What to do in Ma'an Governorate

Activities, attractions and tours
Street of Facades showing heritage architecture and a gorge or canyon

Top places to visit

1. Petra

Petra is the mysterious long-lost capital of the Nabatean Kingdom, once a major trading hub in the Middle East. Impressive for its tombs, churches and theaters carved out of its steep canyon walls, the archeological site obtained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1985.
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Petra featuring landscape views, a gorge or canyon and a sunset

2. Petra Visitor Center

The Petra Visitor Center functions as both the entrance and the museum for the historical complex of Petra. It’s also the booking center for guided tours and horse-and-carriage rides. Get familiar with the history and culture of one of Jordan’s oldest peoples, the Nabateans, and learn how they survived in this harsh natural environment.
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Petra Visitor Center featuring interior views and heritage elements

3. The Treasury

The crowning jewel of the Petra Archaeological Park, the Treasury is distinctive for its elaborate design and clear outline in the reddish stone of the valley. It stands 130 feet (40 meters) tall at the end of the impressive Siq gorge. Admire the pillars and pediments making up the restored frontage of this carved structure.
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Wadi Musa which includes a gorge or canyon and heritage architecture as well as a small group of people

4. Little Petra

Included in the same UNESCO World Heritage listing, Little Petra is a separate, smaller archeological complex that was once a suburb of the larger city of Petra.
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Little Petra which includes a gorge or canyon

5. al-Siq

The Siq is a canyon flanked by colorful stone walls in the heart of the Petra archaeological complex. As one of the highlights of the Middle East, this gorgeous 0.7-mile (1.2-kilometer) valley held a special place in the Nabatean culture. Admire the array of spiritual structures carved into the rocks of this otherworldly canyon.
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Wadi Musa showing a gorge or canyon as well as an individual male

6. Shobak Castle

Visit Shobak Castle to delve deeper into the turbulent history of the Crusaders from Jerusalem. Bring a torch to shine a light on its many hidden treasures, from hidden passageways and Christian crosses to the Quranic calligraphy on its thick walls.
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Shobak Castle featuring building ruins and heritage elements

7. Royal Tombs

The Royal Tombs are some of the most iconic landmarks in the Middle East. Carved into the side of a mountain, the tombs contain complex interiors made up of courtyards, imposing chambers and churches. Make your way through the various tombs for a closer look at the mesmerizing architecture that has survived for millennia.
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Wadi Musa showing building ruins, heritage architecture and a gorge or canyon

Popular places to visit

Image for Petra Visitor Center

Petra Visitor Center

4.5/5(28 reviews)

Get an in-depth insight into the history and culture of Petra to assist in appreciating the World Heritage Area that lies beyond its doors.

Petra Visitor Center
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The Treasury

5/5(32 reviews)

Sheltered within a valley of red rocks is one of the world’s most famous façades. Marvel at the artistic details that remain crisp after more than 2,000 years.

The Treasury
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Little Petra

4.5/5(11 reviews)

Wander down a narrow sandstone gorge and take in the fascinating buildings carved into the rock face of this mini version of the famous historic site of Petra.

Little Petra
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al-Siq

4.5/5(28 reviews)

Pass through this ancient passage, study the old water pipes and watch the red walls begin to close overhead, before opening to reveal the Treasury.

al-Siq
Image for Shobak Castle

Shobak Castle

4/5(8 reviews)

Perched high on a hill, this ancient stronghold with an impressive history offers panoramic views of the Jordan countryside.

Shobak Castle
Image for Royal Tombs

Royal Tombs

4.5/5(12 reviews)

Rows of extraordinary palaces seem to grow from within the colorful mountain rock. Climb the stairs to reach these marvels of the world.

Royal Tombs
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Great Temple

4.5/5(24 reviews)

Get an insight into the lifestyle and architectural talent of the Nabataeans at this temple complex inside the old city of Petra.

Great Temple
Image for The Monastery

The Monastery

4.5/5(6 reviews)

No visit to Petra is complete without seeing al-Deir, the monumental church carved out of rocks, although you have to climb up 850 steps to see it.

The Monastery
Image for Obelisk Tomb

Obelisk Tomb

4.5/5(15 reviews)

Admire different styles of architecture and examine the craftsmanship of this ancient structure at the start of Petra, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed “Lost City” of Jordan.

Obelisk Tomb

Day trip destinations from Ma'an Governorate

Wadi Musa showing night scenes, a gorge or canyon and heritage architecture

Wadi Musa