Best of Dana

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Dana
The 15th-century stone village of Dana lies on a precipice overlooking a wide valley,  and has a fascinating collection of Ottoman-style dwellings that seem little changed over the years. While most of the village’s original inhabitants now live in nearby Al-Qadisiyyah, some of their former homes have been transformed into eco-lodges. Dana is also the gateway to outdoor adventures in one of Jordan’s most important nature reserves. 

You’ll find an impressive array of plant and animal life amid the varied landscapes of the Dana Biosphere Reserve. Hiking trails ranging from short jaunts to multi-day treks offer the chance to spy some of the unique wildlife, including the Sand Cat, the world’s only feline that spends the majority of its time in the desert. You can make the most of your trip by overnighting in the desert at atmospheric places like Rummana Camp. 
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Sunrise over the Wadi Rum
Jordan's Natural Wonders: Amman, Dana, Petra & Wadi Rum - 7 Days

Perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, this week-long active itinerary immerses you in Jordan's contrasting natural landscapes. Starting in the capital of Amman, you'll explore the lush forests of Aljoun and stroll the boardwalks of Azraq's biodiverse wetlands, then head south to hike through the breathtaking Dana Biosphere Reserve. Continue to Petra to explore its ancient carved canyons, and venture into the "Valley of the Moon" to camp under desert skies and watch the sunrise over shifting sands.

Trek your way to the lost city of Petra
Hike the Jordan Trail: Amman, Dana, Petra & the Dead Sea - 11 Days

This 11-day adventure takes you trekking along a breathtaking portion of the famed Jordan Trail. Beginning at the Dana Biosphere Reserve and ending at the ancient carved canyons of Petra, you'll cross rugged desert landscapes by day and camp under the stars by night. As the hiking portion of your trip draws to a close, transfer to the shores of the Dead Sea for some well-earned downtime before ending your stay in the lively capital of Amman.

Cycle through Jordan's otherwordly landscapes
Jordan Cycling Adventure: Madaba to Wadi Rum - 8 Days

Cycle through some of Jordan's most spectacular desert landscapes on this active 8-day itinerary. Setting out from historic Madaba, you'll make your way south along the Dead Sea coast, visiting ancient landmarks like Shobak Castle and the lost city of Petra. Cross shifting sands and rugged mountains to end your adventure among the red dunes of Wadi Rum, where you'll sleep under the stars in a Bedouin camp.

Hike the ancient steps towards Petra
Jordan Trekking Adventure: Dana, Petra, Wadi Mujib, Aljoun & the Dead Sea - 9 Days

Trek through some of Jordan's most dramatic and diverse scenery on this active 9-day itinerary. Explore the unspoiled ecosystems of the Dana Biosphere, embark on an epic hike to the lost city of Petra, and camp with the Bedouin in the deserts of Wadi Rum. After some downtime to float in the salty waters of the Dead Sea, more adventure beckons with treks through Jordan's "Grand Canyon" and the Aljoun Forest.

Views over the Dana Biosphere Reserve
Jordan Trekking: Dana to Petra & the Dead Sea - 10 Days

Trek your way through some of Jordan's most breathtaking landscapes on this adventurous 10-day itinerary. Experience the pristine nature of Dana Biosphere Reserve, then set out into the rugged countryside for five days of trekking towards Petra. A dramatic final climb takes you to the sandstone city's hidden entrance, where you'll have plenty of time to explore its carved temples and tombs before transferring to the Dead Sea for some well-earned rest.

The beautiful river canyon of Wadi Mujib
Hike Jordan's Valleys & Canyons: Amman, Dana, Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea

Get off the beaten path and into some of Jordan's most spectacular scenery on this adventurous 11-day itinerary. Scramble along the sandstone cliffs of Wadi Numeira, explore the ecosystems of the Dana Biosphere Reserve, trek the back route to the lost city of Petra, and climb desert dunes to watch the sunrise over the Wadi Rum. After some soothing soaks in the Dead Sea, you'll be ready to hit the trails one last time with an unforgettable hike through the soaring river canyon of Wadi Mujib.

Trek through the river canyons of Wadi Mujib
Jordan's Natural Wonders: Amman, Dana, Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba & Dead Sea - 11 Days

Outdoor adventures abound on this 11-day exploration of Jordan's most spectacular deserts, forests, and canyons. Go birdwatching in the wetlands of Azraq, hike through the unique ecosystems of Dana and Aljoun, camp on the red sands of Wadi Rum, and trek along the magnificent river canyon of Wadi Mujib. In between active excursions, you'll tour iconic cultural sites like Petra, Jerash, and Umm Qais—then relax and unwind on the beaches of the Red and Dead Seas.

Trek along the Jordan Trail towards Petra
Trek the Jordan Trail: Dana to Petra & Wadi Rum - 13 Days

Check one of the world's greatest trekking routes off your bucket list with this 13-day adventure along the Jordan Trail. Setting out from the lush valleys of the Dana Biosphere Reserve, you'll hike your way along the scenic route to Petra—spending your evenings surrounded by nature in comfortable Bedouin-style tents. After an epic climb to the hidden back entrance of the sandstone city, transfer into the red sands of Wadi Rum to end your adventure with an unforgettable desert experience—camping, hiking, and riding camels across the "Valley of the Moon."

Dana Nature Reserve
Map of Off the Beaten Path in Egypt & Jordan: Cairo, Luxor, Petra, and More- 14 Days
Off the Beaten Path in Egypt & Jordan: Cairo, Luxor, Petra, and More- 14 Days

This 14-day itinerary through Egypt and Jordan takes you to places off the beaten path. Explore Siwa, an ancient and isolated urban oasis on the border of the Sahara, hike through the Dana Biosphere Reserve to one the world's best eco-lodges, and stroll through ancient alleyways in the village of Salt. Of course, there'll be plenty of time dedicated to visiting cultural and historical attractions like Cairo and Luxor, the Dead Sea, Petra, and Wadi Rum.

Explore the Dana Biosphere Reserve and visit the stone village of Dana
Map of Highlights of Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea, & More - 14 Days
Highlights of Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea, & More - 14 Days

This two-week tour of Jordan covers cultural highlights and lesser-known attractions. Start in Amman and travel the length of the country from the hills of Umm Qais down to Aqaba on the Red Sea. Along the way, you'll discover the ancient city of Petra, camp in Wadi Rum, and float in the Dead Sea. You'll also tour Crusader-era castles, hike in the Dana Biosphere Reserve, and visit the Byzantine mosaics of Madaba.

Yoga in Petra
Map of Desert Yoga Escape in Jordan: Wadi Rum & Little Petra - 9 Days
Desert Yoga Escape in Jordan: Wadi Rum & Little Petra - 9 Days

On this nine-day retreat to Jordan, you’ll connect with the elements with outdoor yoga and equine therapy. Take in the desert surroundings in Wadi Rum and Little Petra, a beautiful backdrop for your daily yoga practice. Bedouin camps will provide a home to chant, meditate, participate in fire gatherings, and sleep under the stars. Take a camel ride, explore the iconic Monastery in Petra, and take a therapeutic float in the Dead Sea to end this enlightening trip.

Other popular travel destinations in Jordan
Petra · Amman · Wadi Rum · The Dead Sea · Aqaba · Madaba · Feynan · Ajloun · Little Petra · Umm Qais