The main entrance into Petra is called the Siq. This is a narrow, curvy, and colorful trail between 2 towering mountains. Visitors can make the journey through the Siq by horse-drawn carriage, but we chose to walk the nearly 1-mile path.

As we reached the end of the Siq, I caught my first glimpse of the Treasury, or Al Khazneh. Built by the Nabataeans, the Treasury is the best-known and best-preserved building in Petra. At around 150 feet tall, the Treasury is almost the same height as a 14-story building. It’s pretty amazing to think about how this impressive building was constructed without the use of modern cranes!

We hiked for 90 minutes to see the Treasury from above. The rest of the team wore hiking shoes, so they were able to crawl close to the edge of the mountain for a great view. I had to stay a little further back. Next time I go hiking I won’t wear flip-flops!

Around 800 steps uphill is another popular building, the Monastery. On foot, the trek takes about 1 hour, but we relied on donkeys to take us up the stairs. Many of the local Bedouin boys and men make a living by renting mules and donkeys to take visitors around Petra. It was a fun, though somewhat scary, ride uphill. The journey to the Monastery was well worth it -- the building is massive. Even the doorway is several stories tall.

Petra by Night. Three times a week, after sunset, visitors can experience the Siq and Treasury lit only by candelight. We were invited early to help set-up the hundreds of candles. Once all the candle were lit, we sat under the stars, drank tea, and listened to traditional Bedouin music played on the rababa.

Up Next: Head north to Umm Qais.

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