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Petra (Aqaba), Jordan

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Located in southwest Jordan, ancient Petra was once a flourishing spice trade center and capital of the Nabatean kingdom between 400 B.C. and A.D. 106. After sitting deserted for centuries, the UNESCO World Heritage Site was rediscovered in the 1800s and excavations began in 1958. Standout sites among the soaring sandstone cliffs include a large tomb known as Khaznah ("Treasury"); Al-Dayr ("the Monastery"), a tomb façade used as a church during Byzantine times; and the well-preserved High Place of Sacrifice, an altar dating to biblical times. Archaeologists continue to excavate the temples, tombs and theaters, as only 15% is believed to have been uncovered. Weave through the slot canyons on foot, climb to the high points -- considered the most holy -- for a bird's-eye view or explore Petra atop a camel or horse. Special night tours wander the Lost City by candlelight. Aqaba -- Jordan's Red Sea port and resort town, located 80 miles southwest -- boasts historical sites as well as spectacular coral reefs.

Language: Arabic
Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD)

Petra (Aqaba), Jordan Weather
Temperature (Fahrenheit)
  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 65 69 75 85 92 97 99 98 94 88 78 68
Low 50 54 59 67 73 78 81 81 78 71 61 53
Temperature (Celsius)
  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 18 21 24 29 33 36 37 37 34 31 26 20
Low 10 12 15 19 23 26 27 27 26 22 16 12
Precipitation Days
  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Days 1 2 2 -- 1 -- -- -- -- 1 1 2
Humidity
  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Percent 71 70 67 58 49 49 53 57 66 67 66 72