A summary of our 1-week itinerary in Jordan, including do's and don'ts, plus tips for possible extra stops.
For general and practical information for your trip to Jordan, click the button on the right below.
For general and practical information for your trip to Jordan, click the button on the right below.
arrival in jordan
We arrive in the early afternoon at Amman Airport, where we’re immediately picked up to collect our rental car. Unfortunately, we end up losing about an hour due to various reasons. The car is clean, but clearly past its prime, we’d probably call it a bit of a clunker. 😅
It’s also our very first time driving an automatic, so that takes some time getting used to. (At this moment I drive an automatic/electric full-time).
🚗 We hit the road straight away, heading for our stay in Dana, hoping to catch the sunset there. Since the local driving style and road conditions are all new to us, I drive a bit more cautiously. Because of that, we arrive just in time for sunset. We were hoping to snap a few epic shots, but we’re not disappointed at all, the view is stunning either way.
Stay & Dinner in Dana
🏕️ We’re staying at Al-Nawatef ECO Camp, just outside the Dana Nature Reserve. The accommodation is a small but cozy cabin; bathrooms are shared.
💰 The night costs us JOD 27 (around €36 in October 2022), including breakfast.
🍽️ We also have dinner at the camp, a buffet of local dishes. It’s simple, but really tasty!
There are several other similar places to stay in the area, some offering a bit more luxury, so there’s something for everyone!
It’s also our very first time driving an automatic, so that takes some time getting used to. (At this moment I drive an automatic/electric full-time).
🚗 We hit the road straight away, heading for our stay in Dana, hoping to catch the sunset there. Since the local driving style and road conditions are all new to us, I drive a bit more cautiously. Because of that, we arrive just in time for sunset. We were hoping to snap a few epic shots, but we’re not disappointed at all, the view is stunning either way.
Stay & Dinner in Dana
🏕️ We’re staying at Al-Nawatef ECO Camp, just outside the Dana Nature Reserve. The accommodation is a small but cozy cabin; bathrooms are shared.
💰 The night costs us JOD 27 (around €36 in October 2022), including breakfast.
🍽️ We also have dinner at the camp, a buffet of local dishes. It’s simple, but really tasty!
There are several other similar places to stay in the area, some offering a bit more luxury, so there’s something for everyone!
The spectacular view from the breakfast table.
DANA NATURE RESERVE: hiking at Wadi Ghuweir - a hidden gem
The next morning, we leave early for the starting point of the Wadi Ghuweir hike, located in the Dana Biosphere Reserve. Along the way, the landscape gradually transforms into a dramatic desert environment. It feels incredibly quiet, almost otherworldly. At the small parking area near the trailhead, there are only two other cars. Not many people around!
🧭 Heads up: This hike is not a loop. You either have to hike back the same way, or arrange transport to pick you up at the other end. We decide to go with our own car, hike a large portion of the trail to see the most beautiful parts, and turn around when the water gets too high.
What follows is honestly one of the most beautiful hikes I’ve ever done. The trail winds through a narrow canyon. The shapes of the cliffs, their height and width, constantly change, no turn looks the same.
Along the way, we encounter a few obstacles: a rock we have to climb down, and an improvised ladder. At one point, we find ourselves in a true oasis. Out of nowhere, a stream flows through the canyon, and at one surreal moment, a perfectly round boulder hangs wedged in the middle, you actually have to walk underneath it, crazy!
We snack on a few bites we picked up at a small shop in one of the villages along the road and, of course, we have plenty of water with us. We barely see any other people, just two locals who, as always, invite us to share a cup of tea. Such amazing people!
The advantage of returning the same way is that you can pace yourself and estimate how long it will take. And even though it's the same route, the canyon looks completely different from the opposite direction. We spend about five hours on the trail in total.
In the evening, we drive about an hour south to Wadi Musa, where we spend the night.
💡 Tips for Wadi Ghuweir:
🧭 Heads up: This hike is not a loop. You either have to hike back the same way, or arrange transport to pick you up at the other end. We decide to go with our own car, hike a large portion of the trail to see the most beautiful parts, and turn around when the water gets too high.
What follows is honestly one of the most beautiful hikes I’ve ever done. The trail winds through a narrow canyon. The shapes of the cliffs, their height and width, constantly change, no turn looks the same.
Along the way, we encounter a few obstacles: a rock we have to climb down, and an improvised ladder. At one point, we find ourselves in a true oasis. Out of nowhere, a stream flows through the canyon, and at one surreal moment, a perfectly round boulder hangs wedged in the middle, you actually have to walk underneath it, crazy!
