Camel, Horse and Carriage Rides at Petra: What is Included and What Costs Extra

Short answer: Horse rides for the first 200 m of the Siq are optional add-ons on the Eilat and Tel Aviv tours (customary tip applies). Carriage rides appear on the Amman value tour. Camel rides are mentioned on the Sharm tour but are not a standard tour feature. All animal rides are tipped services—the operator does not set the price, you do.

Horse rides (Siq)First 200 m only, on Eilat & Tel Aviv tours, $2–5 tip

Carriage ridesOffered on Amman value tour, usually included

Camel ridesMentioned on Sharm tour, not a standard feature

Are rides required?No. All animal rides are optional and tipped.

Typical tip$2–5 for a handler, paid on the spot

What animals are used?Horses (calm and plodding), not racehorses or gaits

Can you skip them?Yes. All rides are optional. The walk is doable without.

Animal welfareHandlers are visible throughout. Tours mention animals; do not overwork them.

Horse rides: the first 200 m of the Siq (optional)

The Eilat tour and Tel Aviv tour offer optional horseback rides for the first 200 meters of the Siq. You ride to the Siq entrance, then walk the rest. This is not a full ride; it is a photo opportunity on a quiet horse. A $2–5 tip for the handler is suggested. It is not included in the tour price, but it is not required either. Most people walk the Siq.

Carriage rides (Amman value tour)

The Amman value tour mentions horse-drawn carriage rides as an optional add-on. Reviewers say they are worth it for people with mobility issues or for a photo break. These are separate from the walking tour and cost extra—ask the operator for details. Most people do the walk on foot.

Camel rides (rare, Sharm tour)

The Sharm tour mentions camels as a possible option, but they are not a standard or guaranteed ride. If you see camels on tour, they are handled by local operators, not the tour company. A tip is expected. Do not count on camels being available; book your tour for the walking experience instead.

Tipping and the reality of animal rides

These are tipped services. The operator does not set a fixed price; you tip based on your experience. $2–5 is standard. Handlers do not pressure for money; they take what you offer. If you enjoyed the ride or the handler was kind, tip on the higher end. If you felt uncomfortable, you can tip less or skip the ride.

Can you skip all the animals?

Yes. Every animal ride is optional. You can walk the entire Siq and the main trail without touching a horse or camel. Most people do. If you are interested in a quick horse ride for the photo or because walking the Siq is too hard on your knees, go for it. If you prefer to walk, walk.

Insider tip

Horse rides are optional add-ons on Eilat and Tel Aviv tours ($2–5 tip). Carriages and camels are rarer. All rides are tipped services. You can walk the entire site without animals. If you want to ride, do it; if you do not, skip it.

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Frequently asked questions

Are horse rides included in the tour?

No. Horse rides for the first 200 m of the Siq are optional add-ons on the Eilat and Tel Aviv tours. A $2–5 tip for the handler is suggested. Most people walk the Siq.

Can I ride a horse the full Siq?

No. Horse rides are limited to the first 200 meters. After that, you walk. The ride is a photo opportunity, not a replacement for the walk.

What about camels?

Camels are mentioned on the Sharm tour but are not a standard feature. They are not guaranteed. Book your tour for the walking experience; if you see camels, treat them as a bonus and tip the handler.

Do I have to use the animals?

No. All animal rides are completely optional. You can walk the entire Siq and site without touching a horse or camel. Most people walk the whole way.