So you've seen those incredible photos of the Treasury carved into pink sandstone cliffs and you're wondering "wait, where is Petra Jordan actually located?" I get it - when I first planned my trip, I couldn't quite place it on the map either. Turns out Petra sits in southern Jordan's mountainous desert, about 3 hours south of Amman. But that's just scratching the surface. Let me walk you through everything from GPS coordinates to how to actually get there without getting lost like I almost did.
Petra's Geographic Location: Coordinates and Region
Pinpointing exactly where Petra Jordan sits on the map honestly confused me at first too. Here's the breakdown:
• Exact coordinates: 30°19′43″N 35°26′31″E (save this in your phone!)
• Region: Ma'an Governorate in southern Jordan
• Distance from Amman: 236 km (about 3 hours by car)
• Nearest town: Wadi Musa (literally "Valley of Moses")
• Elevation: 810 to 1,396 meters above sea level (those hills are no joke)
I remember driving through what felt like endless desert before suddenly seeing those dramatic cliffs rise up. The isolation explains why it remained "lost" to the Western world until 1812. Honestly, the remote location is part of its magic.
How to Reach Petra Jordan: Practical Transport Options
Now that you know where Petra Jordan is, how do you actually get there? Based on my trip last spring:
| Transport Method | Details | Travel Time | Cost (approx) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rental Car | Highway 35 from Amman. Well-signed but mountainous | 3 hours | $40-60/day + gas | Flexibility, groups |
| JETT Bus | Daily buses from Amman Abdali Station | 3.5 hours | 12-15 JOD ($17-21) | Solo travelers, budget |
| Private Driver | Hotels can arrange. Negotiate price upfront! | 3 hours | 70-90 JOD ($99-127) | Comfort, door-to-door |
| Domestic Flight | To Aqaba, then 2hr drive to Petra | 1hr flight + 2hr drive | $100+ flight only | Combining with Red Sea |
Petra's Entrance and Practical Visiting Details
Alright, you've arrived in Wadi Musa. Now what? The actual entrance to Petra Archaeological Park is at the edge of town. Here's what you absolutely need to know:
Petra Jordan Ticket Prices 2024
| Ticket Type | Price (Jordanian Dinar) | USD Equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-day ticket | 50 JOD | $70 | Steep but worth it |
| Two-day ticket | 55 JOD | $78 | Best value for most |
| Three-day ticket | 60 JOD | $85 | For serious explorers |
| With Jordan Pass | Included | N/A | Must buy BEFORE arrival |
Just being real - yes, Petra is expensive. But hear me out: When you stand in the Siq at dawn with no crowds, it's worth every penny. Buy the Jordan Pass online before your trip - it covers visa fees and entry to Petra plus 40+ sites. Huge savings.
What to Actually See in Petra: Beyond the Treasury
Everyone knows the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), but figuring out where Petra Jordan's hidden gems are located takes strategy. Here's a realistic priority list:
- The Siq - That narrow canyon entrance (1.2km walk). Gets crowded by 9 AM.
- The Treasury - Iconic facade. Best light 9-11 AM.
- Street of Facades - Dozens of tombs carved into cliffs.
- The Theater - Roman-style, carved from rock (capacity 8,500!)
- Royal Tombs - Massive burial sites with intricate carvings.
- The Monastery (Ad-Deir) - 800 steps uphill but my personal favorite.
- High Place of Sacrifice - Brutal climb, insane views.
- Qasr al-Bint - Main temple structure in city center.
- Lion Triclinium - Hard to find but worth it.
- Byzantine Church - Stunning mosaic floors few see.
Timing Your Visit Perfectly
Knowing where Petra Jordan is climatologically matters immensely:
| Season | Pros | Cons | Crowd Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar-May) | Wildflowers, mild temps | Occasional rain | High |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Long daylight hours | Extreme heat (over 100°F) | Medium |
| Fall (Sep-Nov) | Pleasant temperatures | Shorter days | High |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | Lowest crowds | Cold nights, possible snow | Low |
My take? October was perfect temperature-wise, but packed with tour groups. If I went again, I'd brave the cold for February solitude.
Where to Stay Relative to Petra's Location
Since Petra Jordan is in a remote area, your lodging choice matters. Wadi Musa has options for every budget:
Luxury: Mövenpick Resort (literally across from entrance) - You pay for location, not luxury. Rooms are dated but you can't beat being steps from the gate at 6 AM.
Mid-Range: Petra Guest House Hotel - Built into a cave! Quirky but atmospheric. Decent restaurant.
Budget: Rocky Mountain Hotel - Basic but clean. Family-run with killer rooftop views. The owner Mohammed gave me better Petra tips than any guidebook.
Essential Tips for Visiting Petra Jordan
After two visits (and plenty of mistakes), here's my unfiltered advice:
• Cash rules. Many small vendors don't take cards. Get JOD at ATMs in Amman for better rates.
• Haggle respectfully. Souvenir prices are negotiable, but remember these are subsistence sellers.
• Guides: Worth it for history context? Absolutely. For navigation? Not necessary - trails are clear.
• Petra by Night (Monday/Wednesday/Thursday): Magical or touristy? Both. The walk through the Siq by candlelight gave me chills, despite the crowds.
• Donkey/Mule Rides: Controversial but helpful for steep sections like Monastery climb. Inspect animal condition before paying.
Frequently Asked Questions (Exactly What People Ask)
Extremely safe. Petra is hundreds of miles from Syria/Iraq borders. Jordan is stable, with heavy police presence at tourist sites. Normal precautions apply. I felt safer wandering Wadi Musa at night than many European cities.
Technically yes, practically no. Driving 6+ hours round-trip leaves minimal time onsite. Stay at least one night. That rushed day trip I tried? Regretted it deeply.
Limited access. The Siq has uneven terrain and sand. Only the first section to the Treasury might be passable with assistance. Contact visitor center in advance for current conditions.
Modest dress is respectful. Lightweight pants/long skirts and covered shoulders are ideal. That said, in Petra you'll see everything from hijabs to tank tops. Locals tolerate tourist attire but appreciate modesty.
Strictly prohibited without permits obtained months in advance. Security will confiscate them. Saw it happen.
Beyond the Tourist Trail: Connecting with Petra's Reality
Understanding where Petra Jordan is culturally matters as much as geographically. This isn't just an open-air museum - it's adjacent to Bedouin communities whose families lived in Petra's caves until the 1980s. Their stories add profound depth to the stones.
A local guide named Ahmed shared how his grandfather guarded the Treasury before tourism existed. That perspective transformed how I saw those famous columns. Petra's magic isn't just in its location, but in the living history surrounding it.
Final Coordinates: Making Your Petra Visit Meaningful
Pinpointing where Petra Jordan is on a map is simple coordinates. But finding its essence? That requires stepping beyond the Treasury selfie spot. Wander the lesser trails. Talk to tea-sipping Bedouin elders. Sit in silence at the Monastery as sunset paints the cliffs gold.
My biggest mistake first visit? Rushing the checklist. Second time, I spent three hours sketching at the High Place of Sacrifice as hawks circled below. Didn't "see" more sites, but felt Petra deeply. That's the location pin that truly matters.
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