The Siq Valley: Getting to The Treasury

Getting to Petra isn't as straightforward as arriving at the destination and taking pictures from your taxi, or in passing. No. Not at all! If you visit in summer the first thing you will have to battle is the scorching heat, then after acquiring your ticket (* more info below), you will have to walk.. a lot.

* You can buy your ticket at the counter when you arrive, or you can buy it online - more information here.

You can also buy the ticket as a package deal with other tourist sites in Jordan. Part of this package also includes the Jordanian Visa which you will need to attain either before arriving or at the airport. This option suits someone staying for a longer period of time - for more information click here.

Navigating through Petra inside the Siq, one can feel the anticipation building before the breathtaking reveal of The Treasury.

Luckily this path has ample cover from the beating sun as it weaves its way through the valley (Siq), passing beautiful rock formations formed, partly by the wind, erosion, and ancient earthquakes but also some from the help of the mountain dwellers of the time (most likely the Nabateans). Some carvings and chippings are still clearly seen on the valley walls. The other option is you jump on a horse, donkey, or camel– rented from the local Bedouins, who are still keeping with traditions by finding ways to trade.

The valley is filled with fine stonework, including the smart water irrigation systems running down the rocks. Our tour guide mentioned that once upon a time the people here enjoyed lush greenery, water was available in most places and cultivated with. These water systems carried water to the bottom of the valley. It was likely that the Nabateans were storing the water to provide lush lands and a healthy continuous supply for the thriving city and its inhabitants.

If you do choose to walk expect it to take about 45 minutes if you (are able to) walk briskly and bring plenty of water (at least 2 bottles). Unfortunately, the water systems are no longer in use, so you will need your own water.

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Keep it moving

In case you haven’t realised yet, keeping active and the fit is a goal of mine – especially while abroad, it's kinda the theme around here. So although the walk to the Treasury was good there was still an aching to do more, not only more exploration but also to expel much of the energy that I still had.

Once you pass the Treasury there is indeed more to see that the Nabateans left behind, a whole city in fact, including a Roman theatre made into stone and more Treasury-type buildings, most yet to be unearthed fully. The path also offers a chance of a hike, a hike to the top of these valleys and mountainous terrain, a hike I couldn't wait to embark upon. One that also offers the opportunity to see The Monastery. Rather unknown compared to the infamous Treasury, perhaps because of the somewhat strenuous (in summer) hike up, The Monastery stands taller and bigger than the Treasury, although, for the most part, you are at the mercy of the sun, while taking mandatory pictures..

How long should I spend in Petra?

You should look to spend around 2 days in Petra to see everything without rushing.. too much. One night in Wadi Musa (Valley of Moses) - the town where Petra is situated, offers great hotels even better food, and a well-needed rest. Beware it can get very cold at night, it's an elevated town, and it's in the middle of a desert – not a place to get stuck or unprepared like we did on our Atacama desert adventures.

Many tourists spend the night here after a full day of walking in Petra then go again in the morning, buses usually leave around 5 pm to go back to Amman, however, some people opt to take the journey further south to Wadi Rum. The buses (JETT buses) leave from Amman around 6:30 am and take roughly 3.5 hours to get to Wadi Musa, with a brief pit stop in between.

Full itinerary coming soon.

If you're looking for a comfortable and enjoyable hotel stay in Wadi Musa, I highly recommend the place where I stayed - The Town Season Hotel.

Is Petra safe?

In my opinion yes. I met only hospitable and genuine locals (and tourists) during my time in Jordan in general. Many female travellers –some travelling solo, mentioned this too. The most trouble you will find while in Petra are the local Bedouins trying to make a living on the tips they receive – they can be a little forward at times but nothing intimidating.

One thing I would mention is to use Uber where possible (In Amman) as it's alleged that some 'taxis' may use the fact that a foreigner is in the car (police tend not to randomly stop cars/taxis with foreigners in them to avoid passengers becoming anxious) to their advantage to transport 'merchandise'. A rare occurrence I'm sure, plus the locals or hotel concierge would generally help or warn against such individuals. Don't let this scare you, just have your wits about you, like in any country.

Final Thoughts on Petra, Jordan

Jordan offers a great opportunity to see one of the wonders of the world with a great hike to go along with it. Views, ambiance, and a real wonder really stimulate the more engrossed visitor. Ticking off most of what I look for when I visit a new place, with the added bonus of such generous local people and amazing food it collectively makes this one of my most memorable experiences to date.

Except, Petra is much more than that, it has the ancient ambience in abundance of course, but it's also the feeling of mystery that adds to the adventure. A movie set fitting for the audacious Indiana Jones or for the audacious traveller alike. One that wishes to lift their mind, body, and spirit in ways you may not find anywhere else in the world. Maybe that's what the Nabateans envisaged when they first gazed eyes upon the impenetrable Siq Valley so long ago, yet still so fresh in the details, or maybe it was something a little more intangible that made them settle, a little more than just a simple passageway.

A place so dead yet still so alive, much like the essence of the desert, however, the unearthed city's mysterious ways will continue to attract curious minds, and in turn, Petra will continue to simply feel special. A true wonder.