Insider's Jordan: Tips for Visiting the Lost City of Petra
April 22, 2010 By: Mary Winston Nicklin
Planning a jaunt to Jordan to see the Lost City of Petra? Itching to gallop-- Indiana Jones style-- through the famous gorge to marvel at this ancient site? (Called the "Siq," the narrow canyon carved from sandstone leads to the Treasury (pictured), framing the ruins in an awe-inspiring view.) Hidden deep within the mountains, this mysterious city was built by the Nabateans in the 4th century BC, and flourished from profits made by controlling the region's caravan routes. Today Petra showcases incredible archeological ruins-- influenced by the Assyrians, Egyptians, and Greeks-- as well as natural beauty. Described in a 19th century sonnet as "a red-rose city, half as old as time," the UNESCO World Heritage Site is a lifetime must. It's easy to see why Petra was chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.
At the Jordan Travel Mart 2010, Luxury Travel Advisor sat down with Nasser Sultan Shraideh, Chief Commissioner of the Petra Development & Tourism Region Authority, to talk about the preservation of such an important cultural and natural monument, including micro-finance projects to engage the local community. Notably, USAID has invested significantly in Jordan's tourism infrastructure, providing expertise on site conservation and presentation, specifically in Petra. To enhance the visitor experience in Petra, new interpretative signs have been added to the pathways, and excellent new maps are available at the visitor's center. In the works: a new ticket structure which will take cash out of the park and eliminate the need to haggle over prices; a camel ride, for example, can be purchased in advance. Keep in mind that current admission prices include a horse-drawn carriage ride through the Siq. (Fatigued on your return trip back through the gorge, you'll want to take advantage of this offer.)
Some tips for visitors:
--Many folks assume that Petra's highlight is the Treasury, the setting for Indiana Jones' discovery of the Holy Grail in the film. In fact, this area comprises only 3% of the entire park. Petra actually sprawls over miles and miles of parkland encompassing myriad other sites. Don't miss a hike up to the Monastery, climbing hundreds of carved stone steps. At the top of the mountain, you'll take in awesome views across to Israel (on a clear day). Plus new trails are being added this year to diversify the visitor experience.
--Coming soon: a back road exit system for visitors via shuttle bus, to avoid retracing your steps out of the Siq.
--Plan your trip to include "Petra by Night," an experience offered by the tourism office which leads visitors along a candle-lit path to the Treasury, lit by hundreds of flickering candles. You'll be served hot tea while listening to bedouin music.
--Foodies will get a kick out of cooking classes at Petra Kitchen, where you'll learn how to whip up traditional Jordanian dishes in a fun environment.
--Not far from Petra, the less touristed site called "Little Petra" is definitely worth a visit.
--Looking for accommodations? Consider the Movenpick Petra, strategically positioned right outside the site entrance.
