4.4 / 5

Wadi Musa

🗓 Best Time To Visit:April to May and September to November

⏰ Open Hours:24 hours, but attractions have specific timings

🎯 Things To Do:Visit Petra, Hiking in Petra Reserve, Explore local culture and cuisine, Visit the Petra Night Show

💰 Budget:Entry fees to Petra: 50 JD for one day, 55 JD for two days, 60 JD for three days. Accommodation and food can vary from budget to luxury.

🧳 Traveller Types:History enthusiasts, Nature lovers, Adventure seekers, Food lovers

🏅 Known For:Home to Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and the Petra Night Show

📍 Distances:From Aqaba airport: 125 km, From Amman: 235 km, From Dead Sea: 200 km

🌡 Climate:Desert climate with hot summers and cool winters

🍽 Local Cuisine:Mansaf, Maqluba, Falafel, Hummus, Bedouin Tea

🛍 Shopping:Handmade Bedouin Jewelry, Traditional Jordanian outfits, Local handicrafts

🏨 Accommodation:Ranging from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels and resorts

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Wadi Musa: The Ultimate Guide to the Gateway of Petra

Have you ever dreamed of visiting Petra, the ancient city carved out of red sandstone by the Nabateans? If so, you will need to pass through Wadi Musa, the town that serves as the gateway to this spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site. But Wadi Musa is more than just a stopover. It is a destination in its own right, with a rich history, culture, and charm that will captivate you.

Wadi Musa, which means "Valley of Moses" in Arabic, is believed to be the place where Moses struck a rock with his staff and water gushed out. The spring that resulted from this miracle is still flowing today and is considered sacred by many. Wadi Musa was also an important settlement for the Nabateans, the nomadic people who built Petra and ruled over a vast trade network in the ancient Middle East.

Today, Wadi Musa is a modern and lively town that caters to the thousands of tourists who flock to Petra every year. It offers a range of services and facilities, such as hotels, restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars, as well as attractions and activities that showcase its unique Jordanian charm and authenticity.

In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about Wadi Musa, including its history, culture, attractions, activities, accommodation, transportation, and tips for visiting. Whether you are planning a day trip or a longer stay, you will find something to suit your interests and budget in this ultimate guide to Wadi Musa.

Photo of Wadi Musa 1/1 by
(C) Travel Dicted

Attractions and Activities

Wadi Musa may be overshadowed by Petra, but it has plenty of attractions and activities to keep you entertained and intrigued. Here are some of the highlights that you should not miss:

Petra Museum: If you want to learn more about the history, culture, and art of Petra and the Nabateans, you should visit the Petra Museum, which is located near the entrance to the archaeological site. The museum showcases a collection of artifacts, sculptures, inscriptions, and models that illustrate the life and achievements of the people who built and inhabited Petra. The museum also features interactive displays, multimedia presentations, and guided tours that enhance the visitor experience. The admission to the museum is free for those who have a ticket to Petra, and it is open from 8 am to 4 pm daily.

Spring of Moses: As mentioned earlier, Wadi Musa is named after the spring that is said to have been created by Moses when he struck a rock with his staff. The spring, also known as Ain Musa, is located in the center of the town and is surrounded by a park and a mosque. The spring is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, who come to drink from its water, which is believed to have healing properties. You can also see the rock that Moses supposedly hit, which has a crack and a hole in it. The spring is open 24 hours a day and is free to visit.

Turkish Bath: After a long day of exploring Petra, you may want to relax and rejuvenate at a Turkish bath, also known as a hammam. A Turkish bath is a traditional form of bathing that involves soaking in hot water, scrubbing with a loofah, and getting a massage. It is a great way to cleanse your body and mind, as well as experience a part of the local culture. There are several Turkish baths in Wadi Musa, but one of the most popular and reputable ones is the Al-Deir Turkish Bath, which is located near the entrance to Petra. The bath offers various packages and services, such as sauna, jacuzzi, steam room, and aromatherapy. The prices range from 15 to 35 JOD, depending on the duration and type of service. The bath is open from 9 am to 11 pm daily, and you can book in advance or walk in.

Shopping and Dining: Wadi Musa has a variety of shops and restaurants that cater to different tastes and budgets. You can find souvenirs, handicrafts, spices, jewelry, and clothing at the souvenir shops and bazaars that line the main street. You can also sample the delicious and diverse Jordanian cuisine at the restaurants and cafes that offer local and international dishes. Some of the specialties that you should try are mansaf, the national dish of lamb and rice cooked in yogurt sauce, maqluba, a dish of rice, meat, and vegetables cooked upside down, and knafeh, a sweet pastry made of cheese and syrup. You can also enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with mint or cardamom, or a glass of fresh juice or smoothie. Some of the best places to shop and dine in Wadi Musa are the Petra Bazaar, the Petra Kitchen, the Al-Wadi Restaurant, and the Cave Bar.

