Is Petra safe for tourists?

Yes, Petra is extremely safe with a very low crime rate against foreigners. The biggest 'dangers' are dehydration and heat exhaustion, along with persistent vendors trying to sell donkey rides or souvenirs.

What's the best time to visit Petra?

The ideal time is Spring (March-May) or Autumn (September-November) when temperatures are moderate. February-March is great, though nights can be chilly, and the desert flora begins to bloom.

Do I need a visa for Petra?

Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival in Jordan, but it is highly recommended to buy the Jordan Pass before arrival. This waives the visa fee and includes your entry price to Petra.

What's the internet speed like in Petra?

The internet in Wadi Musa is functional but not fast, averaging around 20-30 Mbps. It is sufficient for basic browsing and emails, but heavy video conferencing may be unreliable in many hotels.

Can I work remotely in Petra?

It is not a primary nomad destination due to the lack of infrastructure and high daily costs. However, a 3-4 day stay to work from a hotel lobby while visiting the ruins is common and manageable.

What's the backpacker scene like in Petra?

The scene is centered around a few key hostels in Wadi Musa where travelers gather for communal meals. It's more of a 'bucket list' stopover than a place to hang out long-term.

How much does it cost to visit Petra?

It is expensive. A backpacker needs at least $55/day due to the $70 entry fee (amortized over two days), a nomad around $110/day for decent lodging, and luxury travelers $380+ for five-star resorts and private guides.

🇯🇴

Petra

Jordan · Middle East

Petra is an awe-inspiring archaeological wonder that serves as Jordan's crown jewel, though it is currently one of the most expensive UNESCO sites globally. Visitors in late February and March can enjoy the pleasantly mild spring temperatures and the 'Petra by Night' candlelight events which are particularly magical this time of year.

Photo by Pier Averara on Unsplash·

Score

5.2/10

Daily Cost

$55/day

Internet

178 Mbps

Safety

8/10

Global Rank

#217 of 394

Key Takeaways

Petra is in Jordan (Middle East) with a backpacker score of 5.2/10.
Estimated daily budget is $55 for backpacker travel, or about $1650/month.
Internet speeds are 178 Mbps down and 71 Mbps up.
Safety score is 8/10, and visa notes are included below for planning context.
This page is refreshed with current site metadata and structured data for 2026.

Backpacker Guide: Petra in 2026

Visiting Petra on a tight budget is a significant challenge due to the high cost of the entry permit (50 JOD for one day) and the expensive nature of Wadi Musa, the gateway town. To survive as a backpacker, you'll want to stay in Wadi Musa and look for the few remaining budget hostels like Valentine Inn or Seven Wonders Hotel, which often offer communal dinners. Street food is your best friend here; stick to shawarma wraps and falafel from local stalls near the bus station rather than the tourist restaurants on the main road. The vibe is adventurous and social, as most travelers are there for the same bucket-list goal. To save money, bring your own water and snacks into the site, as prices quadruple once you pass the Siq. Free activities are limited, but hiking the back trails to the Monastery (Ad-Deir) offers incredible views without the price tag of a donkey ride. Your daily budget will be heavily skewed by the entry fee, so consider a Jordan Pass to bundle your visa and entry costs, which is the ultimate pro-tip for any budget traveler entering the country.