JORDANIA Sendero Wadi Farasah (Petra). Centro de Visitantes, Garganta, Tesoro, Altar, Monasterio, Via Columnata, Anfiteatro
Trail photos
Author
Trail stats
- Distance
- 12.81 mi
- Elevation gain
- 2,044 ft
- Technical difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation loss
- 2,044 ft
- Max elevation
- 3,602 ft
- TrailRank
- 60
- Min elevation
- 2,830 ft
- Trail type
- Loop
- Moving time
- 5 hours 13 minutes
- Time
- 9 hours 38 minutes
- Coordinates
- 3151
- Uploaded
- March 9, 2022
- Recorded
- March 2022
near Wādī Mūsá, Ma’an (Jordan)
Viewed 842 times, downloaded 44 times
Trail photos
Itinerary description
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Taking advantage of a few days of stay in Jordan, with the inevitable visit to one of the great wonders of the world such as PETRA, the ancient city of the Nabateans, it was essential to make a route on foot that would allow us to go beyond the classic visit to the monument known to all as The Treasury (Al Khazneh).
Having a natural aversion to doing group activities, it must be said that on this occasion, the exception has been a success, having had the privilege of being guided by Ahmed, who is said, and we do not doubt, to be the best guide in Castilian of all Jordan. At sixty years old, he is a force of nature with an exceptional capacity for communication (he speaks perfect Spanish) and for transmitting his passion for the history and geography of his country.
We did this trip with the Amma Natua travel agency (https://ammanatua.com) and I recommend it in any case for its good work and professionalism, especially Laura, who accompanied us and with her "disgusting" efficiency and patience infinita made us feel more comfortable than at home.
The path does not present any difficulty worth mentioning, except for what could be derived from its length (about twenty kilometres), with an unevenness that is easily covered thanks to the continuous breaks in which Ahmed delighted us with his explanations on the ground . Taking this into account, the duration of the kick is somewhat overstated.
We have done it in March, with a cool climate that made it very bearable to face the 800 steps that are said to be overcome to reach the place known as The Monastery (Ad Deir), which is usually the highest point of the route, if Well, on this occasion, the most courageous of us take the opportunity to go up a little more to a natural viewpoint where we can enjoy the exceptional 360-degree panoramic views that surround us, especially towards Palestine, to the northwest, with the impressive Negev desert at our feet. .
Having said this, and taking into account that in some sections and depending on the time of day it is carried out, we may be in the shade, I do not want to know what it must be like to face the path with the high temperatures of the summer months.
As it is a question of describing the track for its monitoring, we will not extend here in the historical description of each one of the monuments that we will find, limiting ourselves only to making some reviews about them and referring to San Google and the guide itself - map that here attached for your interpretation/description of historical details.
We will start our tour from the access door to the Petra Visitor Center after having paid the corresponding entrance fee. The enclosure at its entrance has numerous stalls where they offer the classic souvenirs of better or worse taste for the many tourists who come to the place.
On the main wall there is a large map of the complex's network of trails, and we can get free copies of plans in Spanish at the access to the building that is a few meters to the right.
From the entrance gate to the enclosure there is no chance of getting lost on the path to follow, making it inevitable to feel part of a large herd in search of the legendary photo in Al-Khazneh, better known by Spanish speakers as El Tesoro.
In a few minutes we will arrive at the first point of interest, where the Djinn blocks (the geniuses of Arabian mythology) are located, megalithic constructions in which these mysterious beings supposedly lived.
I take this opportunity to remember that it is not necessary to go crazy taking dozens of photos of the same place, there are still many until the end of the complete tour.
A little further on we will find other enormous constructions built or carved in the typical light-colored rock of the area and that will be a constant for a large part of the journey, even as we enter the mountainous area. We are in the so-called Tomb of the Obelisks, a funerary complex from the Nabatean era, dating from the first century of the Christian era.
We will continue along the wide path with no chance of getting lost and with an almost negligible drop, leaving a small ravine or wadi on our left, near which is the Triclinium, a meeting point for ancient travelers.
A little further on we will enter the entrance to the mythical gorge known as El Siq, which was popularized like no other in one of the Indiana Jones movies, and which has been formed as a result of natural erosive processes.
We will advance about 800 meters inside it without stopping paying attention to the historical details (which are many) that Ahmed explains so well, to end up in the spectacular and well-known Al Khazna, The Treasury.
NOTE: BEWARE, as usually happens on these occasions, as it is such a confined section and losing access to the satellites, the track here is altered, appearing a line between kilometers 3.5 and 5.1 approximately, which is not corresponds to reality by being non-existent. It should not be a matter of concern because in this section there is no other alternative to going through the passageway that forms the gorge.
