Jordan A land full of magical stories, where biblical locations and forgotten trading cities meet vast deserts with dramatic mountains and wadis (canyons) — followed by the lowest point on earth. In this travel blog, we invite you to discover the hidden facets of Jordan, off the beaten track and tourist clichés. Immerse yourself with us in the mystical atmosphere of Petra, where the ancient ruins tell stories from times long gone. Explore the endless expanses of the Wadi Rum Desert, where the sand preserves the silence of centuries. Enjoy the hospitality of locals who are proud to share their culture with visitors. Join us on this unforgettable journey as we unveil the timeless magic of this fascinating country and introduce Jordan's rich diversity in all its glory.
We recommend that you set aside at least 7 days to travel to Jordan. As is often the case in Jordan, more days are better.
We flew from Hamburg via Istanbul to Amman, which is the international airport in Jordan. We can recommend the many flights to Amman with Turkish Airlines, which offered great service. We usually search for our flights via Skyscanner but in this case booking was by far the cheapest option. In general, we recommend that you book a rental car at the airport directly upon arrival. Traveling around Jordan on your own with a rental car was one of our highlights.
How safe is Jordan? This was by far the most common question before our trip to the Middle East. This is also a very valid question, as we flew in November 2023, where the riots between Gaza and Israel were extremely high. Many people always have thought of war and terrorism when they think of the Middle East. On our trip to Jordan, apart from checkpoints, which immediately waved us through at any time, we noticed no problems. There has been peace in Jordan for years, and when there is unrest, Jordan does everything it can to keep it outside its borders. Jordan has therefore been a safe country for travelers for years. Even though Jordan is a safe country in the Middle East, you should still be prepared for a culture shock.
As mentioned above, renting a car is the best way to travel from accommodation to accommodation. In general, there is accommodation in Jordan such as sand in the desert. It is all the more gratifying that you can book great hotels and apartments at very fair prices. We recommend booking again, where we found the cheap accommodation. Airbnb's offer, on the other hand, was rather meager and in comparison, we always had breakfast included when booking. Since the time in the morning was usually only enough for a short meal, we were very happy not to have to cook this time. Especially because breakfast in Jordan was usually really great and is shockingly vegetarian.
Hiking boots, water bottle, rain jacket, sweaters, sportswear, flashlight, camera. Here are good shoes, just like on our trip to the Dolomites, one of the most important “must haves” in your suitcase.
Of course, there are also people in Jordan who visit the desert city of Petra and the Mountains and are armed with Nike's. In most cases, you will also get ahead with normal sneakers, but then it will quickly become slippery and dangerous.
Spring and Autumn
Get the Jordan Pass Before your trip! The Jordan Pass is a smart purchase, as it not only does not require 40 JD (approx. 50€) for a tourist visa upon arrival, but also covers tens of attractions such as the entrance to Petra.
And the adventure begins...
After arriving in Amman, we were taken to our rental car, which we had booked via Check24. This is also where the first culture shock began, because although people go about their everyday lives peacefully, the partly empty and broken buildings on the side of the road are reminiscent of tens of war films. Due to the heated situation on the Gaza Strip, checkpoints with a military presence were also set up near the border with Israel, which was not exactly conducive to feeling comfortable. The checks were always smooth and very relaxed, which surprisingly made us feel more safe after a few checks. Arriving at the Hotel, We Saw the Sheer Extent of the Dead Sea for the First Time. The silence on the water and the “dead” landscape around Dead Sea absolutely contribute to the fascination. Especially when you realize that the shore is more than 400 m below sea level and is therefore the lowest point in the world.
For vacant accommodation on the Dead Sea, it is best to contact Booking look.
On the second day, we started our day with a long-awaited bath in the dead sea. It was obvious that it would be salty here, but we were very surprised that the sand on the beach and the buoys in the water are completely covered with salt crystals. The salt content in normal seas is around three percent, while the Dead Sea, on the other hand, Over 30 percent provides.
It is therefore absolutely advisable not to take a sip of water or get any of it in your eyes. And most importantly - do not shave before you go into the water. The first fall into the weightless water was unbelievable! Logically, we've never experienced anything like this before. It is truly impossible to sink and your legs are literally thrown upwards when you try to make a candle in water. Floating relaxed in water while reading a book is therefore actually possible and without any effort.
