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Destinations

Jordan

Petra, desert canyons and the Dead Sea

historydeserthikingarchaeology
Plan your trip to JordanSee the top things to doPick your cities
12.0 millionPeople
AmmanCapital
ArabicLanguage
JODCurrency
5 to 8 daysIdeal stay
$120-220Typical day

Jordan is a compact desert kingdom with some of the Middle East's greatest sights. Petra's rose red city, Wadi Rum's sandstone valleys and floating in the Dead Sea are the classic trio. Roman Jerash, desert castles and the Red Sea at Aqaba add variety. It suits history lovers, hikers and travellers looking for warm hospitality, though regional tensions mean checking advice is essential.

Where to start

Top 15 things to do

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  1. A Nabataean city carved into rose red cliffs, entered through the narrow Siq canyon. The Treasury and the Monastery are the most famous facades.

    1 to 3 daysTime needed
    JOD 50-60 for 1 to 3 days if staying overnight; JOD 90 for a day visit (2026)Cost
    no, but consider the Jordan PassBook ahead
    Tip. Allow at least two days and climb to the Monastery early in the morning.
    See on the map
    TOURSTours and tickets are shown to Hodolog members. Request access

  2. A protected desert of red sand and towering sandstone mountains. Jeep tours, hikes and Bedouin camps are the way to see it.

    1 to 2 nightsTime needed
    yes, book a campBook ahead
    Tip. Choose a licensed local Bedouin camp and stay at least one night for the stars.
    See on the map
    TOURSTours and tickets are shown to Hodolog members. Request access

  3. The lowest point on earth, where salty water lets you float easily. Resorts along the Jordanian shore have beach access.

    Half day to 1 dayTime needed
    noBook ahead
    Tip. Use a resort or public beach with fresh water showers.
    See on the map
    TOURSTours and tickets are shown to Hodolog members. Request access

  4. One of the best preserved Roman cities outside Italy, with colonnaded streets, theatres and temples. It is an easy trip north of Amman.

    Half dayTime needed
    noBook ahead
    Tip. Visit in the morning and catch the Roman army show if it runs.
    See on the map
    TOURSTours and tickets are shown to Hodolog members. Request access

  5. A hilltop site with a Roman temple, an Umayyad palace and views over the city. The Jordan Archaeological Museum is on site.

    2 hoursTime needed
    noBook ahead
    Tip. Walk down to the Roman Theatre below.
    See on the map
    TOURSTours and tickets are shown to Hodolog members. Request access

  6. A 2nd century theatre built into a hill in downtown Amman. The nearby souks and cafes are lively.

    Half dayTime needed
    noBook ahead
    Tip. Try knafeh at a famous downtown sweet shop.
    See on the map
    TOURSTours and tickets are shown to Hodolog members. Request access

  7. A smaller Nabataean site near Petra with carved buildings and a painted ceiling. It is quieter than the main site.

    1 to 2 hoursTime needed
    noBook ahead
    Tip. Visit on the way to or from Petra.
    See on the map
    TOURSTours and tickets are shown to Hodolog members. Request access

  8. Jordan's largest nature reserve, with canyons, sandstone cliffs and an old stone village. Hiking trails lead toward Feynan.

    1 to 2 daysTime needed
    book guides and lodgesBook ahead
    Tip. Hike to Feynan Ecolodge for a night in the desert.
    See on the map
    TOURSTours and tickets are shown to Hodolog members. Request access

  9. A canyon near the Dead Sea where trails wade through rushing water between high cliffs. The Siq trail is the most popular.

    Half dayTime needed
    book in seasonBook ahead
    Tip. Check that the water trails are open before going, as they close in unsafe conditions.
    See on the map
    TOURSTours and tickets are shown to Hodolog members. Request access

  10. Madaba is known for Byzantine mosaics, including an old map of the Holy Land, and Mount Nebo has views over the Jordan Valley. They are often combined on the way to the Dead Sea.

    Half dayTime needed
    noBook ahead
    Tip. Combine with the Baptism Site nearby.
    See on the map
    TOURSTours and tickets are shown to Hodolog members. Request access

  11. The site on the Jordan River believed to be where Jesus was baptised. Visits are guided.

    2 hoursTime needed
    noBook ahead
    Tip. Wear modest clothing and bring a hat.
    See on the map
    TOURSTours and tickets are shown to Hodolog members. Request access

  12. A large Crusader castle on a hilltop along the King's Highway. Its tunnels and halls are fun to explore.

    2 hoursTime needed
    noBook ahead
    Tip. Bring a torch for the dark passages.
    See on the map
    TOURSTours and tickets are shown to Hodolog members. Request access

  13. An ancient road running south past canyons, castles and villages between Madaba and Petra. It is slower but much more scenic than the desert highway.

    Full dayTime needed
    noBook ahead
    Tip. Drive in daylight and allow time for stops.
    See on the map
    TOURSTours and tickets are shown to Hodolog members. Request access

  14. Jordan's only port city has coral reefs, beaches and diving close to shore. It is a relaxed end to a trip.

    2 daysTime needed
    noBook ahead
    Tip. Snorkel in the Aqaba Marine Reserve.
    See on the map
    TOURSTours and tickets are shown to Hodolog members. Request access

  15. A group of early Islamic buildings in the eastern desert, including Qasr Amra with its frescoes. They make a good half day loop.

    Half dayTime needed
    noBook ahead
    Tip. Hire a driver, as public transport does not reach them.
    See on the map
    TOURSTours and tickets are shown to Hodolog members. Request access
Map: OpenStreetMap contributors. Pins from OpenStreetMap search; check a place before you go.
Make it yours

Turn Jordan into your plan

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Weather for your datesForecast and usual weather for your exact days, in your units.
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Pick your bases

Cities to visit

Each city with a guide opens its own page: map, where to stay, what to eat.

