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Jordan Travel Guide: Ancient Mysteries & Desert Adventures

Jordan is a land of timeless wonder — where Nabatean tombs rise from desert cliffs and Bedouin culture echoes across vast red canyons. From the rose-red city of Petra to the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea, this Middle Eastern gem balances history, hospitality, and breathtaking landscapes.

Start planning with curated Jordan tours designed to uncover sacred ruins, starry desert nights, ancient cities, and unforgettable cultural encounters.

Governorates to Explore in Jordan

💡Quick Facts:
Destination: Jordan
Continent: Asia (Middle East)
Country: Jordan
Area: 89,342 km²
Population: ~11.9 million (2025 est.)
Density: ~133/km²
Capital: Amman
Regions/Subregions: Northern Jordan, Amman & Central, Dead Sea & Jordan Valley, Petra & Southern Desert, Aqaba & Red Sea
Official Language: Arabic (English widely spoken in business/tourism)
Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD)
Time Zone(s): UTC+3 (year-round)
Airports (main/nearest): Queen Alia International (AMM, Amman), King Hussein International (AQJ, Aqaba)
Climate: Desert climate; hot summers, cool winters, more moderate in highlands
Known For: Petra (UNESCO), Dead Sea, Wadi Rum desert, Aqaba diving, Roman ruins at Jerash, biblical heritage sites

🛂Arrival Info:
Visa on arrival (30 days): Available for most Western countries (US, Canada, EU, Australia, UK).
eVisa: Option via official portal.
Jordan Pass: Bundles entry visa + access to 40+ attractions including Petra.
Stay length: Standard 30 days, extendable.
Official info: Jordan Ministry of Interior – Visa Info.

🏥Health Info:
Vaccines: No mandatory; Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B recommended.
Hospitals: Good facilities in Amman; limited outside cities.
Emergency numbers: 911 (general).
Insurance: Strongly advised; private hospitals better quality.
Risks: Heatstroke in summer, sandstorms in desert, Dead Sea dehydration risks.
🚑 Check travel insurance options for travel emergencies, delays, and medical needs abroad — Get coverage here
💉 Stay Informed with Official Updates: WHO – International Travel & Health | CDC – Travel health updates

🚨Travel Advisory:
General: Stable and safe; friendly to tourists.
Risks: Border areas with Syria and Iraq discouraged.
Crime: Low; petty theft in busy areas.
Cultural sensitivity: Respect Islamic traditions, especially during Ramadan.
Government advisories: Check home-country travel sites before visiting.
🌍Track Real-Time Official Updates: US Travel Advisory | UK Foreign Travel Advice | Government of Canada | NZ SafeTravel

🥳Holidays:
New Year’s Day: Jan 1
Independence Day: May 25
Labour Day: May 1
Eid al-Fitr: Dates vary (end of Ramadan)
Eid al-Adha: Dates vary
Islamic New Year: Dates vary
Christmas Day: Dec 25 (recognized for Christian minority)
Impact: Government offices and some shops close during Eid holidays.

💰Visitor Info:
Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD).
Payments: Cards accepted in cities; cash needed in rural/desert areas.
Tipping: 10% in restaurants if not included.
Duty-free: Limits on alcohol/tobacco.
Average Daily Budget: $50–80 (budget), $100–150 (mid-range), $200+ (luxury).
Tourist tax: Included in hotel stays.

🛫Airports:
Amman – Queen Alia Intl (AMM): Main gateway; ~35 min from city
Aqaba – King Hussein Intl (AQJ): Red Sea access; used for charter flights
Transfers: Shuttle buses, taxis, private drivers widely available.
🧳 Delayed or canceled flight? Check if you’re eligible for compensation

🚍Transport:
Local: Taxis common; ride-hailing apps (Careem, Uber) operate in Amman.
Intercity: Buses and minibuses; JETT coaches comfortable for tourists.
Driving: Right-hand side; IDP recommended; desert driving needs preparation.
Rail: Limited passenger service; mainly freight.
Tours: Organized tours often cover Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea in packages.
🚗 Book reliable airport transfers and in-city rides in advance. Reserve your ride here

🛰️Connectivity:
SIM/eSIM providers: Zain, Orange, Umniah.
Coverage: Good in cities, weaker in remote desert.
Wi-Fi: Hotels, cafés, airports offer free connections.
Roaming: Expensive; local SIM recommended.
🛜 Stay connected abroad with affordable eSIM data packs. Get your eSIM here

📜Laws & Etiquette:
Alcohol age: 18; alcohol available in licensed venues.
Dress: Modest clothing expected, especially in rural and religious sites.
LGBTQ+: Legal but socially conservative; discretion advised.
Etiquette: Greet with “As-salamu alaykum,” accept tea/coffee when offered.
Photography: Ask permission before photographing locals, especially women.

