Petra is as beautiful and awe inspiring as the guide books promise. It is a lovely place to explore the history of this part of Jordan. I recommend going to the monastery which most don’t do as it is quite a climb. I couldn’t bring myself to ride any of the horses, camels and donkeys because like other reviewers I was not comfortable with their treatment. Don’t eat at the Crowne Plaza at the foot of the climb to the monastery as the service is poor, the food overpriced and the waiters rude. Instead have a “sandwich” at the shack at the start of the colonnade leading to the path to the monastery where you will be served promptly and the food cheap, clean and traditional hummus. There are plenty of toilets in the site. Go in the morning - by the afternoon there are noisy school trips and you are constantly stepping aside for the donkeys and ponies. I would recommend a guide. They are well informed and they do nicely keep the hawkers away.

Whatever you do don’t miss this out of your itinerary.

I love Petra and went there twice. But Jordan really needs to improve the service. not just in Petra as in all the other touristic sites around the country.

You pay 50 dinars to enter and you still have to pay someone to guide you upstairs to see the treasure from above. They don’t allow you to go by yourself and the police pretend not to speak English when you go to them for help.

The signs are very poor and don’t receive maintenance for years.

The animals are very mistreated and the police could not care less.

They have a huge sign saying that if you came here by Turkish Airlines you can get 15% discount. It’s not like that. It’s just for flights from Aqaba to Aman.

I would give 1000 stars to this place if wasn’t for the awful management.

Starting with the treasury which reveals itself after some minutes walking. Quite crowded, but the sculpturs are fantastic and this is only the start of Petra. We unfortunately didn't have much time so we went to the monastery. It requires quite some time and efforts but at the end its beautiful and with an amazing view on the landscape when going few steps more. We had 5h on site and it is in my taste not enough, it leaves some frustration not to be able to do the other parts... so I would definitely advise to spend more time!

Petra is not concentrated in one area but involves a several mile walk. It is fascinating. You may take a vehicle back. Our college educated guide was excellent.