Is Petra Safe? Surprisingly One of the Middle East's Safest Gems

Loaded question. According to our parents, the answer is no because they are instantly afraid we will be scooped up by Indiana Jones-style tomb raiders. Ask the TripAdvisor or Reddit community, and the answer will usually be the same. If you are street smart, it's just as safe as walking around in your U.S. hometown. So, which is it? Is Petra safe or not?

My wife Sarah and I were in Petra for 6 nights as first-time visitors. We're a middle-aged couple (yikes, I hate to admit this because in my mind I'm "29" forever, lol!) from Florida, recently married and working remotely while we travel. I'm going to share 1) how we determined if Petra felt safe for us and 2) our honest travel experience during our weeklong stay.

By the way, I've visited 6 continents and 32 countries from Cambodia to Zimbabwe to Chile. My definition of risk in my 20s is much different than now. I offer this background, so you understand the person sharing this Petra safety perspective.

3 Safety Factors to Consider

Alright, let's quickly review the 3 safety factor checklist I used to determine if Petra felt safe to visit.

01 - State Department Travel Advisory

If you do not know this already, the U.S. Department of State posts travel advisory ratings on all countries that range from a 1-4.

1 = Exercise normal precautions (white)2 = Exercise increased caution (yellow)3 = Reconsider travel (orange)4 = Do not travel (red)

We only travel to destinations labeled 1 or 2.

It is important to know that different ratings can exist in the same country. For example, some countries have all the ratings ... 1, 2, 3, and 4!

Know your 1, 2, 3, and 4s!

If you look at the map, you will see Jordan, including Petra, is yellow and labeled a level 2 (exercise increased caution). This is primarily due to terrorism concerns, which, frankly, is a risk in many popular tourist destinations these days.

Jordan is actually one of the safest countries in the Middle East, ranking 62nd out of 163 countries in the 2023 Global Peace Index.

U.S. Department of State Check: PASS

02 - Latest News

It's always important to understand what is going on in a country financially, socially, and politically to help you determine if you should go or not.

When I researched recent news about Jordan and Petra, I was pleasantly surprised. There were no recent reports of major security incidents involving tourists. In fact, most of the news was quite positive.

Jordan has been investing heavily in sustainable tourism initiatives, focusing on long-term safety and sustainability. The country has also been implementing enhanced COVID-19 safety protocols, ensuring a safer environment for visitors.

One piece of news that caught my attention was the increased Tourism Police presence at major tourist sites, including Petra. This reassured me that the Jordanian government takes visitor safety seriously.

I also found no news of hard crime against tourists in Petra. The biggest safety concerns seemed to be related to the terrain and heat, which are manageable with proper preparation.

Current News Check: PASS

03 - Community Forums

Recent traveler experiences are invaluable.

I spent hours scouring TripAdvisor forums and Reddit threads about safety in Petra. The consensus was overwhelmingly positive. Most travelers reported feeling very safe, with many saying they felt more secure in Petra than in many European cities.

One TripAdvisor user, Sarah W., wrote, "I felt incredibly safe throughout my visit to Petra. The locals were friendly, and there was a visible security presence."

Another traveler on Reddit shared, "As a solo female traveler, I was pleasantly surprised by how secure I felt in Petra. Just use common sense and respect local customs."

These firsthand accounts from fellow travelers gave me confidence that with normal precautions, we'd have a safe and enjoyable experience in Petra.

Community Forum Check: PASS

First Hand Experience in Petra

Alright, now the juicy part. We felt we had researched enough to give us a sense Petra was safe with the usual precautions.

Did our research match our experience?

Yes!

We spent 1 week in Petra, exploring different areas and experiencing the city both during the day and at night. Here's our experience as first-time visitors to Petra WALKING around (we walked almost everywhere!) and as passengers in various modes of transportation.

Wadi Musa Town Center

Wadi Musa is the modern town that serves as the gateway to the ancient city of Petra. It's where most tourists stay and where you'll find hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Sarah and I felt completely comfortable walking around Wadi Musa, both during the day and at night. The streets were well-lit, and there was always a mix of tourists and locals out and about.