In this legendary site we will try to get away from the bustle that surrounds us between visitors and natives who want to get a few dinars from us for anything. You can choose, (paying the Bedouin or pseudo-Bedouin on duty who looks like the famous Captain Jack Sparrow from the movies, of course), to go up some stairs carved into the rock to the right of our access from the gorge where you can contemplate a view privileged view of the monument from a level above it and with a bit more tranquility.
We will continue advancing towards the so-called Avenida de las Fachadas, flanked by monumental tombs carved in the stone until we reach a point where we will take a path that goes into the rock to our left and that will take us uphill through the mountainous massif. We have joined the Wari Farasah trail.
From here, without stopping to contemplate other important monuments and archaeological sites in the section between the mountains, the kick itself begins. Although there is no difficulty, the terrain being in perfect condition with rocky and stable soil, some sand accumulates in some sections, so you have to be aware of a possible slip, especially on the descents.
We will do this first stretch of ascent bordering a narrow ravine that finally opens up to offer us the first of the spectacular views of the mountain range that surrounds us. Towards the back, you can see the buildings of the complex that we have not yet passed through but that we will see on the way back.
Continuing along the path without the possibility of detouring, we will arrive at a point (corresponding to 8.3 km on the track) where we will leave it to our right to go to a spectacular natural viewpoint called El Altar, a plateau where sacrifices were practiced. rituals and offering spectacular views in all directions.
After receiving Ahmed's masterful explanations and the well-known photo session, we will retrace our steps to the point where we left the trail, joining it again without further incident.
After a couple of hundred meters there is the first of the few signs that tell us that we are on the Wadi Farasah trail in the form of a sign on a metal support.
Later on, after passing the so-called Fuente del León, we will see at our feet another elaborate construction dug into the rock and towards which we will head after carefully descending the steep slope. It is about the Tomb of the Roman Soldier, about which, of course, Ahmed enlightens us extensively, but not before someone dared to ask the obvious question that we all asked ourselves about whether it was indeed the tomb of a Roman soldier. Once confirmed by Ahmed, we continue with practically no unevenness along the characteristic terrain that is reminiscent in tones and consistency of what we see when going through the lands of Arico and Fasnia.
After flattening for a few minutes, without further ado, we will reach another natural viewpoint over the valley that opens to our right, next to a sign indicating the Great Temple, which can be seen from this point and through which we will pass on our journey.
Finally we will finish this first section of the journey skirting another historical construction, to eat and have a snack in a restaurant with a buffet of typical products of the country.
We will resume our march to face what is possibly the most demanding part of the path, which will take us continuously up steps carved into the rock, passing by the stalls where the natives of the place offer us handicrafts and where we can buy bottled water. that we need (Yes, I also ask myself the question from my comfortable Western middle-class perspective of whether it is worth it for them to come here for such an apparently derisory business).
Before we know it, we will reach another of the most important landmarks of the route: The Monastery (Ad Deir).
Despite the fact that at this point we believe that little can surprise us in terms of monuments, it is the place where it is located that makes it even more remarkable. Here we will also find the well-known rest and tea place for the foreigners who have arrived at the place.
From here we must retrace the path traveled to the restaurant where we had stopped to eat, although the most courageous of us opted to climb a little further until we reached the highest point in the area, where spectacular panoramic views of the the mountain ranges that surround us and, in the direction of Palestine, the vast plain of the Negev Desert.
After the obligatory photos next to the Jordanian flag that governs the place and together, of course, with a Bedouin man or similar who went up there to set up his tent - tent to offer his beads and teas to the walkers, we return to our steps to the restaurant where we ate.
Once there, we will start the way back to the Petra Visitor Center, taking a circular route with hardly any unevenness or any complications. We will go along the Via Colonnade, or Cardus Máximus, as Ahmed likes to call it, once again being flanked by the majestic monuments of the time.
We won't need much imagination to transport us back to those times as we pass by the Great Temple, the Nymphaeum, the impressive amphitheater -the only one in the world carved into the rock-, and the Street of Facades, among others.
Continuing along this path, we will connect with the point where we deviated on the way out to make this circular journey, and thus return to the Visitor Center, the start and end point of our journey, along the same path we came from, although this time Being able to enjoy the gorge and the Treasury even more because at this time the influx of visitors is much less.
WARNING. The tracks and routes described here are indicative, being the sole responsibility of whoever follows them for any accident or mishap that may arise from following it.
