Wadi Musa

Travel Guide

Wadi Musa showing night scenes, heritage architecture and a gorge or canyon
Little Petra featuring a gorge or canyon and heritage architecture as well as a small group of people
Wadi Musa showing heritage architecture, land animals and a gorge or canyon
Obelisk Tomb featuring building ruins and heritage elements
Wadi Musa showing a gorge or canyon and night scenes

As the stepping stone to the famous Old City of Petra, the “Valley of Moses” has all you need to prepare yourself for one the world’s most wondrous sights.

Wadi Musa sees half a million visitors each year, yet not many people have heard of this Jordanian town. That’s because it merely acts as the gateway to the ancient city of Petra, its world-famous neighbor. Not that the locals mind: they are in the business of catering to the crowds who come to visit this "New" Wonder of the World.

The town is part of the Ma'an Governorate in southern Jordan. The nearest airport, at Aqaba, is an easy taxi ride away. Most shops, cafés, hotels and banks are centered on the Shaheed Roundabout, in the heart of town. You’ll find accommodations, menus in English and tour operators everywhere.

For a hint of what is to come, visit Little Petra in Siq al-Barid, “the Cold Canyon.” This mini version of Petra is a shaded canyon that cools down fast after sundown, so bring a light jacket or sweater if you plan to visit at night.

Spring and autumn are by far the best times of year to visit this region. Rise early to get to Petra before the crowds arrive and the sun gets too hot, or go in the mid afternoon and combine your visit with a magical Petra By Night Show. To reach the show, walk down the “Tourist Strip,” which runs for 3 miles (5 kilometers) from ‘Ain Musa (Moses’ Spring) to the Petra Visitor Center in the lower valley. Along the way, bedouin merchants sell everything from tea to “antiques” and carpets.

Be sure to return to ‘Ain Musa in the east of town. According to the Bible, Moses hit a large rock with a rod, drawing water and restoring the faith of his parched, disheartened Israelites during their Exodus from Egypt. While it’s debatable if this is the actual miracle rock, it’s an interesting feature.

Before you leave Wadi Musa, soak in a Turkish bath to wash off the desert dust and ponder all the history you’ve explored around this ancient capital.

Petra Moon Luxury Hotel

Petra Moon Luxury Hotel

5 out of 5
Tourism Street, Wadi Musa, Ma'an Governorate
The price is ¥15,407 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
¥15,407
¥17,638 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Wadi Musa. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
Petra Moon Luxury Hotel
Edom Hotel

Edom Hotel

3 out of 5
Historical Area, Tourism Street, Petra, Wadi Musa
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Wadi Musa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
Edom Hotel
Petra Marriott Hotel

Petra Marriott Hotel

5 out of 5
Queen Rania Al Abdallah Street, Wadi Musa
The price is ¥19,228 per night from Sep 3 to Sep 4
¥19,228
¥22,014 total
Sep 3 - Sep 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Wadi Musa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
Petra Marriott Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Petra Guests Home

Petra Guests Home

3.5 out of 5
Alzayton, Wadi Musa, Ma'an Governorate
Stay at this 3.5-star vacation home in Wadi Musa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Petra and Petra Turkish Bath are ...
Petra Guests Home
moses residence

moses residence

3.5 out of 5
petra wadi mousa, Wadi Musa, Ma'an Governorate
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Wadi Musa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Petra and Petra Turkish ...
moses residence
Petra Spirit Camp

Petra Spirit Camp

3.5 out of 5
Petra spirit camp Al, Wadi Musa, petra
Stay at this 3.5-star cabin in Wadi Musa. Enjoy free parking, a 24-hour front desk, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Petra and Little ...
Petra Spirit Camp
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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