Petra Hidden Gems: Private hiking tour with local guide

Walk Petra's hidden trails instead of following the main path

A private walking and hiking tour of Petra with a local guide who leads you past ancient castles, burial chambers and churches along scenic trails across the 264 square km site. Routes are divided by fitness level, from easy access walks to challenging hikes with climbing. Your guide speaks English, Spanish, French or German and can tailor the day to your pace and interests.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Petra's hiking trails

• Walk easy access trails
• Hike challenging rough ground
• See ancient castles and burial chambers
• Visit churches
• Enjoy panoramic mountain views

The experience

Petra spreads across 264 square kilometers, which means the main tourist circuit covers only a fraction of what's there. This tour uses that scale to your advantage: a local guide takes you past the castles, burial chambers and churches that most day-trippers miss, following trails designed for different fitness levels. The easy access routes work for anyone. The challenging ones climb rougher ground and demand more stamina. You choose the intensity when you book, and the guide adjusts the route to match your pace.

The trails themselves are the point. You get panoramic views over the sandstone mountains from angles the standard tour doesn't reach, and the guide knows which paths avoid the crowds. A few hours gets you to the quieter sites. A full day lets you move deeper into the landscape. Bring a hat, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes. The sun here is direct and the ground is stone.

Your guide is a local who speaks your language (English, Spanish, French or German) and knows the site as a place, not a checklist. Private means the pace is yours and the questions get answered without a group waiting.

What’s included

• Private local guide who speaks English, Spanish, French or German.
• routes tailored to your fitness level and interests across Petra's 264 square kilometers.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to Saturday8 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 16:00

Book up to8h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and German

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

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.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Petra By Local

Is this one for you?If you're staying in Wadi Musa without a car, you can add private transportation at checkout to handle the pickup and drop-off: otherwise, public transport reaches the site. The private guide means you set the pace and choose how deep into the landscape you go, which matters if you want to move beyond the main circuit without waiting for a group.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

20 verified traveler reviews

5 ★20

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and German.

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.

How long does a Petra hiking tour usually take?

Tours range from a couple of hours to a full day, depending on the trails and fitness level you choose when you book. Your guide will tailor the route to match your pace.

What are the burial chambers and castles I'll see on this tour?

The tour passes ancient burial chambers carved into the sandstone cliffs and the remains of Nabataean castles scattered across the site. Your guide will explain what each structure was and why it matters to Petra's history as a caravan city.

Do I need to be very fit to hike Petra?

The easy access trails suit most fitness levels and involve walking on established paths. The challenging routes climb rougher ground and require at least moderate fitness. Tell your guide what you're comfortable with and they'll pick the right trail.

Is this tour private, or will I be in a group?

This is a private tour, so it's just you and your guide. The pace and stops are yours to set.

What's included in the tour price?

The private guide is included. You'll need to arrange your own entry ticket to Petra, bring water and sun protection, and wear comfortable walking shoes. Public transportation to Petra is available if you don't have a car.

Can I arrange a pickup from my hotel?

Private transportation can be added to your booking at checkout. Without it, you'll arrange your own way to the meeting point. Public transport options are available nearby.