Visit Petra in Jordan despite walking disabilities by carriage, donkey & camel

Yes, Petra is generally accessible for wheelchair users, but with important restrictions and the need for special transport for certain areas.
The path from the main entrance to the famous Treasury (Al Khazneh) is wheelchair accessible. The wide path directly behind the visitor center is easily accessible.
Important points for wheelchair users:
Transportation in the Siq: The narrow rocky canyon (the Siq) leading to the Treasury has sandy and uneven ground. It's difficult to navigate this area in a wheelchair under one's own power. Donkey carts are available as a transportation option through the Siq, although the ride can be bumpy. Occasionally, golf caddies also drive.
Recommendation: It is advisable to organize transport directly from the Visitor Center to the Treasury to facilitate the transition and avoid having to leave the wheelchair behind.
Exploring the Rock City: For other sights, such as the Street of Facades and the Street of Columns, donkey or camel tours are available, provided you have sufficient balance for riding. These paths are flat and easy to navigate.
Ad Deir Monastery: The path to Ad Deir Monastery leads up numerous, irregular sandstone steps, making it very difficult or even impossible for wheelchair users. Donkeys are also available for the ascent, but this requires a very good sense of balance.
Important tip: Before your visit, check with the Visitor Center directly for current transportation options, prices, and exact conditions, as these are subject to change. This will ensure your visit to Petra is an unforgettable experience, despite your walking disability.

Yes, older people can visit Petra, but it is important to carefully plan the individual's physical abilities and the nature of the visit.
The route from the main entrance to the famous Treasury (Al Khazneh) is generally manageable. Older travelers can take horse-drawn carriage or golf cart rides through the Siq (rocky gorge) to avoid the sometimes sandy and uneven terrain.
Important considerations for older visitors:
Walkability: Many paths are long, uneven or sandy.
Local transport: Carriages, donkeys or camels are available to facilitate longer distances or challenging sections.
Ad Deir Monastery: The climb to the monastery is very challenging (many steps) and requires good balance, even with donkeys.
Heat & Rest: Petra can get very hot. Plan plenty of breaks and shade.
Information in advance: Inquire at the visitor center about current transportation options and prices.
With good planning and the use of available transportation, visiting Petra can be an unforgettable experience even for older people.

Yes, you can reach and explore Petra without walking if you rely on transportation.
From the main entrance to the famous Treasury (Al Khazneh), carriages and sometimes golf caddies are available to take you through the Siq (the rock gorge). For further exploration of the flat areas within the Rock City, such as the Street of Facades, you can take donkey or camel tours, provided you have sufficient balance to ride.
For the higher-lying Ad Deir Monastery, the climb without walking is very demanding; here, too, guides offer donkeys, but this requires surefootedness and trust in the animal.
It is always advisable to check with the visitor center in advance about current transportation options and prices.

Petra in Jordan is an ancient rock city founded over 2.000 years ago by the Arab nomadic Nabataean people. The history of the Nabataean city of Petra is marked by its rise, prosperity, decline, and spectacular rediscovery.
The most important phases and events:
Founding and heyday as a trading center: Petra was strategically positioned on important ancient trade routes (such as the Incense Route). The Nabataeans controlled the trade in precious goods and thus became enormously rich and powerful. Their wealth enabled the construction of impressive monuments carved into the red sandstone, such as the famous Al Khazneh Treasury and the Ad Deir Monastery. They were also masters of water management.
Roman conquest and influence: In 106 AD, the Nabataean Kingdom was conquered by the Romans, and Petra became the capital of the Roman province of Arabia Petraea. The city continued to flourish under Roman rule.
Decline and oblivion: A severe earthquake in 363 AD destroyed large parts of Petra. With the relocation of trade routes and further earthquakes, the city lost its importance and was largely abandoned until the 8th century. It was forgotten by the Western world and became a legend.
Rediscovery and world fame: In 1812, Petra was "rediscovered" for the Western world by the Swiss Oriental traveler Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. Since then, it has regained its status as one of the world's most important archaeological wonders. In 1985, Petra was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and in 2007, it was selected as one of the "New Seven Wonders of the World."
For a comprehensive and detailed account of Petra's history, based on personal experience and careful research, you can find all the information in the Magazine.Travel article: The History of the Nabataean City of Petra in Jordan.