From Amman: one day tour to Petra

A practical look at the one-day Petra tour from Amman

Travelers eager to see Petra often face the dilemma of balancing time, cost, and physical effort. This one-day tour from Amman to Petra offers a convenient and budget-friendly way to tick this iconic site off your bucket list without the hassle of planning every detail. While it’s perfect for those seeking a snapshot of the city’s grandeur, it’s less suited for travelers wanting an in-depth experience.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the included private transportation with a friendly, informative driver. Second, the horseback ride at the Siq entrance, giving a taste of traditional travel that adds to the adventure. Third, the straightforward, no-fuss logistics — hotel pickup and drop-off. However, one thing to consider is that the tour offers limited guided support, which might leave some on their own to explore once inside. It’s most fitting for those who want a quick, scenic overview of Petra, rather than a comprehensive archaeological tour.

Key Points

• Convenient transport from Amman with hotel pickup and drop-off
• Short horseback ride adds a traditional touch to the visit
• Flexible timing with approximately 10-13 hours for the entire day
• Affordable price around $90 per person, offering good value for a quick Petra visit
• Limited guided support for groups below 8, so self-exploration is common
• Ideal for travelers with moderate physical fitness wanting a manageable day trip

An Overview of the Petra Day Tour Experience

This tour is designed primarily for travelers who want to see Petra without dedicating multiple days or making complex arrangements. For $90, you get a package that includes private transportation by air-conditioned vehicle, hotel pickup in Amman, and a short horseback ride before stepping into the ancient city.

The tour’s structure is straightforward — an early start with pickup around 8:00 AM, roughly a 3-hour drive to the site, and then about 3 hours exploring Petra’s highlights. Afterward, you’re driven back to Amman, making it a solid option for those with limited time but a strong desire to see one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

Transportation and Comfort

The private AC vehicle is a major plus, especially in Jordan’s warm climate. Reviewers highlight the professionalism and friendliness of drivers like Ghassan, who not only handles the logistics smoothly but also shares insights about Jordanian culture. Some travelers note that the car was modern and clean, and the wifi on board keeps you connected during the drive.

On the downside, some reviews mention inconsistency in the quality of support — if the group is smaller than 8, you may have to navigate parts of the day more independently, as guided services are limited for smaller groups. The driver remains a helpful resource for tips and questions.

The Horseback Ride

One of the tour’s charming features is the horse ride to the Siq entrance. This provides a fun, quick traditional experience before entering the canyon. Many travelers appreciated this addition, saying it set the tone for the adventure ahead. It’s a short ride but adds a memorable touch of authentic Jordanian travel, especially if you’ve never ridden a horse before.

Visiting Petra’s Highlights

Once inside, you’ll see the famous Al Khaznehalso known as The Treasury — the stunning facade made famous by Indiana Jones — along with other archaeological sites. The 3-hour window is enough for a good overview, though some reviews suggest that your experience depends on how much you want to wander on your own.

While some travelers felt the tour was more of a transfer than a guided experience, the included guide for larger groups (more than 7 participants) helps explain the history and significance of Petra. For smaller groups, you’ll likely be exploring independently, which works well for those comfortable with self-guided sightseeing.

The Value of the Tour

At $90 per person, this tour is quite budget-friendly considering the transportation, horseback ride, and entry tickets are included. The convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off saves you from navigating Amman’s traffic or arranging transport independently. You also get small bottled water and wifi, which enhances comfort and connectivity during the day.

However, it’s important to note that guidance is limited for groups smaller than 8, so if you prefer a detailed guided tour, you may need to supplement this with additional arrangements or a private guide. That said, many travelers found the driver helpful and the overall experience worthwhile, especially given the short duration.

Duration and Timing

The 10-13 hour window means you’ll start early and return late, but the long day is packed with highlights. Expect to be picked up around 8:00 AM, spend roughly 3 hours in Petra, and then head back to Amman. The timing allows for some flexibility but keeps the day tight.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour suits travelers on a tight schedule who want a quick peek at Petra’s most iconic features. It’s perfect for those who prefer organized transport and minimal hassle, or travelers with moderate physical fitness, as there’s some walking involved but manageable pace. It also appeals to those interested in a cost-effective option, especially with the horseback ride adding a fun twist.

Authentic Traveler Insights

From reviews, we learn that guides and drivers can make or break the experience. Ken_K describes it as “the best in price, time, and physical effort,” emphasizing how well-balanced it is. Others appreciate Ghassan’s punctuality and friendliness, which made the journey smooth and informative.

One traveler, ms_mads, pointed out that the tour is more of a transfer service, with minimal guided support inside Petra, meaning you’ll be on your own for exploring unless you pay for additional guides. This could be a plus or minus depending on your preference.

On the flip side, a reviewer named Rosa_E had a less positive experience, citing issues like lack of water, driver emergencies, and inconsistent service. That highlights the importance of being prepared for unexpected delays or issues.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

This one-day Petra tour from Amman offers solid value for those seeking a convenient, budget-friendly way to explore one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites. The scheduled transportation, horseback ride, and early start combined with a manageable itinerary make it an appealing option for busy travelers.

If you’re after a brief overview of Petra with some authentic touches like the horseback ride and appreciate a hassle-free pickup, this tour will serve you well. It’s especially suitable if you travel light, are comfortable exploring independently, and don’t mind limited guided commentary inside Petra.

However, if you’re craving in-depth guidance or want to spend more time exploring every nook and cranny, this might feel a bit rushed. Likewise, those who prioritize guided tours for educational insights may want to consider other options or add a private guide.

This tour is a pragmatic choice that balances cost, comfort, and efficiency, making Petra accessible even for travelers with limited time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in this tour?
Transportation by private AC vehicle, hotel pickup and drop-off in Amman, a horseback ride at the entrance, two small bottles of water, and wifi.

How long does the trip take?
The entire experience lasts approximately 10 to 13 hours, starting early in the morning and returning late in the evening.

Is a guide provided inside Petra?
Guided support is included only if there are more than 7 participants. For groups smaller than 8, you will explore independently.

Can I customize the visit?
Since it’s a group tour, customization options are limited. However, you can choose to explore more on your own once inside Petra.

Is the horseback ride suitable for everyone?
It’s a short ride, but some physical effort is involved. Travelers with moderate physical fitness will find it manageable.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, water, sun protection, and any personal essentials. The tour provides bottled water and wifi.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult, and the physical demands are moderate, making it suitable for family travel.

Are there any hidden costs?
No, the price covers transportation, entrance fees, and the horseback ride. Additional guides or extras are not included.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour starts, with a full refund.

Who is this tour best for?
Travelers on a limited schedule, those looking for a cost-effective overview of Petra, and those comfortable with some self-guided exploration.

This carefully curated day trip offers a practical, enjoyable way to experience Petra’s grandeur without overextending your time or budget. Whether it’s your first visit or a quick glimpse, it packs enough highlights to leave you with lasting memories of Jordan’s most famous treasure.