Wadi Musa Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Little Petra showing heritage architecture and a gorge or canyon as well as a small group of people
As the stepping stone to the famous Old City of Petra, the “Valley of Moses” has all you need to prepare yourself for one the world’s most wondrous sights.

Wadi Musa sees half a million visitors each year, yet not many people have heard of this Jordanian town. That’s because it merely acts as the gateway to the ancient city of Petra, its world-famous neighbor. Not that the locals mind: they are in the business of catering to the crowds who come to visit this "New" Wonder of the World.

The town is part of the Ma'an Governorate in southern Jordan. The nearest airport, at Aqaba, is an easy taxi ride away. Most shops, cafés, hotels and banks are centered on the Shaheed Roundabout, in the heart of town. You’ll find accommodations, menus in English and tour operators everywhere.

For a hint of what is to come, visit Little Petra in Siq al-Barid, “the Cold Canyon.” This mini version of Petra is a shaded canyon that cools down fast after sundown, so bring a light jacket or sweater if you plan to visit at night.

Spring and autumn are by far the best times of year to visit this region. Rise early to get to Petra before the crowds arrive and the sun gets too hot, or go in the mid afternoon and combine your visit with a magical Petra By Night Show. To reach the show, walk down the “Tourist Strip,” which runs for 3 miles (5 kilometers) from ‘Ain Musa (Moses’ Spring) to the Petra Visitor Center in the lower valley. Along the way, bedouin merchants sell everything from tea to “antiques” and carpets.

Be sure to return to ‘Ain Musa in the east of town. According to the Bible, Moses hit a large rock with a rod, drawing water and restoring the faith of his parched, disheartened Israelites during their Exodus from Egypt. While it’s debatable if this is the actual miracle rock, it’s an interesting feature.

Before you leave Wadi Musa, soak in a Turkish bath to wash off the desert dust and ponder all the history you’ve explored around this ancient capital.

Edom Hotel
Edom Hotel
3 out of 5
Historical Area, Tourism Street, Petra, Wadi Musa
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$104 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
AU$104
per night
29 Mar - 30 Mar
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Wadi Musa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Petra and Petra Turkish Bath are ...
7.8/10 Good! (200 reviews)
Great budget hotel close to Petra access gate
"Amazing location, friendly and helpful staff, a good choice for your Petra experience. At a walking distance to the main gate to Petra, the hotel is located a little off a street with plenty of restaurants. The staff is really friendly and helpful, they can also support your purchase of Petra by ..."

Reviewed on 2 Mar. 2024

Edom Hotel
Petra Bubble Luxotel
Petra Bubble Luxotel
3.5 out of 5
Little Petra Main Street Maan, Wadi Musa, Ma'an Governorate
The price is AU$360 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$360
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly tentalow in Wadi Musa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (141 reviews)
"Very friendly staff and fantastic scenic views."

Reviewed on 8 Mar. 2024

Petra Bubble Luxotel
Mövenpick Resort Petra
Mövenpick Resort Petra
5 out of 5
Wadi Mousa, Po Box 214, Petra, Wadi Musa
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$348 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
AU$348
per night
29 Mar - 30 Mar
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Wadi Musa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (876 reviews)
"Amazing Experience! I want to go back to Petra just to stay in this hotel."

Reviewed on 26 Feb. 2024

Mövenpick Resort Petra
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
moses residence
moses residence
3.5 out of 5
petra wadi mousa, Wadi Musa, Ma'an Governorate
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Wadi Musa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Petra and Petra Visitor Center ...
moses residence
Petra Heaven
Petra Heaven
5 out of 5
Queen Rania Alabdullah Street, Wadi Musa, Ma'an Governorate
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Wadi Musa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Petra and Street of Facades are located ...
6/10 (2 reviews)
Ok mais sans plus
"A notre arrivée le gérant est sympathique et aidant Il nous amène à la chambre qui sent très fort le parfum. Quelques heures plus tard une forte odeur désagréable de cigarettes émane de la chambre. Cet place est ok sans plus Mais je suis quand même déçue La propreté laisse un peu à désirer. L’eau ..."

Reviewed on 24 Sep. 2023

Petra Heaven
Local Bedouin house with Local Bedouin
Local Bedouin house with Local Bedouin
Wadi Musa
Stay at this vacation home in Wadi Musa. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and 4 bathrooms. Popular attractions Petra and Little Petra are located nearby. Discover ...
Local Bedouin house with Local Bedouin
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Wadi Musa

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
4
" "5 - Excellent 66.66666666666667%
4 - Good
2
" "4 - Good 33.333333333333336%
3 - Okay
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2 - Disappointing
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1 - Terrible
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
20 May 2019

A place you must visit in your life time. If you cannot walk so well you can rent a donkey or camel