All roads lead through Petra! Petra map & 14 tips

Petra map, trails and tips for the perfect visit to the rock city!

Petra , Jordan's most famous archaeological site, covers a vast 20 square kilometers. Ancient cultural treasures will leave you in awe, breathtaking viewpoints overlook the city, and fascinating outdoor areas reveal Petra away from the tourist crowds. AGE™ takes you on an exciting walking tour through the renowned capital of the Nabataeans. Our comprehensive Petra map will help you plan your trip.

Explore all the sights the Petra Map

More information about Petra, including admission and opening hours, can be found in the article: Petra World Heritage Site in Jordan – the legacy of the Nabataeans

Jordan • Petra World Heritage Site • History of Petra • Map of Petra • Sights of Petra • Rock Tombs of Petra

5 sightseeing routes

Main Trail Main Attractions

The main attractions (4,3 km one way)

Every visitor should walk this path at least once. Just after the main entrance, you'll discover the first sights, such as the ancient block tombs or the unusual obelisk tomb with the Bab as-Siq triclinium . The Main Trail leads to the main attractions!

Next, you reach the 1,2 km long Siq . This beautiful rocky gorge offers natural beauty as well as cultural highlights. It's worth walking this path early in the morning and late in the evening to enjoy the atmosphere without the crowds of tourists.

At the end of the canyon awaits the famous Treasury, Al Khazneh . No matter how many photos you've seen before your visit, when the monumental sandstone facade of the Treasury rises before the narrow Siq passage, it will take your breath away. Take a break and absorb all the details.

From there, continue into the Petra Valley. Passing through the Street of Facades , you'll reach the Roman Theatre . The theatre necropolis is also worth a second look. Unfortunately, only a few stones remain of the former Nymphaeum . The ruins of the so-called Great Temple are all the more impressive.

Finally, the colonnaded street leads you to the main temple, Qasr al-Bint , where the Main Trail ends. From here, the ascent to the Monastery of Petra, Jordan, begins via the Ad Deir Trail . A combination of horse-drawn carriage and donkey ride allows people with mobility impairments to also visit the Main Trail sights in Petra, Jordan.

Your way:

Main entrance -> Block tombs -> Obelisk tomb with Bab as-Siq Triclinium -> The Siq -> Treasury Al Khazneh -> Street of Facades -> Theatre Necropolis -> Roman Theatre -> Nymphaeum -> Colonnaded Street -> Great Temple -> Qasr al-Bint ;

Our hint

The Main Trail must be followed back to the Visitor Center at the end of the day. This means a total distance of almost 9 kilometers should be planned for this main route. Alternatively, part of the trail can be bypassed by taking the considerably more challenging High Places of Sacrifice Trail , or one can leave Petra via the Back Exit Road . Those with extra time can also hike from the Monastery of Ad Deir to Little Petra and thus leave Petra without returning to the Main Trail.

Can you visit the sights of Petra with a wheelchair?

Many sights along the Main Trail can also be reached by horse-drawn carriage. Others are accessible to people with walking disabilities using a combination of carriage and donkey.

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Ad Deir Trail Petra Monastery

The ascent to the monastery (1,2 km one way)

At the end of the Main Trail, the Ad Deir Trail begins and leads up several hundred steps to the Ad Deir Monastery.

The strenuous ascent is rewarded with magnificent views and the monastery itself is definitely one of the main attractions of Petra. The beautiful sandstone building is just as impressive as the famous treasure house and should definitely be on your Petra bucket list.

Once at the top, you can rest with a view of the monastery and enjoy a cool drink. Let your mind wander and enjoy the splendor of this unique setting.

Our tip

It's also worth a short walk to explore the area. There is a rock nearby, from which you can take great photos of the monastery through a cavity and signs show you the way to beautiful viewpoints over the rocky landscape around Petra.

The descent is the same as the ascent, but it is correspondingly faster and more relaxed. On the way down you can suddenly enjoy the beautiful, old sandstone steps and take in the great views again.

