Petra, one of the new 7 Wonders of the World, should be on every traveller's bucket list... it is quite simply put... AMAZING!!! A one-day entrance ticket costs around $70 USD but it's worth it for sure.
Petra was the ancient capital city of the Nabataeans, who were spice traders in the 1st century BC. Most of Petra was destroyed by an earthquake several hundred years later, but it was rediscovered in 1812 by a Swiss explorer.
You must enter Petra through a narrow pathway cut through the rocks which is called "The Siq." After approximately 1 km of walking through The Siq we caught a glimpse of the ancient Treasury at Petra through the rocks. It was a very dramatic way to arrive at such an epic destination.
We spent the day at Petra walking among ruins, exploring old temples, tombs, and enjoying the beautiful mountain views from the Monastery. Walking around in the sand on a hot day can make you tired, so I somehow convinced John to ride a donkey up the mountain to the Monastery after being warned that it was a long, steep climb. Next thing I knew I was on the back of a donkey named Shakira, holding on for dear life as she climbed the stairs up the path.
The Monastery was just as impressive as the Treasury (the famous building everyone has come to know Petra by). What was great about visiting Petra at this time was the fact that it wasn't over-packed with people. There were definitely a lot of tourists there, but the place is so huge that you don't feel like you're crowded.
Petra was one of the filming locations of the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. I felt a bit like Indiana Jones exploring this ancient city which is full of mystery. Definitely the highlight of our trip to Jordan!
Petra was the ancient capital city of the Nabataeans, who were spice traders in the 1st century BC. Most of Petra was destroyed by an earthquake several hundred years later, but it was rediscovered in 1812 by a Swiss explorer.
You must enter Petra through a narrow pathway cut through the rocks which is called "The Siq." After approximately 1 km of walking through The Siq we caught a glimpse of the ancient Treasury at Petra through the rocks. It was a very dramatic way to arrive at such an epic destination.
We spent the day at Petra walking among ruins, exploring old temples, tombs, and enjoying the beautiful mountain views from the Monastery. Walking around in the sand on a hot day can make you tired, so I somehow convinced John to ride a donkey up the mountain to the Monastery after being warned that it was a long, steep climb. Next thing I knew I was on the back of a donkey named Shakira, holding on for dear life as she climbed the stairs up the path.
The Monastery was just as impressive as the Treasury (the famous building everyone has come to know Petra by). What was great about visiting Petra at this time was the fact that it wasn't over-packed with people. There were definitely a lot of tourists there, but the place is so huge that you don't feel like you're crowded.
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