Just a two hour drive from Aqaba and four hours away from Amman, Petra lies on the edge of the Wadi Araba mountainous desert. This ancient wonder is surrounded by majestic rust-colored sandstone hills which will take your breath away. You’ll be amazed by the different hues of yellow, brown, white and rich red rocks which create waves and whorls of color in the Nabataean architecture. Petra was not only the Nabataean capital but the hub for caravan trade. Its towering hills created a stronghold to keep residents safe and were also a means of controlling the main trade routes to Damascus, Bosra, Gaza, Aqaba and other Persian locations.

The Nabataeans managed to create an artificial oasis by controlling the water supply in the region. In fact, they even constructed dams and water conduits to control flash floods, so there would be water during sessions of drought.

In ancient times, this remarkable city was accessed either from the south towards Jabal Haroun or from the high plateau of the north. However, as a modern day visitor you will enter Petra through the Siq which lies towards the east. The Siq is a geological fault or a deep split in the rugged rocks which has created a narrow gorge or walkway to Petra. It leads all the way to Al KHAZNEH or the Treasury. On either side, you’ll see underground chambers which were used to shelter guards who defended the entrance.

Once you enter Petra, you’ll be transported to the Nabataean world where you can witness their extraordinary skill and creativity in converting sandstone rocks to pieces of art.