Petra Tours & Vacations

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

All our Jordan trips include at least one full day at Petra, with most itineraries giving keen travellers the opportunity to spend part of a second day there too.

Depending on your fitness level, you will be able to explore The Siq, Treasury, city centre and two to three main sites such as the High Place of Sacrifice or the Royal Tombs in a full day.

The peak tourism seasons in Petra are between March and May or September to November, when the weather is mildest.

Jordan, the weather can be very hot during summer and very cold during winter.

June to August are the hottest months, with maximum temperatures reaching approximately 40C. There is very little or no rainfall in these hotter months.

Over December and January, temperatures only reach a maximum of about 13C and rain is to be expected

The safety of our travellers, leaders and operators is our number one priority, so consequently we monitor world events to ensure we amend itineraries when necessary.

Generally, Petra is very safe to visit, although there are two unauthorized trails that will take you to the top of The Treasury that are not on the maps provided and are not deemed to be safe.

Yes, your local leader will provide you with your ticket and any other information you need about visiting Petra while on your trip.

Make sure you take your passport with you if you’re visiting Petra for two days, as it may be required upon entry alongside your ticket.

Refer to our trip notes for more information about how many days are included at Petra for different itineraries.

We recommend a moderate fitness level on most of our Jordan trips, as Petra covers quite a large area, with many steep steps. However, how much of Petra you see is entirely up to you, and there are plenty of places to sit and rest around the city. If you stay around the lower, flatter parts of Petra, most travellers will cover an average of 12 kilometres over a full day. The walking trails have intensity ratings of easy, moderate and hard, so be guided by the maps you receive with your ticket when choosing which areas of Petra, you are best suited to explore.

In most cases, our itineraries can be amended to accommodate travellers with disabilities.

Since the degree of impairment, and the level of amendments needed to our itineraries, can vary from person to person, please contact us to discuss any specific needs you may have.

Yes, there are a range of cafes and shops inside Petra where you can purchase meals, drinks or snacks.

At the top of many of the walking trails, you will find locals selling refreshments such as tea or soft drink.

We recommend travellers take a reusable water bottle with them so they stay hydrated and avoid buying single-use plastic water bottles.

Subject to availability, your leader may give you the opportunity to undertake an optional activity and visit Petra by night.

Petra by Night takes place on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights, but can be cancelled due to bad weather.

The two-hour long show includes a candlelit walk to the Treasury, with local music and entertainment.

Some travellers love seeing the monuments lit up at night, while others feel it is crowded and very touristy. It’s completely up to you whether you go along, but please note it will be an additional cost to your day ticket.

The entrance fee to Petra includes a ‘free’ ride on various forms of animal transport and you will be offered this transport by a number of local Bedouin on the walk into the ancient city. While free to ride, there is a strong expectation that you will need to tip the animals' owners.

In 2018 the animal rights group PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) launched an international campaign highlighting the mistreatment of working animals in the ancient city of Petra. The animals – horses, donkeys and camels - carry both tourists and supplies to the city and through it.

The situation is a complex one – Jordanian organisations and their international partners are trying to improve the conditions for the animals, and for many local Bedouin this activity provides their only income, yet issues around animal cruelty are raised on a regular basis. UNESCO themselves have stated that switching to motorised transport is not the preferred option in the ancient city.

It is Intrepid’s request that our travellers avoid riding these animals where possible, due to the poor working conditions. On Intrepid trips, animal rides included in our itineraries are only undertaken once animal wellbeing has been previously established by a professional team. You can read our Animal Welfare policy for more information.