5-Day Petra Itinerary: The Perfect First Trip

Petra packs an incredible amount into a compact destination — the rose city carved into desert cliffs by the ancient nabataeans. Five days gives you enough time to hit the highlights, discover a few secret spots, and still leave room for spontaneous detours.

Here is a tried-and-tested 5-day itinerary that balances must-sees with off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions

Morning/Afternoon: Arrive and settle into your accommodation in Wadi Musa — gateway town with hotels, restaurants, and the Petra entrance. Take it easy — grab a coffee, orient yourself, and shake off the jet lag.

Late Afternoon: Head to The Treasury (Al-Khazneh) for your first taste of what makes Petra special. The late-afternoon light is ideal for photos and the crowds start to thin.

Evening: Dinner in the Wadi Musa — gateway town with hotels, restaurants, and the Petra entrance area. Try Mansaf — Jordanian national dish of lamb in fermented yogurt sauce over rice — it is the quintessential local dish and the perfect way to kick off your trip.

Day 2: The Iconic Highlights

Morning: Start early at The Siq canyon entrance. Arriving before 9 AM means fewer tourists and better photo opportunities.

Afternoon: After lunch, make your way to High Place of Sacrifice. Budget about 2–3 hours here to fully appreciate the experience.

Evening: Explore the Main Trail — Treasury to the Monastery via colonnaded streets and tombs neighborhood on foot. Street food stalls serve excellent Zarb — Bedouin underground barbecue cooked in sand pits at a fraction of restaurant prices.

Day 3: Deep Dive into Culture

Morning: Visit The Monastery (Ad-Deir) — one of Petra's most culturally significant sites. Hire a local guide for about $9 to get the stories behind the sights.

Afternoon: Wander through the Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) — miniature Nabataean site 15 minutes north district. This is where locals shop, eat, and socialize, so the vibe is refreshingly authentic.

Evening: Treat yourself to a mid-range dinner featuring Knafeh — sweet cheese pastry soaked in syrup, a Middle Eastern dessert. Expect to spend around $20 per person.

Day 4: Off the Beaten Path

Morning: Today is about discovery. Head to Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) — small Nabataean site with painted ceilings and no crowds — a spot most tourists overlook entirely.

Afternoon: Check out Aaron's Tomb — mountaintop pilgrimage site with panoramic views (requires a guide). The Back trails — remote high places and alternative routes with fewer crowds area is great for a leisurely walk and a late lunch.

Evening: Experience Petra's nightlife scene — Cave Bar — cocktails in a 2,000-year-old Nabataean rock tomb in Wadi Musa.

Day 5: Final Gems & Departure

Morning: Use your last morning to visit Wadi Farasa trail — alternative route past the Soldier's Tomb and garden ruins or revisit a favorite spot from earlier in the trip.

Late Morning: Pick up souvenirs at Wadi Musa shops — sand bottles, Bedouin jewelry, and Dead Sea products — support local artisans and avoid airport markup.

Afternoon: Head to the airport with memories (and a full camera roll) to last a lifetime.

Pro Tips

• Transport: JETT buses connect Amman to Wadi Musa for Petra, 3.5 hours
• Budget: A comfortable mid-range daily budget is about $80 per day including meals, transport, and activities.
• Packing: Pack sturdy hiking shoes with ankle support for rocky trails You will average 12,000–15,000 steps per day on this itinerary.
• Etiquette: Respect Bedouin culture and hospitality — accept tea when offered
• Safety: Petra trails are safe but watch footing on uneven rock steps

Budget Breakdown (Per Person)

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Daily Total	$30	$80	$200
5-Day Total	$150	$400	$1000

Final Thoughts

Five days in Petra is enough to fall in love with the place — and to start planning your return trip. This itinerary is a starting point; feel free to swap days around based on weather, energy levels, and serendipitous discoveries.

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