Skip the main crowd flow.

This private Petra back entrance tour is built for a calmer feel, with a guide who helps you see the site from a less-used approach, then ends right at the Treasury.

I like two things right away: the 7:00 am start with hotel pickup, and the fact that you get a 4×4 ride that drops you at the bottom of the Monastery stairs, so your hike feels smarter. One thing to consider is the walking, it is about 10 km total and includes a stair-heavy section, so plan for a moderate fitness day.

6 Key Reasons This Back Entrance Petra Tour Feels Worth It

• Private guide, private pace. It is only your group, so you can slow down, ask questions, and pause for photos.
• Monastery first, before the worst heat. You start early and route yourself toward the Al Dayr experience with the least friction.
• 4×4 to the monastery stairs. You skip a chunk of uphill approach and start climbing where it counts.
• Big step count, but organized. The descent to the Colonnaded Street is clearly timed and makes the day feel manageable.
• Treasury finale with free time. You end at the most famous facade, then you choose how long to linger.
• Optional canyon walk back. If you do not want to wait for transport, there is a 40-minute walk back toward the Visitor Centre.

Why the Petra Back Entrance Changes the Whole Day

Petra can feel like a “move fast or fall behind” place. This tour is designed to fight that problem by routing you through the back entrance approach, so you are not stuck in the biggest crush at the start.

You get a calmer rhythm: viewpoints along the way, time to look closely, and fewer people snapping at the same photo spot. The guide’s job is not just facts, it is helping you understand what you are seeing so it lands emotionally, not just visually.

And because it is private, you are not forced into a rigid factory schedule. If the light changes or you want one more stop for photos, you have room to make that call.

Getting Started Right: 7:00 am Pickup, Tickets, and Little Petra

The day begins at 7:00 am with hotel pickup in the Wadi Musa area. That matters because Petra is best in the morning, both for comfort and for how the site looks as the sun climbs.

At the start you also make a quick stop at the Visitor Centre to handle entry tickets, then you ride the free shuttle to Little Petra. Little Petra is not the main event, but it sets up the day, and it gives you a quick taste of the carved terrain before you start the bigger hike.

This is also where the tour gets practical: you are not scrambling later for tickets or standing in lines when you should be walking. It is the kind of structure that turns a stressful day into a smooth one.

Al Dayr Monastery: The Climb, the 4×4 Shortcut, and What to Expect

Your first big stop is Al Dayr Monastery (the Monastery), and it is planned to take about 3 hours. After the Little Petra shuttle, you take a 4×4 ride to the bottom of the monastery stairs, then you climb up.

That 4×4 piece is a big deal for value. Without it, you lose energy before the real ascent begins. With it, you still earn the viewpoint, but the day does not beat you up so early.

What you will feel most during this section is the shift from “approach mode” to “arrival mode.” The climb is not a stroll, and the sun can be serious, so the early timing helps. If you are slower on foot, the reviews around Bassil highlight patience, and that style matters here because the Monastery is the emotional highlight for many people.

One smart move for your comfort is to treat this stop like the anchor of the whole day: hydrate before you start climbing, and plan to move steadily rather than fast.

Descend to the Colonnaded Street: 850 Steps Without the Panic

After the Monastery, you head downhill to the Colonnaded Street, walking 850 steps. The tour budgets about 1 hour for this segment, and that pacing helps because the descent can mess with your legs if you rush.

This part is a nice reset. You go from elevation and wide views back down to Petra’s interior-feeling streets, where the carved edges and long lines start to make sense.

Also, the route design makes the day feel like a story. You are not bouncing randomly between monuments. You are transitioning from one major viewpoint experience into a more grounded walk where you can look at details.

If you tend to get knee trouble on stairs, take it slow, keep your weight controlled, and use the handholds when available. That is not glamorous, but it keeps the day enjoyable.

Royal Tombs, Theatre Views, and Qaser Al-Bint Along the Main Trail

From the Colonnaded Street, you move toward the Royal Tombs area, with about 30 minutes allocated. Here you are not just walking past. You are set up for an overview, plus a chance to watch the amphitheatre view from above the front mountain.

That “look down” perspective is one of the best ways to understand Petra. From higher points, the site’s scale clicks, and you stop thinking of individual facades and start seeing the whole layout.

The tour summary also points to Theatre view and Qaser Al-Bint, plus the Street of Facades. Even if you do not get long, separate stop time for each, the guide’s job is to point them out as you move. That is why having a guide matters here, because Petra has lots of “looks similar” areas, and it is easy to miss the differences on your own.

