Visiting Petra despite walking difficulties

The legendary rock city of Petra in Jordan is at the top of many people's wish list of travel destinations. But can travelers with walking disabilities also fulfill this dream and visit the New Wonder of the World?

Yes. However, with restrictions. The best news first: A visit to the famous Treasury is actually possible for most people. A wide path leads from the main entrance to the Siq, then through the gorge and right up to Petra's well-known main attraction. Donkey carriages are offered as a transport option up to the Treasury.

Those who are not good on foot, but feel comfortable on the back of a donkey or camel, can also explore many other sights within the rock city.

With a walker or wheelchair

The easiest to visit are the sights just behind the Visitor Center. There is a wide path here. until Siq, the rock canyon to Petra, it is even possible to get around in a wheelchair in this area. On the way they can Djinn blocks and the impressive Obelisk tomb with Bab-as-Siq triclinium to be admired.

By carriage ride

Sandy soil and old, uneven cobblestones make it very difficult to get ahead from the gorge. Unfortunately, it is difficult to get through the gorge to the rock city on your own if you have a walking disability. Nevertheless, visitors with disabilities can also use the Siq and its mysteries Enjoy: By carriage ride.

Donkey carriages drive regularly through the Siq. At the end of the carriage ride, the familiar awaits Al Khazneh Treasure House with its impressive rock facade. Round trip transportation for two people is provided by Visitpetra given as a cost note of 20 JOD. Please note possible changes. The return time can be arranged individually.

It is best to find out about current transport options in advance at the Visitor Center. In addition to the usual donkey carriages, in which the ride is admittedly quite bumpy, a kind of golf caddy occasionally drives through the gorge. Even if the wide path to the Siq is easily accessible, it is generally advisable to take transport directly from the Visitor Center to the Treasury Petra Jordan. Otherwise, you may have to leave your wheelchair or walker at the entrance to the gorge when you transfer to one of the small carriages. Alternatively, adventure seekers can be taken on horseback to the Siq.

With mounts

No carriages or transports are allowed within the rock city. For people with walking difficulties, however, it is possible to get on by donkey or camel. At least, as long as the visitor has enough balance to ride.

The Street of the Facades as well as the Colonnaded street can be explored very easily on the backs of the animals. The path is flat and the sights are at ground level. On the way you can also admire the view of the roman amphitheater and great temple . Qasr al Bint, the main religious temple of Petras, is at the end of the column street. In principle, most of the sights of the Main trails Easily accessible with a combination of carriage ride and donkey ride or camel ride.

Ascent via stairs

The Ad Deir Monastery unfortunately it is much more difficult to reach. The way up leads over numerous, irregular steps made of sandstone. Even guests who are good on foot often get out of breath on this ascent. In principle, guides offer their donkeys for the steep ascent to the monastery, so that even this well-known sight is not inaccessible.

The animals are surprisingly resilient. If you have a very good sense of balance and have always dreamed of seeing the beautiful facade of the monastery live, you should dare to go horseback riding.

Alternative via the back entrance

Alternatively, there is a walking route between Petra and Little Petra. The start and end point of this route is the Koster Ad Deir. On request, local guides sometimes offer this route as a donkey tour. It takes about 2-3 hours. Balance and a good dose of trust in the animal are also required here, because the path is rocky. But instead of smooth steps, the animal can find its way on natural ground. It is important that with this option you have already picked up your entrance ticket for Petra at the Visitor Center in advance.