A practical 2-day Petra itinerary — the Siq, the Treasury, the Monastery climb and Petra by Night — with tips on tickets, timing and the Jordan Pass.
Petra is bigger than most people expect — a whole ancient city carved into rose-coloured rock. Two days lets you see the famous Treasury and climb to the Monastery without racing the sun.
Before you go
- Stay in Wadi Musa, the town right at Petra's entrance, so you can be at the gate when it opens.
- Look at the Jordan Pass. It bundles your Jordan tourist visa fee with entry to Petra and many other sites, and it's often cheaper than paying separately — check the current rules and prices on the official Jordan Pass site before you fly.
- Bring water, sun protection and real shoes. You'll walk a lot, on sand and stone steps.
Day 1 — The Siq and the Treasury
- 06:30 — Enter at opening time. The first hour is the quietest and coolest.
- 07:00 — Walk the Siq. A narrow canyon about 1.2 km long that ends with your first view of the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) — the moment everyone comes for.
- 09:00 — Street of Facades, the Theatre and the Royal Tombs. Climb up to the Royal Tombs for a great view back over the valley.
- 13:00 — Lunch inside the site or back in Wadi Musa.
- Evening — Petra by Night (runs on selected evenings each week): the Siq and Treasury lit by candles. Check the current schedule locally.
Day 2 — The Monastery and high places
- 07:30 — Climb to the Monastery (Ad Deir). Around 800 rock-cut steps — start early before the heat. It's larger than the Treasury and far quieter.
- 10:30 — Viewpoints above the Monastery for the best panoramas of the area.
- 14:00 — High Place of Sacrifice trail if you still have legs, or rest and head to Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) nearby in the afternoon.
Tips
- Donkey and camel rides are offered everywhere — agree the price clearly first, and consider the animals' welfare.
- Mornings and late afternoons have the best light on the rock.
- Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons; summer middays are very hot.
FAQ
How many days do you need in Petra?
One day covers the Siq, the Treasury and the main valley. Two days lets you add the Monastery climb and Petra by Night without rushing.
Is the Jordan Pass worth it?
For most visitors who spend a few nights in Jordan and visit Petra, yes — it combines the visa fee and site entry. Check the official conditions, as they change.
What's the best time of day to see the Treasury?
Right at opening, when it's quiet, or late afternoon when the light warms the rock.