In addition to the main site of Petra there are several interesting sites close to Wadi Musa that can be visited while based in the town. These include:

Little Petra
A ten-minute drive north of Petra is Siq Al-Barid, which is also referred to as 'Little Petra' due to similarities with the main site. It is thought to have been an important suburb of Petra and is entered through a narrow opening, similar to the siq but of a much smaller scale. The site includes tombs, temples, water channels and cisterns carved out of the rock as well as the remains of frescoes on plaster.

Aaron's Tomb

It is believed that Moses' brother Aaron died and was buried in the Petra area and a white-domed mosque, built in the 14th century, commemorates this. It stands atop Aaron's Mountain (Jabal Harun), which is the highest peak in the area at 1350 meters above sea-level. It has long been a place of pilgrimage for the locals, and is worth a trip if you have an extra day in Petra. Good physical fitness is required for the long hike there and back.

If you have a few more days in Jordan, a visit to Petra can be combined with other attractions that are within two hours' drive. These include:

Shobak Castle
This impressive Crusader castle was built by Baldwin I of Jerusalem in 1115 and was originally called 'Krak de Montreal' or 'Mons Regalis', so-named in honor of the king's contribution to its construction (Mont Royal). In its heyday about 6000 people resided in the castle. It was attacked several times by Saladin and finally fell to him in 1189 after a two-year siege. The Mamluks later restored the castle in the 14th century.

Dana Nature Reserve
Jordan ’s largest nature reserve, the Dana Reserve spans across 320 square kilometers that encompass scenic mountains and wadis that host a plethora of fascinating and beautiful wildlife. It is less than an hour’s drive from Petra and there is a lovely guesthouse there that is perched on the edge of a hill overlooking the spectacular Dana Valley . There is also a campsite and a range of tours and trails.
For more information visit www.rscn.org.jo

Wadi Rum
The fantastic red sandstone desert, of Lawrence of Arabic fame, is certainly worth a trip to while you are in Jordan . Wadi Rum is best experienced with an overnight trip, where you can take in the sunset and sunrise and enjoy a night in a traditional Bedouin tent and learn about the unique culture and hospitality of the wonderful people who live in this desert.
For more information visit www.wadirum.jo

Aqaba
As Jordan ’s only outlet to the sea, this sleepy seaside town has blossomed into a buzzing business hub and a resort city on the Red Sea . There are many hotels and resorts to choose from and some beautiful marine life to see, which has made Aqaba a hotspot for divers and snorkelers.
For more information visit www.aqaba.jo