We snack on a few bites we picked up at a small shop in one of the villages along the road and, of course, we have plenty of water with us. We barely see any other people, just two locals who, as always, invite us to share a cup of tea. Such amazing people!
The advantage of returning the same way is that you can pace yourself and estimate how long it will take. And even though it's the same route, the canyon looks completely different from the opposite direction. We spend about five hours on the trail in total.
In the evening, we drive about an hour south to Wadi Musa, where we spend the night.
💡 Tips for Wadi Ghuweir:
- 🥾 Footwear: Wear sturdy and preferably waterproof hiking shoes.
- 🚙 Transport: If you want to do the full one-way hike, arrange pickup in advance.
- ☀️ Weather check: Make sure the wadi is open, many wadis close during or after rainfall, especially in winter, due to flash flood risk. This is definitely true for Wadi Mujib, and for others it’s best to avoid hiking them in the winter season for your own safety.
- 📍 Alternatives: Other wadis like Wadi Mujib are also stunning, though often more touristy and busier.
The Wadi Ghuweir hike. Check out my girlfriend at the bottom of the picture as scale. Such impressive rock formations!
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Wadi Musa - PETra
The Treasury in Petra, early in the morning.
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Petra – the city famous for its rock-cut architecture and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World!
Early start in Petra It’s often a good idea to visit tourist spots early, but in Petra, this advice really matters. We arrive at the gate around 6 AM, just as it opens. There’s already a small crowd waiting, but it feels calm and pleasant. A few hours later, it gets very busy, especially at the Treasury and the path leading to it. Luckily, Petra is so big that many other areas remain peaceful and quiet! Some visitors take a small cart straight to the Treasury and return right after, but Petra is so much more than just the Treasury, there’s a lot to explore! ⚠️ Watch out for ‘illegal’ routes Some Bedouins offer to take you to certain viewpoints via ‘unofficial’ trails. Be cautious, many of these viewpoints are also accessible via official routes, though those hikes tend to be longer. 🎟️ Petra in 1, 2 or 3 days Because Petra is so large, many travelers choose to spread their visit over two days. On our first day, we covered a big part of the site and saw most of the highlights. Since we had a 2-day ticket, we returned the next morning to visit another viewpoint overlooking the Treasury, early in the day. If you’re an experienced hiker, one day can be enough, but the extra cost for a second day is small, so if you want to take it slow or explore more, it’s definitely worth it. |
🏨 Accommodation & dinner (Wadi Musa)
We stay at Petra Wooden House, right in the center of Wadi Musa. It’s a quiet hotel with a lovely room. The bathroom facilities of this hotel is shared, though. The stay costs us 28 JOD (around €35, Nov 2022).
We have dinner at Al Wadi Restaurant, within walking distance from the hotel. The camel kebab is highly recommended – super tasty!
In fact, we like it so much that we return the next evening to try something else from the menu.
Since Petra Wooden House is fully booked on the second night, we move to Petra Boxtel Hostel. The room – especially the bathroom – is not clean. Not recommended. This night costs us 23 JOD (around €31, Nov 2022).
💡 Tips for Petra & Wadi Musa
- 🌞 Sunset: In the evening, drive up the hill above Wadi Musa for a magical sunset view over the town.
- 🚶♂️ Hiking tip: If you love hiking, take time to explore the less crowded trails – often the most beautiful spots are hidden off the beaten path.
WADI MUSA - PETRA AND small petra
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Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) lies just a few kilometers north of Petra and is quite literally a miniature version of the main site, set in a beautiful landscape of dramatic rock formations.
We visit Little Petra in the late morning of our second day in Wadi Musa, before heading off to Wadi Rum in the afternoon, on to our next adventure! 💡 Tips & Practical Info
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The entrance to small Petra
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WADI RUM desert
Sunset in Wadi Rum desert - Jeep tour
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Wadi Rum is a vast valley in southern Jordan, known for its stunning desert landscapes. It's often called the Valley of the Moon, but to me, it feels a lot more like Mars.
