Is Petra value visiting? On its face, this would possibly seem 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, nevertheless, and it begins to look much less foolish. As superb as it’s to discover a millennia-old Nabataean metropolis, the fact is that it’s grow to be a vacationer lure. 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 problem, 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 performed 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 despite the truth that I went on the hottest time of 12 months, and that I wasn’t in essentially the most…energetic frame of mind once I visited. Particularly, I’d been staying on the dwelling of a faculty pal the place I mainly had something I wished, at any time when I wished 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, significantly in the event you go to throughout a extremely popular month, and particularly in the event you aren’t extraordinarily match. Even after you’ve walked by way of 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 most important viewpoint. And, because it’s an out-and-back path, you’ll have to plan of going again the way in which you got here.
How Most Journeys to Petra Go Down
Stroll by way of Al-Siq Canyon
The excellent news? There are few higher methods to constructed up anticipation for Petra than strolling by way of this canyon, even in the event you’re unlikely to have a lot private area as you do. The unhealthy information? Wasps and hornets have a tendency to hang around right here, so please make haste in the event 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 web site, and the explanation that almost all 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 you ought to be vigilant about your cash and your belongings.
Hike to a viewpoint
Previous this level, a whole lot of vacationers head again—I don’t suggest that you just do. As an alternative, I recommend following the indicators to Petra’s viewpoint (there’s one most important one), which affords you a surprising view of all the web site in its desert context. It’s a panoramic panorama to behold.
Journey a camel there
Certainly, generally the taking of breath is extra literal, particularly in the event you determine that Petra is value visiting in August (of all months!) like I did! On this case, you might select to take one of many touts on the Treasury up on their provide for a camel trip. It’ll prevent a whole lot 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 record and shifting on to the subsequent. Will I ever return? Who is aware of. But when I do, it will likely be completely different.
Is Wadi Rum Price Visiting?
Wadi Rum is a vacation spot that individuals typically group along with Petra due to their geographical proximity, but it surely very completely different. Amongst different issues, Wadi Rum isn’t actually a spot you’ll be able to go for in the future and get the total image of it. You need to ideally sleep no less than an evening there, so to go to mattress because the desert darkens, and get up because the solar rises over it.
However, don’t be fooled into believing that you’ll want to be tremendous outdoorsy to be able to get pleasure from Wadi Rum. Simply as Petra is value visiting even in the event you don’t know loads 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 growing prevalence of “glamping”-style lodging amid its sands.
Different FAQ on Visiting Petra
Is Petra overrated?
Whereas I 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? However, in the same solution to world wonders like Cambodia’s Angkor Wat and the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, there’s a motive thousands and thousands of vacationers per 12 months flock to Petra, even in the event you get there are surprise (perhaps 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 web site, I believe a morning and afternoon are adequate for most individuals.
Is Petra touristy?
Petra is likely one of the most touristy locations on this planet, however not in a nasty method. It’s not Disney World—whereas there are a whole lot of sellers hawking numerous items, they aren’t corny and mass-producers. Nonetheless, it is filled with Instagrammers and influencers making an attempt to get the very best—i.e. identical—shot, and simply very full on the whole. Even in the event you come proper at opening time, you gained’t have the ability to get pleasure from a lot peace right here.
The Backside Line
Is Petra value visiting? Sure and no. Actually, in the event you’re going to be in Jordan anyway I’d suggest visiting. Some vacationers will come for the day from Amman (and even over the Useless 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. Nonetheless, in the event you’re contemplating making a visit all the way in which to the Center East merely (and even primarily) to see Petra, I would suggest 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 corresponding to “CNNGo” and “Shanghaiist” alongside the way in which. His weblog, Depart Your Day by day Hell, gives a mixture of journey recommendation, vacation spot guides and private essays protecting the extra esoteric elements of life as a traveler.
