Jordan Petra and The Desert’s Secret Heart

Posted by: Diana Gasper

Petra is one of those places that should pop up in your mind first when listing down all the bucket list destinations. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was entirely carved out from rose-red rocks over two millennia years ago and included among the New Seven Wonders of the World isn’t that enough reason for its fame? But behind the beautiful facades of Petra there is something much more interesting a land full with historical events to be explored, adrenaline activities and hot Arabian bedu hospitality that will definitely change you a lot.

Reasons for Valuing Petra

Around 300 BC to 100 AD, Petra served as the capital city for the Nabataean Kingdom. This busy trading center stood at the point where important caravan roads crossed each other; here it controlled the trade of valuable products such as frankincense, myrrh, spikenard between Arabia, Egypt and Mediterranean Sea.

The architecture of Petra is what sets it apart from other places. The Nabataeans were very skilled engineers who cut into the rose-red sandstone massif of some 800 units so that they included an effective water supply system composed by dams, cisterns and conduits: a miracle which allowed people to survive in such desert. Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, the Swiss explorer, found this lost city in 1812, after it had been concealed from the West for centuries.

Presently, the vast archaeological site covers more than 100 square miles but just a fraction (approximately 15%) has been excavated. Every year, this place draws attention of over five hundred thousand travelers who wish to see this outstanding piece of architecture with their own eyes.

Must-Do Activities in Petra

Begin Your Petra Journey by Walking Through the Siq The journey through the Siq, which is a narrow gorge that is about 1. 2 kilometers long and has cliffs that are up to 80 meters high, sets off your trip in style. The anticipation builds as you navigate the twisting passageway until you finally see a glimpse of The Treasury – one of those iconic moments in every traveler’s itinerary.

Admire The Treasury (Al-Khazneh) This structure rises about forty meters high and is chiseled from a sheer cliff outcrop; it remains the most famous building within Petra with many pictures taken of it. Despite what its name suggests, this was actually a burial place for kings. Go there at around 9 am or 4 pm when the sun gives an incredible pinkish-orange color to the front side of the building.

Investigate the Royal Tombs It leads to massive structures such as the Urn Tomb, Silk Tomb, and Corinthian Tomb when one follows The Street of Facades: Royal Tombs. These grandiose tombs demonstrate the economic wealth and cultural sophistication of the Nabataeans.

Ascend to the Monastery (Ad-Deir) For those with a sense of adventure, take on the more than eight hundred rock-cut steps that will lead you up to ad-Deir, which is fifty meters by forty-five meters and the biggest structure in Petra. Although it will take approximately 45 minutes to complete the climb, every step will be justified by stunning panorama and enormous carved building itself. Don’t forget to have some Bedouin tea at the observation point café as a treat for yourself.

Visit Petra By Night During evenings of Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, Petra turns into enchanting place. Lighting up the path towards Al-Khazneh with more than one thousand five hundred candles where you will sit amongst flickering lights enjoying traditional Bedouin music and tales is incomparable experience revealing another face of this old city. It lasts for two hours but provides an entirely unique perspective on this ancient city that should not be overlooked.

Explore Small Petra Just fifteen minutes drive northwards from Petra is an area called Siq al-Barid or “Little Petra.” Carved facades can be seen throughout this small site, along with ancient dining areas and well-preserved frescoes dating back some two thousand years – all without as many tourists!

Desert Adventures

Wadi Rum Desert also known as “The Valley of the Moon” is an amazing sandy desert with high rock mountains and red sand dunes, located just a 90-minute drive from Petra. Have a sleep under some of the most stunning starlit skies at a comfortable Bedouin camp. In the morning you can have fun: drive through the desert in a jeep, ride camels, climb rocks or take hot air balloons.

Artisan Workshops and Markets The country boasts of a rich artisan culture. Go to the local workshops where you will find people making mosaics, weaving by hand, blowing glass, and using techniques that have been handed down for generations to make silver jewelry. You can buy authentic souvenirs at the souk like embroidered cushions, pottery and Dead Sea cosmetics.

Relaxing Treatments in the Desert Spas Be pampered with spa treatments such as Dead Sea mud wraps and traditional hammam after all those days out exploring. Most high-end desert hotels come with good onsite health clubs for your comfort while you enjoy stunning views of the surrounding sands.

Why You Should Visit Jordan

Unmatched Historical Importance In which other place do you find a city that is over 2000 years old and entirely carved out of rock? Petra provides a real link with the past that is second to none.

Breathtaking Scenery The rose-red rocks of Petra and crimson sand dunes in Wadi Rum make Jordan’s landscapes look unreal. This stunning desert landscape has been featured under such productions as Indiana Jones and Martian.
Genuine Cultural Experience The Bedouin populations of Jordan live in the same way as they used to but with open arms for tourists. During your stay, you will be treated with genuine services, eat indigenous food such as mansaf, and listen to historical tales.

Secure and Convenient Jordan ranks among the most secure and easily accessible countries for tourists in the Middle East. It has good infrastructure, English is spoken by many people, and it actively encourages visitors from around the world.

Numerous Attractions at Close Quarters Besides Petra, one can easily visit other incredible places such as Dead Sea (the lowest point on Earth), Mount Nebo’s biblical views, Jerash’s Roman ruins, as well as Amman – the dynamic capital city of Jordan.

Religious Experience It feels deep to stand before human structures that are many centuries old. The deep quietness of Petra, endless desert plains, as well as eternal character of nature provide an opportunity for people to meditate upon things that are becoming less common in the modern society today.

Practical Tips

• Allow at least two full days to explore Petra properly
• Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring plenty of water
• Visit in spring (March-May) or fall (September-November) for ideal weather
• Consider hiring a local Bedouin guide to enrich your experience with stories and historical context
• Book Petra by Night tickets in advance as they often sell out

The Final Word

Petra is more than somewhere you can just visit as it enables one to explore the abilities of man, see some natural beauty and also witness history at its best. There are those moments in life that you will never forget such as when you see the sun rise and paint the Treasury with gold, drinking tea at night with Bedouins under the starlit sky, or perhaps just sitting unbelieving in front of two thousand year old buildings?

This package can take you there: All Seven World Wounders