Thanks to its dramatic scenery, the area has served as the backdrop for many films. This desert landscape is, without a doubt, one of the highlights of any trip to Jordan! Wadi Rum lies about 2 hours south of Wadi Musa (Petra). When you reach the edge of the protected area, you’ll pass a checkpoint where you handle some basic paperwork and pay a small fee. After that, you continue on to Wadi Rum Village, where you can leave your car in one of the parking areas. From there, staff from your desert camp will come pick you up. 🚙 Driving in Wadi Rum yourself With an extra permit, you can explore Wadi Rum with your own 4x4 vehicle. But you’ll definitely need experience driving in sand and a good navigation system. We didn’t do this ourselves. 🏕️ Staying at a Desert Camp We stay at one of the desert camps, which typically consist of small huts with proper beds, shared bathrooms, and a large communal tent where guests eat and relax in the evening. Accommodation can range from a basic tent to luxury bubble domes with private bathrooms, it all depends on your budget and preferences. Most camps cost just a few euros per night and include breakfast, plus free pick-up from Wadi Rum Village. It almost seems too good to be true, but it’s not a scam! The low price is possible because most visitors also book activities like jeep tours or camel rides, which are priced more traditionally. 🐪 Some camps have few reviews, and it’s not always clear exactly what or where you’re booking. From what we’ve seen, all the locals seem to know each other and often help each other out, shifting guests between camps when needed. Don’t let this put you off, it all works out! Once you arrive at the camp, you're warmly welcomed by the Bedouins (the local people, traditionally living a nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle). You gather with the other guests in the main tent to share a cup of tea and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. Later, they serve a delicious traditional buffet, prepared the Bedouin way, cooked underground beneath the sand. A truly unforgettable experience! 🍽️ |
🌟 Overnight stay & food
We stay at the ‘Joy of Life’ Desert Camp, where we pay around €10 per night, including breakfast, dinner, and transport from Wadi Rum village. Some guests who booked earlier paid even less!
🚙 Activities
We choose a full-day jeep tour, which takes us to most of the highlights in Wadi Rum. Some spots can get a bit crowded, especially during peak hours. As the sun begins to set, our guide drives to a peaceful spot to watch the sunset. In the distance, we can see many other jeeps doing the same. The sunset does not disappoint, what an incredible view!
💡 Tip
Spend at least 2 nights in Wadi Rum, so you get a full day to explore the desert. Honestly, even two full days isn’t too much. During the day, you can join a jeep tour or try another activity. This way, you’ll experience two sunsets and two sunrises, an unforgettable experience!
🌟 Overnight stay & food
We stay at the ‘Joy of Life’ Desert Camp, where we pay around €10 per night, including breakfast, dinner, and transport from Wadi Rum village. Some guests who booked earlier paid even less!
🚙 Activities
We choose a full-day jeep tour, which takes us to most of the highlights in Wadi Rum. Some spots can get a bit crowded, especially during peak hours. As the sun begins to set, our guide drives to a peaceful spot to watch the sunset. In the distance, we can see many other jeeps doing the same. The sunset does not disappoint, what an incredible view!
💡 Tip
Spend at least 2 nights in Wadi Rum, so you get a full day to explore the desert. Honestly, even two full days isn’t too much. During the day, you can join a jeep tour or try another activity. This way, you’ll experience two sunsets and two sunrises, an unforgettable experience!
from WADI RUM to AMMAN - MADABA/dead sea
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Today we drive from Wadi Rum back to Amman, the longest drive of the trip, taking around 4 hours. You can break up the journey with a stop at the Dead Sea for a refreshing pause. If you have more time, it’s also a great place to spend an extra night! 🌊
🏛️ Visit to Madaba On the way, we make a stop in Madaba, just south of Amman, known for its mosaics. However, we’re a bit underwhelmed, there’s not that much to see, so we decide to continue to our hotel in Amman a bit earlier to freshen up. The chaotic capital, Amman In the evening, we head into downtown Amman for dinner. There are plenty of little shops selling souvenirs, many of which stay open late. The atmosphere is lively and there’s a lot to take in! 🛍️ The walk back to our hotel is quite long, but we never feel unsafe. We do walk a short stretch along a busy road, where a face mask definitely comes in handy due to the overwhelming exhaust fumes and smog. 😷 |
The mosaics of Madaba
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🏨 Overnight stay & dinner
We spend the night at Olive Hotel Amman, where we’re given a spacious room with a private bathroom. Interestingly, there’s even an extra door leading to a second bedroom. Breakfast is included. This hotel costs us 36 JOD (around €47).
For dinner, we head into the city center, where we enjoy a lovely meal. Such a great way to soak up the local atmosphere!
💡 Tips
We spend the night at Olive Hotel Amman, where we’re given a spacious room with a private bathroom. Interestingly, there’s even an extra door leading to a second bedroom. Breakfast is included. This hotel costs us 36 JOD (around €47).
For dinner, we head into the city center, where we enjoy a lovely meal. Such a great way to soak up the local atmosphere!
