Petra

Petra is one of the most breathtaking sights on earth, the ancient capital of the Nabataeans, carved directly into the rose-red sandstone cliffs of the Jordanian desert over two thousand years ago. Entered through the Siq, a long, narrow gorge that opens dramatically onto the magnificent facade of the Treasury, this vast lost city of temples, tombs, a monastery and a theatre, a UNESCO site and a New Seven Wonder, is astonishing in both scale and setting.

What you actually see

• The Treasury - the magnificent facade revealed at the end of the Siq.
• The Siq - the long, narrow gorge leading into the city.
• The Monastery - the vast rock-cut facade reached by a climb.
• The tombs and theatre - the royal tombs and the carved amphitheatre.

When to go

Spring and autumn for the mildest weather, as summer in the desert is fiercely hot and the site large and exposed; go early to beat the heat and the crowds at the Treasury. Petra by Night, when the Siq is lit by candles, runs on certain evenings.

Honest expectations

It is vast and involves a lot of walking in the heat, with the famous Monastery a steep climb of some 800 steps, so allow at least a full day, ideally two, and bring water, sun protection and good shoes. It is very popular, so the Treasury is crowded by mid-morning. Persistent vendors and offers of donkey and camel rides, whose animal welfare varies, are constant.

Nearby

Wadi Rum and Aqaba are to the south; the Dead Sea and Amman are to the north.