Visiting Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum and itineraries

Across a country you can drive from north to south in a single day, Jordan lines up the Roman colonnades of Jerash, the Nabataean city of Petra, the red cliffs of Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea and the coral reefs of Aqaba.

Why visit Jordan?

Jordan brings together several major Middle Eastern sites over short distances, including Petra and Wadi Rum, both UNESCO-listed. It is one of the easiest destinations to organise in this part of Asia: visa fees covered by the Jordan Pass for qualifying stays, roads in good condition and one week enough for the essentials.

What to discover in Jordan?

Amman, the hillside capital

Often overlooked by travellers in a hurry, Amman deserves one or two nights. The Citadel, on Jabal al-Qal'a, brings together the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace, overlooking the 6,000-seat Roman theatre below. The Jabal Amman district and Rainbow Street gather cafés and restaurants, while downtown, known as the Balad, is best explored for its souks and falafel stalls. Queen Alia Airport, about 35 kilometres south, remains the country's gateway.

The north: Jerash, Ajloun and Umm Qais

About an hour north of Amman, Jerash is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Middle East, with its oval plaza, colonnaded street and Hadrian's Arch. Allow three hours, ideally in the morning. Ajloun Castle, a 12th-century Ayyubid fortress, fits into the same day, about forty minutes away. Further north, Umm Qais, ancient Gadara, offers ruins of black basalt. The nearby Syrian border area is advised against: do not go beyond these sites.

Madaba, Mount Nebo and the King's Highway

About thirty kilometres south-west of Amman, Madaba keeps a 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land in St George's Church. Mount Nebo, fifteen minutes away, overlooks the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. Beyond begins the King's Highway, slower but far more scenic than the Desert Highway: it crosses the Wadi Mujib canyon, passes the Crusader castle of Kerak and skirts Dana reserve. Allow a full day with stops to reach Petra this way.

The Dead Sea and Wadi Mujib

Less than an hour from Amman, the Dead Sea lies more than 400 metres below sea level, the lowest point on dry land. You float effortlessly from hotel beaches or a few paying public beaches; stay no more than 15 to 20 minutes in the water and keep your face dry. Nearby, the Wadi Mujib Siq water trail heads up a canyon with your feet in the stream, usually from April to October, though access may close after rain.

Petra and Dana reserve

The Nabataean capital carved from rose sandstone, Petra is about 3 hours from Amman via the Desert Highway. One day covers the Siq, the Treasury and the Street of Façades; two days are needed to climb to the Monastery, via about 800 steps, and to the High Place of Sacrifice. Enter at opening time to avoid the heat and the groups. An hour north, Dana reserve lets you walk to Petra in four to five days along a section of the Jordan Trail, with a guide.

Wadi Rum and Aqaba

One and a half to two hours south of Petra, the UNESCO-listed Wadi Rum desert lines up sandstone cliffs and red dunes. One night in a Bedouin camp, after a half-day or full-day 4x4 tour, is the minimum; two nights let you add a hike or a guided climb. An hour further south, Aqaba, the country's only outlet to the Red Sea, suits snorkelling on its reefs. The Nabataean sites of AlUla in Saudi Arabia and the Sharqiya dunes of Oman extend the same desert appeal.

Cities to visit in Jordan

Featured destinations appear first.
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Not to miss in Jordan

Eight essential sites, from the capital to the cliffs of the south.

Petra's Treasury

The carved façade of Al-Khazneh, revealed at the end of the Siq, best seen early in the morning before the groups arrive and in low light.

Ad-Deir Monastery

A Nabataean monument even larger than the Treasury, at the top of about 800 steps, best kept for a second day in Petra.

Jerash's colonnaded street

A long paved Roman avenue lined with Corinthian columns, where the ruts left by chariots are still visible.

Amman's Roman theatre

Second-century tiers set into the hillside in the city centre, facing the Citadel and Hashemite Plaza.

Madaba Map

A 6th-century mosaic showing Jerusalem and the Holy Land, preserved in the floor of the Greek Orthodox Church of St George.

Kerak Castle

A vast 12th-century Crusader fortress on the King's Highway, with vaulted galleries and views over the valley.

Burdah rock bridge

A natural stone arch in Wadi Rum, reached by a short guided scramble, with views across the endless desert.

Aqaba's reefs

Corals and tropical fish reachable from the beach south of town, ideal for ending a tour on the Red Sea.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need to visit Petra?
One day covers the Siq, the Treasury, the Street of Façades and the theatre, but two days let you climb to the Monastery and the High Place of Sacrifice without rushing. The Jordan Pass comes in 1, 2 or 3-day versions.
Is the Jordan Pass worth it?
Almost always, as soon as you visit Petra and stay at least three nights: it covers the visa fees and Petra's entry, which already account for most of its price, then Jerash, Kerak, Wadi Rum and many other sites.
Is it cold at night in Wadi Rum?
Yes, from December to February night-time temperatures can approach 0 °C in the desert, even after a mild day. Camps provide blankets, but pack a fleece and a hat. In spring and autumn, nights remain cool.
Should you rent a car in Jordan?
It is the most flexible way to travel: traffic drives on the right, and main roads are good and well signposted. Just avoid driving the King's Highway at night. In Wadi Rum, leave the car in the village and head out with a Bedouin guide.
King's Highway or Desert Highway to reach Petra?
The Desert Highway links Amman to Petra in about 3 hours with little to see. The King's Highway takes a full day but passes Madaba, Mount Nebo, Wadi Mujib and Kerak: take it on the way down and the highway on the way back.
How long can you swim in the Dead Sea?
Fifteen to twenty minutes per session is enough: the very salty water stings the eyes and any small cut. Do not dunk your head, do not shave that day and rinse off with fresh water afterwards, as showers are provided on the beaches.
Which evenings does Petra by Night take place?
Since its new version launched in May 2025, the show runs from Sunday to Thursday evening, from around 8.30 pm, when the Siq and the Treasury are lit by hundreds of candles. The ticket is sold separately and is not included in the Jordan Pass.
Can you visit Petra during Ramadan?
Yes, the site stays open and is often quieter. Restaurants in Wadi Musa may close during the day, but hotels serve visitors. Bring water and snacks for the visit and be discreet when eating in public.
Jordan or Oman for a first trip to the Middle East?
Jordan focuses on ancient sites, with Petra and Jerash, and can be covered in a week. Oman is more about landscapes, between wadis, mountains and desert, and involves a bit more driving. Both are known for their warm welcome.

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