Wadi Musa (Petra) holidays

How to Reach Wadi Musa

Flight time: Flights to Wadi Musa from the UK land at Jordan's main airport, Queen Alia International Airport in Amman. Direct flights from London take around 5 hours 30 minutes, while flights from other major UK airports, such as Manchester, may involve stopovers and take longer.

Transfer time: Once you’ve arrived in Amman, the journey to Wadi Musa takes approximately 3–4 hours by road. One of the most popular options for this trip is the comfortable JETT bus service, which operates daily between Amman and Wadi Musa. Taxis are also available for a more direct, yet pricier, option, with similar travel times.

Price: A one-way ticket on the JETT bus is around JD10 (£10), while taxi fares typically range from JD60–JD80 (£60–£80), depending on your negotiation skills and local demand.

Best time to visit Wadi Musa

Wadi Musa enjoys a desert climate, meaning temperatures can vary greatly depending on the season. To make the most of your trip, consider the following seasonal highlights:

• March to May: The spring season is the most popular time to visit Wadi Musa, offering pleasant daytime temperatures ranging from 13 to 28°C. This is peak season for exploring Petra, so expect larger crowds and higher accommodation prices.

• June to August: Summer months in Wadi Musa can be extremely hot, with temperatures soaring above 35°C. It’s advisable to schedule activities in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat. Accommodation and attractions tend to be less crowded during this time.

• September to October: Known as the shoulder season, autumn brings cooler temperatures (around 20–28°C), making it a comfortable time to visit. You’ll also encounter fewer tourists, providing a more peaceful experience.

• December to February: Winter sees the coldest temperatures in Wadi Musa, ranging from 3 to 13°C, with occasional rain or even snow. However, this season offers the advantage of fewer tourists, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter experience.

Practical Information for Your Wadi Musa Holiday

• Spoken languages: Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas like Wadi Musa, making communication easy for visitors.

• Local customs: Jordan is a conservative country, and it’s important to respect local customs. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites, and be mindful of local traditions, particularly during Ramadan.

• Currency: The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JD), and cash is widely used in Wadi Musa. While some hotels and restaurants accept credit cards, it’s best to carry cash, especially for smaller purchases.

• Getting around: Wadi Musa is well connected with taxis available for local transport. Many hotels offer shuttle services to Petra’s main entrance, and there are also horse rides available to cover part of the distance to Petra, though tipping the handlers is customary.

• Electricity and plug types: Jordan’s electrical system operates on 220V, with a mix of British and European plug types. UK travellers will need a plug adaptor.

• Time zone: Jordan is 2 hours ahead of GMT, and the country observes daylight saving time during the summer months.

Wadi Musa is not just a gateway to Petra, but a destination rich in culture, offering a blend of modern amenities and traditional Jordanian charm. Whether you're planning to explore the ancient ruins or soak in the local culture, Wadi Musa provides a perfect base for an unforgettable Jordanian adventure.

Best things to do in Wadi Musa

Wadi Musa offers a wealth of experiences that extend beyond Petra, providing visitors with a unique blend of history, culture, and adventure. Here are some must-do activities while in Wadi Musa:

Viewpoints and panoramas

• The Monastery (Ad Deir): After a scenic hike up 800 steps, you'll be rewarded with incredible views of Wadi Musa's surrounding landscape. The Monastery is Petra's largest monument, and its secluded location provides panoramic vistas that make the climb well worth the effort.

• High Place of Sacrifice: One of the easiest viewpoints to access, this mountaintop altar offers sweeping views over Petra. A short, stepped hike leads you to this sacred spot, where you can capture the entire valley’s majesty.

• Jabal Haroun: For more adventurous travellers, Jabal Haroun, believed to be the burial site of Aaron, Moses’ brother, offers a six-hour trek to Petra’s highest peak. The remote location and spiritual atmosphere make it an excellent choice for those seeking solitude and reflection.