Our alternative - a hike from Petra to Little Petra

If you don't go down into the valley and back to the Main trail you can alternatively do a guided tour Hike from Petra to Little Petra Companies. Just ask for a guide at the “most beautiful vantage point in the world”.
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Al-Khubtha Trail Royal Tombs

Royal tombs & the treasure house from above (1,7 km one way)

After the Main Trail and the Ad Deir Trail , the Al-Khubtha Trail is next on your to-do list for your visit to Petra. Here, not only do more extraordinary rock tombs await you, but also the popular view of the Treasury from above.

The Al-Khubtha Trail starts on the opposite side of the amphitheater and leads you first to the impressive facades of the royal tombs . The tour begins with the unique urn tomb with its columned courtyard and vault, then continues to the colorful facade of the Silk Tomb and past the Corinthian Tomb to the magnificent Palace Tomb . Those with a little extra time can also make a short detour to the slightly more secluded tomb of Sextius Florentinus.

The trail then continues uphill, and the first stunning views will make any photographer's heart beat faster. The Roman theater can also be photographed beautifully from above along this trail. Finally, the path ends abruptly at the edge of the cliffs in front of a Bedouin tent.

Take your time and enjoy a glass of tea

A break here is doubly worthwhile, because the perfect view down to the famous Treasury costs only a glass of tea. Here, you should stop, observe, and deeply breathe in the magic of Petra.

Our hint

Please note that the Al-Khubtha Trail is not a circular route. It has to be returned the same way. You have to plan a total of 3,4 km.
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High Places of Sacrifice Trail

Away from the main routes (2,7 km one way)

If you have planned at least two days for Petra and want to be a little off the beaten track, then the High Places of Sacrifice Trail is just right for you.

Coming from the main entrance, the path branches off to the left shortly after crossing the Street of Facades. A steep climb leads to the high sacrificial site with a fantastic panoramic view over the rock city of Petra . A few motivated tourists still manage to make it this far, but most return to the center of Petra via the same route.

A beautiful circular route through Petra is waiting for you here

Alternatively, you can follow the path into less touristy areas. A narrow stone staircase leads you down into Wadi Farasa East . This hidden valley awaits you with beautiful structures such as the Garden Temple, the Soldier's Tomb, the colorful Triclinium, and the so-called Renaissance Tomb. Above all, you'll find space for yourself here, leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the Main Trail . Here you breathe in silence, immerse yourself in another time, and can feel the spirit of Petra.

This path does not have to be taken back. It forms with part of the Main trails a circular route.
For a longer hike, the Umm Al Biyara Trail connected.
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Al Madras Trail

Lookout point with guide (500 m one way)

The Al Madras Trail is not marked and can only be walked with a local guide. Some blogs also call it the Indiana Jones Trail. You should be sure-footed for this path. Before the Siq, it branches off to the left of the Main trail and leads through a beautiful rocky landscape. The Al Madras Trail offers, besides that Al Khubtha Trail, another vantage point overlooking the from above Treasure house. It is also possible to extend the route and with a guide from Al Madras to High Place of Sacrifice to wander.

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Jordan • Petra World Heritage Site • History of Petra • Map of Petra • Sights of Petra • Rock Tombs of Petra

3 sidewalks

To the tomb of Anesho

Those wishing to visit this rock tomb and its surroundings must climb a side path. The path is unmarked but regularly used by visitors. Coming from the main entrance, the tomb is located on the right-hand side at the end of the facade road, above some caves. You can either find a suitable path yourself or hire a local guide. Exploring this area includes the Uneishu Tomb , its triclinium, other rock tombs, and the beautiful view of Petra's center.

