From Amman: Full-Day Private or Group Tour to Petra review

What the tour is like
Pickup at your Amman hotel or airport, then 3 hours south on the Desert Highway to Wadi Musa. You check in at the visitor centre, and the pace is set: you explore at your own speed with time allocated for lunch (a meal at a local restaurant), optional carriage rides through the Siq, and the main sights. 5 hours at Petra sounds tight, and it is; you’ll hit the Treasury, the Street of Facades, and maybe part way up the Monastery. The carriage ride saves your legs on the first 200m of the Siq if you take it. Return drive to Amman takes 3 hours. You’re back by late evening.
What works
- $73 is the lowest price on the site for a full Petra day
- 100% of English-speaking reviewers gave it 5 stars
- Lunch is included — you don’t have to hunt for food
- Optional horse carriage in the Siq saves 20 minutes of walking
- Michael from the US noted the guide (Anees Jarrar) knew Petra and the surrounding area well
- No hidden add-ons; price is all-in except the ticket
Worth knowing
- 5 hours at Petra is tight; Khaja noted it wasn’t enough time but was compensated by a Wadi Rum upgrade
- Less flexibility than the flagship; you follow the group itinerary
- The ticket (50 JOD / 90 JOD) is not bundled
- Lunch is set, not chosen
- The focus is value over luxury
The $73 price is hard to beat, but 5 hours at Petra means you’ll see the Treasury and the main trail. The carriage ride saves your knees on the Siq descent. Khaja’s comment is the key insight: five hours is not enough for Petra, but it’s compensated by the price and the Wadi Rum upgrade they received. If you have more time, the 2-day tour gives you a full day without rushing. Wear good shoes anyway; the Siq is uneven stone, and the Monastery stairs are steep.
Who it’s for
Budget-conscious visitors starting in Amman who don’t mind the faster pace. First-timers who want to see the main sights without overshooting their budget. If you want a more leisurely pace and no lunch pressure, the flagship tour at $93 is less rushed. For two days and Wadi Rum, the 2-day option is only $249 and gives you proper time.
Other tours to consider
Most bookedFrom Amman: Petra Full-Day Private or Group Tour
Best reviewedAmman: Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea 2-Day Tour
Frequently asked questions
Is $73 the real price?
Yes, though the Petra ticket (50 JOD ≈ $13) is separate. So budget $86 total. The price includes lunch and the carriage option. All 162 reviews are 5 stars, which is extremely rare; that tells you people think this is genuinely good value.
What’s included in the $73?
Transport from Amman, lunch at a local restaurant, 5 hours at Petra with optional horse-drawn carriage rides through the Siq, and the drive back. The Petra entry ticket is not included but can be added at booking.
Is 5 hours enough for Petra?
No, not really, but it’s enough for the Treasury, the Siq, the Street of Facades, and a start on the Monastery. Khaja’s honest note: the time wasn’t enough, but the price made up for it. For a proper day, book the 2-day tour at $249.
Who was the guide mentioned in the reviews?
Michael praised Anees Jarrar, and the guide is well known at the mid-trip stop. If you book, ask specifically for Anees if you want that experience.