🇯🇴 Your Tailored 3-Day Jordan Itinerary

Upon arrival at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) near Amman, you will meet your pre-booked driver or pick up your rental car. The primary activity for the day is the scenic 3-hour drive south along the Desert Highway to the town of Wadi Musa, the modern gateway to Petra. After checking into your hotel and having a brief rest, prepare for an unforgettable evening. The main event is the “Petra by Night” experience, which runs on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

You will gather at the Petra Visitor Centre around 8:30 PM. The experience involves a 1.5 km walk through the candlelit Siq, the narrow canyon that serves as the entrance to Petra. The path is lined with over 1,500 candles, creating a magical, silent atmosphere. The walk culminates in the open area in front of the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), which is also illuminated by hundreds of candles. Here, you will sit on mats, listen to traditional Bedouin music, and be served sweet tea, gazing up at the magnificent facade. It’s a breathtaking introduction to the ancient city.

Young Travelers: To save money, consider taking the JETT bus from Amman to Petra, which is a comfortable and affordable option. Stay at a guesthouse or hostel in Wadi Musa to meet other travelers. Petra by Night is a very atmospheric and “Instagrammable” experience, but be prepared for the crowds. After the event, you can find local cafes in town for a late-night snack or shisha.

Seniors: A private driver is the most comfortable and convenient way to travel from Amman. Choose a hotel located very close to the Petra Visitor Centre, like the Mövenpick or Petra Guest House, to minimize walking. The 3 km round-trip walk for Petra by Night is on an uneven, sandy path and in low light, which may be challenging. An alternative is to rest on the first night and save your energy for a full day of exploration tomorrow.

Families: The journey from Amman is long for children, so be sure to have snacks and entertainment. Petra by Night can be a magical experience for older children who can handle the walk and the late hour. However, it may not be suitable for very young children due to the darkness and the need for quiet reverence. Choosing a hotel with a swimming pool can be a great way for kids to relax after the long drive.

Travelers with Disabilities: The drive to Petra is straightforward. However, Petra by Night is not recommended for wheelchair users due to the rough, sandy terrain of the Siq in the dark. During the day, special electric golf carts can be hired to take visitors with mobility issues through the Siq to the Treasury, which is a much more feasible option. It is best to focus on a daytime visit.

Luxury Travel: Arrive in style with a premium private transfer. Stay at a luxury hotel offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains, like the Petra Marriott Hotel. Your hotel can arrange for your Petra by Night tickets and provide you with insights into the experience. The evening can be followed by a sophisticated dinner at one of the hotel’s fine dining restaurants.

Adventure Travel: The day is primarily for transit, but the adventure begins tonight. Petra by Night sets the stage for a full day of vigorous hiking and exploration tomorrow. Use the evening to mentally prepare for the physical demands of exploring the vast archaeological park. A hearty, traditional dinner in Wadi Musa is the perfect fuel for the adventure ahead.

Nature & Eco-Travel: During the drive down the Desert Highway, take time to appreciate the stark beauty of the Jordanian landscape. The Petra by Night experience is a low-impact way to see the site, and the walk through the Siq is a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the natural geological wonder of the canyon, sculpted by wind and water over millennia, before you even focus on the man-made city within.

Luxury: Mövenpick Resort Petra – Located directly opposite the entrance to the Petra Visitor Centre, this hotel offers unparalleled convenience and luxury. With its beautiful oriental design, several swimming pools, and multiple restaurants, it’s the perfect comfortable base for exploring the ancient city.

Mid-Range: Petra Guest House Hotel – Situated right at the entrance of Petra, this hotel is famed for its unique “Cave Bar,” set in a restored 1st-century Nabatean tomb. It offers comfortable rooms and an unbeatable location, allowing you to be the first to enter the site in the morning.

Budget: Valentine Inn – A popular and highly-rated budget option in Wadi Musa, known for its friendly atmosphere and social rooftop terrace with great views. It offers simple, clean rooms and is a great place to meet other travelers. They can also help arrange tours and onward travel.

