Ma'an Attractions Guide 2025
Discover the best attractions in Ma'an - from iconic landmarks to hidden gems.
Ma'an Governorate is Jordan's largest governorate by area, encompassing the legendary rose-red city of Petra, the dramatic desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, and the historic market town of Ma'an city. This southern region is home to some of the ancient world's most extraordinary monuments, carved by the Nabataean civilization over two millennia ago. From rugged desert canyons to Crusader-era castles, Ma'an offers an unparalleled journey through layers of human history set against spectacular natural scenery.
Top 10 Must-See Attractions
These are the unmissable experiences that define any visit to Ma'an.
Petra — The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)
The iconic façade of Petra, carved directly into rose-red sandstone cliffs by the Nabataeans around the 1st century BC. Standing 43 metres tall, Al-Khazneh emerges dramatically at the end of the 1.2km Siq canyon and is one of the most photographed monuments on earth. The name 'Treasury' comes from a Bedouin legend that an Egyptian pharaoh hid his wealth in the urn at the top.
The Siq — Petra's Entrance Canyon
A natural gorge 1.2km long and up to 80m deep that serves as the dramatic entrance passage to Petra. The canyon walls display vivid layers of red, purple, and orange sandstone sculpted by wind and water over millions of years. Along the route, visitors pass ancient Nabataean water channels, votive niches, and the faint outlines of carved reliefs.
The Monastery (Ad-Deir)
Petra's largest monument, the Monastery is a colossal rock-cut structure measuring 50 metres wide and 45 metres tall — even larger than the Treasury. The 45-minute hike from Petra's city centre involves 800 rock-cut steps, rewarded with spectacular views and far fewer crowds than the Treasury. The monument was likely a Nabataean royal tomb later converted into a Byzantine church.
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
A miniature version of Petra located 8km north of the main site, Little Petra is a narrow sandstone gorge filled with Nabataean temples, painted dining rooms, and rock-carved façades. Unlike main Petra, admission is completely free. The Painted House inside Siq al-Barid features rare surviving Nabataean frescoes with vine motifs and figures.
The Royal Tombs — Petra
A series of impressive Nabataean tombs carved high into the cliff face east of Petra's city centre, including the Urn Tomb, Silk Tomb, Corinthian Tomb, and Palace Tomb. The Urn Tomb is the largest and best-preserved, with a huge vaulted forecourt and Byzantine inscription recording its conversion to a church in 447 AD. The terrace above offers sweeping views across the entire Petra basin.
High Place of Sacrifice (Zibb Atuf)
A mountaintop Nabataean sacrificial altar reached by 45 minutes of climbing from Petra's street of façades. The site features two obelisks, ritual basins, channels carved into the rock for draining blood, and stunning panoramic views over Petra and the surrounding mountains. The descent through Wadi Farasa canyon passes Lion Fountain, Garden Temple, and Roman Soldier's Tomb.
Shoubak Castle (Montreal)
A dramatic Crusader fortress perched atop an isolated conical hill 25km north of Ma'an city, built by King Baldwin I of Jerusalem in 1115 AD. The castle changed hands multiple times between Crusaders and Saladin's forces before being abandoned in the 14th century. Its ruined towers, underground cisterns, secret passageway, and Crusader church make it one of Jordan's most evocative medieval sites.
Dana Biosphere Reserve
Jordan's largest nature reserve covers 308 km² and spans four distinct bioclimatic zones, from sandstone mountains at 1,500m altitude down to the Wadi Araba desert plain. The reserve shelters 38 species of mammals, over 200 bird species, and rare flora. The gateway village of Dana is a beautifully preserved Ottoman-era settlement with stone houses perched above the canyon.
Petra by Night
A magical evening experience in which over 2,000 candles illuminate the Siq and the Treasury for a 1.5-hour candlelit procession on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings. Traditional Bedouin music is performed at the Treasury square, and storytellers share local legends. The flickering candlelight on the sandstone walls creates an atmosphere unlike anything during the day.
The Great Temple — Petra
One of Petra's largest free-standing structures, the Great Temple is a monumental colonnaded complex stretching over 7,600 m² that served as a civic and religious centre for the Nabataean city. Brown University archaeologists have been excavating the site since 1993, uncovering a 600-seat theatre hidden within the temple's inner chambers.
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Attractions by Category
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Landmarks
Petra — The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)
Iconic rock-carved façade and symbol of Jordan
The Monastery (Ad-Deir)
Petra's largest monument, reached via 800 rock-cut steps
Shoubak Castle (Montreal)
12th-century Crusader fortress with secret tunnel
Royal Tombs
Series of monumental Nabataean tombs on the eastern cliff
Museums
Ma'an City Museum
Local history museum covering prehistoric to Hashemite era
Petra Archaeological Museum
Artifacts from Petra excavations inside the site
Petra Visitor Center Exhibition
Introductory exhibits on Nabataean history and Petra's discovery
Nature
Dana Biosphere Reserve
Jordan's largest nature reserve spanning four ecosystems
Wadi Dana Canyon
Spectacular gorge trekking from alpine village to desert floor
Wadi Mudhlim Water Tunnel
Nabataean-carved water diversion tunnel through slot canyon
Jabal Haroun
Sacred mountain with tomb of Aaron and panoramic desert views
Cultural
Petra by Night
Candlelit evening procession to the Treasury
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
Free-admission miniature version of Petra with painted dining rooms
Wadi Musa Souk
Local market with Bedouin crafts and Jordanian souvenirs
Ain Musa (Moses' Spring)
Sacred spring with Ottoman-era shrine and religious significance
Practical Information
Essential details to plan your sightseeing.
Opening Hours
Petra Archaeological Park opens 6 AM daily. Shoubak Castle 8 AM-5 PM. Dana reserve year-round.
Entrance Fees
Petra 1-day entry JOD 50 (~$70). Jordan Pass (includes visa + Petra) from JOD 70. Shoubak JOD 1. Dana reserve JOD 3.
Best Times to Visit
Early morning (6-8 AM) at Petra to avoid crowds and heat. Late afternoon for Royal Tombs photography.
Booking Tips
Petra by Night sells out in peak season — book at the visitor center the morning of your visit. Guided hikes to Sabra and Wadi Sabra should be arranged 24-48 hours in advance.
Insider Tips
Make the most of your sightseeing with these local insights.
Purchase the Jordan Pass before arriving — it includes the visa fee and Petra entry for multiple days
Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes inside Petra — the terrain is uneven and dusty
Carry at least 2 litres of water per person for full-day Petra visits
Hire a licensed Petra guide for remote areas — they enhance the experience enormously
Visit Petra on a 2-day ticket to see both the main sites and the Monastery without rushing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to visit attractions in Ma'an?
Spring (March-May) for mild temperatures and wildflowers; autumn (September-November) for comfortable heat and fewer crowds than summer
Are guided tours available?
Licensed guides available at the Petra Visitor Center from JOD 50/half day. Specialist desert and canyon guides from JOD 70-120
Is photography allowed at attractions?
Photography freely permitted throughout Petra. No tripods inside enclosed monuments. Drone permits required in advance from Jordan Tourism Board.
How much time should I allocate for sightseeing?
Allow minimum 2 full days for Petra. Add 1 day for Shoubak Castle, 1 day for Dana Reserve, 1 day for day trips.
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