I opted not to take a guided tour to Petra.
For one, it was unreasonably expensive (with regards to price, my “unreasonable” threshold is relatively low), and for two, I hate guided tours (with the exception of free city tours). I made the trip to Wadi Musa alone and stayed two nights in a hotel near Petra (a two bed room for less than the price of a hostel).
The first morning I woke up and it was raining. I was only in Wasi Musa for two nights – the weather was not going to stop me from seeing Petra. The rain turned out to be more a gift than a bother (except for when I was soaked by a man pouring water from a roof), as it drove away crowds and gave me a unique look at the ancient city.
Morning two I met up with some friends and hit the Petra gate before sunrise. We wanted to be the first inside, and to get to the Monastery as early as possible. We were and we did. Note: this is something you cannot do with a tour group leaving from Israel – the border typically opens at 8:00AM.
My second day turned out clear, sunny, and warm – a nice contrast to the previous day's rain.
Here are some of my favorite shots of my time spent exploring Petra.
