Nabatean Nights Stay in Petra Jordan – Bedouin Village with Tour

Traveling to Petra often means visiting the iconic Treasury and wandering through its stunning archaeological sites. But what if you could go beyond the typical tourist experience and truly live like a Bedouin for a night? That’s exactly what the Nabatean Nights tour offers — a chance to stay overnight inside the park in a traditional Bedouin cave, guided by locals, with authentic meals, music, and unforgettable views.

This tour has garnered a strong reputation with a 4.5-star rating from 10 reviews and a 90% recommendation rate. It combines adventure, culture, and comfort — or at least the kind of rustic charm you’d expect when camping inside an ancient city. At $163 per person, it presents a unique value for those seeking immersive experiences rather than just ticking off the main sites.

However, it’s not without minor caveats. Some reviews hint that the cultural experience can vary depending on expectations, and the basic amenities may not suit everyone. It’s best suited for travelers who love outdoor adventures, cultural authenticity, and are comfortable with a simple, communal stay.

This tour is particularly appealing for those wanting a personalized Petra visit, guided by locals on mule rides, with the chance to relax in a setting far removed from the busy tourist areas. If you’re after a blend of adventure, culture, and a touch of magic under the stars, this could be your perfect Jordanian escape.

Key Points

• Authentic Bedouin Experience: Sleep in a traditional Bedouin cave inside Petra, a rare opportunity to stay overnight in the park.
• Guided by Locals: Your local Bedouin guide offers genuine insights and warm hospitality, making the experience more personal.
• Unique Views & Activities: Visit the Treasury, high place of sacrifice, and Monastery via mule rides, with spectacular viewpoints and photo ops.
• Cultural Immersion: Enjoy traditional meals, music, and shisha, creating a memorable, lively atmosphere.
• All-Inclusive Food & Guidance: The tour includes dinner, breakfast, and full guiding, offering good value for the price.
• Limited Amenities & Authenticity: Staying in a cave without modern bathroom facilities might not suit everyone, but it’s part of the adventure.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: The Treasury, Wadi Musa

The tour kicks off at the iconic Treasury, where you’ll meet your local guide and take in the famous facade. From here, the adventure begins with a view over the entire site, setting the scene for what’s to come. This is a prime photo opportunity, and most travelers appreciate the chance to see Petra from a vantage point rather than just walking through it.

Mule Tour to the High Place of Sacrifice

One of the most recommended parts of this tour is the mule ride to the High Place of Sacrifice. As one reviewer pointed out, riding a mule through Petra’s rugged terrain offers a different perspective from walking — it’s fun, slightly bumpy, and provides a sense of what it might have been like for ancient residents. Expect gorgeous vistas and a chance to snap panoramic photos.

Lunch Overlooking the Valley

The visit includes a stop at the 3000-year-old Bedouin cave home, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Jordanian lunch overlooking Petra’s vast valley. Reviewers highlight the quality and authenticity of the food, with some calling it “the best they had in Jordan.” Expect dishes served in a rustic, communal setting, perfect for sharing stories with your guide and fellow travelers.

Mule to the Monastery

After lunch, the tour continues with a mule ride to the Monastery, one of Petra’s most impressive monolithic structures. The ride up can be challenging but rewarding, with many noting the stunning views and the feeling of being among the explorers of millennia past.

Sunset & Bedouin Dinner Inside Petra

The evening concludes with a traditional Bedouin dinner in the caves, often accompanied by lively music and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Several reviews describe the hospitality as warm and genuine, with some mentioning the hosts’ affection and friendliness making them feel like part of the family.

Overnight Stay in the Cave

This is the one-of-a-kind part — sleeping inside the park in an authentic Bedouin cave. Many travelers say it’s a “5 million-star hotel,” offering a surreal experience under the open sky. The cave is basic but clean, with bedding provided, and the experience is about connecting with history and nature rather than luxury.

Sunrise Over Petra

Waking up early to watch the sunrise over the valley is a highlight of the experience. It’s quieter and more atmospheric than daytime visits, with some reviewers calling it “the most amazing sunrise” they’ve ever seen. This peaceful moment adds a touch of magic to the adventure.