👮Emergency Info:
Emergency numbers: 911 (all services).
US Embassy: Amman, +962 6 590 6000
UK Embassy: Amman, +962 6 590 9200
Tourist police: Available in Petra, Amman, and main tourist hubs.
🏛️ Use embassy locator tools: Embassies Worldwide

🌞Weather:
Spring (Mar–May): 15–25°C, green valleys, best season to visit.
Summer (Jun–Aug): 30–40°C, very hot in desert/valleys.
Autumn (Sep–Nov): 20–30°C, comfortable and dry.
Winter (Dec–Feb): 5–15°C, snow possible in Amman and highlands.
Tip: Best travel seasons are spring and autumn for Petra, Dead Sea, and desert trips.
🌦️ Stay prepared—check the weather forecast for your destination — Weather Forecast

Jordan by Region – Where to Go

Jordan may be small, but its regional diversity is striking — from Mediterranean hills to arid deserts.

Amman & Northern Highlands

Amman: Jordan’s capital blends ancient ruins with modern cafés. Explore the Roman Theater, Citadel, and Rainbow Street.
Jerash: Walk through one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities outside Italy.
Ajloun: Visit Ajloun Castle and hike through forested reserves.

Dead Sea & Jordan Valley

Dead Sea: Float in the world’s saltiest body of water and enjoy therapeutic mud.
Bethany Beyond the Jordan: Believed to be the baptism site of Jesus, an important pilgrimage location.

Petra Region

Petra: Jordan’s crown jewel, carved into red rock cliffs — don’t miss the Siq, Treasury, and Monastery.
Little Petra: A smaller, quieter Nabatean site worth a half-day visit.

Wadi Rum Desert

Wadi Rum: Surreal red desert known as the Valley of the Moon. Camel rides, 4×4 tours, and stargazing in Bedouin camps await.

Aqaba & Red Sea Coast

Aqaba: Jordan’s coastal city for snorkeling, diving, and relaxation on the Red Sea.

Central Jordan

Madaba: Known for its Byzantine mosaics and religious heritage.
Mount Nebo: Biblical mountain with sweeping views of the Holy Land.
Karak & Shobak: Crusader castles offering dramatic desert panoramas.

Top Places to Visit in Jordan

From lost cities to desert skies, Jordan is packed with iconic experiences.

Cultural Cities

Amman: Cosmopolitan capital with deep historical roots.
Madaba: Mosaic-laden town with a peaceful local vibe.
Jerash: Ancient Roman city frozen in time.

Desert & Nature

Wadi Rum: Sandstone formations, sand dunes, and red canyons.
Dana Biosphere Reserve: Eco-lodges, hiking trails, and birdwatching.
Mujib Reserve: Adventure canyoning near the Dead Sea.

Religious Sites

Mount Nebo: Said to be where Moses viewed the Promised Land.
Bethany Beyond the Jordan: Baptism site on the Jordan River.

Seaside Escapes

Dead Sea: Salt floats and spa hotels on Earth’s lowest point.
Aqaba: Coral reefs, seafood, and sunshine on the Red Sea coast.

How to Choose Where to Go in Jordan

Shape your itinerary around your interests and time frame:

For archaeology & history: Petra, Jerash, Amman Citadel
For desert adventure: Wadi Rum and Dana Reserve
For wellness & relaxation: Dead Sea resorts and Aqaba beaches
For religious heritage: Mount Nebo, Madaba, Bethany site
For hiking & nature: Dana Biosphere and Mujib Canyon

Pairing tip: Petra + Wadi Rum + Dead Sea makes the ultimate 1-week Jordan route.

How to Get Around Jordan

Getting around is easy with a mix of private and public options.

Taxis & private drivers: Reliable and best for comfort on long trips.
JETT Buses: Clean, affordable coaches connecting major destinations (Amman–Petra, Dead Sea, Aqaba).
Rental Cars: Good roads make self-driving safe for most travelers.
Shared vans (service taxis): Cheapest but less predictable.
Walking tours: Best in Petra, Amman, and Jerash for local insight.

Apps like Careem (Uber-style) work in Amman.

Travel Budget & Costs in Jordan

Jordan is mid-range affordable, with flexibility based on your comfort level.