Accommodation and Transportation

Wadi Musa offers a range of accommodation and transportation options to suit different needs and preferences. Whether you are looking for luxury, comfort, or budget, you will find something that meets your expectations. Here are some of the options that you can choose from:

Hotels: Wadi Musa has several hotels that offer high-quality service, facilities, and amenities, such as swimming pools, spas, gyms, restaurants, bars, and Wi-Fi. Some of the hotels also have stunning views of the mountains and the valley. The prices vary depending on the season, location, and star rating, but you can expect to pay between 50 and 200 JOD per night for a double room. Some of the best hotels in Wadi Musa are the Movenpick Resort Petra, the Petra Marriott Hotel, the Petra Guest House Hotel, and the Petra Moon Hotel.

Hostels: Wadi Musa also has a few hostels that offer affordable and friendly accommodation, especially for solo travelers, backpackers, and groups. The hostels usually have dorms, private rooms, shared bathrooms, common areas, and kitchens. The prices are much lower than the hotels, ranging from 5 to 15 JOD per night for a bed in a dorm. Some of the best hostels in Wadi Musa are the Rocky Mountain Hotel, the Valentine Inn, the Cleopetra Hotel, and the Seven Wonders Bedouin Camp.

Buses: Wadi Musa is well-connected by buses to other major destinations in Jordan, such as Amman, Aqaba, Wadi Rum, and Madaba. The buses are comfortable, air-conditioned, and reliable, and they usually depart from the main bus station in Wadi Musa. The fares are reasonable, costing between 5 and 10 JOD per person for a one-way trip. The buses run daily, but the frequency and schedule may vary depending on the season and demand. You can buy your tickets at the bus station or online, and you should arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.

Taxis: Wadi Musa also has plenty of taxis that can take you to and from Petra, as well as other nearby attractions, such as Little Petra, Shobak Castle, and Dana Biosphere Reserve. The taxis are easy to find, as they are usually parked near the entrance to Petra, the bus station, or the hotels. The fares are negotiable, but you should agree on the price before getting in. You can expect to pay between 1 and 5 JOD for a short ride within Wadi Musa, and between 10 and 50 JOD for a longer ride to other places. You can also hire a taxi for a full day or a half day, which may cost between 50 and 100 JOD, depending on the distance and duration.

Tips and Advice

Wadi Musa is a wonderful place to visit, but it also has some challenges and peculiarities that you should be aware of. Here are some useful and relevant tips and advice for visiting Wadi Musa and Petra, that will help you make the most of your trip:

Best time to visit: Wadi Musa and Petra can be visited all year round, but the best time to visit is between March and May, or between September and November, when the weather is mild, sunny, and pleasant. The summer months (June to August) are very hot and dry, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C, while the winter months (December to February) are cold and wet, with occasional snow and rain. The spring and autumn seasons are also the peak seasons, when the town and the site are crowded with tourists, so you may want to book your accommodation and transportation in advance, and avoid visiting on weekends and holidays.

Weather: Wadi Musa and Petra have a desert climate, which means that the weather can be unpredictable and extreme. The temperatures can vary significantly between day and night, and between sun and shade, so you should dress in layers and bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a jacket. The weather can also change suddenly, especially in the winter, when it can rain or snow without warning, so you should check the forecast and be prepared for any situation. The weather can also affect the accessibility and visibility of the site, so you should be flexible and patient with your plans.

Dress code: Wadi Musa and Petra are located in a conservative and religious country, so you should respect the local culture and customs, and dress modestly and appropriately. You should avoid wearing revealing, tight, or transparent clothing, such as shorts, skirts, tank tops, or dresses, and cover your shoulders, knees, and chest. You should also wear comfortable and sturdy shoes, as the terrain is rocky, sandy, and uneven, and you will be walking a lot. You should also bring a scarf or a shawl, which you can use to cover your head, neck, or face, in case of dust, wind, or sun.

Safety: Wadi Musa and Petra are generally safe and secure places to visit, but you should still exercise caution and common sense, and follow some basic safety rules. You should avoid walking alone at night, especially in dark or isolated areas, and keep your valuables and documents in a safe place or with you at all times. You should also beware of scams, touts, and pickpockets, who may try to overcharge you, sell you fake or low-quality products, or steal your belongings. You should also be careful with the animals, such as horses, donkeys, camels, and dogs, that roam around the town and the site, as they may be aggressive, untrained, or diseased. You should also drink plenty of water, eat healthy food, and rest well, to avoid dehydration, heatstroke, or exhaustion.

Conclusion

Wadi Musa is more than just a gateway to Petra. It is a destination in its own right, with a rich history, culture, and charm that will captivate you. Whether you are planning a day trip or a longer stay, you will find something to suit your interests and budget in this ultimate guide to Wadi Musa.

Thank you for reading, and happy travels! 😊

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