1 When Is The Best Time To Visit Petra, Jordan?
Generally speaking, Jordan is hot throughout the 52 weeks of the year, and Petra is certainly no exception to this well-known fact. However, it is certainly cooler during the months of Spring (March, April, and May) or Autumn (September, October, and November).
Depending on where you are staying in Jordan, most tours and excursions to Petra come with early morning starts. Guests looking to visit Petra from Aqaba will generally head on their approximately 2-hour journey to Petra around 6 am – 7 am. After all, with so many amazing sites and picturesque views, you’ll want to make the most of your day trip to Petra. Another advantage of going during sunrise is that the sun is still down, and the temperature is still bearable. For those of you who dread the early morning starts, there is a midday (noon) option, which sets the scenery for a great Sunset over Petra.
2 What Do You See At Petra?
As you enter the main entrance of Petra through the ‘Siq’, which translates from Arabic to English as “the Shaft”, this will set you well on your way and give you a great insight as to what you can expect from Petra. The ‘Siq’, which is effectively a narrow gorge (which at some points is no more than 3 metres wide), leads you directly to Petra’s jewel in the crown…Al-Khazneh (The Treasury). The Treasury is an ancient Nabatean temple, carved out of the sandstone rock face of the mountains. It is most certainly Petra’s most popular attraction, especially among movie fans who may have seen it in the Indiana Jones movie: “The Last Crusade.”
3 How Safe Is Petra?
Guided Tours of Jordan are certainly safe when booked through Cyplon Holidays, as an English-speaking guide accompanies you throughout your journey. The country is stable and secure, making it a great destination to visit at any time of the year. Petra, being situated in the desert, it is imperative that you bring enough water to stay hydrated during your stay.
4 Are There Any Irritating Vendors In Petra?
Just like many tourist destinations in North Africa and the Middle East, it seems almost traditional to see Bedouin vendors in full swing. They tend to sell a variety of items, ranging from jewellery to carpets, ornaments to authentic hookah pipes (also known as shisha pipes). The vendors can be persistent, but can be politely fended off with the words “La Shukran”, which means “No, thanks”. If you are keen on speaking the Arabic language, simply avoiding eye contact usually does the trick.
5 What Should I Bring During My Visit?
Jordan, being predominantly a Muslim (Arab) country, is important that you become accustomed to Arabic culture and tradition. It is not advised to wear revealing clothes, including low-cut tops and mini-skirts, although this is entirely down to the individual’s preference. We also recommend wearing comfortable clothes and footwear when you visit Petra, as many of the sites require lots of walking/climbing up steps. Not to mention the holiday Essentials, Such as Sunglasses, selfie sticks, Hats, Sunblock, and plenty of water, won’t go a miss either.
6 Are There Restaurants In Petra?
Whilst there are places to eat and drink during your visit, it is recommended that you bring snacks from your hotel or a local supermarket, for while you are in transit.
7 What’s The Best Method To Get To Petra?
Regardless of where you are staying in Jordan, or neighbouring countries for that matter, Petra is very easily accessible. Excursions can be booked from various regions around the Gulf of Aqaba, including Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, Taba, and Taba Heights, all located in Egypt. Additionally, Eilat, situated in Israel, and Aqaba, based on the Jordanian Red Sea Riviera, are also options.
Guests staying in Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, Hurghada, or El Gouna can also book a day trip to Petra, with the option to travel via Plane to Aqaba or via road transfer through South Sinai, crossing the Egyptian-Israeli border to Aqaba.
Depending on the type of holiday you are looking for, whether it’s a luxury beach holiday in Jordan or a fully escorted Guided Tour of Jordan, here at Cyplon Holiday, we’ve got you covered.
One thing is for sure, Petra is the one place you won’t regret visiting at least once in your life.
