Back entrance feels like a secret route into Petra. This private tour through the rear access makes the Monastery stretch feel more human and less like a cattle line. I especially liked the quieter flow around the back entrance and the big views you get before the crowd wave hits. One thing to keep in mind: the day involves real walking, stairs, and heat, so plan for a strong pace even if you move slowly.

I also really liked the way the guide brings Petra down to earth. Bassil, with 18+ years leading at Petra, keeps things clear, answers questions patiently, and even helps you with photos so you don’t just end up with a face-in-the-sun blur. The only downside is that the route ends at the Treasury, so you’ll need to either keep exploring on your own or do the 40-minute walk back through the canyon to the Visitor Centre.

If you want a Petra day that feels planned but not rigid, this tour fits. You get a guided path to the highlights most people skip, plus time to linger where it counts—right at the end.

Key points at a glance

• Back-door start for a calmer vibe: You reach the Monastery area via the scenic rear access before the heaviest crowds.
• Bassil’s long experience pays off: 18+ years guiding at Petra, with lots of explanation and patience.
• Real legs work: You’ll climb to the Monastery and later descend steps toward the Colonnaded Street.
• Scenic transport included: A 4×4 ride takes you to the bottom of the Monastery stairs.
• Treasury finishes the tour: Your guide ends in front of the Treasury, then you choose how you spend the rest.
• Private group means your pace: Only your group participates, so you’re not stuck with random timing.

Why the back entrance changes your Petra day

Petra can be overwhelming. Even with the best intentions, the main route can feel like you’re constantly negotiating with other people. This tour’s whole idea is to send you in from the back entrance, then work your way toward the places everyone aims for—Monastery first, then downhill toward the main canyon trail.

What I like about this approach is how it affects your photos and your headspace. Early on, you’re seeing the big structures with fewer faces in front of them. And because you’re not starting at the same bottleneck point as most day-trippers, you tend to get more space to pause, frame, and take your time.

The other practical win: your guide can manage the day like a hike, not a stampede. You still cover multiple stops, but the pacing feels flexible rather than rushed. If you’re the type who likes to ask questions and stop for viewpoints, that matters.

The caution is straightforward. This route is not a stroll. You’re walking about 10 km, and the terrain includes steep climbs and a major stair descent. If heat knocks you out or stairs scare you, plan to move slower and take more breaks.

Start at 7:00 am: pickup, tickets, and the Little Petra warm-up

The tour begins at 7:00 am with hotel pickup in Wadi Musa. Your meeting point is listed as 8FF9+X72 in Wadi Musa, and the tour ends at the Treasury, so this is designed to be a full, guided Petra session without you worrying about logistics.

Right away, you make a quick stop at the Visitor Centre. The goal here is simple: collect the entry tickets and use the free shuttle provided by the Petra Authority region to Little Petra. Think of Little Petra as a short reset. You arrive, get a quick look at the highlights for about 15 minutes, then you move on.

Why I consider this a smart setup: it breaks the day into pieces. You’re not dropped straight into the hardest part with no warm-up, and you start your Petra “story” in the right order. Also, starting early helps with both comfort and crowd control.

One more small but important detail: you’ll be working with a mobile ticket. That’s useful in places where paper tickets can slow you down. Just make sure you have your phone charged and ready.

The Monastery route: 4×4 drop-off and a serious climb

Your first major stop is the Monastery, or Al Dayr. After reaching Little Petra, you get the 4×4 shuttle to the bottom of the Monastery stairs. That ride is included, and it saves you from a chunk of rough effort before you even start climbing.

Once you’re at the stairs, this is where you earn the views. The tour then includes the climb up to the Monastery area, and the total Monastery segment is planned for about 3 hours. That time matters because it’s not only about reaching the top—it’s about getting time to see the structure, take photos from the right spots, and catch your breath without feeling like you’re cheating.

From the feedback I’ve absorbed about this route, the Monastery area is a major highlight because it’s the part many people skip or experience on the most crowded timing. With this plan, the back entrance route helps you see it with fewer people around.

The drawback is physical. Even when the route is described as easier than some alternatives, it’s still sun, steps, and a real uphill. If you’re even slightly worried about stamina, wear sturdy shoes with grip, take your breaks early (not when you’re already burning out), and don’t try to “power through” just to match the group.

Colonnaded Street: the 850-step downhill leg

After the Monastery, you work downhill toward the Colonnaded Street. This is where the tour turns from climb to descent. You walk down 850 steps from the Monastery to the ancient Market place of Petra, known as the Colonnaded Street. The stop here is planned for about 1 hour.

Why this matters for your experience: downhill walking changes how the canyon feels. You’re moving with gravity now, and you start seeing the main trail elements that connect to the big final sights. It’s also one of the moments where a guide really helps. A good guide keeps you on the right track and helps you understand what you’re looking at without you needing to read a wall of signs while you’re winded.

What can be tough: stairs can be harder on your knees than you expect, especially after a steep morning climb. If you’re prone to knee pain, go slow on the descent and use steady footing. Also, don’t forget that stepping down while tired is when mistakes happen—so treat the descent as part of the hike, not a quick transition.

Royal Tombs viewpoint: amphitheatre angles you might miss

Next you head to the Royal Tombs from the Colonnaded Street. This segment is shorter—about 30 minutes—but it’s designed for viewpoint and orientation.

The tour plan includes walking on the main trail to overview the royal tombs. You also get time to watch the great view of the amphitheatre from above the front mountain. That’s a key idea: the tour doesn’t treat this as a quick walk-by. It positions you so you can understand how the spaces connect.

