Jordan, a country that is underrated in the middle east and one to be explored. The people are extra friendly and the culture is one to be fond of.
F U N F A C T S
Amman is one of the oldest cities in the world
It has five UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Only 15% of Petra has been explored
Mansaf is Jordan’s national dish
A land steeped in history, adorned with breathtaking landscapes, and infused with the vibrant energy of the Middle East. This 5-night, 6-day itinerary beckons you to traverse a tapestry of experiences, from the bustling streets of Amman to the serene shores of the Dead Sea, the ancient marvels of Petra, and the mystical allure of Wadi Rum.
Do you want to travel to Jordan this fall in 2023??
100% want to, necesito, in every other language for yes
hmmm im not sure, need more inspo
E S S E N T I A L T I P S
Before arriving
Buy the Jordan Pass in advance! Such a time and money saver. It gives you access to 40 sights all around Jordan ( including petra, citadel, wadi rum) & it takes away the hassle of having to pay the visa upon arrival to airport, as its included. There are 3 different pricing options but just get the WANDERER if your only visiting petra as a one day visit.
Negotiating is part of the culture , BUT make sure when you’re approached by a vendor you DON'T say “I will see or maybe” because they take it as a possibility to be a yes and won't back down.
Car rentals - make sure you have the car insurance from a trusted rental company at the airport. You can negotiate a price upon arrival if you'd like.
Driving - it is safe to drive in Jordan. Roads are not that rocky. Just know when driving to the desert camps, many people leave their cars outside the "gates of "Wadi Rum" and have the camp pick up and drop off but if your'e a daredevil, like we were, you can actually drive yourself in the sand as long as you don’t get stuck.....
If you want to see Petra at night - plan your trip accordingly by the days that they operate this which is Monday, Wednesdays and Thursdays only (below further information)
Consider either a scenic drive from Wadi Rum to Amman or a convenient flight from Aqaba Airport back to Amman.
CASH - While you might "lose" money in the exchange from US to Jordanian Dollar, the affordability of various amenities and experiences can offset this loss. But you definitely need CASH.
Safety - it is generally a quite safe country to visit but always exercise a degree of caution when traveling. I never felt unsafe there nor threatened. It is also worth knowing that they have strong central government headed by King Abdullah II. And everyone really loves the royal family.
B E S T T I M E T O V I S I T
Spring (March to May). Fall ( September - Beginning November)
Consider traveling in February
I visited in February and the weather was actually much nicer than expected. It was sunny, still chilly because of wind but definitely nice type of cold weather. We did bring our winter coat. The average high temperature in February in Jordan is 56.7°F (13.7°C) and the average low temperature is 39.6°F (4.2°C ). At night did get cold but coming as a Miami girl, it was manageable!
I T I N E R A R Y O V E R V I E W
Amman (1 night)
Dead Sea (1 night)
Petra (1 night)
Wadi rum (2 nights) ideally just because of the drive getting there and to not feel rushed
Copy Google link below for all Pins of Places
D A Y 1
A M M A N
Luxury Hotels:
very much branded hotels
W Hotel Amman - Where I stayed
Ritz Carlton & Four Seasons - located across from each other
Fairmont
Kempinski
Brokeé Hotels
W hotel - was much more affordable than expected and trendy, good view.
Intercontinental
Grand Park Hyatt
La Locanda Boutique Hotel
Restaurants:
Fakhreldine Amman - a culinary gem recognized in the world's 50 best restaurants in the Middle East.
Shams el Bald - more casual
Sufra - also part of top 50 in middle east
Any Shawarma - there was one across the main road of the W hotel in a hole in wall place that was DELICIOSO.
Drinks
Experience seasonal Wacko events at the W Hotel - cool library entrance
Unwind with drinks at the mesmerizing Cantaloupe Amman or 13C Bar in the Back speakeasy
District urban rooftop
Rainbow Street - full of bars
Activities:
Visit the Amman Citadel that overlooks the city (included in jordan pass) - 8 am until 7 pm on Saturdays to Thursdays between April and September and until 4 pm between October and March. The Citadel is only open from 10 am until 4 pm on Fridays throughout the year
Discover King Abdullah Mosque - allows non muslims to enter
Stroll along Rainbow Street, a bustling hub of local culture and shopping
Photo #2 Source: walk my world
D A Y 2
D E A D S E A
Welcome to the lowest point on earth! You will notice you will be on the northern side of the dead sea close to the "border". This part is only about 1 hour away from Amman.
