Why visit
Petra is the Rose City carved into sandstone. The Treasury (from Indiana Jones), the Monastery at the top of 800 steps, and the High Place of Sacrifice.
Petra at a glance
Elevation
810 m
2,657 ft
Time zone
UTC+3
Asia/Amman
Airport
AQJ
King Hussein International (Aqaba, 2h drive)
Founded
c. 312 BCE (Nabataean)
Getting around
Walking; donkeys/camels inside the site
Neighborhoods for travelers
Wadi Musa (base town)The SiqAl-Khazneh (Treasury)Monastery (Ad Deir)
Jordan at a glance
Country center
31.0°, 36.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
89,342 km²
34,495 mi²
Country population
11.3 million
127/km²
Subregion
Western Asia
Currency
Jordanian dinar (د.ا)
JOD
Dial
+962
Language
Arabic
Demonym
Jordanian
Internet
.jo
UN
Member state
ISO code
JO / JOR
Where in the world
31.0° · 36.0°
Jordan
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Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world · CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Petra was forgotten by the Western world for over 600 years until Johann Burckhardt re-discovered it in 1812.
- The city was carved from solid sandstone by the Nabataeans ~300 BCE.
- Al-Khazneh (the Treasury) was not actually a treasury but a royal tomb.
- The Dead Sea is the lowest point on land: 430 m below sea level. You can float on it because it is 9× saltier than the ocean.
- Petra was "lost" to Western knowledge for over 600 years until 1812.
Bordering Jordan
Traveler notes
- Two-day ticket is worth it
- Petra by Night (Mon/Wed/Thu) candle-lit
- Combine with Wadi Rum desert camp
Plan checks
- Build a three-day plan before extending. Most travel cities are easy to undersell to yourself.
- Check seasonal timing: high season can triple costs on some coastal destinations.
- Check opening days. Major sites close on Mondays or Tuesdays in many countries.
- Bring layered clothing and verify trail/park access before arrival.
Explore more
Frequently asked about Petra
What currency is used in Petra?
Petra uses the Jordanian dinar (د.ا), ISO code JOD.
What languages are spoken in Jordan?
The primary language is Arabic.
What is the international calling code for Jordan?
The calling code is +962.
What airport serves Petra?
King Hussein International (Aqaba, 2h drive) (IATA: AQJ).
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