Hiking in Jordan: Petra and Wadi Rum

8 Days
From CAD 2146 Was CAD 2525
Best Rate
Guarantee
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Demanding

Rating


(20 reviews)

Experience Overview

Experience the beauty and culture of Jordan on this exhilarating eight-day trekking adventure. Wander the streets of modern Amman, marvel at Little Petra, get off the beaten track around ancient Petra (ticking this Wonder of the World off your bucket list), be dazzled by the famous Treasury building, join the Bedouins for a desert adventure in 4WDs, admire the Byzantine mosaics in Madaba and float in the famously salty Dead Sea. This is Jordan at its active, action-packed best.

Highlights

  • Visit Little Petra and hike the lesser-known backroad into iconic Petra – one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Spend a full day exploring the secret hiking trails of this awe-inspiring ancient treasure.
  • Explore the spectacular Dana Reserve on foot – this unbelievably diverse reserve was established to protect wildlife and provide local communities with employment.
  • See Wadi Rum, a world unto itself. Hop in 4WDs and experience its twisted rock scenery, watching the sunset on a trek through this rugged moonscape.
  • Learn about the Bedouin culture over an earthen oven-cooked feast before sleeping under the stars – these semi-nomadic locals are renowned for their hospitality, so you're in for a treat.
  • Experience the best weightlessness this side of outer space with an effortless float in the super-salty waters of the Dead Sea.

Trip Details

Product CodeProduct Code: 1755

Tour TypeTour Type: Small Group

AccommodationAccommodation: Moderate

TransportTransport: Jeep,Van

Guide LanguageGuide Language: English

Supplier CodeSupplier Code: EEXA

StartStarts: Amman, Jordan

FinishFinishes: Madaba, Jordan

DurationDuration: 8 days

DeparturesDepartures: Guaranteed

Physical RatingPhysical rating: Demanding

Includes

Meals: Breakfasts (7), Lunch (1), Dinner (3)
Accommodation: Permanent camp (1 night),Desert Camp (2 nights),Hotel (4 nights)

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 2146 (CAD 268 /day)

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Amman

Ahlan Wa Sahlan! Welcome to Jordan. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. As there's not much time spent in Amman on this trip, you might like to arrive a day or two early to explore the sights. If you do arrive early, maybe visit the citadel, the Jordan Museum and the Roman Theatre. Perhaps head out to try an ara’yes (a toastie filled with spicy mincemeat) while you're here. After the meeting, why not head out to dinner with your group and get to know each other.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

2
Day 2: Amman - Dana Nature Reserve - Little Petra

After breakfast, head out for the first trek of your adventure. Journey to the Dana Biosphere Reserve – the largest nature reserve in Jordan. Covering 320 square km, the reserve is made up of mountains, Wadis and sand dunes, and is home to an incredibly diverse display of flora and fauna. The reserve was created to protect the natural environment while generating jobs for the local community. Your trek today takes you in and around this protected area, exploring with the expertise of a local guide. Keep an eye out for the varied wildlife, like falcons, chameleons, foxes, porcupines and more than 700 species of plants. After your trek, transfer to Little Petra. Believed by archaeologists to have housed visiting traders on the Silk Road, Little Petra is every bit as fascinating as its larger counterpart (just a lot quieter!). Take some time to explore the site with your local leader this afternoon, then settle in at your camp for dinner and stargazing.

Included Activities:

  • Dana Nature Reserve guided hike
  • Little Petra visit

Accommodation:

  • Permanent Camp (Number of Nights: 1)

3
Day 3: Little Petra / Petra

This morning after breakfast, start your hike directly from the camp, following a back-trail leading to Petra. The landscape today is ever changing – sandy plateaus, Bedouin campsites, goat herds and stone staircases. Your guided tour culminates at The Monastery – an impressive seven-storey structure with a doorway that's 8 m high. Though less ornate than the Treasury, the sheer scale of this building makes it an amazing sight. Reportedly, it was used as a temple by Christians in the Byzantine period. Trace your way back to the camp in early afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day as you please.

Included Activities:

  • Petra - Leader-led tour of Petra
  • Little Petra Backdoor guided hike

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

4
Day 4: Petra

Today you’ll discover the ancient site of Petra – one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The lost city of the biblical Nabateans comprises an impressive series of tombs and dwellings hidden behind ornate facades carved directly into rock. Shake off the crowds and spend the day taking on some of the sites’ secret hiking trails, where if you’re lucky, you won’t see another soul. What you will see is the Tomb of the Obelisks, the High Place of Sacrifice, Lion Monument and Wadi Farasa. After, you have some free time to explore at your own pace.

