Is Petra value visiting? On its face, this may 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 superb as it’s to discover a millennia-old Nabataean metropolis, the fact is that it’s develop into a vacationer lure. There are arguably extra day guests in Petra on a given day than there really have been residents, again when it was initially inhabited!
This difficulty, in fact, isn’t black and white. That’s why I’ve determined to jot 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 despite the truth that I went on the hottest time of 12 months, and that I wasn’t in probably the most…energetic way of thinking once I visited. Particularly, I’d been staying on the house of a faculty pal the place I principally had something I wished, each time 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 for those who go to throughout a very popular month, and particularly for those who aren’t extraordinarily match. Even after you’ve walked by means of Al-Siq Canyon to achieve 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 by means of Al-Siq Canyon
The excellent news? There are few higher methods to constructed up anticipation for Petra than strolling by means of this canyon, even for those who’re unlikely to have a lot private house as you do. The dangerous information? Wasps and hornets have a tendency to hang around right here, so please make haste for those who’re not a quick walker (I’m).
Go to the Treasury
Your first cease would be the Treasury, probably 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, loads of vacationers head again—I don’t suggest that you just do. As an alternative, I counsel following the indicators to Petra’s viewpoint (there’s one major one), which affords you a shocking view of the whole web site in its desert context. It’s a panoramic panorama to behold.
Journey a camel there
Certainly, typically the taking of breath is extra literal, particularly for those who determine that Petra is value visiting in August (of all months!) like I did! On this case, it’s possible 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 hassle!
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 1,000,000 miles a minute, I used to be all about ticking one factor off my listing and shifting on to the subsequent. Will I ever return? Who is aware of. But when I do, it will likely be totally different.
Is Wadi Rum Value Visiting?
Wadi Rum is a vacation spot that individuals usually group along with Petra due to their geographical proximity, but it surely very totally different. Amongst different issues, Wadi Rum isn’t actually a spot you possibly can go for someday and get the complete image of it. It’s 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.
Then again, don’t be fooled into believing that that you must be tremendous outdoorsy with the intention to take pleasure in Wadi Rum. Simply as Petra is value visiting even for those who don’t know so much about historical past, fashion-minded vacationers who’ve by no means set foot inside an REI can have a good time at Wadi Rum, due to the rising 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 many years of hype, how may anybody argue in any other case? Then again, 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 purpose hundreds of thousands of vacationers per 12 months flock to Petra, even for those who 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?
Nearly all 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. Whilst you may clearly spend a number of days exploring the historic web site, I feel a morning and afternoon are enough for most individuals.
Is Petra touristy?
Petra is likely one of the most touristy locations on the planet, however not in a nasty method. It’s not Disney World—whereas there are loads of sellers hawking numerous items, they aren’t corny and mass-producers. Nonetheless, it is filled with Instagrammers and influencers attempting to get the perfect—i.e. similar—shot, and simply very full on the whole. Even for those who come proper at opening time, you gained’t have the ability to take pleasure in a lot peace right here.
The Backside Line
Is Petra value visiting? Sure and no. Definitely, for those who’re going to be in Jordan anyway I’d suggest 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 heart, and even to the east within the close by Wadi Rum desert. Nonetheless, for those who’re contemplating making a visit all the best way to the Center East merely (and even primarily) to see Petra, I would suggest towards 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 reminiscent of “CNNGo” and “Shanghaiist” alongside the best way. His weblog, Depart Your Day by day Hell, supplies a mixture of journey recommendation, vacation spot guides and private essays masking the extra esoteric points of life as a traveler.