Petra & Little Petra Day Trip from Amman with Private Guide

Summary

Walk through Petra’s Siq to the Treasury then explore Little Petra

You’ll follow ancient footsteps through Petra’s winding Siq, stand awestruck before the Treasury, and hear stories from your local guide as you explore tombs and ruins. With private transport from Amman and stops at both Petra and quieter Little Petra, you’ll feel both wonder and calm — there’s something about seeing those rose-red stones up close that stays with you.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I’d seen a thousand photos of Petra before we went, but nothing really prepared me for that first slow walk through the Siq. Our driver picked us up in Amman right after sunrise — still half asleep, I remember watching the desert go by, all soft gold and quiet. When we finally got to Petra, our guide (his name was Firas) handed me a bottle of water and grinned, “Ready?” I thought I was. The air smelled dusty but fresh, like old stone after rain. We started down this narrow canyon — the Siq — and it just kept going, winding deeper until suddenly there it was: the Treasury. It’s not just pink; it almost glows. I actually stopped talking for once.

Firas told us stories about the Nabateans as we walked — how they carved everything out of rock and somehow made this place work in the middle of nowhere. He pointed out little details: a carving here, an old water channel there. There were moments when all you could hear was your own footsteps and maybe a distant voice echoing off the stone. After seeing the Royal Tombs and that huge theater (I tried to imagine what it sounded like full of people), we got some free time to wander. My legs were already tired but I didn’t want to stop exploring; there’s this weird energy in Petra that kind of pulls you along.

On the way back to Amman, we stopped at Little Petra — which honestly feels like someone shrunk down the main site but kept all its secrets. It was quieter there; I think only one other group passed us while we poked around those carved rooms. Firas explained how traders would rest here before heading into the main city. The sun was lower by then and everything looked softer somehow. Maybe it was just being tired or maybe it was something else, but I remember feeling lucky — like I’d gotten a glimpse behind the curtain for a second.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private day trip to Petra from Amman

• Leave hotel early morning
• Drive south to Petra
• Enjoy 2-hour guided Petra tour
• Walk through the Siq entrance canyon
• See the Treasury El-Khazneh
• Visit Theater, Royal Tombs, Byzantine Church
• Listen to guide about Nabatean history
• Free time to explore or climb Monastery
• Visit Petra Museum if time permits
• Pass by Little Petra valley
• Return drive to Amman
• Drop off at hotel

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Amman to Petra?

The drive from Amman to Petra is about 245 kilometers and usually takes around 3 hours each way by car.

Is hotel pickup included in this day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Amman are included with your private driver.

Do I need to book entrance tickets for Petra separately?

No, entrance fees are included unless you choose the Jordan Pass option—then you should buy your pass directly.

How much time do we spend inside Petra?

You’ll have a guided tour lasting about 2 hours plus some free time to explore on your own afterwards.

What is Little Petra and do we visit it?

Little Petra is a smaller archaeological site near Petra; yes, you’ll stop there on your way back to Amman.

Is lunch included during this tour?

No lunch is specifically included; bring snacks or ask your guide for recommendations nearby.

Are guides available in languages other than English?

The standard tour is in English; Spanish or French guides can be requested depending on availability.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?

If you have mobility needs, contact ahead—golf carts can be arranged by request at Petra.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Amman with a private driver in an air-conditioned vehicle (Wi-Fi onboard), entry fees for both Petra and Little Petra unless using Jordan Pass, a local English-speaking guide for classic Petra (other languages possible by request), plus a short horse ride before entering the Siq—all logistics handled so you can focus on exploring.