Jordan Travel Blog: City Of Petra
A while back I shared my Jordan travel blog and talked about what a stunning kingdom it is. For most people, the only thing they know about Jordan is Petra. Inducted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, Petra really started to gain popularity in 2007 when it was voted one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.
The city of Petra was built as early as 312BC by the Nabataeans, later ruled by the Romans, saw a decline during the Byzantine era, and Lawrence of Arabia helped lead the people of Petra against the Ottoman Regime; with so much history I’m glad that we had a local guide with Intrepid travel.
Petra truly is an amazing place, you could spend an entire day here and not see everything, and of course there is much more to it than just Indiana Jones.
Here’s my Petra travel blog through pictures.
I knew the city of Petra was going to be great, look how happy the locals are
Even the locals take a moment to admire the scenery
Our local guide gave us a detailed history lesson
Here’s how they gathered water. Petra is in a desert afterall
This scene was made famous by Indiana Jones
Our jaws dropped when we finally saw its full beauty
Camels are everywhere since many travelers get too tired to walk
Our brave friend Katherine taking a camel selfie
Donkeys are available too but it’s not recommended to ride them. This one is up to no good
The homes were carved right into the mountains
They even built a there for gatherings
The Royal tombs of Petra
Marguerite van Geldermalsen came to Jordan in 1978 and married a Bedouin, she still lives nearby
When the Romans ruled they built a grand boulevard
Petra is so big that they are still excavating some parts
When you think you’ve made it to the end, there’s an 850 step climb to the Monastery
It’s worth the climb
You’ve made it to the top, relax a little
Don’t get tempted to take a donkey back down
Somewhere in there is Petra
Wow, such stunning photos….thanks for sharing Barry.
Virna,
Great place and super safe
Nice pics, I’ve heard some donkeys can be really stubborn and aren’t recommend for tourists to ride. Great pics, looks like somewhere I’d like to visit someday
Dan,
Ha yeah they can be stubborn, and they aren’t treated well so best to avoid riding them. Definitely a place worth checking out.
Hi Barry did you ever feel unsafe? Would it be safe for a 18 year old with her father to go?
Maddison,
Jordan was actually MUCH safer than I thought it would be. Never felt unsafe, very friendly people, even at night we felt fine. (I travelled with my wife). If you have any specific questions e-mail me via my contact page or on Twitter @barrychoi
Thanks Barry. I am thinking of going to Jordan in May, 2 girls travelling on our own. Any advice? Safety concerns?
rupal a patel,
I travelled with my wife there when I was in my early 30’s. Although we were only alone together for a short while, everyone we ran into was friendly, and we never felt unsafe. I also know of a few solo female travellers who went to Jordan had a great time.
That being said, use standard common travel sense. Also note that hiring local guides / drivers is pretty cheap.
Thanks Barry. Do you know of anyone travelling there this year?
rupal a patel,
I know of solo female travellers and ones who travelled to Jordan in the last year and felt very safe. Intrepid travel also tells me that Jordan is still one of their most popular destinations.