Petra Travel Forum

Just wondering what accessability is like at Petra - 2 issues concern me:

How rough / steep etc is the walk around the site?

My daughter is 2 1/2 - will we end up carrying her the whole time?

My hubby is very tall and heavy - so donkey rides may be a problem?

Have looked on the internet but haven't found much info about travelling with little ones.

Thanks in advance

Hi there
The Siq (canyon), Treasury and other sights are on the flat, but to see the Monastery (a must-see) you have to climb the 900 plus steps and also to see the Sacrificial Altar which has great views of the site, you need to climb steeper steps! Didn't see any donkeys going up to the altar but they were going up to the Monastery. There were some very heavy people on the donkeys which seemed a bit cruel to me and at one point one of the poor animals legs buckled when going up the steps and a lady nearly came off!! Maybe you and your daughter could get donkeys and your husband walk if he feels he's too heavy. Petra is great and I would highly recommend it but can understand it could be hard with kids especially if you only have 1 day in the site and want to see as much as possible. Could you take a lightweight buggy for the flat bits? as it would be a long day to be carrying a child around as there's so much walking to do! Maybe you could take a short break after a few hours and then continue. We stayed at Crowne Plaza Hotel which is v. close to the entrance to Petra; also one of the Movenpick Hotels is directly opp. the entrance. I don't have kids myself but did see many around Petra when I went.
Hope all goes well!

Hi there
The Siq (canyon), Treasury and other sights are on the flat, but to see the Monastery (a must-see) you have to climb the 900 plus steps and also to see the Sacrificial Altar which has great views of the site, you need to climb steeper steps! Didn't see any donkeys going up to the altar but they were going up to the Monastery. There were some very heavy people on the donkeys which seemed a bit cruel to me and at one point one of the poor animals legs buckled when going up the steps and a lady nearly came off!! Maybe you and your daughter could get donkeys and your husband walk if he feels he's too heavy. Petra is great and I would highly recommend it but can understand it could be hard with kids especially if you only have 1 day in the site and want to see as much as possible. Could you take a lightweight buggy for the flat bits? as it would be a long day to be carrying a child around as there's so much walking to do! Maybe you could take a short break after a few hours and then continue. We stayed at Crowne Plaza Hotel which is v. close to the entrance to Petra; also one of the Movenpick Hotels is directly opp. the entrance. I don't have kids myself but did see many around Petra when I went.
Hope all goes well!

There is a horse carriage to the entrance, not just donkeys.

Yes you will need to carry her if you want to climb up to see the majority of the area, but it is also possible to remain on the level ground and see part of the sight only. Perhaps you two can take turns climbing and remaining down on the level with her?

When will you be going?
Perhaps you would like to join the WM08 and/or the Petra extension - and gain hands to help?
http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/e7315/

I agree with the previous poster, the pathway along the Siq till the Treasury is generally flat with some rocky portions. With a toddler along, you would definitely need a child buggy. For your husband, I don't recall seeing any donkeys there but there are horse-drawn carriages that he could ride in back to the entrance or visitor center. After the Treasury, there are also camel rides available but I never rode them so can't tell how much they cost or until where they could take you.

If you are going to take a horse or horse/buggy ride into the Treasury area, then make sure you arrange for the trip out at the same time. Otherwise, you will have to walk out, or else pay over the odds. I personally think the walk in and out is part of the trip to Petra. However, it is a long way in and out and if you are going to walk in/out with a toddler, definitely take a stroller. There is an awful lot of walking within the site and if you want to go to the Monastery, etc., then it's a lot of climbing. There are some fabulous mosaics up a little hill, along a path (you can see the area from the main site as it is covered with a corrugated tin roof). Not a bad path, well worth the effort. You may find using a stroller in the areas after the Treasury to be a bit of a hard slog - I seem to remember sandy paths i.e. not manufactured tacmac paths. Do be sure to visit the ladies' loo at the first cafe area - the ceilings are wonderful! With a toddler, be prepared not to do nearly as much of the site as you anticipate or would like. It is a very big site but has a "well worn" visiting path and I'd stick to that. And just be determined that, later on in life, you will revisit and have a more concentrated visit.

I agree 100% with all the previous posts, but i have to remind you of the suny-hot SUN of Petra and all Jordan. I was recently there and its definitely a lot of walking and some with rocky parts. I would say to imagine that you are going hiking to get dirty and walk and walk.

The walk to the Siq and the first parts may take about an hour... it goes very fast. I would do the carriages for your kid and stay at the Movenpick which is very close to enter the site

Good luck

Hi,
I think you do not need to e worry aout that,as there are many people travelling in petra with their kids.In petra you can hire a carrag or horse as well as donkeys,ut you need to choose the suitable time to visit either early i the morning or later i the afternoon.
Do not hesitate to ask for any assistance.
Regards