The single most important tip for any trip to Jordan is to purchase the Jordan Pass online *before* you arrive. The pass is a comprehensive package that includes your tourist visa fee (if you are staying more than 3 nights) and entry to over 40 attractions throughout Jordan, including Petra. There are different tiers, but even the basic “Jordan Wanderer” pass, which includes a one-day entry to Petra, will almost certainly save you a significant amount of money compared to paying for the visa and Petra entry separately. You must buy it before arrival to have the visa fee waived.

Stay hydrated. Jordan is a desert country, and it’s easy to become dehydrated, even in cooler months. Drink plenty of bottled water throughout the day, starting from your arrival. When you get to Petra, ensure you have a good supply of water for the evening walk. While tea is provided during the Petra by Night show, you’ll be glad to have your own water for the walk itself.

For the journey from Amman, wear comfortable travel clothes. For the Petra by Night experience, sturdy and comfortable walking shoes are essential. The path through the Siq is sandy and uneven in places, so flip-flops or open-toed shoes are not suitable. Even if the day was warm, the desert gets surprisingly cold at night. Bring a warm fleece or a jacket to wear during the walk and while sitting in front of the Treasury. A scarf can also be useful for extra warmth.

Jordan is a conservative country, but it is accustomed to tourists. For this day’s activities, standard comfortable travel attire is perfectly fine. It is always respectful for both men and women to avoid overly revealing clothing. Long trousers or skirts and tops that cover the shoulders are a good choice, especially when in the town of Wadi Musa.

On the road from Amman, there are several service stations with basic cafeterias where your driver can stop for a quick lunch or snack. Once in Wadi Musa, the town has a great selection of restaurants offering authentic Jordanian cuisine. For a delicious and traditional dinner before or after Petra by Night, try Al-Wadi Restaurant. It’s a local favorite known for its generous portions of classic dishes like Maqluba (an “upside-down” dish of rice, vegetables, and chicken) and various grilled meats (kebabs).

Another excellent option is the popular Beit Al-Barakah Restaurant, which offers a great atmosphere and a wide menu of Middle Eastern classics. This is your chance to try a Jordanian mezze platter, a selection of small appetizers like hummus, moutabel (eggplant dip), and tabbouleh served with warm, fresh bread. It’s a perfect way to immerse yourself in the local flavors on your first night.

The most convenient way to travel from Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) directly to Petra is by hiring a private car and driver. You can book this in advance through a local tour company or your hotel. This offers door-to-door service and the flexibility to stop along the way. The journey takes approximately 3 hours. Renting a car and driving yourself is also a great option for more independent travelers, as the main highways are modern and well-signposted.

For budget travelers, the JETT bus company operates a daily service from Amman to Petra. This is a comfortable, air-conditioned coach service that offers a reliable and affordable way to make the journey. Once you arrive in Wadi Musa, the town is relatively small, and you can walk to the Petra Visitor Centre from most hotels. Taxis are also readily available for short trips within the town.

Start your day as early as possible (the site opens at 6:00 AM) to beat the crowds and the midday heat. Your Jordan Pass gives you one full day of entry. Walk through the Siq again, this time seeing its incredible colors and formations in the daylight. Emerge before the Treasury and take your classic photos. From there, follow the main trail through the Street of Facades and past the grand Theatre. Take some time to explore the Royal Tombs, which offer great views over the lower part of the city. Continue along the Colonnaded Street, the former heart of Roman Petra.

The main challenge and highlight of the day is the hike to the Monastery (Ad-Deir). The trail consists of approximately 800 steps carved into the rock and takes about 45-60 minutes to climb. The effort is immensely rewarding, as the Monastery is even larger than the Treasury and is set in a spectacular mountain landscape. After descending, make your way back out of the site. Your pre-arranged driver will then pick you up from your hotel for the 2-hour drive to Wadi Rum. You will meet your Bedouin camp hosts, who will take you by 4×4 into the desert to your camp for a traditional dinner and overnight stay.

