The Ultimate 5 Day Petra Itinerary: A Complete Guide
Most travelers rush through the Rose City in a single afternoon. They see the Treasury, take a selfie, and leave. They miss 90% of the site. Petra covers 264 square kilometers. It is a massive archaeological park with rugged mountain trails, hidden facades, and high-altitude plateaus.
A 5 day Petra itinerary allows you to see the Nabataean capital without exhaustion. You can hike the back trails, sit with Bedouins for tea, and explore the surrounding desert. This guide breaks down the logistics, the routes, and the local secrets to help you navigate Jordan’s most famous landmark.
Day 1: The Classic Entry and the Treasury
Your first day focuses on the main artery of the park. You will follow the path of ancient traders through the Siq to the Treasury.
Morning
Start at the Visitor Center at 6:00 AM. Walking early avoids the tour bus crowds that arrive at 9:00 AM. Enter through the Bab al-Siq. You will pass the Djinn Blocks and the Obelisk Tomb.
The Siq is a 1.2-kilometer natural gorge. Its walls reach 200 meters high. Walk slowly. Look for the ancient water channels and the remnants of camel carvings. The Siq ends with the classic reveal of Al-Khazneh (The Treasury). Do not linger too long here yet; you have five days. Continue to the Street of Facades and the 7,000-seat Theater.
Afternoon
Eat lunch near the Byzantine Church. In the afternoon, explore the Royal Tombs. These are carved into the side of the Jebel al-Khubtha massif. The Urn Tomb, Silk Tomb, and Palace Tomb are the most impressive. The interiors are simple, but the natural coloring of the sandstone is incredible.
Climb the stairs behind the Royal Tombs for an overlook of the valley as the sun begins to set. The rock turns a deep orange-red during the "golden hour."
Evening
Walk back through the Siq before the park closes. Have dinner in Wadi Musa. Look for local spots serving Mansaf, the national dish of Jordan.
Day 2: The Monastery and the High Peaks
Day two is physically demanding. You will tackle the climb to Ad-Deir (The Monastery), Petra’s largest monument.
Morning
Head back into the park early. Pass through the Colonnaded Street and Great Temple. Follow the path behind Qasr al-Bint. The climb to the Monastery consists of approximately 800 hand-cut stone steps.
It takes about 45 to 60 minutes to reach the top. The Monastery is wider and taller than the Treasury. It is less crowded and offers a massive plaza to rest in. Just past the Monastery, follow the signs to "The Best View in the World" for a panorama of the Wadi Araba desert and Israel in the distance.
Afternoon
Descend the stairs and return toward the city center. Deviate toward the Lion Triclinium on your way down. It is often overlooked by hikers in a hurry.
Spend your afternoon at the Great Temple complex. This was the religious and administrative heart of the city. Use this time to look at the intricate floor mosaics in the nearby Byzantine Church.
Evening
If it is a Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday, book a ticket for "Petra by Night." You will walk the Siq lit by 1,500 candles. It is touristy, but seeing the Treasury by candlelight is a unique experience.
Day 3: High Place of Sacrifice and Wadi Farasa
The third day of your 5 day Petra itinerary takes you to the highest points of the central city and down through a secluded valley.
Morning
Ascend the High Place of Sacrifice trail. The trailhead starts near the Theater. It is a steep climb but the path is well-maintained. At the summit, you will find two massive obelisks and a circular altar used for ancient rituals.
The 360-degree view gives you a clear sense of Petra’s defensive topography. You can see the entire valley floor from here.
Afternoon
Do not go back down the way you came. Take the path down the back of the mountain through Wadi Farasa. This is one of the most beautiful sections of the park.
You will pass the Garden Triclinium, the Roman Soldier’s Tomb, and the Renaissance Tomb. This route is quiet. You will likely meet Bedouin shepherds and fewer tourists. The trail ends back near the Great Temple.
Evening
Head to the "Cave Bar" in Wadi Musa for a drink. It is located in a 2,000-year-old Nabataean tomb at the entrance of the Crowne Plaza.
Day 4: Little Petra and the Backdoor Route
It is time to leave the main entrance behind. Today you explore the "suburbs" of Petra and hike back into the main city through the mountains.
Morning
Take a 15-minute taxi or shuttle to Siq al-Barid, also known as Little Petra. It was likely a "hotel" district for trade caravans. Look for the Painted House, which contains one of the only surviving Nabataean frescoes.
From Little Petra, hire a local guide or use a GPS app to hike the "Backdoor Route" to the Monastery. This 5-kilometer trail is relatively flat and offers stunning mountain scenery. You arrive at the Monastery from the opposite side of the main crowd.
Afternoon
After reaching the Monastery, hike down the 800 steps toward the city center. Since you have already seen the main monuments, use this afternoon to explore the "Unfinished Tomb" or the "Columbarium."
Explore the Petra Museum located just outside the main gate. It is free with your Jordan Pass and houses high-quality artifacts found during recent excavations.
Evening
Visit a local hammam (Turkish bath). After four days of hiking, your legs will need the steam and scrub. It is a standard ritual for travelers in Wadi Musa.
Day 5: Wadi Rum or Beidha Neolithic Village
On the final day of your 5 day Petra itinerary, step outside the archaeological park to understand the broader region.
Morning
Drive 15 minutes north to the Beidha Neolithic Village. This is an 8,000-year-old settlement, one of the oldest in the world. It provides context for the people who lived here before the Nabataeans.
Alternatively, if you want more nature, head to the Dana Biosphere Reserve for a half-day hike. It is a 45-minute drive from Petra and offers dramatic limestone and sandstone cliffs.
Afternoon
If you prefer a desert experience, take a half-day trip to Wadi Rum. The "Valley of the Moon" is roughly 90 minutes south of Petra. You can book a 3-hour 4WD tour to see the red sand dunes, Nabataean inscriptions, and rock bridges.
If you prefer to stay in Petra, spend your final afternoon at the Jebel Haroun (Aaron’s Tomb). It is the highest peak in the area. This requires a long hike or a mule ride and offers views over the entire region.
Evening
Enjoy a final dinner at a rooftop restaurant in Wadi Musa overlooking the lights of the town. Reflect on the 50+ miles you likely walked over the last five days.
Where to stay for 5 days in Petra
Choosing the right accommodation is critical because you will return to your hotel exhausted. There are two main areas to consider:
- Wadi Musa (Gate Side): This is the most convenient. You are within a 5-minute walk of the Visitor Center. Hotels like the Mövenpick Resort Petra and Petra Moon Luxury Hotel are located directly at the entrance. You pay a premium for the location, but you save money on taxis and time on your feet.
- Wadi Musa (The Hill): Many hotels are located on the hills overlooking the town. These offer better views and lower prices. The Hayat Zaman Hotel & Resort provides a traditional village experience. Note that you will need a taxi (usually 5 JD) to get to and from the park entrance every day.
- Bedouin Camp: For a different experience, stay in a "Martian Dome" or a traditional tent in the hills near Little Petra. This is quieter and allows for stargazing, but requires a shuttle or rental car to reach the main Petra entrance.
Pro Tip: Buy the 3-day Jordan Pass. It covers your visa fees and 3 days of park entry. For days 4 and 5, you can purchase additional day passes at the ticket office for a reduced rate, as long as you show your original ticket.