Included Activities:

  • Madras Trail guided hike
  • High Place guided hike
  • Wadi Farasa guided hike

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

5
Day 5: Wadi Rum

After a leisurely morning, journey to Wadi Rum – your base for the next two nights. When you arrive, start with a guided tour in 4WDs. You'll see the sights and landscapes of Wadi Rum on your drive, like the famous Seven Pillars of Wisdom, sand dunes and rock bridges. As the sun begins to set, you’ll explore the beautiful lunar-like landscape on foot, taking in several canyons and the Um Fruth Rock Arch before finishing up at your camp for the night. Tonight, you’ll stay in a simple desert camp, with the choice of sleeping in a tent or out under the stars. Enjoy a delicious dinner cooked in an earthen oven by your Bedouin hosts. Conditions are basic at the desert camp, but the hospitality of these people is legendary, and the experience of sleeping beneath this desert sky is a memorable one.

Included Activities:

  • Wadi Rum desert jeep excursion
  • Sunset hike including Um Fruth Rock Arch

Accommodation:

  • Desert Camp (Number of Nights: 1)

6
Day 6: Wadi Rum

After waking up in the unique surrounds of the Bedouin camp, head out for a trek around the area, seeing the ancient water collection systems, Thamudic inscriptions and many unique rock formations. You’ll be joined by a local guide and a support vehicle, and there will be stops for tea and lunch. Along the way, you might like to scale one of the large sand dunes for sensational views of the surrounding area. Explore the distinctive rock formations and soak in the vast silence of the desert. Later, return to camp for another night in the desert camp with your new Bedouin friends.

Included Activities:

  • Desert guided hike including lunch

Accommodation:

  • Desert Camp (Number of Nights: 1)

7
Day 7: Madaba - Dead Sea

Rise early to catch the first sunrays over Wadi Rum. After breakfast, travel to the small town of Madaba. This town is famous for its Ottoman-style houses and beautiful Byzantine-era mosaics, including the famous 6th-century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land at St George's Church. Hundreds of other mosaics from the 5th to the 7th century are scattered throughout Madaba’s churches and homes.  This afternoon, take a short drive to the shores of the Dead Sea for a weightless dip in its famously salty waters, and a chance to watch the sunset in one of the world’s most spectacular locations. Back in Madaba this evening, you may like to gather your travel buddies for a celebratory shisha as this adventure comes to an end.

Included Activities:

  • Madaba visit including St George's Church
  • Dead Sea sunset swim

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

8
Day 8: Madaba

This trekking adventure in Jordan comes to an end today. There are no activities planned and you are free to depart the accommodation at any time.

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

Reviews

 

scarlet   -  Traveled, March 2024

Embarking on a guided trek through Jordan's wonders was an enriching experience. The camaraderie forged with fellow adventurers from around the globe added a vibrant cultural dimension to our journey. From Petra's ancient allure to the ethereal beauty of Wadi Rum, every moment was a shared discovery. Stop thinking about it and book it! you won't regret it!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/19/2024

 

Emily   -  Traveled, October 2023

What an amazing adventure! I would highly recommend this trip. Every day was magical. Especially hiking to Petra from Little Petra and Wadi Rum. Our guide Mohammed was incredible - an amazing trekking guide and wonderful group leader. The trip was so well organize, great itinerary and important information very clearly communication. The local guides also were excellent. Thank you Mohammed for such an incredible experience!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/05/2023

 

Melanie   -  Traveled, October 2023

A bucket list tour of ever there was one - lots of time to explore the big sites of Jordan, guided by people with in depth local knowledge. Would thoroughly recommend this trip!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/05/2023

 

Lavanya   -  Traveled, October 2023

I absolutely loved this active itinerary to explore Jordan. It gave me an opportunity to move slowly, to enjoy and absorb what Jordan has to offer without the hustle/bustle and touristy style of travel. Mohammad Al Soradi, our guide made this trip incredibly special with his energy and passion for what he does. I would highly recommend this trip for those who are seeking the "off-the-beaten-path" type of experience.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/20/2023

 

Sue   -  Traveled, October 2023

Had an absolutely incredible holiday. So nice to have the itinary and organising of details done for us. This was my first ever organised group holiday, and I’d do it again

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/24/2023

 

Teressa   -  Traveled, October 2023

Loved every second

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/20/2023

 