Keep in mind that you are visiting a desert like area along the coast with many resorts. Not like cancun as it is not like you are visiting a city, per se.
Important Tips (I wish I knew before)
Due to the high salt concentration in the water, it’s recommended to only stay in the water for 15 - 20 minutes per visit. I mean honestly that's already enough time to float, take photos, put on mud, etc. Example: Float 10 minutes. Get out, apply mud. Let the mud dry. Get in another 10 minutes. Rinse off in shower. **Don't put your head underwater either & be careful with your eyes**
Don’t shave right before you get in the Dead Sea. It will sting, along with if you have cuts. Recommend shaving few days prior ( 3 - 4 days? depends on your skin)
Take advantage of the Dead Sea Mud - located in lines of the banks is said to be rich in minerals that help with everything from joint pain to skin issues. It can remove excess oil and impurities from the skin's surface, unclog pores, and prevent new breakouts from forming. It's best to use as an exfoliant to the skin leaving it all nice and soft como un bebe.
Wear Dark bikini - the mud can stain light colored swimsuits
Book ahead for a spa treatment as they fill up since everyone wants mud treatments from the source
Luxury Hotels:
Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea - an amazing the Infinity pool at Akkad Pool Grill great for sunset
Movenpick - Best sea view
Brokeé Hotels:
Ramanda
Marriott
Holiday Inn
Restaurants and Drinks:
It is typical to eat your meals at your hotel
Can find a local microbrew called Carakale thats a blonde ale
Activities:
You came there to Float, so float, experience the healing minerals and relajate
Have drinks with captivating sunset views
Arrange a mud spa treatment
Observation panoramic platform and museum devoted to the Dead Sea is a stop on your way to or from the Dead Sea shore
Water Canyoning in Wadi Mujib Reserve- If you have extra time, which I did not, it is recommended by locals, to go to the lowest canyon national park in the world that leads to the dead sea. It's great to go canyoneering here! (Note: closed between November and March) Most commonly chosen trail is the Siq Trail. More information about this canyon can be found here
Photo Source: Walkmyworld, Kempinski
D A Y 3
P E T R A
One of the most beautiful and jaw dropping archaeological sites I have ever visited. As part of the 7 wonders of the world, no wonder it's on almost everyone's bucket list. I'm so glad I got to check this one off. It is about a 3 hours drive from Dead Sea resort area to Petra.
Important Tips (I wish I knew before)
Either drive to Petra go to dinner and Go EARLY next day for tour OR go to petra at night, then go early next morning to see at all
It takes you about 5 hours of your day to do the trail and see lost city of Petra.
TRUST when I say start at the back entrance to Petra. You do a short hike and start with the Monastery. You will have barley anyone (or just yourselves). We started at 7AM. We stayed at Marriott and they gave us to go lunch boxes but you could eat in the park, there’s a small restaurant and suggest that instead of having to carry.
Book a guide! You could do on your own but it's not the same with all the information the guide gives you. It was worth it to us. We booked through Marriott Lobby and I forgot his name but he was the BEST. Photo below of us with him to show front desk.
It's a small town, of course the only thing to do here is see Petra. Don't expect anything else.
If you want that aerial photo from the treasury up top - then you need to climb a sketchy part of the cliff and you pay a tip to the person that is going to take you up there. It's not the guide himself, it's another person. It was worth it. Below video of it
Hotels:
Marriott - stunning sunset views up the hill. 5 minutes drive or less to main entrance (Brokeé)
Movenpick - conveniently located across from the main entrance to Petra (luxury)
Restaurants and Drinks:
My moms recipe - it's an actual restaurant
Elan - traditional in the center of town. Was really good traditional food
Your Hotels restaurant
Cave Bar for drinks -it's said to be the oldest bar location in the world. I don't know about that but its cool to say
Activities:
Obviously PETRA, which entails the Monastery and the treasury + much more. Drink tea at the monastery. Take cash with you of course. START FROM THE BACK.
