Feel Like Indiana Jones? Head to Petra!
Dreaming of adventure? If you want to feel like Indiana Jones, Petra in southern Jordan is your ultimate destination. Known as one of the world's most stunning archaeological sites, Petra was a symbol of wealth for an ancient trading community. More recently, it's become a popular film location, making many of us want to become archaeologists ourselves, whether traveling by camelback or flying carpet.
Indiana Jones and Al-Khazneh
The Nabataeans first settled in Petra, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as early as the 4th century BC. Its prime location along trade routes helped it flourish, eventually becoming the kingdom's capital and trading hub. In the 1st century AD, they constructed Al-Khazneh, also known as the Treasury, to symbolize Petra's prosperity.
One look at the Treasury, and you'll feel like you're stepping into an Indiana Jones movie. And that's not far from the truth—Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade filmed several scenes here. Picture Sean Connery and Harrison Ford, awe-struck by the same grand structure that will leave you breathless.
The famous adventurers navigate through the narrow, towering walls of the Siq, a scene you might also recognize from The Mummy Returns. In the film, the villain Imhotep uses magic to flood the dam and crash the airship at the fictional Oasis.
Burial Grounds and Urns
Petra's beauty also shines in Mortal Kombat: Annihilation. Characters explore the Street of Facades, an ancient burial ground next to the Siq, and the Royal Tombs, including the majestic Urn Tomb.
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen features the Urn Tomb, where Shia LeBeouf and his gang enter without any real-life protocol interference. More recently, Aladdin used Petra’s stunning backdrop.
Petra is brimming with sites to explore, from the Treasury to the Theatre, the Colonnaded Street, and the Great Temple. To fully immerse yourself, consider a three-day pass to ensure you don’t miss any hidden gems.
Planning your visit is key. If you can handle the summer heat soaring into the 90s, Petra in the summer is great. For a more comfortable experience, aim for spring or autumn. Winter, with its rain and lack of cover, is best avoided.
Whenever you choose to visit, we’re here to help with your plans. Petra’s tourism took a hit during COVID, leading to new government-authorized excavations near the Treasury. Now’s a perfect time to explore this historical wonder without the usual crowds.
Visiting Petra: Tips and Timing
Petra's sites are all equally beautiful, so it's no wonder Hollywood has chosen it as a backdrop for some of the most famous movies. If you want to explore the Treasury, the Siq, and other attractions like the Theatre, the Colonnaded Street, and the Great Temple, consider getting a three-day pass. This way, you won't miss even the smallest of tombs.
Another important aspect to consider is the timing of your visit. If you can handle temperatures soaring into the 90s, Petra in the summer is excellent. If you'd rather avoid melting in the sun, your best bet is to travel there in the spring or autumn months. With Petra receiving most of its rain at the start of the year, and with little coverage from the sun or rain, winter visits can be challenging.
No matter when you decide to go, we can assist you in making these decisions. COVID-19 significantly impacted Petra's tourism, prompting the Jordanian government to authorize new excavations outside the Treasury during the dry period and the lack of visitors. This means that even if you've been there before- there's probably something new to explore.
Ready to channel your inner Indiana Jones? Let’s make Petra your next adventure!