Budget — Petra

Petra is one of the most expensive destinations in Jordan because of the entry ticket and accommodation in Wadi Musa. Count around €110 per person per day for a comfortable stay: 3-star hotel in Wadi Musa, modest lunches, dinners in a good restaurant, Petra ticket included in Jordan Pass, shared guide.

Entry fees are expensive. Petra ticket: 50 JOD (€65) for 1 day, 55 JOD (€70) for 2 days, 60 JOD (€75) for 3 days — applicable if you stay at least one night in Jordan (otherwise 90 JOD i.e. €115 for 1 day, penalty for cruise passengers on a day trip from Egypt or Israel). The Jordan Pass (70-80 JOD depending on version, €85-100) includes the Jordan entry visa + Petra entry (1, 2 or 3 days depending on version) + 40 other sites — it is essential and pays for itself on day one. Buy online at jordanpass.jo. Petra by Night: 17 JOD (€22) extra (not included in Jordan Pass).

Accommodation in Wadi Musa covers all categories. Budget: Petra Gate Hotel, Cleopetra Hotel (€25-40/night, mountain view). Comfort: Petra Moon Hotel, La Maison Hotel (€60-90/night, near the entrance). 4-star: Petra Marriott, Petra Panorama (€120-180/night). Luxury: Mövenpick Resort Petra (€180-300/night, right opposite the main entrance), Marriott Petra, and the Old Village Resort. Book 2-3 months ahead in high season (March-May, September-November).

Food in Wadi Musa offers good value. My Mom's Recipe: family restaurant, excellent mansaf at 12-15 JOD. The Cave Bar (Jordan's first troglodyte wine bar, located in the Petra Guest House lobby): unique atmosphere, 30-40 JOD per person. Al Wadi Restaurant: international cuisine, 20-30 JOD. On site, Bedouin cafés sell sandwiches and drinks at 5-10 JOD, and the Basin Restaurant offers a 20-25 JOD buffet in the centre of the site.

Guides and services: official qualified guide 50-70 JOD for 4-5 hours, audioguide 6 JOD at the ticket office, donkey hire to the Monastery 15-20 JOD one way, cart or horse in the Siq 20-50 JOD one way (not very ethical, best avoided for animal welfare).