Petra Backdoor Trail Tour Review | A Different Way to Experience One of the New Seven Wonders of the World

Petra Backdoor Trail Tour Review

A Different Way to Experience One of the New Seven Wonders of the World

If you’re planning a trip to Jordan and searching for the best Petra tour, chances are you’ve already seen photos of the Treasury framed by the narrow Siq. It’s iconic—but Petra is far more than that single moment.

This guide is based on my personal experience exploring Petra via the Backdoor Trail, one of the most rewarding and less-crowded ways to reach the Monastery (Ad Deir). If you’re looking for a Petra hiking tour, Petra monastery tour, or a unique Petra experience, this route is worth your attention.

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Why Choose the Petra Backdoor Trail?

Most visitors follow the classic route: Siq → Treasury → Royal Tombs → Monastery (with nearly 800 uneven steps at the end). The Backdoor Trail flips that experience.

Key advantages:

• Reach the Monastery first, when it’s quieter
• Fewer crowds and more open desert scenery
• A smoother hike suitable for active travelers and seniors
• Ideal for photography, storytelling, and cinematic video content

This is exactly why many Viator Petra tours now include the Backdoor Trail as a premium option.

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How the Backdoor Trail Tour Works

Most guided tours follow a simple and efficient structure:

1. Start at Petra Visitor Center
   Early-morning pickup or shuttle transfer
2. Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
   A lesser-known Nabataean site that sets the tone for the journey
3. 4x4 Jeep Ride
   Short off-road drive into the desert (often included in Viator tours)
4. Backdoor Hike to the Monastery
   Scenic, wide-open landscapes instead of stair-heavy climbs
5. Descend into Main Petra Site
   Finish at the Treasury and exit through the Siq

From a content-creator perspective, this route delivers constant visual variety—perfect for YouTube travel vlogs and Google Discover–friendly blog posts.

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The Monastery (Ad Deir): Petra’s Quiet Giant

The first full view of the Monastery feels unreal. Carved directly into sandstone, it’s larger than the Treasury yet far less crowded.

Many travelers don’t realize:

• It was originally a Nabataean tomb
• Later used as a Christian monastery
• Surrounded by natural silence that contrasts sharply with the main trail

Across from the Monastery is a simple café—one of the best spots in Petra to pause, hydrate, and take in the scale of history.

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Important Tips for First-Time Visitors

If you’re booking a Petra guided tour on Viator, keep these in mind:

• Start early: Petra is vast, and time passes quickly
• Sun protection is essential: Little shade along the Backdoor Trail
• Comfortable hiking shoes: Uneven stone paths throughout
• Watch the sunset timing: You must exit the Siq before dark

These details matter not just for safety—but for maximizing your experience and content quality.

https://youtu.be/LhEH8Y8gy5M

 

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Is a Viator Petra Tour Worth It?

For international travelers, especially those short on time, the answer is yes.

Why Viator works well for Petra:

• English-speaking local guides
• Clear logistics (transport, trail access, timing)
• Options for private or small-group tours
• Trusted reviews that help with trip planning

If your goal is to see Petra beyond the postcard shot, a Backdoor Trail tour booked through Viator is one of the smartest choices.

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Final Thoughts

Petra isn’t just a landmark—it’s a journey through human ingenuity. A city carved from rock, rediscovered by travelers, and reimagined through modern exploration.

For anyone searching:

• Best Petra tour
• Petra monastery hike
• Petra Backdoor Trail experience

This route reveals the true depth of Petra—and creates unforgettable stories worth sharing.

✍️ More in-depth Jordan travel guides are on the way.

Written by a Korean travel influencer exploring the Middle East through slow travel, history, and storytelling.

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