How many days for Petra?
One long day covers Treasury to Monastery; two days is better for Little Petra and slower exploring.
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Petra / Wadi Musa Travel Guide
Things to do in Petra / Wadi Musa — Rose-red Nabataean city carved in stone
Photo: Bernard Gagnon · CC BY-SA 3.0
Why visit Petra / Wadi Musa
Petra is Jordan's crowning wonder — a Siq walk to the Treasury, tombs and the Monastery climb, based in nearby Wadi Musa.
Petra / Wadi Musa is a stop in Jordan, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 3 days. If time is short, prioritise The Siq approach, The Treasury (Al-Khazneh), Street of Facades instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 55–140 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: March–May and September–November. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
March–May and September–November
Weather
Desert highland — hot days, cold nights; rare winter rain
Airport
Fly into Amman (AMM) or Aqaba (AQJ), then road transfer
Getting around
Stay in Wadi Musa; walk or shuttle to the visitor centre
Experiences
Things to do in Petra / Wadi Musa
1
The Siq approach
2
The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)
3
Street of Facades
4
Royal Tombs
5
The Monastery (Ad Deir)
6
High Place of Sacrifice
7
Petra Museum
8
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
Plan your trip
Petra / Wadi Musa itinerary (3 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit The Siq approach
- Visit The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)
- Visit Street of Facades
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Royal Tombs
- Visit The Monastery (Ad Deir)
- Visit High Place of Sacrifice
- 3
Day 3
More highlights
- Visit Petra Museum
- Visit Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
Prefer a full 10-day trip with costs and FAQs? Read the Petra / Wadi Musa itinerary guide.
Budget
Petra / Wadi Musa trip cost
Budget
USD 25–45
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 55–140
per person / day
Luxury
USD 160–265+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Petra / Wadi Musa, Jordan. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Petra / Wadi Musa
Estimated total (USD)
$2,180
≈ $1,090 per person · $311 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $95/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Petra / Wadi Musa mid-range ground costs (budget 25–45 · mid 55–140 · luxury 160–265+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
- $$
The Cave Bar (Petra Guest House)
Café / drinks · Nabataean tomb bar by the entrance
- $$
Red Cave Restaurant
Jordanian · Long-running Wadi Musa favourite
- $
Al-Wadi Restaurant
Jordanian · Local grilled meats and mezze
- $$
Basin Restaurant (inside Petra)
Buffet / Jordanian · On-site lunch for site visitors
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $$$
Mövenpick Resort Petra
Petra entrance · Closest full-service resort to the gate
- $$$
Petra Marriott Hotel
Wadi Musa · Hilltop views over the valley
- $$$
Beit Zaman Hotel & Resort
Wadi Musa · Village-style stone boutique favourite
Shopping
- Wadi Musa craft shops
- site vendors (bargain politely)
Nightlife
- Petra by Night (selected evenings)
- hotel terraces
Museums & culture
- Petra Museum
Local foods to try
- Mansaf
- Mezze
- Kunafa
- Bedouin tea
Hidden gems
- Little Petra
- High Place of Sacrifice
- back-trail views of the Treasury
Travel tips
- Start at opening time — shade disappears and crowds build
- Wear broken-in shoes for the Monastery climb
- Carry water and cash for the site; Jordan Pass can include entry
In pictures
Petra / Wadi Musa gallery
Good to know
Petra / Wadi Musa travel FAQs
What are the best things to do in Petra / Wadi Musa?
Top picks in Petra / Wadi Musa include The Siq approach, The Treasury (Al-Khazneh), Street of Facades, Royal Tombs. See the full list and itinerary on this Petra / Wadi Musa travel guide.
When is the best time to visit Petra / Wadi Musa?
March–May and September–November.
How many days do I need in Petra / Wadi Musa?
Plan at least 3 days in Petra / Wadi Musa for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Petra / Wadi Musa?
Popular stays in Petra / Wadi Musa include Mövenpick Resort Petra, Petra Marriott Hotel, Beit Zaman Hotel & Resort. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Petra / Wadi Musa cost?
On the ground in Petra / Wadi Musa (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 25–45 per person per day, mid-range about 55–140, and luxury about 160–265+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Petra / Wadi Musa, Jordan. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
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