Experience Petra: Enter via the ‘Back Door’

If you come to Jordan, you absolutely have to take the opportunity to discover the Nabataean city of Petra. Carved in beautiful red rock more than 2000 years ago, the impressive buildings and long staircases take present day visitors back in time and hold many secrets to discover.

We highly recommend entering Petra via the back route, which takes you on unbeaten paths past the Monastery (ad-Deir). This way, you will escape the majority of other tourists and end up with an enriched encounter of this magical site.

Options:

The ‘back door route’ can basically be done in one day. Starting at Little Petra, the path will take you all the way to the monastery and down into Petra. Along the way, enjoy taking in spectacular landscapes and the awe-inspiring monastery, arriving at the site with time for exploration.

For the more passionate hikers among us, there is the option to do the full Dana to Petra trek. That trek, which is also part of the Jordan Trail, is not without it difficulties – you especially should make sure to bring a certain fitness level. But don’t let this statement dishearten you. The experience is totally worth every bit of struggle! Rated as one of the best in the world by National Geographic, the hike leads through a wild and stunningly beautiful scenery, diverse landscapes and untouched nature.

The full hike, which can be completed in around 5 days, should generally be done with a tour company as it leads through some very remote areas.

Re-Entering via the ‘front door’

If you’re staying the night in Petra you can attend ‘Petra by Night’, where the sight is illuminated by hundreds of candles. The next morning we recommend re-entering Petra the common way: via the Siq. You will walk through the canyon, walls of rose-colored stone towering above you on each side. While walking the anticipation builds as you feel yourself nearing the heart of the ancient site. Suddenly, there it is, right in front of you!

The appearance of the Treasury at the end of the gorge is a breathtaking moment. And while it is a moment usually shared with many fellow travellers, you will be the lucky one. By first entering via the ‘back door’ and then – assuming you made it out of bed in time – early the next morning via the Siq, you will have gotten the best of both worlds. Petra is so immaculate it is best taken in from multiple angles and lighting. From afternoon, evening, and morning sunlight to candlelight – Petra’s majesty can be witnessed in many different ways. 

Our Recommendations:

If experiencing Petra via the backdoor seems exciting to you, check out this tour which offers the best sights of Jordan and the Little Petra to Petra hike via the back entrance: Jordan Hikes & Sights

If you’re up for more something more physically challenging, you should have a look at our Dana to Petra Treks – possible to do privately or as part of a bigger group.

…or you can of course request to add any version of the hike on to any of our private tours. We are looking forward to hear from you!