Budget ($50–80/day)
- Stay in hostels or simple guesthouses
- Eat at local cafés, street food, and family-run restaurants
- Use public transport (buses, shared taxis)
- Join group tours or explore independently
Mid-range ($100–180/day)
- Comfortable boutique hotels or mid-range resorts
- Mix of local dining and casual international restaurants
- Private day tours or guided experiences
- Occasional private taxis or rental car
Luxury ($250+/day)
- High-end hotels or luxury desert camps (e.g., Wadi Rum)
- Fine dining and curated culinary experiences
- Private guides and chauffeurs
- Exclusive activities (hot air balloon rides, private desert tours, spa experiences at the Dead Sea)

Sample prices:

Street falafel or shawarma: $2–5
Petra day pass: ~$70
Hotel in Amman: $60–120/night (mid-range)
Wadi Rum camp: $30–150 depending on style

Money-saving tips:

Get the Jordan Pass (includes visa fee + Petra + many sites)
Eat at local eateries or falafel shops
Travel with shared groups or buses

Best Time to Visit Jordan

Jordan’s climate ranges from Mediterranean to desert — timing matters.

Spring (Mar–May): Best time to visit Jordan. Wildflowers bloom, ideal temps.
Fall (Sep–Nov): Clear skies and cooler nights, great for hiking and exploring.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot, especially in Wadi Rum and Petra.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold in Amman, chilly in Petra, but quiet and cheaper.

Festivals:

Jerash Festival (Jul/Aug): Traditional music, dance, and theater
Eid al-Fitr & Eid al-Adha: Public celebrations after Ramadan and Hajj

Must-See Experiences in Jordan

Here are the most iconic things to do in Jordan:

Explore Petra — walk through the Siq to the Treasury at sunrise
Sleep in Wadi Rum — under the stars in a Bedouin camp
Float in the Dead Sea — and try the mineral-rich mud spa
Wander Jerash’s ruins — colonnaded streets, temples, and theaters
Take a jeep tour — across Wadi Rum’s otherworldly terrain
Sip mint tea — with locals in Amman’s downtown cafés
Dive in Aqaba — coral gardens and shipwrecks await
Hike Dana Reserve — one of the Middle East’s top eco-trails

Book immersive Jordan tours and experience unforgettable things to do in Jordan — from sacred temple rituals and highland treks to floating markets and lakeside food adventures.

Best Travel Itineraries in Jordan

These curated routes help you experience the best of Jordan — no matter your trip length.

7-Day Highlights Tour

Day 1–2: Amman & Jerash – Roman ruins and local food tours
Day 3: Dead Sea float + Mount Nebo & Madaba
Day 4–5: Petra – Full-day exploration plus Little Petra
Day 6: Wadi Rum jeep tour + overnight in Bedouin camp
Day 7: Return via Dana Reserve or go south to Aqaba

10-Day Classic + Red Sea

Add: Aqaba (2–3 days) — diving/snorkeling and seafood
Add: Dana Reserve hiking or overnight ecolodge stay

2-Week Culture & Nature Explorer

Add: Desert hikes, canyoning at Mujib Reserve, and community visits in smaller towns
Great for slow travelers or those combining Jordan with nearby countries

Local Cuisine & Culinary Experiences

Jordanian food is generous, aromatic, and deeply connected to tradition.

Must-Try Dishes

Mansaf: Lamb cooked in yogurt sauce over rice — Jordan’s national dish
Maqluba: “Upside-down” rice with meat and vegetables
Falafel & hummus: Staples found everywhere
Knafeh: Sweet cheese pastry with syrup and pistachio
Zarb: Bedouin-style underground barbecue in Wadi Rum

Top Food Experiences

Amman food tours: Try Hashem Restaurant or Habibah for falafel and knafeh
Petra sunset meals: Bedouin cooking with mountain views
Wadi Rum dinner feasts: Eat beneath the stars, Zarb-style
Downtown cafés: Sip mint tea or Arabic coffee with locals

Taste your way through Jordan with market tours, home-style cooking, and Bedouin hospitality.

Travel Safety & Cultural Etiquette in Jordan

Jordan is one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the region.

Safety Tips

Low crime: Petty theft is rare, especially in tourist zones.
Tourism-friendly: English is widely spoken in cities and sites.
Stay updated: Check official guidance near border zones.

Etiquette & Dress Code

Dress modestly: Especially in rural areas and religious sites.
Greetings matter: A simple “Salam” or handshake (with same gender) goes a long way.
Respect religion: Avoid loud behavior during prayer calls or Ramadan fasting hours.
Photography: Ask permission, particularly with Bedouin or in markets.