Practical Details & What to Expect

Duration & Timing

The tour lasts roughly 20 hours — a full day packed with activity, plus an overnight stay. Most travelers find the pacing comfortable, but be prepared for an early start and potentially late return. Since the tour is private, your group will have a tailored experience, which many find more intimate and flexible.

Transportation & Guides

Guided entirely by local Bedouin guides, the experience emphasizes authenticity. Mule rides are included at key points to help you cover the main sites comfortably. Having local guides means you’ll benefit from their knowledge and storytelling, which adds depth beyond just sightseeing.

Cost & Value

At $163 per person, this experience offers significant value, considering the guided tours, meals, and overnight stay included. Compared to standard day tours, the extra cost is justified by the exclusive opportunity to sleep inside Petra and the personalized attention.

What’s Not Included

The entrance ticket to Petra, which is required to access the archaeological site, is not included. You can purchase it at the visitor center or use a Jordan Pass if you have one. This is an important consideration, as it’s an additional cost — currently 50 JOD (about $70 USD).

Accommodation & Amenities

Staying in a Bedouin cave means rustic conditions; there are no modern bathrooms at the site, though new facilities are reportedly under construction. Some reviewers mention the caves are spotlessly clean and well-equipped with beds and blankets, but the basic nature of the stay might not suit everyone. Electricity and Wi-Fi are available, which is a nice touch for a remote desert experience.

What Do Reviewers Say?

Multiple reviewers rave about the warm hospitality of the local guides, particularly mentioning Feras and his family, who make guests feel like part of their community. One reviewer wrote, “Sari, Feras’ brother, welcomed us with warmth and affection: we found a friend with whom we kept in touch.”

The food is another standout, with travelers describing the meals as some of the best they had in Jordan, often mentioning traditional dishes and communal dining. The musical evenings and shisha sessions added a lively, authentic flavor to the experience.

Some minor critiques involve the basic nature of the cave accommodations. A reviewer pointed out the lack of toilet facilities, which are being installed but are not yet available. There was also a mention of the insistence on not riding donkeys unless you want to, which indicates the guides prioritize safety and local customs.

Authenticity & Cultural Depth

Reviewers consistently note that this tour offers a genuine connection to Bedouin culture, far more than a typical guided walk. Riding mules through Petra’s ancient trails, sleeping in caves, and sharing meals with locals all contribute to a sense of stepping back in time.

The Sum Up

This Nabatean Nights tour offers a rare chance to experience Petra from an insider’s perspective — guided by locals, exploring on mules, and sleeping amidst history. It’s a perfect fit for adventurous travelers who want more than just the standard sightseeing, craving authentic encounters and a night under the stars.

While the basic amenities might not suit everyone, those seeking a meaningful, cultural adventure will find this experience rewarding. It’s especially ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities, local hospitality, and the thrill of sleeping inside a UNESCO World Heritage site.

This tour combines value, authenticity, and a dash of magic — making it a memorable highlight of any Jordan itinerary.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for all fitness levels?
It’s best suited for travelers comfortable with mule rides and some walking. The tour involves riding mules up to the Monastery and high places, so a reasonable level of mobility is recommended.

Does the tour include all the main sites in Petra?
Yes, it covers key highlights such as the Treasury, high place of sacrifice, and the Monastery, guided by a local Bedouin who knows the best viewpoints and trails.

Is the overnight stay comfortable?
The caves are basic but clean, equipped with beds and blankets. It’s about experiencing history and culture rather than luxury, so be prepared for rustic conditions.

What is the best time to take this tour?
Most reviews mention the sunrise as a must-see, so early mornings are ideal. Check the weather forecast, as desert nights can be chilly but clear skies are common.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour offers dinner and breakfast, with traditional Jordanian dishes enjoyed in the company of your hosts and fellow travelers.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour, offering flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Do I need to buy my ticket to Petra separately?
Yes, the entrance fee is not included but can be purchased at the visitor center or via a Jordan Pass. Remember, it costs about 50 JOD.

Is this tour private or group-based?
It’s a private experience, meaning only your group participates, allowing for a tailored and more intimate adventure.

This tour beautifully blends adventure, culture, and comfort, making it a standout choice for travelers eager to get off the beaten path and connect deeply with Petra and Bedouin life.