Jordan: What to be Aware of when Visiting Petra with a Baby
Visiting Petra, the ancient city carved into the pink sandstone cliffs of Jordan, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that many travelers dream of. But if you are traveling with a baby, it can feel a bit daunting to plan and execute a trip to this historic site. However, with a little preparation and some insider tips, it is possible to have a safe and enjoyable visit to Petra with a baby. In this blog post, we will share some essential advice on how to navigate Petra with a baby, including tips on how to plan your visit and how to make the most of your time at this iconic site.
Petra is one of the most iconic places we’ve been and we had an amazing experience visiting it with our 10 month old daughter. It’s everything you imagine and a little more so read on for a walkthrough of how to go there with a baby.
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About Petra
Petra is a historical and archaeological city located in the southwestern part of Jordan. It is one of the most iconic and popular tourist destinations in the Middle East, attracting visitors from all over the world. Petra is famous for its ancient rock-cut architecture, stunning natural landscape, and rich cultural history.
The city is carved into pink sandstone cliffs and features a variety of temples, tombs, amphitheaters, and other structures, dating back to the 1st century AD. It was once the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom and a major center for trade and commerce as part of the famous Silk Road. Today, Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World as defined by Britannica.
The fame of Petra
Petra is famous for its unique rock-cut architecture, stunning natural landscape, and rich cultural history. The ancient city carved into pink sandstone cliffs by the Nabataeans over 2,000 years ago really showcase the advanced engineering and artistic skills of this ancient civilization.
Petra was a major center for trade and commerce, and its strategic location made it a vital hub for caravan routes like the Silk Road. Today, Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to marvel at its beauty and explore its rich history and culture.
Petra and Indiana Jones are often associated with each other due to the iconic scene from the movie “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”. In the film, Indiana Jones (played by Harrison Ford) ventures into the ancient city of Petra in search of the Holy Grail. The scene shows him riding through the narrow Siq canyon on horseback and emerging into the sunlight to reveal the stunning Treasury building, one of Petra’s most famous landmarks.
The Indiana Jones scene helped to popularize Petra among moviegoers and has since become one of the most recognizable depictions of the city. While the scene was fictional (there’s actually not a whole lot of room carved behind The Treasury where Indiana Jones found the Holy Grail in the movie!), it showcased the unique beauty and architectural wonder of Petra, inspiring many to visit the site and explore its rich history and culture for themselves.
Why should you visit Petra?
There are several reasons why Petra is a must-visit destination:
- Unique Architecture: Petra’s rock-cut architecture is simply awe-inspiring. The ancient Nabataeans used advanced engineering techniques to carve structures into the pink sandstone cliffs, creating intricate temples, tombs, and other buildings.
- Historical Significance: Petra is a city steeped in history, dating back to the 1st century AD. It was a major center for trade and commerce, and its strategic location made it a vital hub for caravan routes.
- Natural Beauty: The stunning natural landscape of Petra is a sight to behold. The city is surrounded by towering cliffs and rock formations, and visitors can take hikes and guided tours to explore the rugged terrain and picturesque vistas.
- Cultural Heritage: Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important cultural landmark in the Middle East. Visitors can learn about the rich history and traditions of the Nabataean people, as well as the many civilizations that have inhabited the region over the centuries.
- Adventure Activities: In addition to sightseeing, Petra offers a range of adventure activities for visitors, such as camel rides, horseback riding, and hot air balloon rides. There are also hiking trails and guided tours that allow visitors to explore lesser-known parts of the city.
Getting to Petra with a baby
Petra is located about a 3–hour drive from the capital city of Amman or a 2-hour drive from the city of Aqaba on the coast of the Red Sea. You can take a bus or rent a car to get there from both places. We rented a car and made the drive from Aqaba ourselves, which was a great option with a baby. We even made a short stop to take in the views of the Dead Sea.
Where to stay
There are several hotels located near Petra in the small desert valley of Wadi Musa. Look for one of your desired quality at booking.com. We recommend also filtering for spa facilities as some of the local hotels have good Turkish baths and indoor hot pools.
Wadi Musa to the Petra Site
The walk from Wadi Musa to Petra through the Siq is one of the most iconic and memorable parts of any visit to Petra. The Siq is a narrow canyon that stretches over a kilometer long and reaches up to 80 meters high in some places, with its walls naturally carved from the same pink sandstone as the rest of Petra.
As you make your way through the winding canyon, you’ll be treated to a mesmerizing display of colors and textures, as well as stunning glimpses of Petra’s famous Treasury building and other landmarks. The walk is about 45 minutes, fairly easy and definitely worth the effort. Along the way, you’ll encounter a range of vendors selling souvenirs and refreshments, as well as historical sites and geological formations that offer insights into the ancient Nabataean culture and the natural environment of the region.
Visiting Petra with a baby
Visiting Petra in Jordan with a baby might at first seem difficult to coordinate, but it’s definitely possible and an amazing experience you will never forget. Just be sure to plan ahead so that you and your little one can make the journey comfortably. Make sure to bring all necessary supplies such as diapers, wipes, formula (if needed), as well as snacks and plenty of water.
If you’re planning to visit Petra with a baby, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:
- Accessibility: Petra is a large site with a lot of walking and climbing involved, so it’s important to consider your baby’s needs and abilities. You need to bring everything you will need for the day – pack a backpack of supplies. Most importantly, be sure to bring a sturdy baby carrier. Due to the rough surface of the site, we do not recommend bringing a stroller!
- Weather: Petra can get extremely hot during the summer months, so it’s important to dress your baby in lightweight, breathable clothing and bring plenty of water, sunscreen and hats. During the winter months, the weather can be chilly, so dress your baby in warm layers.
- Facilities: Petra has no facilities for babies, so be sure to bring all the necessary supplies, including diapers, wipes, formula, and baby food.
- Safety: Petra has some steep drop-offs and uneven terrain, so be sure to keep a close eye on your baby at all times. It’s also a good idea to bring a first aid kit in case of any minor injuries or illnesses.
- Timing: Petra can get crowded during peak tourist season, which can make navigating the site with a baby more difficult. Consider visiting during off-peak times or arriving early in the day to avoid crowds.
Exploring Petra with a baby
Petra is huge, and there’s a lot to see. Getting to the Treasury is only the first part. After that you can venture on to the roman style amphitheater, caves, shop remains, temples and the Monastery further up in the mountains. We spent two full days exploring the site, and we could have easily spent more time there.
We ended up carrying our daughter most of the time, which was fine with our ergonomic baby carrier and well worth the incredible views. But if you’re visiting Petra with a baby, you really have to be prepared to do a lot of carrying. We actually liked being close to her and also saw it as a nice workout to carry the extra pounds.
Final words
Petra in Jordan is an incredible wonder of the world, and it definitely lived up to its exotic allure. Its mysterious carvings and mystery really gave depth to its story. Not only that, but the fact that it was featured in Indiana Jones: The Last Crusade made Petra even more magical.
With a stunning landscape like no other, Petra is an amazing place to visit. It’s definitely one of those places where a person can get lost in beauty and history. In fact, many people (including us) plan their visits to Jordan expressly around Petra and all it has to offer; including awesome hikes and views so unique that words fail to capture them adequately.
Petra is not particularly baby-friendly but definitely doable. If you’re planning on visiting Petra with a baby in tow, do prepare yourself for carrying your little one and bringing everything you need for a day of exploring. If you plan ahead and are flexible you can make that your trip is enjoyable for everyone involved and have an experience of a life time.
