How many days are enough in Petra?

While there is certainly enough to occupy yourself for five or more days, two to three days is sufficient to visit all of the highlights in and around the park. One day--or worse yet a morning or afternoon--is likely to bring some disappointment to those who have traveled a great distance.



For a truly comprehensive experience in 2026, you should dedicate at least two full days to Petra, though three is ideal for those who enjoy hiking. The site is vast, covering over 60 square kilometers. On Day 1, most visitors focus on the "Main Trail," which includes the Siq, the iconic Treasury, the Royal Tombs, and the Colonnaded Street. Day 2 is best reserved for the grueling but rewarding climb to the Monastery (Ad Deir) and the High Place of Sacrifice. A third day allows you to explore "Little Petra" or the Al-Khubtha trail for the famous "view from above" of the Treasury. Trying to see Petra in a single day is possible but physically exhausting, often requiring 15-20 kilometers of walking, which leaves little time to appreciate the Nabataean artistry. In 2026, with the popularity of "Petra by Night" (running Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday), having multiple nights in nearby Wadi Musa ensures you can experience the ruins both in the golden sunlight and under the glow of 1,500 candles.

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In my opinion, spending 2 days in Petra will give you plenty of time to explore this beautiful ancient city and world wonder. By entering Petra through the Siq on day 1, while taking the back entrance on day 2, there is plenty of variation during your visit.

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It is definitely possible to see the highlights of Petra in one day, but because this ancient city is so big, it can be tiring to fit it all into a single visit. Spending 2 or 3 days in Petra makes it possible to explore the city at a more leisurely pace.

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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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Wadi Rum is also about a day's worth of touring, and because of the desert heat it is better to be able to get an early start. An itinerary I would recommend is (3 nights): Arrive in Jordan and go straight to Petra, spend the night in Petra. Spend a full day exploring Petra, spend the night in Petra.

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Past travelers have spent, on average, JOD27 ($38) on meals for one day and JOD16 ($23) on local transportation. Also, the average hotel price in Petra for a couple is JOD84 ($118). So, a trip to Petra for two people for one week costs on average JOD1,242 ($1,750).

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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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Monday and Tuesday tend to be the quietest days as many people arrive in Amman on the weekend, then stay a few days in the north and then come to Petra. So usually Wednesday and Thursdays are the busiest weekdays.

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Do I Need A Guide Or A Tour? 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. You can consider hiring a guide at the entrance to Petra, which I would have considered if we'd had more time.

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Alternatively, you can take the JETT bus from Petra to Wadi Rum, which leaves every day at 05:00 from the front of the Visitors Centre. It's comfortable, has air-con, there are bathrooms on board and the journey time is around 90 minutes. It costs 15 JOD and it's advisable to book a ticket in advance.

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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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Wadi Musa – translated to the Valley of Moses – is a town that is set within a valley that surrounds the ancient city of Petra. With a large number of hotels and plenty of local restaurants to match, in recent years Wadi Musa has seen a tourism boom with visitors choosing to use the town as a base to explore Petra.

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Generally, the best time to visit Jordan is during spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). The weather is more temperate which means you can explore iconic sites like Petra or the Wadi Rum without getting scorched by the sun.

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The main sights can be experienced in one full day, but for those who like hiking and exploring off the beaten track, two to three days is ideal. If you want to plan and make the most of your time in the desert, I'm sharing all the details from our two-day adventure trip in Wadi Rum below.

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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. Furthermore, if you have the Jordan Pass ticket you do not have to pay the entrance fee.

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If you're short on time, the best way to visit Petra from Israel is by joining a day tour. You'll find full-day excursions departing from cities such as Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Eliat.

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