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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.

Continent: Asia (Middle East)
Country: Jordan
Area: ~89,342 km²
Population: ~11.7 million (2024 est.)
Density: ~131 people/km²
Capital: Amman
Regions: Northern Highlands, Jordan Valley, Southern Desert, Dead Sea Region, Aqaba (Red Sea)
Language(s): Arabic (official); English widely spoken in urban and tourist areas
Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD)
Time Zone(s): GMT+3 (no daylight savings)
Airports:
• Queen Alia Intl (AMM – Amman) – main hub
• King Hussein Intl (AQJ – Aqaba) – Red Sea access
Climate: Arid to Mediterranean; hot summers, cool winters
Known For: Petra, Dead Sea, Wadi Rum desert, biblical sites, Bedouin culture, Red Sea diving

Entry Requirements: Most travelers can obtain a visa on arrival
Visa-Free Countries: GCC states, Lebanon, Turkey, Egypt (short stays), among others
Visa-on-Arrival: Available for US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, and others (30 days)
Maximum Stay: 30–60 days depending on visa type
Visa Info: Jordan eVisa Portal
Tip: Consider the Jordan Pass for bundled visa + attraction access

Recommended Vaccines: Routine, Hepatitis A, Typhoid; Hep B and Rabies for longer stays
Hospitals: Modern private hospitals in Amman and Aqaba; public care more limited in rural areas
Travel Insurance: Advised for emergency care, evacuation, and desert travel incidents
Travel health updates — get coverage here
Stay Informed with Official Updates: World Health Organization – International Travel and Health | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Global Travel Health

Status: Generally safe; avoid border zones with Syria and Iraq
Risks: Protests in central Amman, occasional unrest near refugee areas
Restricted Areas: Border areas and military zones may require permits
Stay Informed with Official Updates: US Travel Advisory | UK Foreign Travel Advice

Independence Day (May 25): Celebrated nationwide
Eid al-Fitr & Eid al-Adha: Islamic holidays based on lunar calendar
King’s Birthday (Feb 1): Official observance
Islamic New Year & Prophet’s Birthday: Observed across the country
Ramadan (1 month, varies): Expect reduced hours and fasting etiquette

Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD)
ATMs & Cards: Readily available in cities; cash still preferred in rural areas
Tipping: 5–10% common; round up for taxis and local guides
Duty-Free Limits: 1L alcohol, 200 cigarettes, gifts under JOD 200

Amman – Queen Alia Intl (AMM): Main gateway; ~35 min from city
Aqaba – King Hussein Intl (AQJ): Red Sea access; used for charter flights

Taxis: Widely available and affordable; agree on fare or use meter
Buses: JETT coaches link major cities and tourist sites
Car Rental: Good for Dead Sea, Petra, and Wadi Rum routes; drive on right
Tip: Avoid night driving in rural areas due to poor lighting

SIM/eSIM: Zain, Orange, Umniah available at airport kiosks
Wi-Fi: Found in most hotels and cafes; reliable in cities
Coverage: Strong in urban areas; limited in desert zones like Wadi Rum

Dress Modestly: Especially in rural towns and religious sites
Alcohol: Available in licensed venues; public intoxication discouraged
LGBTQ+: Not criminalized, but not openly accepted
Public Behavior: Respect Ramadan customs, avoid public displays of affection

Emergency Numbers: Police – 911, Ambulance – 911, Fire – 911
US Embassy: Embassy in Amman
UK Embassy: British Embassy Amman

Seasons:
Spring (Mar–May): Pleasant, green valleys
Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot and dry, especially in the desert
Autumn (Sep–Nov): Cool and ideal for hiking
Winter (Dec–Feb): Rainy in Amman; snow possible in highlands
Best Months: March–May and September–November
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.

Type	Daily Budget (USD)
Budget	$50–80
Mid-range	$100–180
Luxury	$250+

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.