Young Travelers: The Monastery hike is a must-do. After reaching the top, hike a little further to the nearby viewpoints for even more spectacular panoramic views. Instead of walking back the same way, consider arranging a guide for the “Back Trail,” a more rugged path that takes you out of Petra via a different route. At the Wadi Rum camp, the social atmosphere around the campfire is a great way to end the day.

Seniors: Pace yourselves. It is not necessary to see the entire site in one day. Focus on the main trail through the lower city, which is mostly flat. You can hire an electric golf cart to take you to the Treasury and back. The Monastery hike is very strenuous; as an alternative, you can hire a donkey or mule for the climb, though you should be comfortable with riding on uneven terrain. Choose a “glamping” style camp in Wadi Rum with more comfortable beds and private bathroom facilities.

Families: The scale of Petra is amazing for kids. They will feel like Indiana Jones. The Monastery hike is likely too much for young children. Instead, let them enjoy a short camel ride in front of the Treasury. The Wadi Rum desert camp experience is often the absolute highlight of a family trip to Jordan. Kids will love the 4×4 ride, climbing the small sand dunes near the camp, and sleeping in a “tent” in the desert.

Travelers with Disabilities: The main trail in Petra as far as the Treasury is relatively flat but has a mix of paved and sandy/gravelly surfaces. It is possible to hire an official electric golf cart (book in advance) that can transport visitors with mobility issues through the Siq to the Treasury. Beyond this point, the site is not accessible. Some desert camps in Wadi Rum may be able to accommodate guests with disabilities with prior arrangement, but the terrain is sandy and challenging.

Luxury Travel: Hire one of Petra’s top licensed guides for the day to provide deep historical and archaeological insights. Your guide can tailor the route to your interests. After a physically demanding day, the transfer to a luxury desert camp like Memories Aicha Luxury Camp will be a welcome reward. These camps feature opulent Martian-style domes with full amenities, private bathrooms, and gourmet food, offering a five-star hotel experience under the stars.

Adventure Travel: For a truly unique perspective, hike the “Petra Back Trail.” This route starts near Little Petra and takes you through stunning mountain scenery, arriving at the Monastery first and then allowing you to explore the rest of Petra “in reverse.” This full-day hike avoids the crowds of the main entrance and offers a much more adventurous approach to the lost city. Choose a traditional, simple Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum for an authentic and rustic desert experience.

Nature & Eco-Travel: As you hike through Petra, pay attention to the incredible geology of the multi-colored sandstone cliffs. After the Monastery, take a side trail to see the “High Place of Sacrifice” for incredible views and a deeper sense of the Nabatean’s spiritual connection to the mountains. In Wadi Rum, choose a camp that emphasizes sustainability and a genuine connection to the Bedouin lifestyle and the desert environment.

Luxury: Memories Aicha Luxury Camp – Offering a truly unique “glamping” experience, this camp features stunning panoramic domes and luxury tents with private bathrooms and air conditioning. The common areas are spectacular, and the food is first-class, providing an unforgettable, high-end desert stay.

Mid-Range: Wadi Rum Bubble Luxotel – Famous for its “Martian” bubble tents with transparent roofs, this camp allows you to stargaze directly from your bed. Each bubble has its own private bathroom and deck. It’s a unique and very popular option that combines comfort with a spectacular desert experience.

Budget/Authentic: Wadi Rum Night Camp – A highly-rated traditional Bedouin camp that offers an authentic and welcoming experience. You’ll stay in simple but comfortable goat-hair tents, enjoy a delicious Zarb dinner, and share stories and music with your Bedouin hosts around a campfire. It’s the best way to experience genuine Bedouin hospitality.

Start your Petra visit at the absolute earliest possible moment—be at the gate when it opens at 6:00 AM. This has three huge advantages: you will experience the Siq and the Treasury with far fewer people, creating a much more magical atmosphere; the morning light is the best for photography, casting a beautiful warm glow on the Treasury; and you will be able to do the majority of your walking and climbing before the intense heat of the midday sun sets in. By the time the main tourist buses arrive around 9:00 AM, you will already be deep inside the city.