After breakfast, which would have been enough for an entire family, we set off for the next destination - Wadi Mujib.
Oh boy that was an absolute highlight of the entire trip! In Retrospect, we were very surprised how little we read about Wadi Mujib, because this should be an absolute must see on your trip through Jordan. The entrance fee here is quite high at 21 JD but absolutely worthwhile. You don't need a guide or a special time slot here. All you have to do is go to Wadi Mujib Experience Center Drive where you will receive your life jacket after payment. I recommend that you bring a small water bag to store your cell phone, etc., because you will definitely get wet.
The View of the Deep Gorges in the Wadi (meaning Valley or River Course) is simply breathtaking. It is almost impossible to get lost during the tour, as all you have to do is follow the water and take the same route back again at the end. However, the water gets stronger here the sooner you get to the final waterfall.
The route there includes smaller swimming passages and climbing units, which, however, never posed any serious problems. However, you should still have a certain level of physical fitness, otherwise the ever-increasing flow of water can be dangerous. When we arrived at the waterfall, we took a short break behind the flowing water and looked at the view.
The way back is much faster as we were able to partially lie on our backs and simply let the current get us out of the gorge. In general, you should plan around 2 hours for the main route. As you can see, Wadi Mujib is so special because it not only combines beautiful gorge with water flows, but also physical activity, making it a real adventure.
After our adventure in Wadi Mujib, we are over King's Highway Set off towards Wadi Rum. We strongly recommend that you take this highway, as it is not only safer but also incredibly impressive. The section also includes normal road sections but is quickly lost in the mountains of Jordan, which are very impressive. The rental car has already paid off just for this section and driving through it alone. The trip from Wadi Mujib to Wadi Rum Village should take around 4 hours.
The Wadi Rum Village is the last village where you can equip yourself with food, drink, etc. In addition, this is usually the last place where you will have a reception in Wadi Rum. All typical camps in Wadi Rum are in fact in the desert. So you should definitely check with your camp in Wadi Rum when exactly you should be at the village. We were picked up at the village by our camp owner Madhi, after which he took us to camp on a wild ride. We can recommend the camp, as in addition to the classic Bedouin Huts, it also offers more exclusive variants with a fantastic view of the Red Sand Dunes. After dinner together at camp, we went for a walk through the dunes and marveled at the starry sky.
For vacant accommodation in Wadi Rum, it is best to contact Booking look.
I probably had one of the best views in the morning in Wadi Rum. Since I knew in advance that it should be fantastic here, I was really looking forward to the first morning! Especially because we arrived at camp in the dark and there are hardly any light sources, we could barely see where we were actually. I rarely woke up in front of my alarm with so much joy and could hardly believe it. This view was amazing and all without any sources of disturbance and absolute peace. The fact that there is no reception here also contributes to the additional idyll. It also had the positive effect that we had breakfast with tens of people from all over the world.
After breakfast, we packed our bags for the booked day trip. In our camp, we had to discuss the desired tours in the village and pay directly. We opted for the regular tour, which includes a day trip through the desert on a jeep. In particular, well-known film locations and impressive rock formations are shown here.
We decided to Marvel at Everything from the Roof of the Jeep to create an absolute adventure feeling. Although we had tens of breaks with many stops, the day flew by. It is really difficult to name “the” highlight here, as everything seems like another world and is really special. When looking at the many bubble camps, which are surrounded by red sands and surreal rock formations, it quickly becomes clear why the location is often used as a backdrop for Hollywood blockbusters such as “The Martian,” “Star Wars,” and “Dune.”
In addition, we went through a similar gorge as in Wadi Mujib only this time without water and significantly shorter but no less impressive. What makes this gorge so special are the many wall paintings from the past. When we came out of the gorge, we took a break in a local shop, where we were offered tea and had the opportunity to buy “real” souvenirs. If you are looking for ordinary magnets and postcards, you won't find anything here. However, you can find countless variants of old oil lamps or dead Scorpions here.
