Petra, Wonder of the World (Petra (Jordan))

Member Name: llamass

Product:	Petra (Jordan)
Date:	22/05/09 (7 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: amazing architecture in a beautiful

Disadvantages: souvenir sellers

Petra deserves it's place as one of the new wonder's of the world and anyone who ever gasped at Indiana Jones riding out upon that beautiful, carved sandstone building in the Last Crusade have only had a glimpse of how impressive the real thing is.

The ancient city dates from around 100BCE, built by the Nabataeans and lost in a red stone valley until relatively modern times. Entering the site was for me the most breathtaking part of the whole complex (not that the rest disappoints) as you walk through a natural narrow rock gulley for around 1 kilometre before it opens up and the famous Treasury comes into view. Only people on foot or on the horse rides offered at the start are allowed down here so if you get an early start before the day tours start then it can be a quiet and amazing experience.

There are 1, 2 and 3 day passes available and I would advise getting at least the 2 days because the site is big and also some of the main sights are a fair walk away and up hill. A reasonably fit person could get round the main walks in one day but to allow some time to relax and appreciate it all the two days are necessary. The cost for one ady is 21JD which then goes up to 26 and 30 JD for 2 and 3 days respectively so it is also far more cost effective to stay longer.

For me the only downside is that there is a little bit of pestering from people trying to sell horse rides and souvenirs which whilst understandable can spoil the atmosphere at times. Also as there are many animals, horses, donkeys and camels around being offered as rides to tourists so anyone with allergies should stock up before coming down. As expected there are all the usual price hikes of a tourist spot so remember that you will pay a little more for everything both in the Petra site and in the surrounding area.

Summary: Unmissable site