Day 104: Exploring Petra: Our First Day at the Ancient City

Julie

2025-05-09

Day 104: Exploring Petra: Our First Day at the Ancient City

Join us as we explore Petra with our baby, from the stunning Al-Siq to the iconic Treasury, overcoming illness and discovering history.

Main Journey

Waking Up Unwell: A Rough Start

After our exhausting journey to Wadi Musa, we woke up feeling far from our best. Sweetie and I both had fevers over 38°C, leaving us weak and worried. Thankfully, Julie seemed fine—strong and healthy, the only one in our family feeling normal.

Dragging ourselves out of bed, we managed to make it down to the hotel restaurant for breakfast. The buffet looked good, but most of it wasn’t that appealing. Still, we filled up on sweet strawberry yogurt and fresh juice, just enough to give us a little energy.

A Family Meeting: Should We Rest or Explore?

As we sipped our juice, we debated our plan for the day. Should we stay an extra night in Wadi Musa to rest? Or should we stick to our original plan and start exploring Petra today?

Eventually, we decided to go ahead with our plan but take it slow. We would visit just a few key spots today and save the full exploration for tomorrow. Sweetie’s fever had already subsided, and I was feeling a bit better too.

Entering Petra: Getting Our Tickets

By 11:00 a.m., we were ready to go. Sweetie was in high spirits, wearing her cute cat-patterned socks, and we set out for Petra’s Visitor Center. The scorching Jordanian sun was already beating down on us.

Petra’s entry hours depend on the season:

Winter: 6:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Summer: 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Ticket prices:

1-day pass: 50 JOD
2-day pass: 55 JOD
3-day pass: 60 JOD

For children under 12, entry is free.

We hadn’t brought any Jordanian Dinars (JOD) with us but figured we could pay by card. But there were a few surprises:

A 2% fee was added for card payments.
The payment was processed in our home currency (KRW), not JOD, with an additional 6% exchange fee.

In the end, our two tickets cost 112 JOD, which appeared on our statement as 190,564 KRW—far more than expected. Lesson learned: Petra is best paid for in cash.

The Long Walk to Al-Siq

With our tickets in hand, we finally entered Petra. But the famous Al-Siq gorge was not immediately visible. Instead, we walked along a dusty, unshaded path for about 1 kilometer.

There were horses available for those willing to pay for a ride, but we decided to walk. Around us were stables with horses licensed to operate in the park.

The path began to reveal ancient carvings in the rock faces—our first taste of Petra’s history.

Entering Al-Siq: A Passage of Wonders

Finally, we reached the entrance of Al-Siq, a 1.2-kilometer-long narrow gorge. The towering cliffs and twisting path were mesmerizing, each turn revealing a new spectacle. The layers of rock showed how the canyon was formed over millions of years, and the sunlight filtering through added an almost magical touch.

Sweetie was fascinated, touching the textured rock walls, giggling at the cool feel of the stone. We couldn’t help but stop frequently to take it all in.

Petra’s strategic location made it a bustling trade hub in ancient times, linking Africa, Asia, and Europe. Camel caravans brought spices, perfumes, and other luxury goods through these passages, making Petra a wealthy city.

The Nabataeans, the people who built Petra, mastered water management, carving channels into the cliff walls to capture rainwater and direct it into storage wells. This system ensured a reliable water supply for the city’s thousands of residents.

The Struggle of Walking with a Baby

Walking through the winding path of Al-Siq, the shade provided some relief from the heat. But as the path continued, Sweetie grew tired. I still wasn’t feeling 100%, so Julie carried her. Sweetie was back to her playful self, laughing and playing with me as we walked.

We paused frequently, taking in the intricate carvings and ancient pathways. At one point, Sweetie tried to take a photo of me—her tiny hands barely holding the camera. A kind passerby noticed and offered to take a family photo for us.

The First Glimpse of Al-Khazneh (The Treasury)

After what felt like an endless walk, we saw a narrow opening between the towering cliffs. As we approached, the iconic façade of Al-Khazneh (The Treasury) came into view.

It was breathtaking. We paused, catching our breath and taking in the stunning sight. Carved directly into the rose-red cliff, Al-Khazneh is thought to have been a royal tomb for the Nabataean kings.

In ancient times, rumors of hidden treasures inside the urn at the top of the structure led treasure hunters to shoot at it. The bullet marks can still be seen today, which is why it’s called “The Treasury.”

We took a few moments to capture the perfect family photo here. Sweetie was tired but still smiling, and the cool breeze in the shade of the Treasury was refreshing.

Events

Health Scare: A Fever and a Family Meeting

Waking up with fevers was not how we planned to start our Petra adventure. But after a quick family meeting, we decided to explore Petra, focusing on just a few key areas for today.

Financial Shock: Card Payment Fees at Petra

We discovered that paying for Petra tickets by card came with unexpected costs—an extra 2% service fee and a 6% currency exchange fee. Cash would have been much cheaper.

A Long Walk to Al-Khazneh

The path from the Visitor Center to Al-Siq was longer than we expected, and walking through the 1.2-kilometer gorge with a baby was tiring. But the sight of Al-Khazneh made it all worthwhile.

Tips for Traveling with a Baby

Cash is King: Always bring enough local currency for entrance fees and other expenses. Card payments at Petra are expensive due to hidden fees.
Take It Slow: Petra is a vast site. If you or your child aren’t feeling well, don’t rush. Focus on a few key areas each day.
Stay Hydrated and Protected: The sun is intense, and the walk is long. Carry enough water, and use sunscreen and hats for both you and your baby.

Local Travel Tips

Ticket Payment: Use cash (JOD) instead of a card to avoid hidden fees.
Haggle for Horse Rides: If you want to take a horse from the Visitor Center to Al-Siq, negotiate the price.
Timing Matters: Visit Petra early in the morning for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

Travel Reflections

Waking up sick reminded us how important it is to listen to our bodies, especially when traveling with a baby.
Al-Siq is more than just a path—it’s an experience. Its towering cliffs and ancient carvings transport you back in time.
Finally seeing Al-Khazneh felt like a dream. It was a reminder that even the hardest journeys can lead to the most incredible moments.