your own. However, if you do want to do a guided tour, hire one of the locals once you arrive in Petra. This will be much cheaper (and possibly more informative) than paying for a company to conduct the tour.
Finally, be mindful about whether your tour provides food and water. If it does not offer this, you should bring your own refreshments. You will need a lot of water, especially if you go in the summer. There are stores near Petra, but they are very expensive. (Note: most of these stores don’t have price tags next to their items. If you look foreign, they will charge you extra. That’s another reason to bring your own food and water!)
Where to Stay in Petra
When deciding where to stay in Petra, there are a few things to consider. First, there are no hotels located inside the park. Second, the closer the hotel is to Petra, the more you will have to pay. And finally, staying in the nearby town of Wadi Musa will help you save money.
One of the most affordable options for budget travelers to Petra is to stay in Wadi Musa. This is the closest town to Petra and serves as a convenient base for visitors. Wadi Musa offers a variety of accommodations, including hostels, guesthouses, and budget hotels. Not only will the accommodations be much cheaper here than in Petra, but so will the restaurants and cafes. In addition to its convenient location, it is a great place to experience local culture and get a taste of life in rural Jordan. Petra Cloud 1977 is a popular place to stay in Wadi Musa for less than $25 USD/night.
If you want a more convenient location closer to Petra, you will have to pay for the more expensive hotels near the entrance. The Petra Moon Luxury Hotel is located right at the entrance to Petra, so it is one of the most convenient options for arriving to the park early in the morning.
Cave Stay in Petra
If you are feeling adventurous, you can book a cave stay in Petra. The only way to sleep in Petra is if you are accompanied by a Bedouin family. These cave stays offer no running water, electricity, or any creature comforts you will find in a hotel. However, you will get to experience a traditional Bedouin dinner while camping out at Petra.
Tips for Visiting
Before your trip to Petra, here are 6 tips to ensure your visit goes smoothly.
1. Don't just see the Treasury
While the Treasury is the most famous landmark of Petra, there are plenty of other things to see while you are there. Some other monuments worth seeing, such as the Qasr al-Bint temple, require a little bit of walking. However, you will be rewarded with stunning views and few other visitors!
2. Arrive early when Petra opens
Most tour companies arrive around the same time in the morning, so hundreds of visitors will constantly be entering Petra. If you are able to arrive right when Petra opens, you can get there before the crowds. This will allow you to relax and appreciate the sights before being surrounded by tourists.
3. Take plenty of water and snacks
It’ll get hot as the day progresses, and you will end up drinking more water than you might think. There are not many places to buy food and water besides a small store at the entrance to Petra. As you can probably guess, the items here are very overpriced. Avoid paying more than necessary by bringing your own food and water.
4. Consider visiting at night
Every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, from 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM, you have an opportunity to see Petra by night. As the sun sets, the Treasury is illuminated by thousands of candles. It is a very relaxing experience.
5. Dress appropriately
While it will be very hot in Petra, there are still certain dress codes that should be followed. Wearing shorts or a shirt that reveals your shoulders is not a good idea. Jordan is a very conservative country, so you should bring something light that covers your arms and legs.
6. Take breaks while exploring Petra
As long as you arrive in the morning, you will have plenty of time to explore Petra. Try not to rush through the area so you can get back to the air conditioning. Take it slow, enjoy the grandeur of the ancient city, and don’t overexert yourself in the heat of the day.
