Al Khazneh (The Treasury)
Elaborate tomb-like facade carved straight into the rose-coloured sandstone cliff, facing the exit of the Siq canyon. It is Petra's best-known image and a Nabataean masterpiece.
Petra
Cut into rose-red cliffs, this ancient Nabataean city has the Treasury at the end of the narrow Siq gorge.
Attractive locations
The Siq
Narrow, winding gorge more than a kilometre long that forms the main entrance to Petra. Tall rock walls, carved water channels and small niches lead toward the Treasury.
Ad Deir (The Monastery)
Huge monument carved into a mountainside high above the main city, reached by a long climb up rock-cut steps. Its plain, massive facade is often quieter than the Treasury.
Little Petra
Smaller Nabataean site a short distance from Petra, in a narrow canyon with carved rooms and stairways. It sees fewer visitors than the main city.
High Place of Sacrifice
Mountain-top ritual site reached by a long stone stairway, with altars and worship platforms carved into the summit and wide views over the valley.
Great Temple
Large ruined temple complex beside the colonnaded street, with terraces, columns and a small theatre-like hall. Excavation has revealed carvings of elephant-headed capitals.
Urn Tomb
Large royal tomb carved into the cliff, with a raised terrace and a deep arched chamber. Its high front looks across the valley toward the Petra centre.
Airports
King Hussein International Airport AQJ
It is about 90 km in a straight line from Petra.
Scams and safe taxis
Weather by month
Each month shows its average temperature in °C and its mm of rain per month.
- Jan6.4 °C45 mm
- Feb8.1 °C36 mm
- Mar11.4 °C19 mm
- Apr15.3 °C10 mm
- May19.9 °C4 mm
- Jun22.9 °C0 mm
- Jul24.6 °C0 mm
- Aug24.5 °C0 mm
- Sep22.6 °C1 mm
- Oct19.1 °C7 mm
- Nov13.1 °C15 mm
- Dec8.4 °C26 mm
Driest months: Jun, Jul, Aug. Wettest months: Jan, Feb, Dec.
Costs
Prices here are about 42% of US prices (World Bank, 2025). This compares a country's overall prices, not the cost of a trip.
Who can help
Emergency
911 for emergencies (ask your hotel for the local police and ambulance numbers).
local government
Tourist Police hotline (Jordan Government portal)
Helps with: Tourism Police hotline listed on the government portal. The Tourism Ministry also announced 117777 in March 2026. For any emergency, dial 911 for police, ambulance and fire.
Who qualifies: Tourists and other visitors in Jordan who need police assistance.
Phone: +962 79 550 5755
local government
Jordan Tourism Board
Helps with: Jordan's national tourism promotion body. Its website lists a phone number and an email address for visitor enquiries.
Who qualifies: Anyone travelling to Jordan or planning a trip there.
Phone: 0096265678444
Email: info@visitjordan.com
ngo
Jordan National Red Crescent Society
Helps with: Jordan's national Red Crescent society. Its website describes a hospital, first aid and disaster risk reduction training, and a vocational training centre.
Who qualifies: People in Jordan who need its medical, first aid or training services.
un agency
International Organization for Migration (IOM) Jordan
Helps with: The UN migration agency, working in Jordan since 1994 to promote humane and orderly migration. Its Amman office lists a phone number and email for enquiries.
Who qualifies: Migrants and organisations working on migration in Jordan. It is not a help service for ordinary tourists.
Phone: +962 7 9362 5080
Email: iomamman@iom.int
Address: Al Sharif Abdul Hamid Sharaf St., Buildings 62-64, Shmeisani, Amman
local government
Emergency number 911 (police, ambulance and fire)
Helps with: Reaches the police, ambulance and fire services in Jordan. The number comes from UK government travel advice.
Who qualifies: Anyone in the country, including visitors, can call this number.
Phone: 911