Jordan holidays: Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea and Aqaba
A city carved into rose-coloured sandstone, a red desert where you sleep under the stars and a sea you float in. Jordan is the Middle East's most compact road trip.
Petra
Photo: Brian Kairuz / Unsplash
Jordan at a glance
You walk through the narrow Siq gorge in Petra and suddenly the rock walls open onto the Treasury, Al-Khazneh, carved out of the cliff more than 2,000 years ago. Jordan is a small country, and the main sights lie along one axis from Amman in the north to Aqaba in the south.
The currency is the Jordanian dinar. The Jordan Pass covers your visa and entry to Petra and many other sites if you stay at least three nights. For more of the region, see our Asia travel guide.
How to plan your trip
Amman and Jerash
The capital has its citadel and a Roman theatre in the middle of town. Jerash, an hour north, is one of the best preserved Roman cities outside Italy.
Petra
The highlight. Allow at least two days and start early before the tour groups arrive. Petra by Night runs on several evenings a week.
Wadi Rum
Red sand and sandstone mountains. Sleep in a desert camp and explore by four-wheel drive or camel.
The Dead Sea and Aqaba
At the Dead Sea, more than 400 metres below sea level, you float without swimming. Aqaba on the Red Sea has coral reefs and diving.
Wadi Rum
Photo: Rita / Unsplash
When to go
March to May and September to November: comfortable temperatures for Petra and the desert.
June to August: very hot in Petra and Wadi Rum.
December to February: cold nights in the desert, but pleasant at the Dead Sea and in Aqaba.
Good to know
A hire car is easy, and the King's Highway between Amman and Petra is one of the region's most scenic roads.
Dress modestly away from the hotels and at religious sites.
Check current travel advice for the region before you book.
Where to stay
At the Dead Sea, Kempinski Hotel Ishtar and Anantara Dead Sea are among the best. At Petra, the Mövenpick sits right by the entrance, and in Wadi Rum there are camps with glass domes for stargazing. Travelling on in the region? See our Egypt guide.
Frequently asked questions about Jordan
How long should I spend in Jordan?
A week covers Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea.
How many days do I need in Petra?
Two days give you time for both the Treasury and the Monastery, Ad-Deir, high above.
What is the Jordan Pass?
A pre-paid pass that covers the tourist visa and entry to Petra and over 40 attractions.
When is the best time to visit Jordan?
Spring and autumn, from March to May and September to November.