How to Plan an Adventure Trip to Jordan
Jordan adventure trips need 7-10 days minimum to cover Petra, Wadi Rum desert camping, and Dead Sea experiences. Book accommodations 2-3 months ahead for peak season (March-May, September-November). Budget $80-120 per day including adventure activities, local transport, and mid-range lodging.
- Choose your adventure focus. Decide between hiking-focused (Petra trails, Dana Biosphere), desert-focused (Wadi Rum camping, camel treks), or mixed adventure. Most first-timers do mixed: 3 days Petra area, 2 days Wadi Rum, 2 days Dead Sea/Amman.
- Book Wadi Rum desert camp early. Reserve Bedouin camps 6-8 weeks ahead for peak months. Feynan Ecolodge and Feras Desert Camp book fastest. Confirm what's included: meals, activities, transport from Wadi Rum village.
- Plan Petra hiking days. Buy 2-day Jordan Pass ($70) or 3-day pass ($75) for multiple Petra entries. Book early morning starts for Treasury hikes. Al Khubtha and Jabal Haroun trails need guides - arrange through your hotel.
- Arrange transport between regions. Rent a car (easiest for adventure gear) or book JETT bus between cities. Driving Amman to Petra takes 3.5 hours, Petra to Wadi Rum is 1.5 hours. Car rental runs $25-40 per day plus gas.
- Schedule around weather. Desert camping is miserable June-August (45°C days). Petra hiking is brutal in summer heat. Book March-May or September-November. Winter desert nights hit near freezing.
- Confirm activity requirements. Most Wadi Rum activities (jeep tours, camel rides) are included with camp stays. Rock climbing and canyoning need separate booking through specialized operators like Tropical Desert Trips.
- Is Jordan safe for adventure travel?
- Very safe. Jordan is one of the most stable countries in the Middle East. Standard adventure precautions apply - inform others of hiking plans, carry extra water in desert.
- Can I do Petra and Wadi Rum in one day each?
- Possible but rushed. Petra needs minimum 2 full days to see main sites properly. Wadi Rum deserves overnight camping experience. Plan 3 days Petra, 2 days Wadi Rum minimum.
- What adventure activities need advance booking?
- Desert camps (6-8 weeks ahead), hot air balloon rides (weather dependent), advanced rock climbing with guides. Most other activities can be arranged on arrival.
- How much hiking fitness do I need?
- Moderate fitness sufficient for main Petra trails. Monastery climb is 800 steps. Advanced hikes like Al Khubtha need good fitness and no fear of heights.