Even if you only have a short window, the viewpoint aspect is what makes this stop feel worthwhile. Petra isn’t just one facade. It’s an arrangement. When you see the amphitheatre angle from a higher point, you’re better at picturing how people would have moved through the area.

The practical consideration: this stop is short, so if you want extra time here, you’ll likely need to manage your pace earlier in the day. A private tour helps, but the overall itinerary is still built around a 5 to 7 hour window.

Treasury finale: the best-known facade, with time to breathe

The tour ends at the Treasury. You’ll hike around 10 km by the time you reach it, and then you get a focused look at the most beautiful facade in Petra—the Treasury—during a planned visit of about 45 minutes.

This is where the timing usually matters most, because the Treasury is the main photo target. Here, the tour concentrates the guided time on the Treasury facade itself, then gives you a choice for your next move.

After the guided portion, you have free time for self-exploration. If you’re not ready to stop, you can also do the 40-minute walk back to the Visitor Centre through the canyon. The tour doesn’t include hotel drop-off, so this walk is one of your main options after the finish.

How to use your Treasury time well:

• Spend your first minutes orienting yourself to where you want photos from.
• Don’t rush the facade. It rewards a slow approach.
• If you plan to walk back, don’t burn all your energy fighting your camera at the top of the last climb.

Price and what you really get for $140 per person

The price is $140 per person for a private Petra back entrance tour with a guide. On paper, it’s not the cheapest way to do Petra. But the value comes from three things you’d otherwise have to piece together yourself: hotel pickup, an experienced guide, and specific transport support (the included 4×4 ride to the base of the Monastery stairs).

Because it’s private, your group stays together. That matters on a site like Petra where timings are everything. And because the guide brings you through the back access route, you’re paying for a plan—not just someone pointing out facades.

There’s one item to verify before you go: the package notes can conflict on Petra entry tickets. The itinerary description mentions admission tickets included at the stops, while the overall tour notes Petra entry ticket as not included. I’d treat this as a check-before-you-arrive task. Ask the provider to confirm exactly what’s covered for your date so you’re not stuck at the Visitor Centre.

A final value point: your tour includes a 4×4 shortcut that would be hard to manage independently at the right time. That’s time you can spend enjoying the places you paid to see.

Logistics you should plan for: heat, pace, and ending at the Treasury

Even with a private guide, you’re still hiking. Your physical fitness level should be moderate, and the route includes stairs and a long walk total (about 10 km). Petra at mid-morning can be intense, and the Monastery climb plus the later step descent can feel tougher than you expect.

My practical advice:

• Start early (you do at 7:00 am) and take your biggest breaks before you feel exhausted.
• Wear shoes with solid grip. The steps aren’t the place for lightweight sneakers.
• Bring sun protection. A hat and sunscreen are not optional in this setting.

Also, plan your post-tour decision at the Treasury. Do you want to keep exploring on your own? Great. Or do you want the 40-minute walk back? Either way is fine; just decide so you’re not stuck guessing while you’re tired.

If you do need a hotel drop-off afterward, the tour notes it runs about 5–10 JOD per car (not included). That’s useful if you’d rather avoid the canyon walk.

Who this private back entrance Petra tour is best for

This tour fits best if you want Petra with structure and fewer people in your first big moments. It’s also ideal if you enjoy a guide who can explain what you’re seeing while you walk, not just read off a map.

You’ll probably love it if:

• You care about getting to the Monastery area via the back route and want a calmer feel.
• You like asking questions and getting clear answers while you’re at the viewpoints.
• You want photo help and a plan that covers the main sequence of highlights.

It’s less ideal if:

• You’re very limited on stairs or uphill walking.
• You hate long days that involve 10 km of walking plus heat.
• You need end-to-end hotel drop-off included (because the tour ends at the Treasury).

For couples, small groups, and anyone who wants a guided day without joining a large crowd, a private tour makes life simpler.

Should you book this private Petra back entrance tour?

I’d book it if your priorities are a quieter start, an expert guide like Bassil, and a day that covers the Monastery, Colonnaded Street, Royal Tombs, and ends at the Treasury without you figuring out transport on your own. The included 4×4 ride and the early timing make it feel efficient, not just scenic.

I would pause and think twice if you’re worried about stairs, heat, or a long walk. This isn’t a gentle “Petra highlights from a distance” day. It’s a hike with great payoff—and you should match your booking to your comfort level.

If you’re on the fence, ask the provider to confirm what’s included regarding Petra entry tickets for your specific date, then go. Once you’re at the Monastery steps with fewer people around, the whole plan clicks.

FAQ

What time does the private Petra back entrance tour start?

It starts at 7:00 am.

How long is the tour in Petra?

The duration is about 5 to 7 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup is included.

Is there a guide, and what language do they speak?

Yes. The tour includes an English-speaking guide.

Does the tour include a ride to the Monastery stairs?

Yes. A 4×4 ride to the bottom of the Monastery stairs is included.

Are Petra entry tickets included?

The details provided show a mismatch: the itinerary mentions admission tickets included, but the tour notes Petra entry ticket as not included. When you book, confirm what’s covered for your date.

Where does the tour end?

It ends in front of the Treasury.

After the tour ends at the Treasury, can I get back to the Visitor Centre?

Yes. You can enjoy free time, or you can walk back to the Visitor Centre through the canyon, which is about 40 minutes. Hotel drop-off is not included.