Having a natural aversion to doing group activities, it must be said that on this occasion, the exception has been a success, having had the privilege of being guided by Ahmed, who is said, and we do not doubt, to be the best guide in Castilian of all Jordan. At sixty years old, he is a force of nature with an exceptional capacity for communication (he speaks perfect Spanish) and for transmitting his passion for the history and geography of his country.
We did this trip with the Amma Natua travel agency (https://ammanatua.com) and I recommend it in any case for its good work and professionalism, especially Laura, who accompanied us and with her "disgusting" efficiency and patience infinita made us feel more comfortable than at home.
The path does not present any difficulty worth mentioning, except for what could be derived from its length (about twenty kilometres), with an unevenness that is easily covered thanks to the continuous breaks in which Ahmed delighted us with his explanations on the ground . Taking this into account, the duration of the kick is somewhat overstated.
We have done it in March, with a cool climate that made it very bearable to face the 800 steps that are said to be overcome to reach the place known as The Monastery (Ad Deir), which is usually the highest point of the route, if Well, on this occasion, the most courageous of us take the opportunity to go up a little more to a natural viewpoint where we can enjoy the exceptional 360-degree panoramic views that surround us, especially towards Palestine, to the northwest, with the impressive Negev desert at our feet. .
Having said this, and taking into account that in some sections and depending on the time of day it is carried out, we may be in the shade, I do not want to know what it must be like to face the path with the high temperatures of the summer months.
As it is a question of describing the track for its monitoring, we will not extend here in the historical description of each one of the monuments that we will find, limiting ourselves only to making some reviews about them and referring to San Google and the guide itself - map that here attached for your interpretation/description of historical details.
We will start our tour from the access door to the Petra Visitor Center after having paid the corresponding entrance fee. The enclosure at its entrance has numerous stalls where they offer the classic souvenirs of better or worse taste for the many tourists who come to the place.
On the main wall there is a large map of the complex's network of trails, and we can get free copies of plans in Spanish at the access to the building that is a few meters to the right.
From the entrance gate to the enclosure there is no chance of getting lost on the path to follow, making it inevitable to feel part of a large herd in search of the legendary photo in Al-Khazneh, better known by Spanish speakers as El Tesoro.
In a few minutes we will arrive at the first point of interest, where the Djinn blocks (the geniuses of Arabian mythology) are located, megalithic constructions in which these mysterious beings supposedly lived.
I take this opportunity to remember that it is not necessary to go crazy taking dozens of photos of the same place, there are still many until the end of the complete tour.
A little further on we will find other enormous constructions built or carved in the typical light-colored rock of the area and that will be a constant for a large part of the journey, even as we enter the mountainous area. We are in the so-called Tomb of the Obelisks, a funerary complex from the Nabatean era, dating from the first century of the Christian era.
We will continue along the wide path with no chance of getting lost and with an almost negligible drop, leaving a small ravine or wadi on our left, near which is the Triclinium, a meeting point for ancient travelers.
A little further on we will enter the entrance to the mythical gorge known as El Siq, which was popularized like no other in one of the Indiana Jones movies, and which has been formed as a result of natural erosive processes.
We will advance about 800 meters inside it without stopping paying attention to the historical details (which are many) that Ahmed explains so well, to end up in the spectacular and well-known Al Khazna, The Treasury.
NOTE: BEWARE, as usually happens on these occasions, as it is such a confined section and losing access to the satellites, the track here is altered, appearing a line between kilometers 3.5 and 5.1 approximately, which is not corresponds to reality by being non-existent. It should not be a matter of concern because in this section there is no other alternative to going through the passageway that forms the gorge.
In this legendary site we will try to get away from the bustle that surrounds us between visitors and natives who want to get a few dinars from us for anything. You can choose, (paying the Bedouin or pseudo-Bedouin on duty who looks like the famous Captain Jack Sparrow from the movies, of course), to go up some stairs carved into the rock to the right of our access from the gorge where you can contemplate a view privileged view of the monument from a level above it and with a bit more tranquility.
We will continue advancing towards the so-called Avenida de las Fachadas, flanked by monumental tombs carved in the stone until we reach a point where we will take a path that goes into the rock to our left and that will take us uphill through the mountainous massif. We have joined the Wari Farasah trail.
From here, without stopping to contemplate other important monuments and archaeological sites in the section between the mountains, the kick itself begins. Although there is no difficulty, the terrain being in perfect condition with rocky and stable soil, some sand accumulates in some sections, so you have to be aware of a possible slip, especially on the descents.
We will do this first stretch of ascent bordering a narrow ravine that finally opens up to offer us the first of the spectacular views of the mountain range that surrounds us. Towards the back, you can see the buildings of the complex that we have not yet passed through but that we will see on the way back.
