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Overview
Jordan is a gold mine of history deep in the desert. It lies humbly under the radar for most travellers, even though it has an arsenal of phenomenal historic sites definitely worth bragging about. This is where you’ll find Petra, the prehistoric capital cut into a rock face. There’s nothing quite like seeing Petra for yourself. It’s the main reason people visit Jordan, to gaze upon the glorious Rose Red City chiselled out of the desert sandstone over 2000 years ago. The walk to Petra is as much of the experience as the city itself – you pass through Al Siq, a sandstone gorge path that slowly reveals the classical façade of the Treasury, a meticulously planned build up that makes laying eyes on the UNESCO site all the more spectacular. This ancient city was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. A full day in Petra is the best way to cover the rest of the site’s monuments and buildings, like the Colonnaded Street and the Street of Facades. Petra is manageable for most though it might be challenging for those with walking difficulties.
The best time to visit Petra is in spring, when temperatures are neither too hot or cold. May, in particular, is a winner, because rainfall is very low (at 4mm) and thermometers are unlikely to read above 30°C. This is high season, though, so be sure to reserve rooms ahead of time in touristy areas.