We enjoyed:

• Sipping mint tea at the Cave Bar, supposedly the oldest bar in the world
• Browsing local handicrafts at the Petra Nights Souvenir Shop
• Savoring authentic Jordanian cuisine at Al Wadi Restaurant

One evening, we got a bit lost trying to find our way back to our hotel. A local shopkeeper not only gave us directions but insisted on walking us part of the way to ensure we didn't get lost again. This kind of hospitality was common throughout our stay.

Is Wadi Musa Town Center Safe? YES

Petra Archaeological Park

The Petra Archaeological Park is, of course, the main attraction. It's a vast area encompassing the ancient city, and it's where you'll spend most of your time as a visitor to Petra.

We were impressed by the security measures within the park. There's a visible presence of tourist police, and the entrance is well-organized with metal detectors and bag checks.

Our favorite experiences in the park included:

• Walking through the narrow Siq to the Treasury (more on this later!)
• Climbing up to the Monastery for breathtaking views
• Exploring the Royal Tombs
• Taking a cooking class with a local Bedouin family (arranged through a reputable tour company)

One thing to note: the terrain can be challenging in places. Wear sturdy shoes and watch your step, especially when climbing stairs carved into the rock. Sarah almost took a tumble at one point, but a nearby guide quickly steadied her.

Is Petra Archaeological Park Safe? YES, but stay alert to your surroundings

The Siq

The Siq is the narrow gorge that serves as the main entrance to Petra. It's about 1.2 kilometers long and at some points only a few meters wide, with cliff walls soaring up to 180 meters high.

Walking through the Siq was one of the most memorable parts of our visit. The anticipation builds as you walk along, catching glimpses of the Treasury through the narrow openings.

Safety-wise, the main concerns in the Siq are:

1. Horse-drawn carriages: They move quickly through the narrow space, so stay alert.
2. Loose rocks: Look up occasionally to ensure you're not under any precariously balanced stones.
3. Flash floods: In the rainy season (November to April), be aware of flood risks. The park authorities are vigilant about this and will close the Siq if there's any danger.

We felt very safe walking through the Siq. There were always other tourists around, and we saw regular patrols by park staff.

Is the Siq Safe? YES, with normal precautions

Treasury Area

The Treasury is the most famous monument in Petra, and the area in front of it is always bustling with tourists and locals.

This area felt extremely safe. It's the most populated and heavily monitored part of Petra. We saw several tourist police officers, and there were barriers preventing people from approaching the Treasury too closely (to protect both the monument and the visitors).

Be aware of persistent vendors in this area. They're generally harmless but can be annoying if you're not prepared. A firm "La shukran" (No thank you) usually suffices.

We enjoyed:

• Taking photos of the Treasury from different angles
• Listening to our guide explain the history and myths surrounding the monument
• People-watching and observing the interactions between tourists and local Bedouins

Is the Treasury Area Safe? YES, very safe

Street of Facades and Royal Tombs

As you move past the Treasury, the crowds thin out a bit, but there's still a steady stream of tourists and locals.

The Street of Facades is lined with impressive tomb facades carved into the rock face. Further along, you'll find the Royal Tombs, a series of massive facades that are particularly beautiful in the late afternoon light.

We felt very safe exploring these areas. The paths are well-maintained, and there were always other people around. However, be careful on the steps leading up to the Royal Tombs - they can be steep and uneven.

Our highlights:

• Climbing up to the Urn Tomb for a fantastic view over Petra
• Exploring the interior of the Palace Tomb
• Watching the sunset paint the rock facades in stunning hues of red and orange

Is the Street of Facades and Royal Tombs Area Safe? YES

Petra by Night

Petra by Night is a special experience where you walk through the Siq to the Treasury by candlelight. It happens three nights a week and requires a separate ticket.

We were a bit apprehensive about this at first, wondering if it would feel safe to walk through the Siq in the dark. But our concerns were quickly put to rest.

The path is lit by thousands of candles, creating a magical atmosphere. There were plenty of other tourists, and staff members were positioned along the route with flashlights.

At the Treasury, we sat on rugs and listened to traditional Bedouin music while sipping tea. The whole experience felt very safe and well-organized.