Continuing along the path without the possibility of detouring, we will arrive at a point (corresponding to 8.3 km on the track) where we will leave it to our right to go to a spectacular natural viewpoint called El Altar, a plateau where sacrifices were practiced. rituals and offering spectacular views in all directions.
After receiving Ahmed's masterful explanations and the well-known photo session, we will retrace our steps to the point where we left the trail, joining it again without further incident.
After a couple of hundred meters there is the first of the few signs that tell us that we are on the Wadi Farasah trail in the form of a sign on a metal support.
Later on, after passing the so-called Fuente del León, we will see at our feet another elaborate construction dug into the rock and towards which we will head after carefully descending the steep slope. It is about the Tomb of the Roman Soldier, about which, of course, Ahmed enlightens us extensively, but not before someone dared to ask the obvious question that we all asked ourselves about whether it was indeed the tomb of a Roman soldier. Once confirmed by Ahmed, we continue with practically no unevenness along the characteristic terrain that is reminiscent in tones and consistency of what we see when going through the lands of Arico and Fasnia.
After flattening for a few minutes, without further ado, we will reach another natural viewpoint over the valley that opens to our right, next to a sign indicating the Great Temple, which can be seen from this point and through which we will pass on our journey.
Finally we will finish this first section of the journey skirting another historical construction, to eat and have a snack in a restaurant with a buffet of typical products of the country.
We will resume our march to face what is possibly the most demanding part of the path, which will take us continuously up steps carved into the rock, passing by the stalls where the natives of the place offer us handicrafts and where we can buy bottled water. that we need (Yes, I also ask myself the question from my comfortable Western middle-class perspective of whether it is worth it for them to come here for such an apparently derisory business).
Before we know it, we will reach another of the most important landmarks of the route: The Monastery (Ad Deir).
Despite the fact that at this point we believe that little can surprise us in terms of monuments, it is the place where it is located that makes it even more remarkable. Here we will also find the well-known rest and tea place for the foreigners who have arrived at the place.
From here we must retrace the path traveled to the restaurant where we had stopped to eat, although the most courageous of us opted to climb a little further until we reached the highest point in the area, where spectacular panoramic views of the the mountain ranges that surround us and, in the direction of Palestine, the vast plain of the Negev Desert.
After the obligatory photos next to the Jordanian flag that governs the place and together, of course, with a Bedouin man or similar who went up there to set up his tent - tent to offer his beads and teas to the walkers, we return to our steps to the restaurant where we ate.
Once there, we will start the way back to the Petra Visitor Center, taking a circular route with hardly any unevenness or any complications. We will go along the Via Colonnade, or Cardus Máximus, as Ahmed likes to call it, once again being flanked by the majestic monuments of the time.
We won't need much imagination to transport us back to those times as we pass by the Great Temple, the Nymphaeum, the impressive amphitheater -the only one in the world carved into the rock-, and the Street of Facades, among others.
Continuing along this path, we will connect with the point where we deviated on the way out to make this circular journey, and thus return to the Visitor Center, the start and end point of our journey, along the same path we came from, although this time Being able to enjoy the gorge and the Treasury even more because at this time the influx of visitors is much less.
WARNING. The tracks and routes described here are indicative, being the sole responsibility of whoever follows them for any accident or mishap that may arise from following it.
Waypoints
Payment required
Information point
3,373 ft
Planos informativos sobre la red de senderos
This information panel is exposed at the same entrance. A few meters away we can obtain the pocket map in Spanish for free (see attached photos).
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Photo
3,248 ft
Por El Siq
It is reminiscent of the Los Arcos ravine, in La Orotava, but as a walk it is easy for all audiences. In the morning hours forget about being alone. In the late afternoon, things improve a lot.
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World Heritage Site
Monument
2,933 ft
Los monumentos tallados en la roca nos acompañarán durante gran parte del recorrido.
Photo
3,215 ft
Nos desviamos en ascenso por un barranco encajonado
It is reminiscent of some sections of the Anaga ravines, such as Chiquina, etc.
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Cave
Panorama
3,222 ft
Vista hacia arriba del tramo de descenso más acusado del recorrido
Se aprecia el tamaño fijándose en las personas del punto más alto
Provisioning
3,386 ft
Ubicados en los sitios estratégicos del recorrido siempre aparece un puesto donde poder aprovisionarse
Monument
3,445 ft
Ad Deir (El Monasterio)
When you least expect it, the majestic monument of El Monasterio appears in the most inaccessible place
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Panorama
3,494 ft
Panorámica
Panorama
3,501 ft
Llegamos al punto más alto del recorrido. Al otro extremo aparece el desierto del Neguev
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