Can I go to Petra without a tour?

Although it's possible to venture on your own, tours are available with daily departures. And since many include the cost of entrance to the site, tours are both convenient and cost-effective.



Yes, you can absolutely visit Petra without a tour; in 2026, it remains a very safe and well-organized site for independent travelers. Upon arrival at the visitor center in Wadi Musa, you can purchase your "Jordan Pass" or a standalone ticket and explore the 60-square-kilometer site at your own pace. The main trail through the Siq to the Treasury and the Monastery is clearly marked and easy to navigate without professional assistance. Independent travel is often preferred by those who want to hike the "High Place of Sacrifice" or spend hours photographing the Royal Tombs without the time constraints of a group. However, while a tour isn't required, hiring a local Bedouin guide at the entrance for roughly 50 JOD can significantly enrich the experience by revealing hidden "shortcuts" to viewpoints and explaining the complex Nabataean engineering of the water channels. For 2026 visitors, the "Petra by Night" experience also allows for independent exploration of the candlelit path to the Treasury, provided you have a separate evening ticket and a sense of wonder.

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You can totally visit Petra by yourself—we did! If you're visiting several areas in Jordan, a tour guide and driver may simplify things, but it's certainly not a requirement.

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Entry into the site of Petra is only permitted to visitors holding valid tickets. These are available at the Visitor Center and can be purchased on arrival.

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While most travellers rent a car or take an organised tour to see the country, getting around Jordan without a car is possible. The main cities and several tourist sites are easily reached by public transport, but preparation is crucial for an enjoyable trip.

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Whether you are in the city of Amman, exploring Petra, or trekking the desert valley of Wadi Rum, men should refrain from wearing shorts as it is seen as disrespectful.

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Our Petra & Wadi Rum Day Trip gives travelers staying in Amman and the Dead Sea the opportunity to see the wondrous sites of Jordan all in one day. This adventure will take you to two of the world's most impressive and unforgettable sites.

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Distance and Difficulty: The Petra Main Trail is 8km / 5 miles return from the Visitors Centre. Easy walk, largely flat. Allow 3 – 4 hours return, including time to see the sites along the way.

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First of all, on arrival at the Visitor's Center you will need to purchase a ticket to enter the Wadi Rum Protected Area. Adult tickets are 5JD and children under 12 enter for free. Visitors entering in 4WD rental cars will be asked to pay an additional 25JD, however non-4WD vehicles enter for free.

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Camel Ride in Wadi Rum & Petra is optional for 15 JD / $ 21 USD per camel per hour. You don't need to book it in advance and can be arranged upon arrival to Petra or Wadi Rum.

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The trail for the Little Petra to Petra Walk starts at the left of the car park, behind the souvenir shops (it really isn't obvious!). From here the track goes out into the desert following jeep tracks, and you pass by Bedouin tents, goats, camels and the occasional stray dog that loved menacingly barking at us.

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The best time to see Petra is in the early morning or late afternoon, so plan for an early start, or arrive the evening before to stay in one of the comfortable hotels in Petra.

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You will pay for your tour with a credit card when booking. Payment of visa fees, border fees, and tips must be in cash. You may bring cash and/or credit cards with you for personal needs on your trip.

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It is fine to travel in Jordan in jeans most of the time, and you can, of course, wear them in Petra as well, in case this is the piece you never leave your home without, but as the visit of Petra requires quite a lot of walking, we think hiking trousers are a much better choice.

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Choose an appropriate insect repellant: PROTECTION AGAINST MULTIPLE BUGS (MOSQUITOS, TICKS, FLIES, ETC.): The CDC recommends a repellent which contains at least 20% DEET. Always use repellents as directed.

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Is Jordan Safe for Female Travelers? Jordanians are known to be highly respectful towards women. However, as with anywhere, sexual assault, unfortunately, remains a possibility. Consider dressing more modestly to respect etiquette, blend in with local people, and ward off unwanted attention.

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It's recommended that if you choose to wear jeans in Jordan that they are loose-fitting. My local, Jordanian driver did mention that a sure sign of a local female is a long shirt that covers the butt when wearing jeans. Thus, if you want to fit in more as a local, be sure to wear a long shirt.

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