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.

Yes, you can absolutely enter and explore Petra without a guide. The archaeological site is very well-marked with clear paths, signage, and maps available at the Visitor Center. Most visitors prefer to walk the main trail independently, which takes you through the Siq to the Treasury, the Royal Tombs, and eventually up the 800+ steps to the Monastery. While a guide can provide deep historical context and help you find "secret" viewpoints that aren't on the map, they are by no means a requirement for entry. If you decide to go solo, it is recommended to buy a "Jordan Pass" before you arrive, as it includes your entry fee and saves you a significant amount of money. You should also start your day as early as possible—ideally at 6:00 AM—to beat the tour groups and the midday heat. While Bedouin locals may offer their services as "guides" throughout the park, you are free to politely decline. For those who want the best of both worlds, you can hire an official licensed guide at the entrance for just a few hours to cover the main history, then spend the rest of your day exploring the higher trails and tombs at your own pace.