Petra-----questions

[rabin1]

Hi all, we've also been to Petra with Azamara in May 2016 so having quickly looked at the past posts I would like to add some other observations. Having my time over again, and money not a factor I would opt for a private overnight tour that starts early at Petra. This is usually done to beat the crowds but seriously these days crowding isn't an issue but would beat the heat.

 

In the onboard shore excursion presentation animals cruelty was discussed. There is (and you can google it) a very active organisation called http://www.careforpetra.org/ who constantly checks on the health and wellbeing of the Petra animals each day. On principal we chose not to engage these services choosing to walk. The rides appeared downright dangerous, fast and rough. We're quite fit Aussies in our late 50's, used to heat here and doing lots of walking but it would be a challenge if you had any health or mobility issues. Coming back up was of course more of a challenge particularly in the midday heat. The surfaces whilst reasonably smooth are in places gravel. You could take hiking poles if you were unsteady on your feet. Prep with lots of preventive pain meds, I used panadol oesto because of some arthritis in my knees but managed fine. Take plenty of water.

 

However as someone has already said the drive there is stunning, and Petra just left us breathless at its beauty. If you can work a way to achieve this you would be amazed. We were also advised not to buy from the local child sellers as schooling is compulsory and parents are encouraged to have them at school rather than selling to the tourists at the site.

 

We were surprised at so much evidence of traditional Bedouin camps in the countryside and after our return to the Quest never felt more humbled, privileged and strangely sad that evening, knowing some people had so little and we had so much.

 

An experience that will stay with me forever.

 

You will make the best decision for you Kathy. Regards jenny

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

WOW JENNY!! Thank you thank you . This was so very help full and I appreciate it very very much

 

Also appreciate the others who have helped as well.

 

Kathy

[ccotting]

questions

1. I know you can get a buggy ride. Not worried about the cost but does it really cover enough walking to get to the entrance? No the buggy only goes part way you have to use a donkey/mule to get to the buggy ride

2. are there any up hills or down hills. That is where I have the most problems. Also because of my fat butt......lol Look at any maps or descriptions, it is seriously downhill to the Treasury and up back to the gate

3. is this done with a guide or at your own pace? The buggy ride has no guide as such they race down and up

4. is it best to do the ships tour or a private one? If private which company please. Personal choice, the ships guides were very good

5. how much walking in miles from the buggy ride to the exit? Uphill about a mile to to the souvenir stands then another 400+ years from there to the gate then another 600 or so yards uphill to the car park

6. Phil you said your friend had a boot. Was she in any pain besides the boot putting her off kilter Pain is a personal thing - heat is also an issue

The sequence is (and in reverse)

Downhill from carpark to entrance through souvenir area to the horse/donkey rides - can only be walked

Horse/donkey for about a mile to the start of the trail (or walk)

Hired buggy from trail start to the Treasury (or walk)

Treasury beyond to the amphitheatre and other sights- buggy cannot do this, have to transfer to another donkey, camel etc or walk

Total round trip according to my pedometer as far as the Amphitheatre was 7 miles. It is hard going back up - you are tired and it can be hot.

Personally I pushed through the pain barrier and did it but I was sure floored the next day.

Also bear in mind there are no bathrooms en route and at the treasury - well there are but I wouldn't advise it. Nice hole in the floor......

 

There is a proper bathroom past the treasury on the way to the amphitheatre, upper right side. Not too many cubes for the ladies but very normal bathroom. Not hole in the ground at all. But once you leave the ticket entrance, after that nothing until past the treasury. So stop when you can!

 

i found the trip quite exhausting but worthwhile. I echo concerns about the carriages, the donkey rides I did not see any specific abuse. It is a trek from start to finish but really worth while. Read up if you choose to go. Take a sun hat and water.