Jordan — Petra, Wadi Rum & the Dead Sea
The rose-red city carved into desert rock. Mars-like canyons glowing at sunset. Floating effortlessly in the world's saltiest sea.
Why Visit Jordan?
Jordan hosts three of the world's most extraordinary sites within a country the size of Indiana. Petra — the Nabataean rock city — reveals itself gradually to visitors walking through the Siq canyon before the Treasury's rose-red facade takes the breath away. Wadi Rum's Martian landscape of orange sandstone and black basalt served as backdrop to Lawrence of Arabia and The Martian. The Dead Sea — the lowest point on earth — floats bathers effortlessly in mineral-rich water. Add the warm, welcoming hospitality of the Jordanian people and you have one of the world's most rewarding destinations.
Key Highlights
- Petra Treasury (Al-Khazneh) — the most iconic sight in the Arab world
- Wadi Rum — overnight Bedouin camp under the Milky Way
- Dead Sea — float effortlessly and mud-bath at the world's lowest point
- Jerash — the best-preserved Roman city outside Italy
- Aqaba — Jordan's Red Sea port with excellent snorkelling and diving
- Amman's Citadel and Roman Theatre in the Jordanian capital
- Dana Biosphere Reserve — eco-trekking through canyons and forests
Best for
Jordan — Quick Facts
Capital
Amman
Currency
Jordanian Dinar (JOD) (JOD)
Population
10.5 million
Language(s)
Arabic, English (widely spoken in tourism)
Time Zone
EET (UTC+3)
Driving Side
Right-hand traffic
Power Plugs
Type B, Type C, Type D, Type F, Type G
Card Acceptance
Cards accepted in Amman and hotels; carry cash for Petra, Wadi Rum, and markets
Typical Daily Budget
JOD 25–40/day (~$35–56) / JOD 80–140/day (~$113–197) / JOD 300+/day (~$423+) (budget / mid / luxury)
Emergency Numbers
Police: 911 · Ambulance: 911 · Fire: 911
Destinations in Jordan
Explore cities, regions, and experiences across Jordan.
Petra
Walk the Siq canyon to the Treasury's rose-red facade. 2+ days needed to explore the full Nabataean city.
Wadi Rum
The Valley of the Moon — orange sandstone and black basalt canyons. Overnight Bedouin camps beneath the Milky Way.
Dead Sea
Float effortlessly in the world's saltiest body of water at the lowest point on Earth (430m below sea level).
Best Time to Visit Jordan
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the best times to visit — comfortable temperatures for Petra, Wadi Rum, and Amman. Summer (June–August) is very hot in Petra (35–40°C) but bearable with early starts. Winter (December–February) is cold in the north but Aqaba and the Dead Sea remain warm.
Mar – May
Spring (Ideal)
Best temperatures for Petra hiking (20–28°C). Wildflowers bloom in Wadi Rum. Dana Biosphere is at its most lush.
Sep – Nov
Autumn (Excellent)
Comfortable temperatures return after the summer heat. Wadi Rum sunsets are spectacular. Fewer crowds than spring.
Jun – Aug
Summer (Hot)
Very hot (35–40°C in Petra). Start Petra walks by 6am to beat the heat. Wadi Rum camps are best enjoyed at sunset and overnight.
Jordan — Travel Budget Guide
The Jordan Pass ($70–80 USD) combines the Petra entry fee (usually $55+ for one day) with a free visa and unlimited access to 40+ attractions. It's near-mandatory for visitors. Beyond the Jordan Pass, Jordan is moderately affordable with excellent local food and transport options.
Budget Traveller
JOD 25–40/day (~$35–56)
Budget guesthouse, local falafel and mansaf, shared transport (JETT buses), Jordan Pass for attractions.
Mid-Range
JOD 80–140/day (~$113–197)
Hotel, restaurant dining, rental car or private driver, guided Petra and Wadi Rum tours, Dead Sea resort day pass.
Luxury
JOD 300+/day (~$423+)
Six Senses Shaharut, Kempinski Dead Sea, private Petra by Night, luxury Wadi Rum glamping, private guides.
Jordan Safety Overview
Low RiskJordan is the safest country in the Middle East for tourists. Despite sharing borders with Syria and Iraq, Jordan itself has remained remarkably stable. Crime against tourists is virtually non-existent. Jordan has one of the highest proportions of military and police presence to population in the world, creating genuine security.
- Buy the Jordan Pass online before arrival — it covers your visa and all major sites.
- In Petra, wear proper walking shoes — the paths are rocky and cave trails are uneven.
- Dead Sea sun is extreme — apply high-SPF sunscreen frequently and don't stay in the water more than 20 minutes.
- In Wadi Rum, choose reputable Bedouin camp operators — standards vary enormously.
- Respect dress codes at religious sites — head coverings for women in mosques.
Getting Around Jordan
Jordan is compact and best explored by rental car or private driver. JETT buses connect Amman to Petra, Aqaba, and the Dead Sea affordably. Taxis are cheap and metered in Amman. Wadi Rum requires either joining a 4WD tour or hiring a local Bedouin driver.
Rental Car
Recommended for flexibility. Amman to Petra is 3 hours on the King's Highway (scenic) or 2.5 hours via Desert Highway. Roads are good.
JETT Buses
Comfortable air-conditioned express buses from Amman to Petra, Aqaba, and the Dead Sea. Book online at jett.com.jo.
Private Driver
Many hotels arrange private drivers for $80–120/day — ideal for Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea in a combined itinerary.
Wadi Rum 4WD Tours
Mandatory for Wadi Rum exploration. Arrange with a licensed Bedouin operator at the visitor centre or pre-book online.
Jordan — Connectivity & eSIM
Jordan has solid 4G in cities and major tourist areas. Petra and Wadi Rum have some coverage, though remote desert areas are offline. Zain, Orange, and Umniah are the main operators. International eSIMs from Airalo work well in Amman, Petra, and along main highways.
Popular destinations
Where to stay in Jordan
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208s tara-JRE Jabal Al Lweibdeh with stunning view
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Wadi Rum
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Jordan Travel Intelligence
Guides, watch alerts, and planning resources for Jordan.
Jordan — Frequently Asked Questions
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