Jasmine   -  Traveled, September 2023

I had never considered a hiking holiday before, but I'm so glad I did! It was such a unique way to experience Jordan and to get up close and personal with its natural beauty. Our guide was knowledgeable, our group was lovely, and the people of Jordan are wonderful and so, so friendly. I'm looking forward to my next visit to this incredible country!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/04/2023

 

Jaime   -  Traveled, September 2023

Thank you Intrepid for a trip of a lifetime. Jordan has several spectacularly beautiful nature reserves, and hiking through them is the best way to appreciate them. Not to mention the generous hospitality of the Jordanian people is hard to believe, coming from the US. The food was great, our group was delightful, and I feel empowered to tackle some more big trekking trips. My 1st time in the Middle East but not my last!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/06/2023

 

Kelly   -  Traveled, September 2023

I can not rate this trip high enough. The people I meet, the tour guide (Anas!), the food, the accommodation were all fantastic.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/27/2023

 

Lauren   -  Traveled, May 2023

Don’t just get in a golf cart to “see” Petra. Walk it. You get such a vibe and see things most people and tours don’t see.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 05/27/2023

 

Rachel   -  Traveled, May 2023

Its now 4 weeks since my Jordan hiking trip ended and I still can't stop telling people what an amazing trip it was! Our group leader Furat was excellent - a leader whose knowledge, pride, enthusiasm and love for his country helped create one of the best trips I have ever taken. Thank you Furat!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 06/07/2023

 

Steve   -  Traveled, May 2023

Steve / really enjoy the 7 day trek adventure in Jordan. The tour group size was just right 12. The people on the tour were open minded and we all bonded well. Our guide Furat, brought the group together and made the tour with his enthusiasm : knowledge towards hi as country, job and the tour group

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 05/25/2023

 

Barry   -  Traveled, May 2023

We are experienced international travelers over several decades who only recently chose a small group tour with Intrepid. We chose it due to the hiking option offered in Jordan. We are extremely pleased with the tour and have no hesitation in recommending it to other travelers. Great value for the money.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 05/23/2023

 

Marie-Andrée   -  Traveled, May 2023

This tour was brilliant! Amazing lanscapes and hikes, great guide and so much laugh and fun during the entire week!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 05/22/2023

 

Fiona   -  Traveled, April 2023

Had an incredibly enjoyable trip with our fantastic tour guide Wafa'a as well as a super group. Wafa'a was one of the best tour guides I've had - she really was a part of our group and we loved her knowledge and company. The trip itself was fun. I was a little worried that I'd hold people back with the walking due to a foot injury a couple of months before the trip but was able to take part in all the walks despite my fitness levels not being at the level I'd wanted them to be. Lots (and lots!) of steps in Petra and hiking in Wadi Rum was tough with the sand and heat, but helped by the usefully recommended trekking poles. Couldn't recommend this trip enough. If you love walking and culture, this is a great trip.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/09/2023

 

Charlotte   -  Traveled, April 2023

Fantastic trip, our guide Waffa was amazing and couldn’t do enough for us. She made sure everyone was having a great time and made sure that we saw everything Jordan had to offer. The trip was amazing. Defiantly recommend.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 05/12/2023

 

Emma   -  Traveled, April 2023

These hikes were incredible. If you take this trip, you'll climb through and around gorgeous rocky paths and unique landscapes.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 05/14/2023

 

Patti   -  Traveled, April 2023

This tour allows you to see and feel the beauty of Jordan in an active and interactive way. It will open your mind and heart to the Jordanian culture in a way that few other trips would provide. The guide leader's enthusiasm for exploring and hiking in Jordan is contagious!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 04/23/2023

 

Anne   -  Traveled, March 2023

This trip was absolutely incredible! Would do it again in a heartbeat. Our guide was fabulous, the landscapes are so stunning, the history was ancient and rich, all the local people we met were welcoming and warm, and the food was just delightful. Petra is even more amazing than what you think of it before you go. Wadi Rum is totally magical. The short time at the Dead Sea was relaxing. My only complaint is that the trip went by too fast!!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 04/07/2023

 

Julie   -  Traveled, March 2023

Hiking in Jordan was amazing and really exceeded my expectations. Wally the tour guide was really knowledgeable, and kept us well informed about all aspects of the trip. The hiking was a great way to see and experience Jordan, every day was busy and the different accommodation were very comfortable. This was my first trip with Intrepid and I would definitely book with them again.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/24/2023

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