Check one of the world's greatest trekking routes off your bucket list with this 13-day adventure along the Jordan Trail. Setting out from the lush valleys of the Dana Biosphere Reserve, you'll hike your way along the scenic route to Petra—spending your evenings surrounded by nature in comfortable Bedouin-style tents. After an epic climb to the hidden back entrance of the sandstone city, transfer into the red sands of Wadi Rum to end your adventure with an unforgettable desert experience—camping, hiking, and riding camels across the "Valley of the Moon."
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Adaire P.
Mexico
"We had a terrific trip to Jordan and Egypt planned by Samir. The hotels were just what we wanted, the guides and driv..." read more
Traveled to Jordan as a couple in May, 2024
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Douglas T.
Florida, United States
"I have wanted to go to Jordans for almost 40 years. I have lived in the Middle East and traveled and worked in many o..." read more
Traveled to Jordan solo in April, 2024
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Casey M.
United Kingdom
"I started planning this trip with Samir well over a year before we actually went, I had so many questions for Samir a..." read more
Traveled to Jordan as a couple in April, 2024
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Ines G.
Puerto Rico
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Traveled to Jordan as a couple in February, 2024
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Highlights

  • See diverse flora & fauna in the Dana Biosphere Reserve
  • Spend six days hiking the Jordan Trail towards Petra
  • Explore the "Rose City" by candlelight
  • Camp under desert skies in the Wadi Rum
  • Hike through the rugged Raqaba Canyon

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Amman Amman
Day 2 Transfer to the Dana Biosphere Reserve, Half-Day Hike Dana
Day 3 Trek from Dana to Feynan  Feynan
Day 4 Trek from Feynan to Umm Al Sakakin   
Day 5 Trek from Umm Al Sakakin to Al Faid   
Day 6 Trek from Al Faid to Ghbour Whedat  
Day 7 Trek from Ghbour Whedat to Beida  
Day 8 Trek from Beida to Petra Petra
Day 9 Explore Petra, Evening Candlelight Stroll Petra
Day 10 Transfer to Wadi Rum, Desert Jeep Excursion & Camel Ride Wadi Rum
Day 11 Wadi Rum Sunrise Hike, Raqaba Canyon Trek Wadi Rum
Day 12 Transfer to Amman Amman
Day 13 Transfer to Airport & Departure  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Amman

Amman's downtown skyline
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

Sunset over the Dana Biosphere Reserve

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 

Trekking from Dana to Feynan lodge
Views across the lush Wadi Dana
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 Umm Al Sakakin 

Trekking from Feynan lodge to Umm El Sakakin (Dana to Petra)
Trek towards Umm Al Sakakin today
Set out on today's 9-mile (14 km) route, trekking from Feynan to a comfortable camp at Umm Al Sakakin, crossing rugged but mostly level terrain and spectacular vistas. 

Day 5: Trek from Umm Al Sakakin to Al Faid 

Hike along hillsides and valleys
Today's 5.5-mile (9 km) route starts with a scenic climb through the trees towards the lush Al Faid Valley. After a lunch break at the cooling Al Faid Waterfall, continue onwards to your camp for the night at Jalladat Al Faid.

Day 6: Trek from Al Faid to Ghbour Whedat

Trekking from El Faid to EHEDAT (Dana to Petra)
Sweeping views await on today's trek
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Experience astonishing views over the most remote corners of Jordan on today's 8-mile (13 km) hike towards Ghbour Whedat. Contouring the Sharah Mountains, you'll follow a trail of mostly clear Bedouin shepherd trails and hunter's paths to reach your next campsite for the night. 

Day 7: Trek from Ghbour Whedat to Beida

Trekking from EHEDAT to BEIDA (Dana to Petra)
The landscape becomes sandstone canyons as you near Petra
After an early breakfast, set out on the penultimate day of your trekking adventure. Your destination is Beida, also known as Little Petra. This smaller, quieter neighbor of the famous Nabataean wonder dates back to Neolithic times. Along the 7-mile (12 km) route, you'll cross the sandstone canyon of Siq Al Barid and pass ancient carved rock facades. As the sun sets, settle in at your campsite for a well-earned dinner and rest. 

Day 8: Trek from Beida to Petra

Enter Petra through its ancient back staircase
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 9: Explore Petra, Evening Candlelight Stroll

Marvel at the Nabataean stonework of Petra

Today you'll explore more of Jordan's beloved archeological treasure: the lost city of Petra. 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. 

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. After a two-hour guided tour, you'll have free time to explore the canyons and temples at your own pace. 

If you're feeling adventurous, climb your way back up the 800 steps to the Monastery, Petra's largest and lesser-visited monument. For a stunning view overlooking the Treasury and jagged mountains beyond, hike the steep stone-carved staircase to the top of Jabal al-Khubtha.

After a full day of exploring, return to your hotel to rest up and cool down before dinner. If your visit falls on a Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday, you can head out again after dark to experience an unforgettable Petra by Night tour. Stroll through canyons lined with thousands of candles to reach the illuminated Treasury, where live Arabic music sets the scene and a welcoming cup of tea awaits. 

Day 10: Transfer to Wadi Rum, Desert Jeep Excursion & Camel Ride

Camp under desert skies in the Wadi Rum
After breakfast this morning, your driver will take you south into the wilderness of the Wadi Rum, an expanse of desert dubbed the "Valley of the Moon" by Lawrence of Arabia. Along the two-hour drive, you'll pass through red valleys, rock canyons, and dunes to reach your base for the night at a Bedouin-style camp.
 
Switch into a sturdy Jeep for an off-road excursion that takes you deeper into the UNESCO-protected desert. Travel through valleys, rock canyons, dunes, and deserts, stopping to check out rock inscriptions and petroglyphs as well as majestic views. Spend a little time at each stop to hike and scramble and explore at your own pace. Along the way, you'll visit desert oases, see 2,000-year-old Kufic rock art, and learn about the history of the area and the local Bedouin culture. 
 
After lunch and an afternoon rest back at the camp, your "ship of the desert" awaits, as you mount up for a two-hour camel ride through the sands with your Bedouin guide. Enjoy a traditional dinner around the campfire as the sun sets, then spend the rest of your evening stargazing under the clear desert skies.

Day 11: Wadi Rum Sunrise Hike, Raqaba Canyon Trek

Sunrise over the Wadi Rum
Rise early this morning to set out on an hour-long hike to watch an unforgettable sunrise over the desert with a cup of tea or coffee brewed over an open fire.
 
After breakfast back at the camp, you'll set out on a trek through the dramatic Raqaba Canyon. This narrow gorge climbs above the Wadi Rum and offers a dramatic and challenging route and breathtaking views. Continue into the desert for more off-road adventure by Jeep, then return to camp for another night under the stars.

Day 12: Transfer to Amman

The Temple of Hercules on Amman's Citadel

It's time to say your goodbyes to your desert hosts this morning, as your driver picks you up for the 4.5-hour return journey to Amman. After settling in at your hotel, spend your final afternoon in Jordan however you please—exploring more of the capital, shopping for last-minute souvenirs, or enjoying a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 13: Transfer to Airport & Departure

Sunset over Amman

Bid Jordan farewell as you transfer to the Queen Alia International Airport for your departing flight. Safe travels! 

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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. 

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