Back Route to Monastery via Little Petra

To access the back route, first get to Little Petra. You can take a free shuttle bus from the Petra Visitor Center (expect long waits) or a taxi for about 10 JOD. From Little Petra, you'll need to arrange a jeep to take you to the trailhead, which costs around 5 JOD per person.

The free shuttle bus to Little Petra is available but can involve significant waiting times. Many travelers opt for a taxi for a quicker and more direct journey.

The most common and recommended way is to take a jeep from Little Petra. This service costs about 5 JOD per person and can sometimes have wait times if overcrowded.

Yes, you can hike directly from Little Petra to the Monastery, which takes approximately 2 hours. However, many prefer to take a jeep part of the way to save time and energy for exploring Petra itself.

Yes, you can arrange a taxi from the main Petra entrance to Little Petra, which typically costs around 10 JOD. This offers more flexibility than the shuttle bus.

You need a valid Petra entrance ticket to use the back route. This ticket covers your entry to the entire Petra archaeological park, including the Monastery and the main site.

Petra tickets are best purchased at the Petra Visitor Center. Ensure you have your ticket before you proceed to Little Petra and the back route.

No, the standard Petra entrance ticket is required for all routes, including the back route. There are no special tickets for this specific entry point.

The back route access generally follows the main Petra park hours. It's advisable to start early to maximize your time and experience the site with fewer people.

Absolutely! This is one of the main advantages of the back route. You can enter via the Monastery and then descend through the main Petra site, exiting at the Visitor Center.

The hike from the jeep drop-off point to the Monastery takes about 1 hour. The entire trek from Little Petra to the Monastery, including the jeep ride, can take around 2-2.5 hours.

The hike is generally not considered too difficult, mostly following stone steps. However, it's advisable to go as early as possible and take your time, especially if you're not very fit.

Many travelers highly recommend the back route (via Little Petra) as the best way to explore Petra. It allows you to see the entire site without repeating paths and often starts with the impressive Monastery.

Amenities are scarce along the back route, especially in the low season. It's crucial to carry sufficient water and snacks with you. There are some tea shops near the Monastery.

While guides are available, the back route is generally well-marked and manageable without one. However, hiring a local Bedouin guide can enhance your understanding of the history and culture.

The Monastery itself offers incredible photo opportunities. As you descend, keep an eye out for panoramic views of the Petra valley and unique rock formations. The approach to the Monastery also provides stunning perspectives.

You won't see the Treasury directly from the back route until you've descended into the main site. The primary photographic focus of the back route is the Monastery and the dramatic landscapes leading to it.

Early morning offers softer light and fewer crowds at the Monastery. Late afternoon provides a beautiful golden hour glow on the sandstone facades as you make your way down.

Drones are generally prohibited within Petra National Park for preservation and security reasons. Always check the latest regulations at the Visitor Center before your visit.

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the grandeur of the Monastery and the vast landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on the facades. Comfortable shoes are more important than specialized gear!