Wadi Musa

Wadi Musa ("Valley of Moses") is a town in the Ma'an Governorate of southern Jordan, best known as the gateway to Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town is named after the biblical prophet Moses, who is said to have passed through the valley and struck water from a rock here during the Exodus.

Located approximately 230 km south of Amman and 25 km northwest of Ma'an, Wadi Musa sits at an elevation of approximately 900–1,200 m on the edge of the Sharah Mountains. The climate is arid with hot summers and cool winters; spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the best times to visit Petra, when temperatures are moderate.

The town has grown rapidly due to tourism and serves as the main accommodation and services hub for visitors to Petra. The population is approximately 30,000, and the town stretches along a valley with hotels, restaurants, and shops catering to every budget. The local Bedouin community (B'doul) has a deep connection to Petra, having lived in the caves of the ancient city until relocated to Wadi Musa in the 1980s.

By Plane

The nearest airport is King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) in Aqaba, approximately 120 km south. Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) near Amman is approximately 230 km north. From either airport, Wadi Musa is accessible by bus, taxi, or rental car.

By Car / Road

Wadi Musa is accessible from the Desert Highway (Route 15) via a turn-off near Ma'an, or from the King's Highway. From Amman, the drive takes approximately 3–3.5 hours via the Desert Highway. The JETT bus company operates daily services from Amman to Wadi Musa. Minibuses run from Ma'an (approximately 25 km, 1–2 JD). From Aqaba, the drive takes approximately 1.5–2 hours.

A tourist bus runs daily from outside the Mariam Hotel in Madaba to Wadi Musa. Shared taxis from Ma'an cost around 2–3 JD per person.

The town stretches along a valley and can be hilly. The Petra Visitor Centre is at the southern end of town, and most hotels are within walking distance or a short taxi ride (1–2 JD). Local taxis are available throughout town. The walk from the Visitor Centre through the Siq to the Treasury at Petra is approximately 1.2 km.

• Petra — The ancient Nabataean city carved into rose-red sandstone cliffs. Open daily, summer 06:00–18:00, winter 06:00–16:00. Entry 50 JD for a one-day pass, 55 JD for two days, 60 JD for three days; free with Jordan Pass. Highlights include the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), the Street of Facades, the Royal Tombs, the Monastery (Ad-Deir), and the High Place of Sacrifice.

• Petra by Night — Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings at 20:30. The Siq and Treasury are illuminated by 1,500 candles. 17 JD.

• Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) — A smaller Nabataean site approximately 9 km north of Wadi Musa, with carved facades and a painted ceiling. Free entry.

• Petra Museum — Near the Visitor Centre, with artefacts from the Nabataean city.

• Hike to the Monastery (Ad-Deir) — A steep but rewarding climb of approximately 800 steps from the basin.

• High Place of Sacrifice trail — A circular route offering panoramic views over Petra.

• Explore the back trails — Local Bedouin guides can lead you to off-the-beaten-path viewpoints and lesser-known tombs.

• Jordan Trail — Sections of the 650-km trail pass through the Petra area.

• Al-Saraya Restaurant — Central Wadi Musa, serving Jordanian and Middle Eastern cuisine.
• The Cave Bar — Set inside a natural cave, offering drinks and bar food.
• Al Qantarah — Popular restaurant with views over the valley, serving Jordanian dishes.
• Basin Restaurant — Inside Petra near the Colonnaded Street, the only dining option within the site.
• Numerous falafel, shawarma, and kebab restaurants line the main road through town.

Several hotels and restaurants serve alcohol, including beer and wine. The Cave Bar is a popular spot. Coffee and tea are widely available at local cafés. Stock up on water before entering Petra — 1 litre bottles inside the site are expensive.

• Budget: Valentine Inn, near the Visitor Centre. Clean dorms and rooms. Dorm 8–10 JD; double 20–25 JD.
• Budget: Rocky Mountain Hotel, with views over the valley. Double 15–25 JD.
• Mid-range: Petra Guest House Hotel, right at the entrance to Petra. Double 60–80 JD.
• Mid-range: Petra Moon Hotel, central Wadi Musa. Double 40–60 JD.
• Upscale: Movenpick Resort Petra, at the entrance to Petra. Rooms from 120 JD.
• Upscale: Old Village Hotel & Resort, with traditional architecture. Rooms from 80 JD.

Souvenir shops line the road from the Visitor Centre to the town centre. Popular items include sand bottles, Nabataean pottery replicas, silver jewellery, and Bedouin handicrafts. Bargaining is expected. Avoid buying artefacts, as this is illegal.

• Wadi Rum — Dramatic desert landscape with sandstone mountains, approximately 100 km south (1.5–2 hours by car).
• Shoubak (Montreal Castle) — A 12th-century Crusader castle, approximately 40 km north on the King's Highway.
• Ma'an — Regional capital, 25 km southeast.
• Aqaba — Red Sea resort and port city, 120 km south.
• Dana Nature Reserve — Unforgettable hiking in the Great Rift, north on the King's Highway.