Why Stay in Wadi Musa?
Petra, the ancient Nabataean city carved into rose-red sandstone cliffs, is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and Jordan's crown jewel. Walking through the narrow Siq canyon to emerge before the intricately carved Treasury (Al-Khazneh) is one of travel's most breathtaking moments — a scene so dramatic it served as the filming location for Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
Hotels in Wadi Musa, the town at Petra's entrance, range from simple budget guesthouses to five-star resorts with Petra-view infinity pools. The Mövenpick Resort Petra sits literally at the entrance gate — you can walk to the Siq in 2 minutes. Hotels slightly uphill in the town centre offer better value while still being a short walk or taxi from the entrance.
While the Treasury is Petra's most famous monument, the archaeological site is enormous — covering 264 square kilometres. The Royal Tombs, the Monastery (Ad-Deir) reached by 800 steps, the High Place of Sacrifice, and the colonnaded Roman street all reward exploration. Plan at least two full days to experience Petra properly.
Petra by Night, held three evenings per week, is a magical experience. The Siq and Treasury are illuminated by 1,500 candles, with Bedouin musicians playing traditional instruments as you sit on the ground before the candlelit facade. Beyond Petra, Jordan offers the Dead Sea (lowest point on Earth), Wadi Rum desert, and the Red Sea resort of Aqaba.