As we left, the shop owner also made his way home, of course, typical Wadi Rum on a Camel. In general, I have to say that I have heard a lot of negative things in advance regarding the handling of animals in Jordan. However, my opinion is very divided here. In Wadi Rum, the Camels looked really great and were kept like ordinary pets with lots of exercise. So if you absolutely want to go on a camel tour then please only do Wadi Rum. On the other hand, everything that concerns animals, whether camel or mule, should be avoided at all costs in Petra.
The last stop on the agenda was a campfire in the middle of the desert where we were given tea again and, in our round with everyone, review what we had experienced while the sun slowly sets in the red desert. Another truly magical experience on the trip. In general, I have to say that I have rarely met such great tourists on a trip as in Jordan. When the Last Rays of the Sun Burned Up, We Headed Back to Camp, Where Dinner Was Ready After Just a Short Time It is particularly exciting that the food is put in a sand hole and then buried again, where it then cooks for several hours.
After another wonderful sunrise in the desert, we went to the main tent, where we had to say goodbye to some guests at breakfast. Many tourists come to Wadi Rum for just one night and everyone we spoke to felt that was not enough. We can say from our own experience how happy we were to be able to spend two full days in the desert. Since many guests are now being brought either to a jeep tour or to a camel ride, it quickly became very empty in the camp. We wondered if our plan for the day was really such a good idea. In fact, we wanted to explore the desert on a few fists or by foot and luckily we were well prepared for it. Otherwise, this idea would have backfired quickly. Armed with Sunscreen, Lots of Water and a Hat, We Just Went for It After Just a Short Time, We Saw a Flock of Camels Peacefully Passing by Us in the Distance, Which Was a Truly Wonderful Moment
In general, the many mountains in Wadi Rum are very easy to climb and offer a wonderful view of the red desert every time. A real life saver was my Garmin GPS watch, which showed us the way back. Without working Google Maps, Lots of Sand Hills and Even More Sun, Our Way Back would be the perfect intro for a survival movie. Fortunately, my Garmin watch easily showed us the way back through GPS tracking. So we only spent the day in the desert hiking and a few hiking sessions and can recommend this as long as you are well equipped. In general, however, it is of course not wrong to simply book a second tour in the camp. But for the perfect adventure, where we walked alone through the desert, this was just right! After the usual dinner with a lot more singing and dancing around the campfire this time, we went to bed.
On our last morning in camp, we realized that the incredible time in camp was coming to an end. We never thought in advance that we would like Wadi Rum so much. After saying goodbye to all members, we went back to civilization, where we had Internet again for the first time after 3 days. Terrifying how quickly you can get used to just spending your time in nature and leaving digital life behind. However, the farewell had one ray of hope and that was Petra. After another exciting trip through the mountains of Jordan, we arrived at our new accommodation after about 2 hours. Our accommodation was called “Petra Desert Dream Hotel,” which we once again booked the cheapest via Booking. The absolute highlight here is not the great view of the mountains but the warm host Baker with whom we are still in contact. When we traded in our big bags for our small backpacks, we set off for the Visitor Center. After a quick drive of just under 7 minutes, we found a parking space right at the entrance, where we quickly got in with our Jordan Pass. Right at the start, we were increasingly approached by the locals, who wanted to sell us something. Since we had already read in advance that this appears more frequently in Petra, we either passed by without comment or simply said “no Šukran.” Due to the heated situation in the Middle East, we were in turn able to benefit from having to share the gorges with just a few people. In general, I can only point out once again not to travel to Jordan during peak times in summer, as it is much too hot and B is it also too crowded.
Since Petra and especially the legendary treasure house are, as is likely for many travelers in Jordan, the main argument for the actual trip, it was also the case with us. I was all the more excited because it went deeper and deeper into the gorges and we were waiting for the treasure house around every corner. After about 2 kilometers, it was finally time and we couldn't believe our own eyes. We have never seen anything so majestic, even though we always had praised the Vatican in Rome to heaven. All the details on the handle and the fact that the entire monument was built deep into a mountain and even has a cellar make the treasure house alone a wonder of the world. In addition, we arrived just at the right time, as the gorge we were in was quite cold and gloomy and the treasure house was in turn almost divinely illuminated by the sun.
