7-Hour Petra Walking Tour with Monastery Hike and Scenic Back Trail

7 Hours Round trip from Petra Visitor Centre Moderate pace

View all 6 photos

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Walk through Petra's icons: the Siq, the Treasury, and Facades' Street
02 Explore Nabatean tombs, hidden caves, and a panoramic Roman Theater viewpoint
03 Visit the Royal Tombs and experience the acoustics inside the Urn Tomb
04 See ancient houses and the Byzantine Church mosaic while overlooking key monuments
05 Hike up to the Monastery, then descend via a dramatic back trail with sunset views

Spend a full day exploring Petra on foot, from its iconic monuments to lesser-known trails and viewpoints. Walk through the Siq to the Treasury, continue past Nabatean tombs, Facades' Street, hidden caves, the Roman Theater viewpoint, the Royal Tombs, ancient houses, and the Byzantine Church mosaic. Climb the 860 steps to the Monastery, enjoy tea with a stunning view, and descend along a scenic back trail overlooking Wadi Arava and the African Rift Valley. The day ends with sunset views over Petra and a 4x4 return transfer back to the Visitor Center.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access No

City Petra

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Full-Day Petra Walk to the Monastery and Back Trail

10:00 AM - Start at the Petra Visitor Center

I will meet you at the Petra Visitor Center. After a brief introduction, we'll set off on our journey through this ancient wonder.

10:30 AM - Explore Nabatean Tombs

Stroll through the site, marveling at the incredible variety of Nabatean tombs carved into the sandstone cliffs. I will share fascinating insights about the Nabatean civilization and their remarkable architectural skills.

11:00 AM - The Siq Canyon

Enter the breathtaking Siq, a narrow gorge stretching 1.2 km. Enjoy the towering cliffs and unique rock formations as you approach the iconic Treasury.

11:30 AM - The Treasury

Catch your first glimpse of the Treasury as it emerges from the gorge. Take your time for photos and soak in its beauty while I provide a detailed history of this magnificent monument.

12:00 PM - Facades' Street

We will continue to Facades' Street, where dozens of intricately carved tombs line the path. Admire the colorful facades and learn about their significance.

12:15 PM - Hidden Caves and Roman Theater Viewpoint

Embark on an easy hike to discover hidden caves with stunning layers of colors. Enjoy panoramic views of the Roman Theater, a marvel of ancient engineering.

12:45 PM - Royal Tombs and the Urn Tomb

We will head to the Royal Tombs and step inside the Urn Tomb. Experience the extraordinary acoustics of this grand space carved from solid sandstone.

1:15 PM - Ancient Houses and Byzantine Church

Explore the foundations of ancient Nabatean houses and visit the 6th-century Byzantine Church, famed for its well-preserved mosaic floor. We will overlook the Great Temple and the Roman Colonnaded Street and learn about their history.

1:30 PM - Lunch Break

Take a moment to relax, refresh, and use the restroom facilities before continuing our adventure.

2:00 PM - Climb to the Monastery

Gear up for a hike as we tackle the 860 steps leading to the Monastery, the largest carved monument in Petra.

3:00 PM - Refreshment at the Monastery Café

Upon reaching the Monastery, enjoy a cup of tea in the café with a stunning view of this colossal structure. Learn about its history and why it's known as the Monastery.

4:00 PM - Scenic Back Trail

Begin your descent via the back trail, offering breathtaking views of Wadi Arava and the African Rift Valley, reminiscent of the Grand Canyon.

4:30 PM - Ancestral Foundations

Explore the ancient foundations dating back to the 4th Millennium BC, gaining insight into the early history of this remarkable region.

5:00 PM - Sunset Viewing

We will find a perfect spot to watch the sunset over Petra, capturing the moment in photographs as the landscape transforms.

5:30 PM - Return Journey

We will descend the stairs back to meet your 4x4 truck, ready to transport you back to the Visitor Center.

6:00 PM - Arrival at Visitor Center

End your day with unforgettable memories of Petra, having experienced its beauty and history like never before.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Petra Visitor Centre 1 city · 7 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Hotel pick-up
18 years of experience English-speaking tour guide
Back-door 4x4 truck transfer back to your hotel

What's Not Included

Entry fees to Petra site
Golf cart ride
Donkey / mule / horse ride in Petra
Lunch
Tips and gratuities

What to bring

Valid Passport & Petra Entrance Ticket (or Jordan Pass printout/digital copy)
Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots
Reusable Water Bottle (staying hydrated throughout the day is essential)
Sun Protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat or scarf
Cash in local currency (JOD): For lunch, snacks, drinks at the Monastery café, souvenirs, or optional tipping
Daypack / Small Backpack: To comfortably carry your personal items hands-free
Layered Clothing / Lightweight Jacket: For cooler morning starts and shade inside the canyons
Camera or fully charged smartphone (a portable power bank is also recommended)

Know before you go

Petra Entry Tickets: Tour fees cover guiding services and the included 4x4 return transfer. Official entrance tickets (Jordan Pass or valid Petra entry ticket) are not included and must be purchased separately prior to entering.
Physical Fitness & Walking: This is an active full-day tour involving 6-7 hours of walking over uneven terrain, sandstone paths, and climbing 860 steps up to the Monastery. A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended.
Wear Comfortable Footwear: Sturdy walking shoes, hiking boots, or supportive sneakers are essential due to the rocky trails and gravel paths.
Dress Code & Sun Protection: Dress respectfully and comfortably for outdoor weather. Sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and lightweight, breathable clothing are highly recommended.
Weather Preparedness: Temperatures inside the canyon and desert trails can fluctuate significantly. Bring layers for cool early mornings and stay hydrated throughout the day.
Optional Services Excluded: Donkey rides, horse carriages, golf carts, and personal gratuities/tips are voluntary and paid directly on-site at your own expense.

Logistics