Trekking Adventures in Jordan's Valleys & Deserts - 6 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Amman, Transfer to Dana, Hiking & Abseiling in Wadi Numeira

Welcome to Jordan! Your driver will be waiting for you on arrival in the capital of Amman, but your glimpses of this desert metropolis are brief as you start the two-hour private transfer to Wadi Numeira, also known as the Dead Sea Valley. The term wadi generally refers to a river valley that remains dry for most of the year. Upon arrival, your adventure starts with a private guided hike through this sandstone canyon that looks like something straight out of "Star Wars." Follow the dry river bed deeper inside Wadi Numeira to see undulating rock formations and traces of the springs that cut through this rocky gorge.

Continue the thrill-seeking by abseiling in Wadi Bin Hammad this afternoon. There are several waterfalls and cliffsides that you'll rappel down, experiencing a completely different side of these jaw-dropping landscapes. Afterward, you'll transfer to Dana, an ancient Ottoman village that lies about 1.5 hours south. Tucked away in the lush Dana Biosphere Reserve, this city of stone was built in the 15th century and is surrounded by some of Jordan's most varied ecosystems. Get some rest tonight—tomorrow is another day of hiking!

Day 2: Hike in the Dana Biosphere Reserve, Transfer to Petra

This morning, you'll make your way deeper inside the Dana Biosphere Reserve on the Wadi Dana Trail, skimming the Great Rift Valley and passing through sandstone gorges and Bedouin camps. This private guided hike covers almost 10 miles (16 km) and takes between six and seven hours to complete. You'll have plenty of opportunities to spot elusive wildlife along the way, like sand cats, Nubian ibex, eagles, gazelles, spiny-tailed lizards, and even Syrian wolves. Despite it's arid nature, you'll be surprised to find a wealth of greenery and lush vegetation in this biodiverse ecosystem.

At the end of your trek, put your feet up and grab some rest as your driver transfers you two hours south to Petra. Known as the "Rose City" for its pink sandstone hue, this UNESCO-listed wonder dates to around 300 BCE, and its intricate rock-cut temples and tombs carved into narrow canyons once formed part of an ancient Nabataean capital. You'll arrive in the evening, so settle in and get an early night to prepare for tomorrow's epic trek.

Day 3: Full-Day Trek from Beida to Petra

You're off on another privately guided hike today—trekking 8 miles (14 km) from "Little Petra," formally known as Beida, to Jordan's most famous site, the ancient city of Petra. This hike takes nine hours in total, following in the footsteps of the city's ancient inhabitants. The trail eventually leads to the back entrance of Petra, a route that most visitors don't take, and you'll arrive just as the Nabateans and other traders did—on foot. Striking views of The Treasury, Petra's most iconic monument, will come into view through The Siq, a passageway flanked by towering cliffs. 

Once you arrive, take your time to explore this fascinating New Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Seek out the Royal Tombs, Monastery, Theater, and colonnade-flanked streets. You might recognize certain locations from famous movies filmed here, from "Lawrence of Arabia" to "Aladdin" and "Dune." Your driver will be waiting for you after you're finished exploring, making the transfer back to your hotel for the evening a breeze.

Day 4: Transfer to Wadi Rum, Jeep Excursion & Guided Hike

Make the 1.5-hour transfer to Wadi Rum this morning, where you'll spend the rest of the day immersed in Bedouin culture. The vast desert landscapes of Wadi Rum are steeped in thousands of years of history, with the petroglyphs and inscriptions to prove it. Kick off your desert adventure with a morning Jeep excursion to see the area's impressive rock formations and lunar landscapes up close. Seek out the Seven Pillars of Wisdom, Thamudic inscriptions (in a now-extinct language), a Nabataean temple, and Lawrence's House (named for T.E. Lawrence or Lawrence of Arabia) along the way. 

After your morning of adrenaline, head out on another hike through the desert with a Bedouin guide. You'll get an insider's look at the terrain, learning about this unforgiving landscape from an expert who has lived here all their life. In the evening, take part in another nomadic method of transportation—camel riding. Stroll off into the sunset with your trusty steed as the sun begins to set into the dunes. You'll be spending the night in the utmost comfort at a desert camp. After a traditional dinner around the campfire, look to the skies to see a bright blanket of stars illuminating the clear desert sky.

Day 5: Sunrise Hike, Transfer to the Dead Sea

Rise and shine this morning for a sunrise hike in Wadi Rum. Head out from camp to a viewpoint chosen by your local guide. You'll sip coffee or tea as you watch the sun paint the desert in hues of vermillion, ocher, and rose. Then, grab a quick breakfast back at camp before you say your goodbyes and join your driver for the five-hour transfer to the Dead Sea. The long drive through the desert will be well worth the wait to witness this natural phenomenon and it's cerulean water.

Upon arrival, enjoy a peaceful afternoon—you've earned it after all the hikes you've accomplished! Float in the Dead Sea's high-salinity water, full of therapeutic minerals like magnesium and potassium that are said to aid in relaxation and improved circulation. Many visitors cover their bodies in mud from the shores of the Dead Sea for an additional curative boost. You'll also have access to a pool that's perfect for swimming in after you've had your fill of this briny body of water.

Day 6: Hike in Wadi Mujib, Transfer to Amman, Depart

What better way to spend your last day in Jordan than another quick morning hike? This time, you'll traipse deep into Wadi Mujib, a biosphere reserve known for its slot canyons, milky blue streams, and sandstone cliffs that seem to reach for the sky. Along the way, look for desert wildlife like caracal cats and Syrian wolves, as your private guide points out interesting features of the canyon, like waterfalls and refreshing pools that are perfect for a dip. 

In the afternoon, you'll be transferred back to the airport in Amman, where it's time to say goodbye to this beautiful desert country. See you next time! 

More Great Jordan Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Jordan? Check out these other Jordan itineraries, explore different ways to spend six days in Jordan, or discover the best time to visit Jordan.