💡 Tips
- You can skip Madaba, unless you’re really into mosaics.
- Visit the Dead Sea as part of your route and consider spending an extra night there! Floating in the salty water and covering yourself in mud is a fun and unique experience.
JERASH & AMMAN
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It's already the last day of our trip! Tonight, we fly back home, but it promises to be a full and exciting day.
🏛️ Morning in Jerash We kick off the day early and drive to Jerash, a city in the north, not far from the Syrian border, about a 45-minute drive from Amman. Jerash is home to an impressive archaeological site with influences from the Greek, Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Several major earthquakes turned most of the buildings into the ruins we see today, but it remains an absolutely stunning site to explore! Afternoon in Amman After lunch, we head back to Amman for a quick bite and to check out a few of the city's iconic archaeological spots, like the Roman Amphitheater and the Citadel. Traffic in Amman can be a bit chaotic, so stay alert when driving, but honestly, we found it more manageable than expected. 🚙 ✈️ Final ride to the airport Towards the end of the day, we drive straight to the airport to return our rental car and wrap up the trip. We’re flying out on an evening flight, back to reality! 💡 Activities and prices:
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The amphitheater of Amman, picture taken from the Amman Citadel.
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The archeological site in Jerash.
Alternative route or extra places to visit if you have more time
🌊 The Dead Sea
Yes, you can swim in the Dead Sea while you're in Jordan! It’s actually a great spot for an extra stop, or even an overnight stay, on your way back from Wadi Rum to Amman. We heard that the Dead Sea is more scenic on the Israel/Palestine side (no political discussions here 😉), and that the beaches there are easier to access. Since we plan to visit that side another time, we skipped this stop… kind of a shame in hindsight.
🏖️ Aqaba
Aqaba is a coastal city in southern Jordan, located at the Red Sea. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and top-notch diving spots. Aqaba also has a rich history, with archaeological sites and a lively market that reflects the cultural diversity of the region. One day should be enough to explore the city!
⛰️ Wadi Mujib
Wadi Mujib is a breathtaking nature reserve in Jordan, famous for its dramatic canyons. Often called the "Grand Canyon of Jordan," it offers activities like hiking, canyoning, and birdwatching. The reserve is home to unique flora and fauna, making it a favorite for nature lovers and adventurers.
Do the hike, you’ll be rewarded with stunning landscapes and the refreshing waters of the Mujib River.
Note: Wadi Mujib is closed during the winter months!
While it’s somewhat similar to Wadi Ghuweir, Wadi Mujib has much more water running through its canyons.
🌍 Other Wadis
Jordan is home to many other beautiful wadis waiting to be explored. If you're into nature and adventure, these spots are definitely worth checking out!
🎫 Other sites included with the Jordan Pass
Make sure to check out the full list of historical, archaeological, and natural sites covered by the Jordan Pass! It gives access to a wide range of incredible locations across the country.
Yes, you can swim in the Dead Sea while you're in Jordan! It’s actually a great spot for an extra stop, or even an overnight stay, on your way back from Wadi Rum to Amman. We heard that the Dead Sea is more scenic on the Israel/Palestine side (no political discussions here 😉), and that the beaches there are easier to access. Since we plan to visit that side another time, we skipped this stop… kind of a shame in hindsight.
🏖️ Aqaba
Aqaba is a coastal city in southern Jordan, located at the Red Sea. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and top-notch diving spots. Aqaba also has a rich history, with archaeological sites and a lively market that reflects the cultural diversity of the region. One day should be enough to explore the city!
⛰️ Wadi Mujib
Wadi Mujib is a breathtaking nature reserve in Jordan, famous for its dramatic canyons. Often called the "Grand Canyon of Jordan," it offers activities like hiking, canyoning, and birdwatching. The reserve is home to unique flora and fauna, making it a favorite for nature lovers and adventurers.
Do the hike, you’ll be rewarded with stunning landscapes and the refreshing waters of the Mujib River.
Note: Wadi Mujib is closed during the winter months!
While it’s somewhat similar to Wadi Ghuweir, Wadi Mujib has much more water running through its canyons.
🌍 Other Wadis
Jordan is home to many other beautiful wadis waiting to be explored. If you're into nature and adventure, these spots are definitely worth checking out!
🎫 Other sites included with the Jordan Pass
Make sure to check out the full list of historical, archaeological, and natural sites covered by the Jordan Pass! It gives access to a wide range of incredible locations across the country.
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Perfect trip in our opinion:
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practical information
For all practical information for your trip to Jordan – click the button below: