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.

A visit to the ancient city of Petra involves a significant amount of physical activity, and the "standard" walk from the Visitor Center to the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) is approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) one way. This walk takes about 30 to 45 minutes and includes the transit through the Siq, the dramatic narrow gorge that serves as the entrance. However, most visitors do not stop there; to reach the Main Basin area where the museums and restaurants are located, you must walk an additional 2 kilometers. If you wish to reach the famous Monastery (Ad Deir), you must climb an additional 800 stone steps, which adds another hour of strenuous uphill walking. A full day of exploring the primary highlights of Petra typically results in a total walking distance of 12 to 15 kilometers (7 to 9 miles). In 2026, while electric carts are available for those with mobility issues to transit through the Siq, the majority of the site remains a pedestrian-only experience, requiring sturdy hiking boots, plenty of water, and a good level of physical fitness to see the spectacular rock-cut architecture in its entirety.