Home | Family Footsteps

Day 2: Exploring the Rose-Red City

Today has been done differently. There are no times except the start time included as they will vary so much depending on you and your chosen pace for the day. We have followed the journey along the main trail and have included additional information for you!

ps. this would definitely be doable with kids, particularly in the cooler months!

7am -Arrival at the Visitor Centre

• Purchase tickets, or enter if you purchased last night already.
• Grab a map and start the walk towards The Siq.
• This is the narrow, winding gorge with towering cliffs that leads you to the Treasury (the most famous attraction).
• This part of the walk is about 1.3km and is nice and flat.
• There are people offering Horseback rides down this section for a price. We gave in and jumped on a horse each for this section. Before considering this, it is not that far a walk and in reflection I’m not sure it was worth it!
• The distance of Petra’s main trail up to Qasr al-Bint is approximately 4km.
• The Monastery is a further 2.5km from the end of the main trail (approximately 850 stairs to climb).It is well worth it!!

The Treasury (Al-Khazneh):

• Take time for photos at Petra’s most famous sight. Don’t forget to explore the surrounding area. Use areas like we did (in photos below) to help cut crowds out of the picture!!

The Street of Facades & The Theater:

• Continue on from the Treasury, approximately 600m to the Street of Facades, lined with impressive tombs and houses.
• Pass along via the Theatre an extra 300m further.

Royal Tombs, Colonnaded Street & Qasr al-Bint:

• Around 500m on from the Theatre you will find a huge array of tombs that you can explore. These include the Urn Tomb, Silk Tomb, Corinthian Tomb, and Palace Tomb.
• Continuing on, you come to the amazing Colonnaded Street which used to be the main commercial thoroughfare and the remains of Qasr al-Bint (religious Temple).

The Monastery (Al-Dier):

• Be sure to purchase some lunch or stock up on water for the next part of the adventure (there are refilling stations dotted around).
• There are also places around Qasr al-Bint to purchase items.
• Start the 2.5km hike up to the Monastery.
• There are approximately 850 steps to climb and the ground can be somewhat uneven at times but it is not massively difficult if you are in ok ‘shape’.Take your time and enjoy the views.
• Once there, you will be grateful you put the effort in! Grab cold refreshments or a coffee and soak in the view. It is spectacular!

Return to Visitor Centre / Accommodation:

• Take the walk back down from the Monastery and retrace your steps towards the Visitor Centre.
• This is a great opportunity to explore areas you may have missed.

• For Evening Dinner, there are lots of restaurants close to the Visitor Centre. We were pretty tired after the day so opted for dinner and drinks at our accommodation.

Check out the ‘visitpetra’ site here for more information on each of the amazing sights and locations in Petra.

Contacts us via Instagram or Email with any questions, feedback or comments! Have an AMAZING time!