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Temple of the Winged Lions & Churches of Petra

At the end of the Main Trail , near Qasr al-Bint, a small path branches off to the right. It leads to the excavation of the Temple of the Winged Lions , away from the tourist crowds. Only a few remnants of the walls remain, but it offers a fantastic view over the Petra valley. Other side paths lead to the churches of Petra . The beautiful mosaic floors of the main church are definitely worth a visit, and the charming Blue Chapel, with its blue columns and the royal tombs in the background, makes for a superb photo opportunity.

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Back Exit Road (approx. 3 km one way)

The Back Exit Road is rarely used by tourists. It leads from the end of the Main Trail , near the main temple Qasr al-Bint, to the Bedouin town of Uum Sayhoun. Along the way are a few still-inhabited caves, as well as the Turkumaniyya Tomb with one of the few inscriptions in ancient Petra. This road has been closed as an entrance since 2019, but it remains open as an exit. It is advisable to check the current situation at the main entrance beforehand.

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Jordan • Petra World Heritage Site • History of Petra • Map of Petra • Sights of Petra • Rock Tombs of Petra

3 hiking trails

Umm al Biyara Trail

The remains of Sela (2 km one way)

Those spending three days in Petra with enough time and energy left can climb the plateau of Umm al-Biyara. The trailhead is near the main temple, Qasr al-Bint. It can be accessed from the end of the Main Trail or the High Places of Sacrifice Trail . At the summit lie the faint remains of Sela, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Edom from the 7th century BC. Peace and solitude are the rewards of this hike.

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Jabal Haroun Trail

A pilgrimage route (4,5 km one way)

This hike is primarily intended for pilgrims, but visitors interested in holy sites are also welcome. The pilgrimage route leads to the burial site of Moses' brother. Those who ask the shrine's guardian for permission may visit the shrine. This should, of course, be done with respect. The trail's starting point branches off from the Umm al-Biyara Trail . As the pilgrimage route is not a loop, the return journey must be made along the same path.

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Sabra trail

Remote ruins (6 km one way)

The trail follows Wadi Sabra and passes remote archaeological excavations. This day hike into the largely unknown outdoor areas of Petra is particularly interesting for those returning who have already seen all of the main attractions. Hikers who want to enjoy the beautiful rocky landscape in the area are also right here. Please keep in mind that this trail is not a circular route either. Therefore, 12 km must be planned for the way there and back.

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Jordan • Petra World Heritage Site • History of Petra • Map of Petra • Sights of Petra • Rock Tombs of Petra

3 inputs / outputs

Main entrance

From Wadi Musa through the Siq to the Petras valley

This is the usual, standard, and recommended entrance. Tickets can only be purchased here, and even those with a Jordan Pass must first pick up their tickets at the Visitor Center located at this main entrance. The main entrance leads to the Main Trail , which connects most of Petra 's major attractions and is therefore a must-do. It's advisable to pick up a free map at the Visitor Center. All the trails through the World Heritage Site are marked on it.

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Side entrance

From Uum Sayhoun via the Back Exit Road into the Petras valley

This entrance is located on the edge of the Bedouin town of Uum Sayhoun and leads to the so-called Back Exit Road . Unfortunately, this entrance has been closed since 2019. Please check at the main entrance to see if the route is currently open. Exceptions may be granted. The Back Exit Road can still be used as an exit. However, it's advisable to check current information beforehand to avoid arriving at locked gates. The Back Exit Road is an interesting route off the beaten track.

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Back entrance

From Little Petra via the Ad Deir Monastery to Petra

A guided hike from Little Petra to Petra allows you to reach the Ad Deir Monastery . This avoids the numerous steps on the ascent to the monastery, and instead you only need to descend the Ad Deir Trail into the Petra valley. From the second day of your visit (provided valid tickets were purchased at the main entrance on the first day), this access is technically possible. However, the park administration no longer encourages it. AGETM ^recommends a hike from Petra to Little Petra as a way to end your day.

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Jordan • Petra World Heritage Site • History of Petra • Map of Petra • Sights of Petra • Rock Tombs of Petra