We travelled from Istanbul to the legendary canyons of Petra—a trip that my wife planned down to the minutest detail as we were meeting friends along the next leg of our journey.
My adventure began at Istanbul Airport (IST), where we boarded Turkish Airlines for a short and comfortable hop to King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba. The flight is just under two hours, perfect for enjoying a coffee and watching the Mediterranean fade into the Red Sea.
As we descended, the sunlit mountains and wide horizon signaled that we were stepping into an entirely new landscape.
Before the trip, I purchased the Jordan Pass, which turned out to be one of the smartest travel decisions we made. It includes entry to over 40 attractions and waives the visa fee when staying at least three nights in Jordan.
Since I planned a 2-Day Petra Pass, the Jordan Pass saved money immediately and made immigration a breeze. Our friends were waiting for us at the airport as they arrived 45 minutes prior.
The hotel arranged a taxi pickup, which made arriving stress-free. The drive from Aqaba to Petra was a little under two hours, winding through desert mountains and shifting light…I was told because I passed out within five minutes of sitting the the van.
We checked into Petra Moon Hotel, one of the best-located accommodations in Wadi Musa, just a short walk from the Petra Visitor Centre. The area was under construction but it did not disturb us at all. We got in late so we just checked in and went to our rooms. The room was modern and cozy—ideal after long days of exploring the canyons. I almost didn’t want to leave.
Early the next morning we went down to the hotel restaurant for a continental breakfast and then we were off on the short walk to Petra.At the entrance, you can hire a licensed tour guide for about 50 JD. Given Petra’s immense size and complex history, having a guide can be invaluable as they highlight the hidden channels, ancient engineering, and stories that bring the city to life. On the first day, however, we decided on the unguided route. To explore on our own and not get caught up in rushing with the group. We didn’t want to be tied to a schedule with a guide or tour group.
I didn’t know what to expect; I like surprises. My wife was excited for me. A big surprise was coming.
Nothing compares to walking the winding Siq, a natural canyon of super high walls and cutouts formed over centuries. The colors are amazing and the vastness is humbling. I imagined what would happen in a flood situation. Don’t imagine that. The Siq winds and descends dramatically into one of the world’s most iconic reveals: The Treasury (Al-Khazneh). When the canyon finally opens and the Treasury appears in full view, glowing pink in the morning light, it feels otherworldly. Everyone watched my face as the realization came across my face.
Fans of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade will instantly recognize it. In the movie, the Treasury serves as the last resting place of the Holy Grail and the knight guarding it. I was quite giddy. Unfortunately, you can’t really go inside but the sense of adventure is real.
On from there, we climbed various rock formations and saw many buildings built into the rock itself. The entire time there was fascinating. We saw tombs and an Amphitheater carved from living rock and multiple trails.
It’s a good thing we went early in the morning because the sun and the crowds after 8:30am can get oppressive. We hiked up the side of one trail to a gift shop to get some refreshments, have a snack we brought and take in the views. That’s when we realized that 3 and a half hours had passed and it would take about an hour or so to get out. Good thing we had water. Number one priority in the desert.
We got back to the hotel around 11:30am and got some rest. The sun was strong but we hadn’t realized it at the time. Once everyone was awake, we went out and got some lunch. While in the town we got some shemagh scarves to cover our heads and faces from the wind and sun. Then back to the hotel.
After a full day exploring, we showered and headed to The Cave Bar. This bar is built inside a 2,000-year-old Nabatean structure. It wasn’t too crowded and we heard some great music. The layout and design felt ancient and modern all at once—exactly the sort of spot you could imagine Indy unwinding after a day of adventuring.
After dinner, we returned to attend Petra by Night, which begins at 8:30pm. The walk to the Treasury was beautiful at night. Music surrounded us as the stars flickered overhead. It’s a must-do if your schedule aligns.
On my second morning, I entered at first light to witness sunrise at the Treasury. The amazing colors morphed from violet to rose to gold in minutes. With the site nearly empty, it felt like Petra belonged to me alone. Sunrise is, hands down, the most magical time to experience Petra. I sat there for about 30 minutes before I had to go. I waved to Indy, Henry and Sallah, wishing them farewell.as I took one last inhale, We were leaving in a few hours and heading to Wadi Rum aka the Valley of the Moon.
Final Thoughts:
Jordan is safe, friendly, and rich with history. Even the vendors were not intrusive. They will bargain but they will not assault your senses. Petra is not just a bucket-list destination; it’s a landscape where you feel both humbled by history and inspired to explore further.
Practical tips:
- Head coverings are a must, the sun is hot
- Have plenty of water
- Wear comfy shoes
- Tip your guides
- It’s a Muslim country, respect the rules
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