We’ve all seen the pictures of The Treasury (think Indiana Jones), but there is so much more to Petra than simply one beautiful temple. I hope this photo essay of Petra will help to reveal what a massive city it is and how much beauty there is in it.
Petra Photo Essay
I mentioned I was going to break Petra into three parts. In the first installment, I dealt with touts. In this installment, I want to focus on pictures. The final installment will be more text-heavy and focus on how I approached my three days there. Here, I will only say that you can do a half-day “highlight” tour and that is totally worthwhile if that is all you have time for. But if you have more time and the right guide or at least guidebook, there is really so much to explore here.
Usually, my photo essays are filtered, but I have left all photos unfiltered.
Day One
AM – Day Two
PM – Day Two
What was your favorite part of Petra?
Matthew, this is a lovely photo essay. Thank you for it. I do, however, have a question for you… Like you, I’m quite well traveled, but as I see more of the world (~135 countries) places like Petra are beginning to be less appealing to me. I’ve been to Jordan, and I love the country, but have not been to Petra. I have been to Machu Picchu and Angkor Wat, and find both to be astoundingly boring. I appreciate their beauty, and their value to society, but no longer see the appeal in spending several days sightseeing in historical relics with throngs of tourists and numerous touts.
To be fair, I like the Pyramids, and parts of the Great Wall, but I think that’s because you can have an enjoyable experience in about an hour. I believe they are also more iconic.
My question is do you believe there is something that makes Petra any different than Angkor Wat or Machu Picchu? To me it seems like a lot of work to see a lot of ruins with a lot of other people. A crowded museum of something that is dead. I view your religious sites as a bit more interesting because to me they represent living history in actuon.
Jerry, I understand your perspective. My most memorable travel moments are seldom in tourist spots even though I still visit them. I did find the Great Wall and the Grand Canyon to be inspiring though, but not Angor Wat or Machu Pichu so much.
The rural areas away from the tourists are great memories. Taking a two week long self drive along the Mekong, bike riding through the small villages of Vietnam, diving in South Africa, and self driving through Patognia are among my favorite memories.
I’ll go to these Jordan historic sites over the next 3 weeks because I’ve never been there, but like you, I’m not sure how enjoyable the tourist sites will be for me.
Btw, I do appreciate the great pictures of Petra, Matthew!
Your blog sounds worth reading, too. Please share.
Thanks but I’m too lazy to blog. I’ve shared a couple travel stories with Matthew and may continue if he’s interested, but blogging seems like too much work.
True. I can’t bring myself to start one myself
First, thank you Matthew for the great photos. I’m going to Jordan next month with three days at Petra. I have been to Machu Picchu and anchor wat as well. I typically do extensive historical research on these landmark sites which makes the visit much more meaningful. I’m just finishing Petra and the Lost Kingdom of the Nabataeans in preparation for my Petra visit. I will say I was counting down the time for cocktail hour on my second visit to anchor wat. Really don’t need yo see any of these sites more than once.
Gorgeous pics for sure. But is Hawaii—ideally—or any place tropical or lush in the your plan any time soon? Would love to see some water and greenery.
Absolutely stunning!!!
Petra is absolutely beautiful and I don’t think people realize how big and vast it is. My only regret when I visited was I wish I had been able to see petra at night. Outside the treasury, the ground is lit with candles. You have to see it to believe. Unfortunately I had to pack for an early drive the next day to the Red Sea.
Thanks for the nice photos. Very interesting, beautiful, and insightful (esp. size WOW)
Thanks to Yes & Fathiss for letting me know I’m not the only would be blogger. 🙂
Since Hubby doesn’t travel much, I’m unlikely to visit the historic places mentioned as natural areas especially water falls are high on my list
I enjoy Matthews blog as top 3
Now to monitor Qantas for scheduling more A380s
Fascinating pictures