Pace yourself and drink an enormous amount of water. Petra is huge, and you will walk many kilometers. Wear a hat and apply sunscreen regularly. When hiking to the Monastery, the 800 steps can be tough. Take frequent short breaks to catch your breath and admire the changing views. Don’t be discouraged by the vendors along the way; a polite “La, shukran” (No, thank you) is all that is needed.

Today is a serious day of walking and hiking. Wear lightweight, breathable hiking clothes (moisture-wicking fabrics are ideal). Long, light trousers are better than shorts for sun protection. Sturdy, broken-in hiking shoes or trail runners with good grip are absolutely essential. Your feet will thank you. A wide-brimmed sun hat and sunglasses are non-negotiable. Carry a daypack to hold your water, snacks, sunscreen, and camera.

For the evening in Wadi Rum, the desert gets cold as soon as the sun goes down, even after a hot day. You will need to change into or add warm layers. Pack a fleece jacket, a warm hat, and comfortable trousers or tracksuit bottoms to wear at the camp. The contrast between the day and night temperatures can be significant, so being prepared with layers is key.

Inside the Petra archaeological site, there are a few simple restaurants and cafes where you can get lunch. The Basin Restaurant, located at the start of the Monastery trail, is a popular spot for a buffet lunch. There are also smaller snack stalls selling drinks and sandwiches. The food is basic and a bit overpriced, so an alternative is to pack your own lunch and snacks to maximize your exploration time.

Dinner will be one of the highlights of your trip. Almost all overnight stays in Wadi Rum camps include a traditional Bedouin dinner. The main feature is often “Zarb,” a delicious feast of chicken, lamb, and vegetables slow-cooked for hours in a special underground oven buried in the desert sand. The unearthing of the Zarb is a spectacle in itself. The meal is usually served buffet-style in a large communal tent and is a fantastic cultural and culinary experience.

You will explore the Petra site entirely on foot. The distances are significant; a round trip to the Monastery and back is about 12-15 km. After your visit, your private driver (arranged from Day 1) will pick you up from your hotel in Wadi Musa for the scenic 2-hour drive south to Wadi Rum. The journey takes you through beautiful, expansive desert landscapes.

Upon reaching the Wadi Rum area, you will be dropped off at a designated meeting point, usually the Wadi Rum Visitor Centre or a village nearby. Here, you will be met by a representative from your Bedouin camp. You will leave your driver and transfer into your camp’s 4×4 vehicle for the final, exciting part of the journey into the protected desert area and to your overnight camp. Your main luggage will be transported with you.

After enjoying a traditional Bedouin breakfast at your camp, you will embark on a 4×4 Jeep tour of the Wadi Rum protected area. These tours are typically included with your camp stay or can be easily arranged. The tour, usually lasting 2-4 hours, will take you to some of the desert’s most iconic sites. You will visit Lawrence’s Spring, an oasis tucked into the rocks; walk through the narrow Khazali Siq to see ancient Nabatean and Thamudic inscriptions; and marvel at the massive rock formations like the “Seven Pillars of Wisdom.”

A highlight for many is the chance to climb one of the natural rock bridges, such as the Um Frouth Rock Bridge or the Little Bridge, which offer incredible views of the surrounding valley. You will also stop at a large red sand dune, where you can kick off your shoes and scramble to the top for a thrilling slide back down. After the tour, your Bedouin guide will take you back to the village, where you will reconnect with your private driver for the 4-hour journey back to Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) for your departure, or back to a hotel in Amman.

Young Travelers: Ask your guide to include a stop for sandboarding, which is a fun and fast way to experience the giant dunes. Opt for a longer Jeep tour (4-5 hours) that goes deeper into the desert to more remote and less-visited sites. The bumpy, off-road experience of the Jeep tour is an adventure in itself.

Seniors: The Jeep tour is an excellent, low-physical-impact way to see the vast desert. You can choose to remain with the vehicle at the various stops. Climbing the rock bridges is not necessary to enjoy the views. Ensure your tour is with a comfortable, modern 4×4 vehicle. A shorter, 2-hour tour that covers the main highlights is often sufficient and less tiring before the long drive back to Amman.