Is Petra by Night Safe? YES, and it's a must-do experience

Petra by Foot/Transportation

Walking in Petra

Walking is the primary way to explore Petra, and for the most part, it feels very safe. The main paths are well-maintained and usually populated with other tourists and local vendors.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• The terrain can be challenging. Wear sturdy shoes with good grip.
• It can get very hot during the day. Carry plenty of water and wear sun protection.
• Some areas have steep drops. Stay on marked paths and don't climb on ancient structures.

We walked an average of 10-12 miles a day exploring Petra and never felt unsafe. Just use common sense and listen to your guide or the park staff if they give warnings or instructions.

Horse and Camel Rides

Horse rides are included in your Petra ticket for the stretch from the visitor center to the entrance of the Siq. Camel rides are available in the main area of Petra.

We took a horse ride on our first day and a camel ride on our third day. Both felt safe, but here are some tips:

• Make sure you're comfortable before starting the ride
• Hold on properly - the terrain can be bumpy
• Agree on the price beforehand for camel rides (horse rides are included but tips are expected)

The animals seemed well-cared for, and the handlers were experienced. However, if you're not comfortable around animals, it's perfectly fine to walk instead.

Taxis and Organized Tours

We used taxis a few times to get from our hotel to the Petra visitor center. All the taxis we took were official and felt very safe. The drivers were friendly and often acted as impromptu tour guides, pointing out interesting sights along the way.

We also took an organized tour to Little Petra and some of the surrounding areas. The tour company was recommended by our hotel, and we felt very safe throughout the experience. The guide was knowledgeable and always prioritized our safety, especially when we were exploring some of the less-visited areas.

Is Transportation in Petra Safe? YES, but always use official taxis and reputable tour companies

Recommended Itinerary

Based on our experience, here's a safe and enjoyable 3-day itinerary for Petra:

Day 1:

• Morning: Explore the Siq and Treasury
• Afternoon: Walk the Street of Facades and visit the Royal Tombs
• Evening: Enjoy dinner in Wadi Musa, rest early for the next day

Day 2:

• Morning: Hike to the Monastery (go early to beat the heat)
• Afternoon: Explore the Colonnaded Street and Great Temple
• Evening: Experience Petra by Night

Day 3:

• Morning: Visit Little Petra
• Afternoon: Take a cooking class with a local family
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant in Wadi Musa

Throughout this itinerary, remember to:

• Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun
• Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes
• Respect local customs and dress modestly
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Follow all safety instructions from guides and officials

Final Thoughts

In summary, did we feel safe in Petra?

Yes!

Petra surpassed our expectations not only in terms of its breathtaking beauty but also in how safe and welcoming it felt. The Jordanian people's hospitality is legendary, and we experienced it firsthand throughout our stay.

However, as with any travel, it's important to exercise common sense precautions:

• Stick to well-traveled areas, especially at night
• Be respectful of local customs and dress modestly
• Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun
• Use reputable guides and tour operators
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when taking photos, especially of local people
• Follow all safety instructions from guides and officials

Petra is a wonder of the world for a reason, and we found that its magic is matched by the warmth of its people and the overall feeling of security. Whether you're exploring the ancient city, chatting with local Bedouins, or enjoying a meal in Wadi Musa, you're likely to feel safe and welcomed.

So, if you're on the fence about visiting Petra due to safety concerns, I hope our experience helps put your mind at ease. With normal travel precautions, you're set for an unforgettable adventure in one of the world's most spectacular destinations.

Safe and happy travels!

About Us

Hey there! We're West and Sarah Parker, a couple of foodies and safety-conscious travelers from Florida. We're both graduates of Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration, and we've spent the last two decades exploring the world and crafting bespoke adventures.

Now, as resident writers for Town & Tourist, we combine our passion for travel with our expertise in hospitality to bring you in-depth, honest travel guides. Our goal? To help everyone travel better and safer.

We believe that understanding the safety landscape of a destination is key to truly enjoying it. That's why we dive deep into research, talk to locals, and share our firsthand experiences. We want you to feel as comfortable exploring new places as we do.

And let's not forget about the food! We're always on the lookout for the best local cuisines and hidden gems. Because what's travel without some amazing meals, right?

By reading our articles, you get the best of both worlds - thorough safety information and insider tips on having an incredible time. It's a win-win! So come along with us as we explore the world, one safe (and delicious) adventure at a time.