Jordan Trekking: Dana to Petra & the Dead Sea - 10 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Amman

Welcome to Jordan! Upon arrival at the Queen Alia International Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel in the capital of Amman. The nation's largest city, Amman has been inhabited since the Bronze Age and is full of cultural and historic highlights. 

Day 2: Transfer to the Dana Biosphere Reserve, Half-Day Hike

After an early breakfast, you'll transfer three hours south to start your trekking adventure in the Dana Biosphere Reserve. Jordan's largest natural reserve encompasses four distinct bio-geographical zones and is home to remarkably diverse flora and fauna. Today's half-day trek takes you 5 miles (8 km) along the huge escarpments of Wadi Dana, stopping midway for a cup of tea brewed over an open fire. Passing through the terraced gardens of the village, the trail offers breathtaking views of the canyon-like Wadi. On your way down the valley, you may see Griffon vultures overhead, or spot hyrax and copper-blue lizards along the rocky trails. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of an ibex or a desert fox. 

You'll spend the night at the Dana Guesthouse, where dinner and a spectacular sunset await.

Day 3: Trek from Dana to Feynan 

After a hearty breakfast, kick off your first full day of trekking with an 8-mile (14 km) route through sandstone gorges, leading mostly downhill towards Feynan. As the sun begins to set, you'll reach your destination, where you can either spend the night at the world-class Feynan Ecolodge or transfer back to Dana for the evening.  

Day 4: Trek from Feynan to Al Bustan 

Today's challenging, 11-mile (18 km) full-day trek along the Wadi Al Nakheel Trail offers an aquatic hike through small pools of water, especially refreshing during springtime. Passing unique stone formations reminiscent of Petra's famous sandstone canyons, you'll break for lunch and a relaxing cup of tea while learning more about the spectacular surroundings from your local guide. Upon reaching the green valleys of Al Bustan, you will meet your Bedouin hosts and get settled into your traditional-style tent, enjoying a delicious dinner around the campfire.

Day 5: Trek from Al Bustan to Shobak Castle

Leaving Al Bustan behind this morning, you can admire more of the stunning geology of this region along the Al Qal’a Trail. Leave behind the mountain wilderness and hike into the countryside, where ancient but inhabited villages are dotted around the foot of the mountain range. In this beautiful green space of terraced orchards, you will see a variety of trees native to Jordan, including pistachio, fig, and Roman olive trees. Following a narrow gorge, you'll pass ancient caves once used at tombs before reaching this evening's campsite in the shadow of historic Shobak Castle.

Day 6: Trek from Shobak to Beida

Your penultimate day of trekking starts from the old village of Sihan, which was inhabited by Shobaki locals up until the nineteenth century. Following the Al Matall Trail, you'll pass ruins of old stone houses before reaching the crest of a hill for magnificent views across Shobak. After 9 miles (15 km) of hiking, you'll reach your camp for the night in Beida. Also known as Little Petra, this Neolithic archaeological site just north of Petra features ancient buildings carved into the sandstone hillsides. 

Day 7: Trek from Beida to Petra

The final day of your trekking adventure takes you on a challenging, 8-mile (14 km) full-day hike to the hidden, back entrance to Petra. Following ancient Nabataean steps, you'll reach the famous Monastery carved into the cliff face. After an awe-inspiring walk through the ancient city to the main entrance, you'll transfer to a nearby hotel and settle in for the next two nights.

Day 8: Explore the Wonders of Petra

Today you'll explore Jordan's beloved archeological treasure at your own pace. Known as the "Rose City" for the area's distinctive red sandstone, it's easy to see why Petra was named one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Its intricate architectural design is hundreds of years old, and remarkably well maintained. You can hire a guide for a two-hour tour of the site, or spend the day exploring on your own.

Enter through the Siq, a dramatically narrow gorge flanked by towering cliffs, and spend your day wandering at your leisure through Petra's seemingly endless temples, tombs, and colonnaded streets. Navigate the impressive water conduit system of the historic Nabataean city, paying a visit to Qasr al-Bint, a grand temple that was once the population's primary place of worship. Discover the Street of Facades, a row of monumental Nabataean tombs, as you work your way through the archaeological site discovering the amphitheater and caves. 

For a stunning view overlooking the Treasury and jagged mountains beyond, hike your way up the steep stone-carved staircase to the top of Jabal al-Khubtha.

Day 9: Transfer to the Dead Sea

After breakfast, you'll be met by your driver and transfer three hours north to the lowest point on earth: the shores of the Dead Sea. Traveling through a landscape of otherworldly, arid hills, you'll reach your hotel, where you can soothe tired legs and spend the rest of the afternoon at your leisure—floating in the salty waters, enjoying a full-body mud treatment, or relaxing in the sun.

Day 10: Transfer to Amman & Departure

Take advantage of your last morning in Jordan with one more dip in the Dead Sea. When the time comes, your driver will be waiting to transfer you to the Queen Alia International Airport for your departing flight. Safe travels!

More Jordan Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Jordan? Check out these other Jordan itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights. 

Or, describe your ideal trip and we will connect you with a local specialist to make it happen.