AmmanDavid Bjorgen, CC BY-SA 3.0
2 nights suggested

Capital, food and base for day trips.

food, gateway · Open the city guide
PetraBernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0
2 nights suggested

Wadi Musa base for Petra.

history · Open the city guide
Wadi Rum VillageDaniel Case, CC BY-SA 3.0
1 nights suggested

Desert camps.

desert, stars · Guide coming
AqabaSana Janakat, CC BY-SA 4.0
2 nights suggested

Red Sea diving and beaches.

beach, diving · Guide coming
MadabaDavid Bjorgen, CC BY-SA 3.0
1 nights suggested

Mosaic town near the airport.

history, quiet · Guide coming
DanaBernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0
1 nights suggested

Hiking base.

hiking, nature · Guide coming
Wadi Musa (Petra)Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0
2 nights suggested

The town beside Petra, with hotels and restaurants for early starts.

petra, history · Guide coming
JerashPetar Milošević, CC BY-SA 4.0
1 nights suggested

Roman ruins, usually seen as a day trip from Amman.

ruins, day trip · Guide coming
KarakTeo Blancato, Public domain
1 nights suggested

Crusader castle on the King's Highway.

castle, road trip · Guide coming
AjlounDaniel Case, CC BY-SA 3.0
1 nights suggested

Hill castle and forest in the north.

castle, nature · Guide coming
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Know the map

Regions

Amman and the north

Capital and Roman sites.

Amman Citadel, Jerash, Ajloun Castle

Dead Sea and Jordan Valley

The lowest point on earth.

Dead Sea, Baptism Site, Wadi Mujib

King's Highway

Ancient route through canyons and castles.

Madaba, Karak, Dana

Petra region

Nabataean heartland.

Petra, Little Petra

South

Desert and Red Sea.

Wadi Rum, Aqaba

Petra and the south

Nabataean heartland and highland canyons.

Petra, Dana, Little Petra

Short on time?

Ready-made routes

Choose how long you have, then add the whole route to a trip as places and nights.

  1. Amman, 2 nightsCity and Jerash.
  2. Petra, 2 nightsTwo days in Petra via the King's Highway.
  3. Wadi Rum Village, 1 nightsDesert camp.
  4. Dead Sea, 2 nightsFloat and relax before flying out.
Plan your dates

Seasons and weather

Best: March to May and September to November. Mild temperatures suit hiking in Petra and camping in Wadi Rum.

Summer is very hot in Petra, the Dead Sea and Aqaba, while winter can bring cold nights and even snow in Amman and Petra.

Busy and pricey. March to May and October to November. High season: crowds and the highest hotel prices. Book ahead.
Shoulder. September and late February. Good weather with fewer people and better prices.
Quiet and cheaper. December to February and June to August, cold or very hot. Low season: lowest prices and few crowds, but shorter days and some places closed.

January. Quiet season. Lower prices, fewer crowds.

Usual weather in Amman

Temperature

32°50°68°86°104°JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecDaily highAverage

Rain

0.00.81.62.43.1JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

January

63°F daily high, 52°F average, 2.5 in

  • Warmest month July (101°F)
  • Coolest month January (52°F)
  • Wettest month January (2.5 in)
  • Driest month July (0.0 in)

Average of past years from NASA POWER, worked out at each city's position. A place far from these cities can be quite different.

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Know before you go

At a glance

3/5
Safety

The US State Department rates Jordan Level 3 (reconsider travel) because of terrorism and other risks, with Level 4 warnings near the Syrian and Iraqi borders, so check current advice before travel.

3/5
Getting around

Distances are short, and JETT buses link the main sights, but a rental car or driver is easiest.

3/5
Value

Entry fees and hotels are pricey, but the Jordan Pass can cover the visa fee and many sights.

Good to know

Entry with your passport

Entry rules depend on your passport. Members see the rules for their own passport here.

Passport and visa rules change often and without notice. Always check the official pages before you book and again before you travel.

EntryCheck visa and entry rules on the official Jordan Pass website (https://www.jordanpass.jo/) and on your own government's travel advice before you go, as rules can change.
PlugsType B, C, D, F, G, J; 230 V
Tap waternot safe
TippingAround 10 percent in restaurants is common, and small tips are expected for guides and drivers.
PaymentsCards work in hotels and bigger restaurants, but carry dinars in cash for small shops and taxis.
Emergency911
EtiquetteJordanians are very hospitable, and accepting tea is polite. Use your right hand for eating and greetings. Avoid public displays of affection, and respect prayer times and Ramadan.
What to wearDress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, especially outside Amman's modern districts; women should cover hair in mosques.
DrivingOn the right
Between citiesJETT buses link Amman with Petra, Aqaba and the Dead Sea, but many visitors rent a car or hire a driver. The Desert Highway is fast, while the King's Highway is scenic. Domestic flights connect Amman and Aqaba.
Main airportsAMM, AQJ
Ride appsUber, Careem
Taste it

What to eat

MansafFalafel and hummusMaqlubaZarb (Bedouin barbecue)KnafehMint tea and Arabic coffeeHummusZarb (Bedouin underground barbecue)

A short history

The Nabataeans built Petra as a trading hub more than 2,000 years ago, and the region later belonged to Roman, Byzantine and Islamic empires. After Ottoman rule and the British Mandate, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan became independent in 1946. Jordan has absorbed large numbers of Palestinian, Iraqi and Syrian refugees. It is a constitutional monarchy known for relative stability in a volatile region.

Researched 2026-10-13. Check official sources and recent changes before you go.

Plan Jordan