Let me start by saying this is not another post about the Nabatean history of Petra or how about how the UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom and important hub on the trade routes that linked the east and the west. You already know that. And if you don’t, there are hundreds of articles already posted that will tell you all about it. Instead, I’m here to tell you that Jordan’s most iconic archaeological and historical site is actually a haven for adventure travelers.
Petra isn’t like most archeological sites. The scenery is constantly changing, and with over 800 individual ornate and interesting monuments there is much to explore. What’s interesting about Petra is you don’t need to stay on the designated path to take in the sites. In fact, the site is home to numerous scenic trails, which you can enjoy through challenging treks or an adventurous donkey ride.
When I went hiking in Petra my companions and I chose to take on the trek that leads to the Monastery viewpoint. Once you ascend the [what feels like] thousands of stairs to get to the top, you can choose between an array of lookout points. While signs will point you to the “view of the end of the world,” “all places from here” and the “west bank border,” we chose to check out the “best viewpoint” (so says the sign). After climbing to the top, I can honestly say I agree. Not only are there numerous vantage points of the Monastery, but also of the surrounding landscape. Moreover, a vacant cave provided the perfect setting for some silhouette shots. But don’t let me tell you, see for yourself in the hiking in petra photo essay below.
Featured image via agreen. Top photo credit: Looking up at the Treasury in Jordan. Photo courtesy of Palla.
*My trip to Jordan was sponsored by the Jordan Tourism Board. I was not required to write this post nor was I compensated in any way. All opinions are my own.
Jessica Festa is the editor of the travel sites Jessie on a Journey (http://jessieonajourney.com) and Epicure & Culture (http://epicureandculture.com). Along with blogging at We Blog The World, her byline has appeared in publications like Huffington Post, Gadling, Fodor’s, Travel + Escape, Matador, Viator, The Culture-Ist and many others. After getting her BA/MA in Communication from the State University of New York at Albany, she realized she wasn’t really to stop backpacking and made travel her full time job. Some of her most memorable experiences include studying abroad in Sydney, teaching English in Thailand, doing orphanage work in Ghana, hiking her way through South America and traveling solo through Europe. She has a passion for backpacking, adventure, hiking, wine and getting off the beaten path.
