Have you ever dreamed of visiting the ancient city of Petra, where Indiana Jones finds the Holy Grail in the movie Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade? If so, you are not alone. Indiana jones last crusade petra jordan is one of the 7 New Wonders of the World, chosen by 100 million people in 2007. It is also the most visited tourist attraction in Jordan and one of the most visited archeological sites in the world.
But Petra is more than just a movie set. It is a 10,000-year-old city hidden in the desert, carved out of rose-red sandstone rock by the Nabateans, an ancient Arab civilization that grew rich from controlling the Spice Road. Petra was their capital, and it showcases their prosperity and grandeur with its stunning facades, tombs, temples, and monuments.
In this blog post, we will take you on a journey to explore Petra, its history, its culture, and its beauty. We will also give you some tips on how to plan your trip, what to see and do, and what to expect when you get there.
How to get to Petra
Petra is located about 240 kilometers south of Amman, the capital of Jordan. You can get there by car, bus, or taxi. The drive takes about 3 hours from Amman or 2 hours from Aqaba, the nearest airport.
If you are coming from Israel or Egypt, you can also take a tour that includes transportation, accommodation, and entrance fees. There are many options available online or through travel agencies.
How much does it cost to visit Petra
The entrance fee to Petra is 50 Jordanian dinars (about $70) for one day, 55 dinars ($78) for two days, or 60 dinars ($85) for three days. You can buy your ticket at the visitor center near the entrance.
If you are staying overnight in Jordan, you can get a discount on your ticket by showing your passport and hotel reservation. The discounted price is 25 dinars ($35) for one day, 40 dinars ($56) for two days, or 50 dinars ($70) for three days.
You can also buy a Jordan Pass online before your trip, which includes your visa fee and entrance to over 40 attractions in Jordan, including Petra. The price ranges from 70 to 80 dinars ($99 to $113), depending on how many days you want to spend in Petra.
Here is a table that summarizes the prices:
| Ticket type | Price (in Jordanian dinars) | Price (in US dollars) |
|---|---|---|
| One-day ticket | 50 | 70 |
| Two-day ticket | 55 | 78 |
| Three-day ticket | 60 | 85 |
| One-day ticket with hotel discount | 25 | 35 |
| Two-day ticket with hotel discount | 40 | 56 |
| Three-day ticket with hotel discount | 50 | 70 |
| Jordan Pass with one day in Petra | 70 | 99 |
| Jordan Pass with two days in Petra | 75 | 106 |
| Jordan Pass with three days in Petra | 80 | 113 |
What to see and do in Petra
Petra covers an area of about 264 square kilometers (102 square miles), so there is a lot to see and do. You can spend anywhere from a few hours to several days exploring its wonders.
The main attraction is the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), the iconic facade that appears in Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade. It is located at the end of a narrow gorge called The Siq, which is about 1.2 kilometers (0.75 miles) long. The Siq itself is an amazing sight, with its towering walls and colorful rock formations.
The Treasury was built in the first century BC as a royal tomb or a temple. It is decorated with Greek and Egyptian motifs, such as columns, statues, and urns. It is also believed to be the resting place of an ancient king or pharaoh.
You can admire the Treasury from outside, but you cannot enter it. However, you can take a photo with a camel or a Bedouin guide in front of it, for a small fee.
But there is much more to Petra than the Treasury. You can also visit other amazing sites, such as:
- The Theatre, a 7,000-seat amphitheater carved out of rock by the Nabateans and later expanded by the Romans.
- The Royal Tombs, a row of impressive facades that were once the burial places of Nabatean kings and nobles.
- The Monastery (Ad-Deir), a colossal monument similar to the Treasury but larger and more isolated. It is reached by climbing 800 steps up the mountain, but the view is worth it.
- The High Place of Sacrifice, a sacred site on top of a hill where the Nabateans performed rituals and ceremonies. It offers panoramic views of Petra and the surrounding valleys.
- The Colonnaded Street, the main thoroughfare of ancient Petra, lined with columns, temples, shops, and public buildings.
You can also explore some of the lesser-known but equally fascinating attractions, such as:
- The Siq Al-Barid or Little Petra, a smaller and quieter version of Petra, with its own rock-cut tombs, temples, and triclinia (dining halls).
- The Petra Church or Byzantine Church, a 5th-century church with beautiful floor mosaics depicting animals, plants, and mythological scenes.
- The Obelisk Tomb and Bab Al-Siq Triclinium, two monuments near the entrance of Petra that showcase the Nabatean mix of Egyptian and Greek influences.
What to expect when visiting Petra
Petra is a place that will leave you speechless and amazed. But it is also a place that requires some preparation and caution. Here are some things to keep in mind when visiting Petra:
- Petra is huge and involves a lot of walking, climbing, and hiking. Wear comfortable shoes, clothes, and a hat. Bring plenty of water and snacks. You can also hire a horse, donkey, camel, or carriage to take you around, but make sure to agree on the price beforehand and treat the animals kindly.
- Petra can get very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. Check the weather forecast before you go and dress accordingly. Avoid visiting during midday when the sun is strongest. You can also visit Petra at night, when it is illuminated by candles and lanterns for a magical experience.
- Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national treasure of Jordan. Respect its history and culture by following the rules and regulations. Do not touch, climb, or damage any of the structures. Do not litter or graffiti. Do not buy any antiquities or souvenirs that may have been illegally taken from Petra.
- Petra is home to many friendly and hospitable Bedouins, who are the descendants of the original inhabitants of Petra. They may offer you tea, coffee, or conversation. You can also buy some handicrafts or jewelry from them. However, be aware that some may try to scam you or overcharge you for their services. Be polite but firm when dealing with them.
Conclusion
Petra is a place that will inspire you with its beauty, history, and culture. It is a place that will make you feel like Indiana Jones on an adventure. It is a place that you will never forget.
If you are looking for a unique and unforgettable travel destination, look no further than Petra, Jordan. You will not regret it.