If you are the type who likes explanations, this is where the day rewards you most. Bassil is praised for taking time to explain what you are seeing, and for helping people understand the people and culture behind the carvings, not just the postcard views.

Treasury Finale: The Most Famous Facade and Your Photo Time

Your final stop is the Treasury, and the guided time there is about 45 minutes. This is where the tour ends, in front of the Treasury facade, and you get free time for self-exploration afterward.

The timing here is smart. By the time you reach the Treasury, you are already tired enough to appreciate it, but not so exhausted that you cannot enjoy it. It also means you are not just hitting the most famous place and sprinting away.

This is also your best photo window. The tour is designed to get you toward the Treasury from a route that feels different, so you can stand in positions that many people never get. Bring a lens or phone settings that handle bright sun, and if you want portraits, ask the guide to help you time shots.

If you do not want to wait around for a ride, there is also an option to walk back to the Visitor Centre. The tour notes a 40-minute walk through the canyon, which can feel like a final chapter instead of an awkward “how do we get out?” moment.

Pace, Heat, and the Real Meaning of Moderate Fitness

The tour is listed as requiring moderate physical fitness. That is accurate. The route includes climbing and a stair-heavy descent, plus the total walking is around 10 km.

You should also plan for Petra heat. Even with an early start, the sun can catch up quickly as the day continues. The Monastery climb is the part that usually tests people first, and then your legs pay for it on the way down.

The good news is this tour is structured, so you are not left guessing. You know you will have guides, scheduled durations for the major segments, and support through key transport points like the 4×4 ride.

One more practical thought: start the day with shoes you trust on uneven stone, and pack water and sun protection. If you know you get tired in long sun exposure, bring a light layer for shade when you can.

Price and Value: Is $140 per Person a Good Deal?

At $140 per person, this tour is not the cheapest way into Petra. But it is also not paying for just “a person walking with you.” You are paying for a structured day that reduces friction and adds real comfort.

What you get that protects your value:

• Hotel pickup (so you do not waste morning energy figuring logistics)
• An English speaking guide
• The 4×4 ride to the bottom of the Monastery stairs
• A route that avoids the biggest crowd pressure at the start
• Private tour pricing for your group, so you are not squeezed into someone else’s pace

What you need to plan for:

• Petra entry ticket is listed as not included in the price
• Hotel drop off is not included, and the tour notes 5 to 10 JOD per car if you need it

So the real question is fit. If you want comfort and guidance, and you like a route that feels calmer, the price makes sense. If you are traveling on a tight budget and you are fine handling ticket logistics and a big hike on your own, then $140 might feel steep.

Given that this tour is commonly booked around 45 days in advance, it is also a sign people are choosing it for a reason: the schedule and guide-led route are the product.

Who Should Book This Private Petra Back Entrance Tour

This tour is ideal if you want:

• Fewer crowds early on and a calmer way to approach the site
• A guide to explain what you are seeing and help with photos
• A structured day that ends at the Treasury, with free time afterward

It is especially good for people who care about the Monastery and want to reach it in a smart way, with the 4×4 shortcut.

It may not be the best pick if you want the easiest possible Petra day. The stairs and total walking are real, even though the day is paced.

And if you enjoy chatting, ask questions. One recurring theme in the guide feedback is that Bassil takes time, answers questions, and shares practical tips for a more memorable day in Jordan, not just Petra.

Should You Book It?

If you want Petra to feel like a guided story, not a scramble, I think this tour is a strong choice. The combination of early start, Monastery route with 4×4 support, and a Treasury finish makes it practical, and the private pacing makes it feel personal.

If you are worried about stairs or heat, do it only if you can handle moderate fitness and a day of walking around 10 km. For the right person, this is one of the best ways to see Petra with less crowd stress and more time to look closely.

FAQ

How long is the Private Petra Back Entrance Tour?

The tour runs about 5 to 7 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 7:00 am.

Does the tour include the Petra entry ticket?

The price does not list the Petra entry ticket as included. At the start of the day, you’ll have time to collect entry tickets at the Visitor Centre.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup is included, and the tour ends at the Treasury area.

What transport is used for the Monastery?

You’ll take a 4×4 ride to the bottom of the Monastery stairs.

How much walking is involved?

The route involves hiking around 10 km and includes a descent of 850 steps from the Monastery to the Colonnaded Street.

Where does the tour end, and how do I get back?

It ends in front of the Treasury. You can use your free time for self-exploration, or walk back to the Visitor Centre, which is noted as about 40 minutes through the canyon.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. This tour offers free cancellation, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.