Stunning Stone Monuments of Petra | National Geographic

Deep within Jordan's desert canyons lies an ancient treasure: the stone city of Petra. This massive hand-carved metropolis provides a window into an ancient civilization. A hidden network of tombs, monuments, and elaborate religious structures are carved into the sandstone cliffs. Believed to have been settled as early as 9000 BC, it developed into a thriving capital of the Nabataean kingdom. This culture ruled much of modern-day Jordan from the 3rd century BC until the 1st century AD.

It's a three-hour drive from the capital city of Amman and 2 hours from the Red Sea port town of Aqaba. Reducing Petra to a single day trip is a common mistake. The site spreads out over a hundred square miles, four times the size of Manhattan. Spend at least one night in Wadi Musa, the closest town to the site, and plan your sightseeing as a series of steep terrain hikes.

Wild donkeys, camels, and horse buggies can hasten travel time between highlights. Most of the sites are best reached on foot. Licensed guides have exceptional knowledge and can add a deeper dimension to your visit by showing you secret tombs and hidden details. Sunrise and sunset are when Petra truly glows, so come early and stay late.