Families: Kids will absolutely love the Jeep tour. It feels like a real desert expedition. Climbing the smaller dunes and the Little Rock Bridge is a great adventure for them. Many guides are wonderful with children, showing them interesting rocks and animal tracks. A short camel ride at the beginning or end of the tour can also be arranged and is always a hit with the whole family.

Travelers with Disabilities: A Jeep tour can be a viable option, provided the traveler can transfer from a wheelchair to the vehicle’s seat. The ride will be bumpy. The stops themselves are on soft sand, making wheelchair use impossible. The experience would be primarily a scenic one from the vehicle. Clear communication with the camp and tour provider in advance is essential to understand the possibilities and limitations.

Luxury Travel: For a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, arrange a private hot air balloon ride at sunrise over Wadi Rum (weather permitting, book far in advance). This offers a serene and breathtaking perspective of the vast desert landscape. Follow this with a private, catered breakfast at a scenic spot in the desert before embarking on your extended, private Jeep tour.

Adventure Travel: Instead of a standard Jeep tour, arrange for a full-day hiking or scrambling tour with a Bedouin guide to conquer one of Wadi Rum’s highest peaks, like Jebel Um Ad Dami. This is a challenging trek that rewards you with incredible views across the desert into Saudi Arabia. Alternatively, you could try rock climbing on the spectacular sandstone cliffs with a certified guide.

Nature & Eco-Travel: Request a specialized Jeep tour that focuses on the unique desert ecosystem. A knowledgeable guide can point out the hardy desert plants, explain the desert’s geology, and help you spot signs of wildlife, like camel spiders or tracks from desert foxes. The tour can be conducted at a slower pace, with more time for quiet observation and photography of the natural landscape.

This is your departure day, so no accommodation is required for the night. Your luggage will be safely stored at the camp or in your guide’s vehicle while you are on your morning Jeep tour. You will collect it before you leave Wadi Rum village to start your journey back to the airport.

The Jeep tours in Wadi Rum are run by local Bedouin guides who own the vehicles and have lived in the desert their whole lives. The quality of the tour often depends on the guide. If you are not booking through a reputable camp, but arranging a tour on the spot, be very clear about the duration of the tour, the specific sites you want to visit, and the total price before you start. Most camp-and-tour packages are excellent value and handle these logistics for you.

The drive from Wadi Rum back to Queen Alia International Airport is approximately 4 hours. For an evening flight, you should plan to leave Wadi Rum no later than early afternoon. Always allow extra time for potential traffic delays, especially around Amman during rush hour. It’s better to have extra time to relax at the airport than to be stressed about missing your flight.

For your morning in the desert, wear light and comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting a bit dusty. Long, loose-fitting trousers and a long-sleeved shirt are ideal for sun protection. A hat is essential, and sunglasses are a must to protect against the glare. A light scarf or a traditional Bedouin headscarf (keffiyeh), which your guide can help you tie, is fantastic for protecting your face from both the sun and any blowing sand.

You will be in the car for a long time on the drive back to Amman. Having a comfortable change of clothes or simply wearing your comfortable desert attire for the journey is a good idea. Closed-toe shoes like trainers are better than sandals for the Jeep tour, especially if you plan on climbing the rocks and sand dunes.

A simple but delicious Bedouin breakfast is included with your stay at the desert camp. This typically consists of flatbread, eggs, cheese, yogurt (labneh), and za’atar, served with plenty of sweet tea. Lunch will be on the road during your journey back to Amman. Your driver can stop at one of the roadside restaurants along the Desert Highway. These places offer simple but tasty local food, like falafel sandwiches or grilled chicken.

Alternatively, if you have plenty of time, you could ask your driver to stop in the town of Madaba on the way to the airport. Madaba is famous for its Byzantine mosaics and also has several excellent restaurants, offering a final chance for a delicious Jordanian meal. Otherwise, you can plan to eat at one of the various food outlets at Queen Alia International Airport before your flight.