A little tip - If you want to go to the famous photo spots like us and many other tourists, you shouldn't be talked about by the locals again. These spots are easy to find yourself and can sometimes be reached in 2 minutes. For the most famous spot, you have to go right after the gorge, where you will find a small fence with an entrance. You must now follow this for a few meters and you will finally arrive at the platform. Once at the top, you will be asked to buy a tea or coffee so that you can go to the final cliff. Since the price was low and the tea was always delicious in Jordan, we quickly agreed.
After our short photo break, we moved on, because of course we wanted to see more than “just” the treasure house. Even though we had often read in advance that Petra is much bigger than you often think, we were still very surprised how big the city is. On the main trail, you will always be able to see many old monuments and caves from the past, which are truly breathtaking and immerse you in the dense atmosphere.
If you follow the main path, you will end up at the also well-known monument “The Monastery” and turn back from there. However, we decided to plan this for the next day and explore the many other routes instead. We particularly liked the Al-Khubtha Trail, which offers fantastic views of the landscape at any time and finally rewards you with another view of the treasure house. There is a small café here, where we could enjoy an incredible view over another delicious cup of tea. Since we were only here around 5 pm, we were lucky to be able to sit there completely alone, which of course contributed to the adventurous atmosphere.
When it was getting dark, we slowly made our way back, where we had dinner in downtown Wadi Musa to kneel down. In general, you'll get excellent food in Jordan if you look at the Google Reviews. In Petra and the surrounding area, however, the food is significantly more expensive compared to Amman, the capital. Since Petra is of course the selling point in Jordan, that makes sense. We paid around 16€ per person per meal with drink, which was absolutely fine. Over a non-alcoholic beer (you hardly find any alcohol in Jordan), we reviewed what we had experienced with Radiant Laughter, as is so often the case in Jordan.
For vacant accommodation in Petra, it is best to contact Booking look.
On day 6, we went up quite early in the morning again. So with a packed backpack, we got into the car and drove to Petra's Visitor Center, where we could park again without any problems. Since we were mainly at the Treasury and the surrounding area on the first day in the desert city of Petra, the monastery was on the agenda for the 2nd day. So we went through the Deep Gorges of Petra again and got a mystical view of the treasure house that day as well. Even though we spent a lot of time there, this view was never taken for granted and was simply breathtaking. After we were back on the main road, we turned left and right again and again, as you walk past various old ruins the whole time. We particularly liked the small church, which was broken down due to an earthquake. Since Petra was only rediscovered 200 years ago, many undiscovered treasures and ruins are still hidden in the sand today. As a result, we were able to watch church workers carefully expose the floor of the old church with small brushes.
In general, it is very interesting that Petra is still quite young as a tourist attraction. It was not until the 1920s that archaeological excavations began, and only then was it developed as an important tourist attraction. The background to this late discovery is as fascinating as it is curious: Petra was considered lost for as many as 1200 years. It wasn't until 1812 before this ancient city was rediscovered for Europe — and that by a Swiss who disguised himself as an Arab and claimed to be a Sheikh. This unusual anecdote gives Petra an additional mystical charm, and the story of rediscovery adds another compelling aspect to this truly unique tourist attraction.
After this small excavation, we went straight to the monastery this time. Here, too, I can only say that really no one should take the offered mounts upstairs as a vehicle. In Petra, the conditions of the individual animals are sometimes harrowing and should never be supported by tourists. The Way to the Monastery is an adventure in itself, as not only are there over 800 steps waiting for you, but also fantastic views. Once at the top, we had to pause for now, similar to the treasure house - an unbelievable sight.
I did not think that the monastery or monastery would inspire me so much. This time, it is not only the many details that are still very easy to see, but the sheer size of this monument. You are also surrounded by a great mountain panorama with four other view points. We can particularly recommend a viewpoint - all you have to do is follow the “Best View in the World” sign. I don't know if it was the best view of my life, but this view ended up in my top 10.
We liked this place so much that we not only enjoyed a cup of tea with the view, but also had a longer break with snacks. After this well-deserved break, we slowly went back down the hill, where the 800 steps were already waiting for us. On this day we did not stay until Nightfall, but went back to the accommodation a little earlier because that evening Petra by Night He was waiting for us.
