Is Petra value visiting? On its face, this would possibly appear to be a ridiculous query—how many individuals go to Jordan and don’t find yourself visiting the nation’s most well-known vacation spot? Dig deeper, nonetheless, and it begins to appear much less foolish. As wonderful as it’s to discover a millennia-old Nabataean metropolis, the truth is that it’s turn out to be a vacationer entice. There are arguably extra day guests in Petra on a given day than there truly had been residents, again when it was initially inhabited!
This concern, in fact, isn’t black and white. That’s why I’ve determined to write down an article exploring it intimately, versus merely declaring “sure” or “no” and being finished with the topic.
My Private Impressions of Petra
On the finish of the day—spoiler alert—I do really feel that Petra is value visiting. That is regardless of the truth that I went on the hottest time of yr, and that I wasn’t in essentially the most…energetic mind-set after I visited. Particularly, I’d been staying on the residence of a faculty buddy the place I principally had something I needed, each time I needed it. I used to be in a lazy mindset, I’m not ashamed to confess.
The important thing to Petra is to tempo your self, notably when you go to throughout a very popular month, and particularly when you aren’t extraordinarily match. Even after you’ve walked via Al-Siq Canyon to succeed in the Treasury (the place most individuals get their Petra “cash shot”), it’s nonetheless one other hour (or longer) to Petra’s major viewpoint. And, because it’s an out-and-back path, you’ll have to plan of going again the best way you got here.
How Most Journeys to Petra Go Down
Stroll via Al-Siq Canyon
The excellent news? There are few higher methods to constructed up anticipation for Petra than strolling via this canyon, even when you’re unlikely to have a lot private house as you do. The unhealthy information? Wasps and hornets have a tendency to hang around right here, so please make haste when you’re not a quick walker (I’m).
Go to the Treasury
Your first cease would be the Treasury, essentially the most well-known place on the website, and the rationale that the majority vacationers discover Petra value visiting—are you able to say “Instagram”? Do beware that that is additionally the place most scammers and touts hang around, so try to be vigilant about your cash and your belongings.
Hike to a viewpoint
Previous this level, loads of vacationers head again—I don’t advocate that you simply do. As a substitute, I recommend following the indicators to Petra’s viewpoint (there’s one major one), which affords you a shocking view of your complete website in its desert context. It’s a panoramic panorama to behold.
Experience a camel there
Certainly, typically the taking of breath is extra literal, particularly when you resolve that Petra is value visiting in August (of all months!) like I did! On this case, chances are you’ll select to take one of many touts on the Treasury up on their provide for a camel experience. It’ll prevent loads of bother!
Marvel on the majesty
In the end, my best remorse about Petra is that I didn’t take extra time to savor it. Being 25 on the time and with my thoughts going one million miles a minute, I used to be all about ticking one factor off my listing and shifting on to the following. Will I ever return? Who is aware of. But when I do, it will likely be totally different.
Is Wadi Rum Price Visiting?
Wadi Rum is a vacation spot that individuals usually group along with Petra due to their geographical proximity, however it very totally different. Amongst different issues, Wadi Rum isn’t actually a spot you may go for sooner or later and get the complete image of it. It is best to ideally sleep at the least an evening there, so to go to mattress because the desert darkens, and get up because the solar rises over it.
Alternatively, don’t be fooled into believing that you must be tremendous outdoorsy with a purpose to take pleasure in Wadi Rum. Simply as Petra is value visiting even when you don’t know rather a lot about historical past, fashion-minded vacationers who’ve by no means set foot inside an REI can have a good time at Wadi Rum, because of the rising prevalence of “glamping”-style lodging amid its sands.
Different FAQ on Visiting Petra
Is Petra overrated?
Whereas I really like Petra, I do really feel that it’s barely overrated—after a long time of hype, how may anybody argue in any other case? Alternatively, in the same method to world wonders like Cambodia’s Angkor Wat and the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, there’s a cause thousands and thousands of vacationers per yr flock to Petra, even when you get there are marvel (possibly silently, and maybe just for a second) what the fuss is about.
What number of days do you want in Petra?
The vast majority of vacationers will go to Petra for a single day, both from Amman or Tel Aviv, or earlier than the camp (or glamp) within the Wadi Rum desert. When you may clearly spend a number of days exploring the historic website, I feel a morning and afternoon are ample for most individuals.
Is Petra touristy?
Petra is likely one of the most touristy locations on the planet, however not in a foul manner. It’s not Disney World—whereas there are loads of sellers hawking varied items, they aren’t corny and mass-producers. Nevertheless, it is stuffed with Instagrammers and influencers making an attempt to get the very best—i.e. similar—shot, and simply very full typically. Even when you come proper at opening time, you received’t have the ability to take pleasure in a lot peace right here.
The Backside Line
Is Petra value visiting? Sure and no. Actually, when you’re going to be in Jordan anyway I’d advocate visiting. Some vacationers will come for the day from Amman (and even over the Lifeless Sea in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv), whereas others will keep in a single day in Petra’s city middle, and even to the east within the close by Wadi Rum desert. Nevertheless, when you’re contemplating making a visit all the best way to the Center East merely (and even primarily) to see Petra, I’d advocate in opposition to this.
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Robert Schrader is a journey author and photographer who’s been roaming the world independently since 2005, writing for publications similar to “CNNGo” and “Shanghaiist” alongside the best way. His weblog, Depart Your Each day Hell, offers a mixture of journey recommendation, vacation spot guides and private essays protecting the extra esoteric facets of life as a traveler.