The main activity, the Jeep tour, is your transport for the morning. Your Bedouin guide will drive you in an open-back 4×4 (usually a Toyota Hilux) to the various points of interest within the desert. After the tour, you will be dropped off in Wadi Rum village. Here, you will be met by your private driver, who will have stored your luggage safely during your tour. You will then begin the 4-hour drive north on the Desert Highway to Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) or to a hotel in Amman, concluding your journey.

While this itinerary focuses on Petra and Wadi Rum, Jordan is a world-class wellness destination thanks to the Dead Sea. Located at the lowest point on earth, its hyper-saline waters allow you to float effortlessly. The mineral-rich black mud found on its shores is renowned for its therapeutic properties. Many resorts along the Dead Sea coast offer luxurious spa facilities. If you have an extra day, adding a visit here for a float and a mud bath is a unique and deeply relaxing experience. It’s the perfect way to soothe tired muscles after hiking in Petra.

Packing for Jordan requires a mix of conservative clothing for cities and practical gear for outdoor adventures. Essentials include: lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that covers the shoulders and knees, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. For Petra and Wadi Rum, sturdy, broken-in walking shoes or hiking boots are crucial. Pack warm layers like a fleece jacket and a windbreaker, as desert nights are cold year-round. A scarf is versatile for sun protection, warmth, and as a respectful head covering if needed. Don’t forget a reusable water bottle, a portable power bank, and any personal medications.

Jordan offers beautiful and authentic souvenirs. Look for hand-painted ceramics from local workshops, particularly in Madaba. Another great purchase is a bottle of high-quality Jordanian olive oil. The Dead Sea is famous for its natural beauty products, including mud masks, salts, and creams, which make excellent gifts. In Petra and Wadi Rum, you can buy beautiful Bedouin crafts, including hand-woven rugs, silver jewelry, and the iconic red-and-white checkered headscarf (keffiyeh). Remember to bargain politely at local markets.

Yes, absolutely. The cost of the tourist visa on arrival plus the one-day entry fee for Petra is significantly more expensive than the basic “Jordan Wanderer” pass. Buying the pass online before you travel is the biggest money-saving tip for Jordan.

Jordan is widely regarded as one of the safest and most stable countries in the Middle East. It has a well-established tourist police force, and Jordanians are famously welcoming to visitors. Standard travel precautions should be taken, but tourists generally feel very safe and comfortable.

Jordan is a conservative Muslim country, but it is tolerant and used to tourists. It is respectful for both men and women to dress modestly by keeping shoulders and knees covered, especially when outside of major tourist sites. A headscarf is not required for women, except when entering a mosque.

The best times to visit are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is pleasant and mild, perfect for hiking in Petra and enjoying the desert. Summers are extremely hot, and winters can be cold with occasional rain.

No. English is widely spoken in the tourism industry, including hotels, restaurants, and tour companies. However, learning a few basic Arabic phrases like “Shukran” (Thank you) and “Marhaba” (Hello) is a wonderful way to show respect and will be met with warm smiles.

Yes. Although a Muslim country, Jordan is not dry. Alcohol is available in licensed restaurants, bars, and liquor stores, especially in Amman and Christian towns like Madaba. Most larger hotels in Wadi Musa will serve alcohol. It will not be available in Bedouin camps in Wadi Rum.

The official currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). It is a stable currency that is pegged to the US Dollar. ATMs are widely available in Amman and Wadi Musa. Credit cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, but you will need cash for smaller shops, tips, and market purchases.

It is generally recommended for tourists to drink bottled water, which is readily and cheaply available everywhere. Tap water in hotels is fine for brushing your teeth.

While not mandatory, hiring a licensed guide for the first couple of hours in Petra can greatly enhance your experience. They can bring the history of the site to life and show you the best photo spots. You can hire official guides at the Petra Visitor Centre.

This itinerary is moderately demanding. Day 2 is the most challenging, involving a significant amount of walking (12-15 km) at Petra, including the steep 800-step climb to the Monastery. A good level of general fitness is required to enjoy it fully. However, the itinerary can be adapted for different fitness levels.