We spent a very long day at Petra and were fine with good quality sneakers - we didn't do the very long hikes but did walk up and down to the Monastery. No need for poles unless you have mobility issues. Have a great time!

Ditto to that...we wore trainers and were fine.

I wore boots, but I wear boots for travel in any case. For most of it trainers/sneakers would be fine, but scrambling around above the Royal Tombs I was glad of boots and a stick.

I agree with Elizabeth and Leslie. No need for hiking boots or poles.

That's good news as we are on our way there and we left the boots and poles at home.

We just finished touring Petra an hour ago. I am with Thursdaysd. Most of the time my trail running shoes were fine. There were places I wished I was wearing hiking boots. I did not feel the need for poles.

Hi cold - hope you enjoyed Petra!

Hi Thursdaysd - Petra is clearly one of the most amazing places we have been. After the Treasury we found the appearance similar to Cappadocia, which is fascinating as well. I will google that comparison when we get home to see if others have thought the same thing or whether we were hallucinating. We did not make it to the Monastery. My wife tripped and banged up her knee so we turned around near the bottom of that climb.

And we met some very funny and clever touts. I will write a brief trip report when we get home.

cold - Cappadocia? Hmmm, didn't say that to me, but I think of the towers when I think of Cappadocia rather than the rock dwellings. I do think the swirling rock patterns at Petra are sui generis, but you do have to do some climbing to see them.

So sorry to hear about your wife's accident! I have traveled several times with foot trouble, so I know what it's like to be limping when you want to sight-see. Ice and rest.... (I have used cans from the in-room minibar when no ice was available.)

Petra is special, isn't it? You do step back in time. First a donkey ride through the siq as you come upon the formations.
We didn't hike much but you could climb around as you wish. And do take time just to take take it all in. Wonder what the price is nowadays?

It cost us about $75 a person. Pretty steep