Traveling to Petra, Jordan

By Ron Balker

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Weathered by centuries of wind and rain, the ruins of Petra remain perhaps the most magnificent of their kind on earth. It has been called the Rose-Red City Half as Old as Time; it is one of the new Seven Wonders of The World.

Petra is as enchanting as overwhelming. The stunning surroundings, structures and carvings will take your breath away. Tucked in the middle of the desert, it went unnoticed for many centuries. There is only one way to get in or out, through a path in the giant rock mountain that stretches for almost a kilometer.

Inside, you will find a mixture of artistic engineering with precession that is amazing even in today’s technology advancement of laser guide, levels and modern machinery. What is really amazing is that most of the structures are carved, not built.

Several main structures are larger than life, with towering columns that will dwarf anyone standing next to them. Caves carved from sheer rock faces, a theater carved in stone, there really isn’t a good way to describe it that will give Petra its due justice.

A closer look as you walk through the path leading to Petra reveals an elaborate water delivery system that brought water into the heart of Petra.The Romans added to the structure of Petra as it is evident from the columns and other Roman structures.

However, in 363 A.D. a massive earthquake leveled most free standing structures. Luckily, the original construction of Petra was unharmed as these were actually carved from the rock.

If you are interested in seeing Petra, take the following tips to heart: Jordan requires a visa to get into the country. However, citizens of most countries including the U.S. and Europe can get their visa upon arrival at the airport.

Once you arrive, make sure you stop at the foreign currency exchange counter first to get Jordanian dinars. The visa counter does not accept anything else. Most people waste their time waiting in line just to be told that they have to use local currency. Follow this tip and you’ll be ahead of most visitors.

Most hotels in Jordan accept online reservations; it is a good idea to do so.

Once in Jordan, you will most likely be staying in Amman. Use taxi service to get around. It is a lot easier than trying to find places yourself. Driving in Jordan is quite an adventure.

Getting to Petra: Your options are to rent a car or take a bus. Tour buses travel to Petra daily.

My highest recommendation is to spend two days at least in Petra; you will not be able to see it in one day. There are several hotels just outside of the Petra entrance.

Ask questions as much as you like. I found the people of Jordan to be very friendly and eager to help. They will go out of their way to help you without accepting a reward in return.

While in Jordan, do take the time to see other places as well. Wadi Mujib for example is a must see. We had a really good time there and it’s really close to the Dead Sea. In fact the tour we took walking in the gorge overlooks the Dead Sea.

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