6-Day Budget Guide to Petra: The Backpacker's Route
Trekking through the rose-red sands of Petra doesn't require a king's ransom. This itinerary is designed for the hardcore budget backpacker who values experience over luxury, focusing on the incredible history and natural beauty of Jordan while keeping daily costs to a bare minimum. By leveraging local street food and staying in communal dorms, you can witness one of the New Seven Wonders of the World for less than the cost of a typical European dinner.
The secret to surviving on $18 a day in Wadi Musa (the town bordering Petra) is the Jordan Pass. While it’s a significant upfront cost, it waives visa fees and includes Petra entry, making your daily spend on food and accommodation manageable. Get ready to walk thousands of steps, drink sage tea with Bedouins, and witness the architectural mastery of the Nabataeans.
Day 1: Wadi Musa, Jordan - The Grand Entrance
Arrival at Wadi Musa
Check into your hostel in Wadi Musa, the gateway town. This hilly settlement is where all budget travelers base themselves to access the archaeological park. Drop your bags and prep your water bottles.
The Siq
Enter the park and walk through the Siq, a narrow 1.2km gorge with towering cliffs on either side. It’s a free part of your entry ticket and provides a dramatic approach to the ruins.
The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)
Emerge from the Siq to find Petra's most famous facade. Spend time here as the afternoon sun hits the sandstone, creating a deep orange glow. Avoid the expensive donkey rides to stay on budget.
Street Food Dinner at Al-Arabi
Head back to the town center for a budget-friendly falafel or shawarma wrap. This is a favorite spot for locals and backpackers alike for high-calorie, low-cost fuel.
Day 2: Petra, Jordan - The Royal Route
Street of Facades
Walk past the Treasury to explore the row of monumental Nabataean tombs carved into the southern cliff face. These are free to explore and offer great photography opportunities.
The Roman Theater
Visit the massive theater carved directly into the side of the mountain. It could once hold over 4,000 spectators and is a testament to the city's Greco-Roman influence.
The Royal Tombs
Hike up to the Urn Tomb, Silk Tomb, and Palace Tomb. These elevated structures provide a panoramic view of the city center and are far less crowded than the Treasury.
Hostel Social Hour
Relax at your hostel's rooftop. Many budget spots in Wadi Musa offer free tea and a chance to swap tips with other backpackers about hidden trails.
Day 3: Petra, Jordan - High Altars and Temples
High Place of Sacrifice
Climb the steep stairs to the mountain altar. The trek takes about 45 minutes and rewards you with the best 360-degree views of the entire archaeological site.
The Great Temple
Explore the ruins of the city's largest freestanding structure. This area is a goldmine for amateur archeologists and cost nothing extra to visit.
Colonnaded Street
Walk the ancient main street of Petra, once lined with shops and markets. It’s the heart of the ancient city and perfect for a slow-paced afternoon stroll.
Wadi Musa Fruit Market
Grab fresh produce from the local market in town for a healthy and ultra-cheap dinner back at the hostel kitchen.
Day 4: Petra, Jordan - The Monastery Trek
Ad Deir (The Monastery)
Begin the 800-step climb early to beat the heat. The Monastery is larger than the Treasury and much more peaceful. It's a must-see for any fit backpacker.
Lion Triclinium
On your descent from the Monastery, look for this hidden tomb with two lions carved at the entrance. It’s often missed by the tour groups.
Qasr al-Bint
Visit the best-preserved building in Petra, a temple dedicated to Dushara. It is one of the few freestanding structures that survived the earthquakes.
Bedouin Tea Session
Sit with a local Bedouin family near the Basin area. While the tea isn't always free, a small tip of 1 JOD is a budget-friendly way to enjoy local hospitality.
Day 5: Wadi Musa, Jordan - Little Petra
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
Take a free shuttle or a shared taxi to Little Petra. This site is free to enter and features unique frescoes that are over 2,000 years old.
The Painted House
Inside Little Petra, find the rare Nabataean wall paintings. It’s one of the few places where you can see the internal decoration of these ancient structures.
Neolithic Village of Beidha
Walk 15 minutes from Little Petra to see one of the oldest archaeological sites in the world, dating back to 7,000 BC.
Budget Mezze Dinner
Visit a local eatery in Wadi Musa for hummus, mutabbal, and pita. Sharing plates with friends is the best way to keep costs under $5 for dinner.
Day 6: Wadi Musa, Jordan - History & Departure
Petra Museum
Visit the modern Petra Museum near the main entrance. It is free to enter and provides excellent context on the artifacts found within the site.
Souq Window Shopping
Wander through the local markets of Wadi Musa. While buying is optional, the sights and smells of the spice shops are a free sensory experience.
Viewpoint Hike
Do a final short hike to a ridge overlooking the town of Wadi Musa for a sunset view before your departure.
JETT Bus Departure
Board the budget-friendly JETT bus back to Amman or toward the desert of Wadi Rum to continue your Jordanian adventure.
Best Time & Weather
The best time to visit Petra on a budget is during the shoulder seasons: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is pleasant for the extensive hiking required. Summer can be dangerously hot, making the long climbs difficult, while winter can be surprisingly cold and rainy, occasionally causing flash floods that close the Siq.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). Jordan is largely a cash-based society, especially for the budget traveler using small eateries and hostels. ATMs are available in Wadi Musa, but they often charge high withdrawal fees, so try to take out larger amounts at once. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in small budget cafes; rounding up the bill is a standard practice.
Getting Around
The best way to get around Wadi Musa and Petra is on foot. Most hostels offer a free morning shuttle to the Petra Visitor Center. For longer distances, like reaching Little Petra, shared taxis are the most cost-effective option. For intercity travel, the JETT bus is the gold standard for backpackers, offering reliable and cheap transport to Amman and Aqaba.
