Topic: Petra ~ Visitors Info / Independent trips

In the heart of Southern Jordan's Shara mountains lies Petra, capital of the Nabateans. A remote desert stronghold with extraordinary coloured rocks and carved facades was rediscovered in 1812. To see the main monuments at least three days are needed, but on ships tours you will see the main attractions near to the entrance.

A torch can be useful for seeing details clearly on the inside of monuments. The ground is rough and uneven so sensible walking shoes are recommended. It can also be extremely cold so pants and jumpers plus rain coats are recommended in Winter / Spring

There are basic horse and carts available to take disabled visitors through the siq but no further for a charge. But there are no other facilities provided.

If you are planning on doing this trip independently please check with your cruise line whether you are covered on their visa or whether you need to obtain your own. If a visa is needed contact the Jordanian Embassy in London tel: 020 7937 3685 prices can be expensive. you will also need to pay departure tax of 10JD ~ does not apply to ships tours.

Tourist Information is located at the Petra Visitors Centre near the site entrance open daily 7am - 7pm in summer and 7am - 4 pm in winter. They also sell local guides Tel: 962 (0)36020.

Tickets for independent visitors can be purchased by the visitors centre for 20JD.

Tourist Police Office is located facing the visitors centre

See also:
Jordan ~ Petra / Egypt a few basic Arabic Phrases

Jordan Basic Information

For futher information plus a guide to Petra I have used The Blue Guide to Jordan http://www.amazon.co.uk/Blue-Guide-J.../dp/0713659858