Petra

We left the hotel early at 7:30 and got to Petra at 10:15 (2 hours 45 mins).

Petra - The Treasury

Petra Rock Formations

Entrance to Petra is very expensive at 50JD (£45) and we also shared the cost for an English guide at 50JD - the guide, Harby, was very knowledgeable and gave us good insight into the area, he was born in the area and was a bedouin (he told us he is currently having a book published about his life called 'From Tent to Tourism').
We visited the main sites which are the canyon leading to the Siq, an opening that leads to The Treasury, and took a path past many old cave houses until we came to the restaurant at the bottom of the steps leading to the monastery. We stopped to pray Dhuhr in the staff prayer room in the restaurant, and the restaurant owner insisted we had tea with him - we were grateful for the rest and the refreshment, and the hospitality of the owner.

Steps to the Monastery

After this we started climbed the 850 steps and various hills which take you to the monastary which is at the top of a mountain. It took us over an hour to reach the summit and the monastery, and the climb became more about the challenge of getting to the top than seeing the monument. When we got to the top we drank juices and water in a small resthouse at the top and took in some excellent views of the canyons and mountains. It was an exhausting journey but worth it.

The Monastery

Mule Transportation

When we got back down we agreed with some local youth to take 6 donkeys/mules to the bedouin village instead of walking all the way back to the entrance. We enjoyed the 20 minute ride but when we got to the location (around 10 mins drive from the main entrance) we found that our taxi drivers number did not work. We spoke to some friendly local police, and they called and arranged for a 4x4 truck to pick us up and take us back to the entrance, 2 of the group had to jump in the back.

We had spent 7 hours walking around Petra and left around 5.30pm. We got back to Amman around 8.30pm (3 hours) and were starving so had a good meal at Abu Ghaith restaurant (whole roast chicken, rice with mince, mansaf, Arabi chicken wraps, roast lamb plate, chips, salad) which was excellent value at around £21.We then headed back to the hotel for rest.

View from Top

Costs:
Entrance Petra. 50JD
Guide: 50 JD
Car for 6 120JD
Mule 3JD each
4x4 for 6: 4JD
Dinner: 23JD