For this spectacle, you should definitely remember that it doesn't take place every day! Petra by Night It takes place every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and starts at 8:30pm at the Petra Visitor Center. The tickets can be purchased directly at the entrance and should definitely be purchased in advance. The entrance fee for Petra by Night is 17 JD, and children under 10 years of age have free admission. Even though the price isn't really cheap, we had a fascinating evening, because the way to the treasure house alone is decorated with lots of lights and already creates a unique atmosphere.
When we arrived at the treasure house, as is so often the case in Jordan, we had to pause and marvel at the view. Although we have seen and admired the treasure house tens of times during the 2 days, it is an even more mystical atmosphere at night and the lights. When we got our seat, the performance continued after brief moments. You shouldn't expect a real show here, as only something about Petra's story is told at the beginning, followed by several musical interludes. The music didn't really blow us away, but the event also totally thrives on immersing yourself in this ancient world. Unfortunately, we were unlucky to sit next to a group that was very loud and thus took away some of the magic. However, I would do Petra by night again and again!
On the last full day in Jordan, we headed north again. Since we are flying back to Germany from Amman, we have saved the capital for the last day. Fortunately, there was another small highlight on the way to Amman, namely the Mount Nebo. This mountain is not just a mountain with a beautiful view, but a historical heavyweight. Because the area around the Sea of Galilee, the Jordan Valley and Mount Nebo is rich in biblical stories and still has religious significance today. Mount Nebo is in fact the place where Moses died and is therefore particularly important. It is also important to mention in the Old Testament how Moses Hears God's voice on Mount Nebo, looks at the land of Canaan and thus symbolizes the Holy Land. Apart from a church and memorial towns, there isn't really much to see on the mountain, but this place was a highlight for us simply because of its religious significance.
There is a small restaurant on Mount Nebo where we ate amazingly well. After Refreshments, we went to the last stop on our trip - the capital amman.
Welcome to Amman — a city that breathes history and is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. In the maze-like alleys, ancient ruins meet vibrant markets & shops. This city, shaped by a rich cultural past and changing at the same time with the present, invites you on a captivating adventure. We would have liked to have had another day in Amman Ourselves, for example to go to the ancient Ruined City of Jerash to drive. Speaking of driving, navigating around and through Amman with your own rental car is probably an adventure in itself. Get ready with rock solid conviction to lose a few pearls of sweat as you roam through the streets. Especially since Amman has a lot of hills, it would have been much more pleasant to have an automatic car in Retrospect. When we found a parking space in front of our accommodation, we went straight away to explore the many roads. Like many tourists, we quickly ended up at Hashem.
That Hashem Is more of a street food experience than a conventional restaurant and definitely doesn't invite you to “relax” — the charming plastic tablecloth romance greets you warmly. But as is often the case, the best food is found where the locals sit on plastic chairs. So don't be afraid — try the many dishes on the menu! We have seldom eaten so well, so much and so cheaply.
The next morning we strolled through the streets again and noticed on Google Maps that Rainbow Street is just around the corner. Because just a few hundred meters from downtown Amman, Rainbow Street is located in the historic Jabal District. It is hailed as one of the most beautiful streets in Amman and is also considered the modern, urban center of the Jordanian capital. So here you'll find numerous trendy restaurants, cafés, art galleries, rooftop bars and trendy shops. We really liked the area even though not all shops were open at this time in the early morning. What is particularly cool is that the Jabal District is quite high and we always had nice viewpoints to see Amman in its bustling yet beautiful splendor.
For vacant accommodation in Amman, it is best to contact Booking look.
Our trip through Jordan was an unforgettable journey of discovery through a fascinating world full of cultural treasures, breathtaking landscapes and hospitable people. From the Majestic Rocks of Petra to the Endless Expanses of the Wadi Rum Desert — Jordan has captivated us with its timeless magic and diversity.
At the end of this trip, we look back on a week full of adventures, cultural experiences and personal discoveries. Jordan, the Land of Biblical Stories and Forgotten Cities, has turned out to be a true pearl of the Middle East. We leave this fascinating country with hearts full of memories and a promise that this journey to a forgotten time is not the end but the beginning of further adventures! We close this chapter of our journey with smiles, a whiff of desert sand, and echoes of the stories Jordan has told us. Until the next adventure — thank you Jordan! 🇯🇴