Historical monuments

• The Treasury (Al-Khazneh): A highlight of any visit, the Treasury is the first glimpse visitors have of Petra after walking through the Siq. This monumental structure, carved into the cliffs, is an iconic representation of the region’s ancient Nabataean heritage.

• The Siq: This narrow gorge serves as the dramatic entrance to Petra, with towering cliffs on either side. Along the way, you’ll encounter ancient carvings and remnants of water channels that once supplied the city.

• Royal Tombs: A cluster of grand tombs carved into the rock, the Royal Tombs offer a glimpse into Petra’s noble past. These structures glow a deep red at sunset, creating a truly magical atmosphere.

• The Great Temple: Spanning over 7,000 square metres, the Great Temple stands as a testament to Petra's grandeur. This site once served as a religious and political hub, reflecting the architectural brilliance of the Nabataeans.

Activities for families in Wadi Musa

Wadi Musa is a family-friendly destination, offering a mix of educational and interactive experiences for all ages.

• Interactive Tours: Children can enjoy engaging storytelling tours at key sites like the Treasury and the Monastery, bringing Petra’s history to life in a fun and educational way.

• Petra Kitchen: Take part in hands-on cooking classes where families can learn to prepare traditional Jordanian dishes like hummus, falafel, and maqluba. This is an excellent opportunity to engage with local culture while having fun in the kitchen.

• Petra By Night: Experience the magic of Petra at night, with candlelit walks through the Siq to the Treasury, accompanied by the soft sound of Bedouin music. This atmospheric experience is a must for families looking for a quieter, more serene side of Petra.

Free things to do in Wadi Musa

While Petra itself can be an expensive visit, there are several free activities in Wadi Musa that add value to your trip.

• Petra Museum: Located near the Visitor Centre, this free-entry museum provides fascinating insights into the Nabataean people, their culture, and Petra’s historical significance.

• Exploring Little Petra: A smaller version of Petra, Little Petra offers a quieter, free-to-explore experience with stunning carved facades in a short and accessible gorge.

• Hiking: Wadi Musa’s surrounding landscape is perfect for hiking. One of the most popular hikes is the climb to the Monastery, with its 800 steps leading to spectacular views. For more adventurous hikers, the challenging ascent of Umm al-Biyara offers panoramic views of Petra and beyond.

Local dishes in Wadi Musa

One highlight of visiting Jordan is sampling the local cuisine, which is rich in flavour and deeply rooted in Bedouin traditions. Here are some of the top dishes to try on Petra holidays:

Some typical dishes

• Mansaf: Jordan’s national dish is a must-try. Chunks of boiled lamb are served on a bed of rice with pine nuts sprinkled on top and a tart yoghurt on the side to pour over it.

• Maqluba: This hearty choice translates to “upside-down” and is a mixture of chicken or lamb, rice and fried vegetables cooked together, then flipped onto a plate to create a layered dish.

• Mujaddara: A simple but hearty dish made from lentils, rice and fried onions, perfect for vegetarians.

• Mezze: A common way to eat is to order a variety of mezze (small dishes) to be shared by everyone, and good restaurants might offer up to 30 different choices, both hot and cold. Favourites are tabbouleh (parsley salad), fattoush (salad with crunchy fried bread), stuffed vine leaves and hummus. Hot options include falafel and the mini-mains of kibdet djaj (fried chicken liver), jawaneh (chicken wings) and kibbeh (minced meat and bulgur shaped into patties). Bread and pickles are always free.

Local drinks

• Arabic coffee: Strong, thick and flavoured with cardamom, Arabic coffee is a key part of Jordanian culture and hospitality. It’s often served in small cups and is perfect for a post-meal pick-me-up.

• Bedouin tea: Made with black tea and flavoured with sage or mint, Bedouin tea is a staple in the Petra region. Visitors will often be offered this sweet, aromatic tea as a gesture of hospitality.