Things To Do Petra, Jordan
Aaron's Tombs, Turkish Baths and Treks near Wadi Musa
Visited the capital of the Nabataeans and seen the main sights? There's still more to do - go for a trek, check out nightlife of the Siq or enjoy Bedouin music.
So you’ve spent the last two days exploring Petra. You’ve photographed the treasury first thing in the morning with all its wonderful shades and shadows. You’ve kicked back in the Nabataean amphitheatre, checked out the Royal tombs, and ridden a donkey up the crumbling steps to the Monastery. You’ve had lunch in a Bedouin tent restaurant, hiked up to the high place of sacrifice to take in the views, and bought any number of unwanted Jordanian trinkets. So what now?
If you’re in Wadi Musa, and you’ve already visited Petra, there are still a number of things you may want to see and do.
Aaron's Tomb
If you found the hikes around Petra a little too easy for your liking, you might want to consider the longer more strenuous trek out to Aaron's tombs. Aaron was of course the articulate older brother of Moses, the Israelite leader who escaped from the Pharaohs by parting the waves of the red sea and embarking on a forty year crusade around Sinai. Like Moses, Aaron died in the desert shortly before the Israelites finally reached the Promised Land.
His tomb is situated high up on a mountain just outside Petra, and is clearly visible as a small white dot on top of an otherwise sandy-coloured peak. The trek takes about six or seven hours return, and although it can be reached by just following your eyes, it’s highly recommended that you take a local guide to be on the safe side. Bring plenty of water too, as there are no facilities on route.
Turkish Bath
A favourite way to unwind after a tough day trekking around the ruins is to head to one of the town’s Turkish Ottoman baths. Similar to those found in other parts of the Middle East, the Jordanians offer a slightly more gentle version of the often quite brutal massages famously dished out in Turkey. On arrival you’ll be asked to strip off (to whatever level you’re most comfortable. Usually a swim suite/trunks) and head to the steam room. After you’re feeling suitably warm and relaxed you’ll be summoned to another cooler room for a wash and scrub. Finally, and most rewardingly of all you’ll find yourself laid out on a stone slab while expert masseurs get to work on those tired muscles.
There are several Turkish Baths in Wadi Musa and all offer separate male/female masseurs to suit men and women. Prices range between 12 and 18 JDs for the full works.
Petra By Night
A glorious way to spend the evening is to head back to Petra after sunset and take it all in under the night time desert stars. Actually most of the site is closed, but you can buy a ticket that permits you to walk back through the ‘Siq’ (the scenic canyon corridor that leads down to the site) and re-visit the treasury by night.
The entire route is lined with candles, and participants are strictly told to remain silent throughout the experience. On arrival at the treasury, you’ll greeted by Bedouin music and tea, and be invited hang out until you feel motivated enough to leave. It’s very atmospheric but can seem a little gimmicky on those busier nights during peak season.
‘Petra By Night’ runs three times a week and tickets are available on site or at most travel agencies for 12 Jordanian Dinars.
For more alternative ideas for things to do in Petra and Wadi Musa click here
Or read about travelling from Jordan to Syria by Train
