Horseback riding in Petra: Little Petra to the Monastery

Little Petra's hidden canyons, the Monastery's carved cliffs, and Petra's rose-red tombs on horseback

Horseback riding through Petra's back trails on a half-day private tour starts at Little Petra's caves and villages, climbs 45 minutes to the Monastery's massive rock-cut façade, then loops through the Royal Tombs, Colonnade Street and the Treasury. The route is guided in English or Arabic. Children from age 5 are welcome, and bottled water is included. Petra entry ticket is separate.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Petra and Little Petra by horse

• Meet at visitor center
• Ride through mountains to Qararah Park
• Continue trail on Dabdabah Road
• Discover caves and villages in Little Petra
• Explore Asiq Albared canyon temples and graves
• Rest and take photos in Little Petra
• Hike 800 steps to the Monastery
• View panoramic scenery from the Monastery
• Return to Petra city center
• Visit the Girl Palace and Colonnaded Street
• See the Royal Tombs and Byzantine Church ruins
• End tour at the Treasury facade

The experience

The ride begins at the visitor center and heads into the mountains toward Qararah Park, a high plateau with views across Petra's sandstone ranges. From there the trail follows Dabdabah Road to Little Petra, where you pass through caves, old villages and the hidden canyon called Asiq Albared, all on horseback, to see how people lived in these carved settlements over two thousand years ago. The landscape shifts between open ridges and narrow passages carved into the rock, and you stop to rest and photograph before moving on.

After Little Petra, the route climbs to the Monastery (Al Dayr), the largest façade in Petra. The final 45 minutes involves walking up rock-cut stairs on foot to reach the structure itself, where the panoramic view opens across the West Bank, Palestinian mountains and Wadi Araba canyons. The Monastery was carved into sandstone 2,000 years ago and later converted to a Byzantine church, and standing in front of its 58-meter width is the centerpiece of the day.

On the return, you explore other major sites within Petra: the Royal Tombs sculpted from rose-red stone, the Colonnade Street running through the city's heart, the Byzantine Church with its fifth-century mosaic floor, and the Treasury, nearly 40 meters tall and ornately carved. The guide points out details at each stop, and the full loop takes five to six hours.

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• a live guide speaking English or Arabic.
• access to Little Petra's caves, villages and Asiq Albared canyon on horseback.
• the walk to the Monastery and views from its façade.
• stops at the Royal Tombs, Colonnade Street, Byzantine Church and the Treasury.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00Last departure this season: 31 Jan 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 12 years): free · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Arabic

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 70

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Desert Wolf Horse Riding

Is this one for you?This is a private ride, so the pace and stops follow what you want to see and how long you want to linger at each site. Horseback riding suits anyone comfortable in the saddle for several hours. The walk to the Monastery is the main physical demand, and children from age 5 can join.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

9 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Arabic.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (5 to 12 years): free. Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Monastery and why does it take 45 minutes to reach it?

The Monastery (Al Dayr) is a 58-meter-wide façade carved into a sandstone mountain over 2,000 years ago and later used as a Byzantine church. The final approach involves climbing 45 minutes up rock-cut stairs on foot to stand in front of it.

Do I need to buy a Petra entry ticket separately?

Yes, the Petra entry ticket is not included in this tour and must be purchased separately before you start.

What happens at Little Petra before heading to the Monastery?

At Little Petra you ride through caves, old villages and a hidden canyon called Asiq Albared to see ancient settlements and how people lived carved into the rock. You rest and photograph there before continuing to the Monastery.

Is this tour physically demanding?

The ride itself is on horseback, but the climb to the Monastery involves 45 minutes of walking up rock-cut stairs. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy. A moderate level of physical fitness is needed.