"Jordan - Petra & Wadi Rum" a Jordan Travel Page by GandalfOnTour

I spent 5 days in Jordan in July 2004 and it was just not enough time to see all that I wanted to. I sepent 2 full days wandering around the amazing city complex at Petra. This is a place that you MUST visit. From the breathtaking entry via the Siq to the striking Treasury and around to the Royal Tombs, Petra is an incredible step back in time.

While in Petra I was advised to spend a night with the Bedouins out in the desert at Wadi Rum. It wasn't something that I had planned to do as I was supposed to be heading to Dahab for some scuba diving but I am really glad that I changed my plans. A night under the stars in the desert is something else altogether.

Spent the first day marvelling at the cliff faces that had been sculptured into facades . It was really warm and I think we drank a good 3 litres of water each, so be sure to take along plenty of water. The Treasury is the first structure that you see as you exit the Siq and it will take your breath away. Notice the holes in the sphere at centre-top. Apparently it was believe that it contained gold/treasure, hence the name, and over the years people have shot at it to try and release the treasure. This all according to our guide. In all we spent full days walking around the city and I could have done more.

South of Petra is the desert of Wadi Rum. We organised to be picked up from our hotel in Wadi Musa and were taken to Wadi Rum where we were met by our Bedouin guide. We jumped onto the back of a 4x4 and set off on a super tour of the vast and stark desert. The rock formations were something else. Definitely a place to check out!!!