Petra by night - as mentioned, it runs every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday of each week from 8:30PM - 10:30PM. Tickets can be bought at the Visitor Centre shops, local tour agencies in Petra or at your hotel reception but NOT in advance online. Its beautiful with 1500 candles lit.
D A Y 4 & 5
W A D I R U M
Nestled in the southeast corner of Jordan, think Wadi Rum as MARS and home to Bedouin tribes, known as nomadic desert dwellers from Middle East & Africa.
Not only is this unique red & white desert a UNESCO World Heritage site, but it is a cherished Hollywood backdrop for many blockbusters movies. It all started with the iconic 1962 film 'Lawrence of Arabia,' and now includes The Mummy, Star Wars: Rogue One, Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker, and Dune.
The only route for adventurers to approach the entrance of Wadi Rum desert is by Road. It is 2 hour drive from Petra.
Important tips (I wish I knew before)
There are two pivotal locations before the road turns to sand on your arrival- Wadi Rum Visitor Centre & Wadi Rum Village
If driving a rental car ( like we did), I highly suggest arranging a pickup with the camp from the wadi rum village. It is most often done this way since they have special vehicles. Unlike us, we DID drive on the sand to the camp… it was very cool but guess what if you stray from the flat sand path designated for cars, you WILL get stuck. like us....They had to take out air from the tire and then we had to drive to a gas station far from the village to put air...Some provide secure parking within the village. Your host will guide you on this after booking. It is safe to leave car, just bring your belongings.
NO alcohol in Wadi Rum sold or allowed to buy
Bring sunglasses & head scarf... trust me you don't want that and in your eyes or hair. I tied it in braids to prevent knotting.
Only camps, no large hotel. It's the traditional way but so nice to stay in them. It's not camping but glamping.
This is the part of the trip worth "splurging" on! Why? For logistic reasons and being in the middle of nowhere, you want to this part of the trip to be at EASE and planned accordingly in advance. Camps will have food included. You want those beautiful views, clean beddings and facilities, A/C, good food & staff to book the excursions.
Wadi Rum Visitor Centre Located along the the desert highway, all travelers must stop here. You will register with officials, present your Jordan Pass, or secure entrance tickets if you did not buy the pass. If you've arranged a tour or accommodation, have your confirmation details handy for proof. If you enter with a guide, they will take care of that for you. For spontaneous adventurers, this is the ideal spot to organize jeep tours and accommodations on the go. The center's opening hours are 7 am - 10 pm.
Wadi Rum Village This is the permanent base for most of the Bedouin community. While you won't linger here, the Village serves as the meeting point for those arriving by rental car. It's where you'll meet your camp or guide. Additionally, taxis and the daily bus to Petra depart from this point.
Arrival Upon arrival, you'll gather at the Wadi Rum Rest Stop ( Village Center) to meet with your guide or accommodations driver. Although exploring the area with your own vehicle is not permitted, except if you have a proper 4x4 vehicle, you may obtain permission at the center to drive to your camp only. Its funny, they let us drive our intermediate SUV to the camp but now I understand why they were laughing or surprised we wanted to...they didn't think we would make it.
*before we got stuck*
Camps;
Memories Aicha Luxury Camp - we stayed here, we LOVED. its set beside a mountain and not far from the village. They provided us very warm patterned robes in February. Mine was cheetah ;)
Sun city camp - has nice
Wadi Rum Bubble Luxotel ( very cool bubbles with jacuzzi)
Palmera Camp Wadi Rum - has a pool
Food:
You will have buffet-style meals included at your camp accommodation, Memories Aicha has a large space that has music, and hookah lounge!
Activities:
Do Sunset camel ride upon arrival
Hike the viewpoint behind the memories aicha camp. It is rocky but a very short 15 minute trail. Most camps have nearby hike you can do on own.
Embark on a 4 hour, 4x4 desert excursion at 1PM, through the surreal landscapes of Wadi Rum on your full day. I like this time because then you get close to sunset colors for photos. If you go when its really hot then I would suggest either morning or later in afternoon at 2PM. Bring a head scarf & sunglasses to cover from the sand!! Wear long socks so sand doesn't get in from ankle socks. I learned the hard way
Sandboarding can be included in your 4x4 excursion, but just know if its super windy, the sand will hurt..
Stargazing at night
Optional Sunrise Hot air balloon
D A Y 6
ADIOS !
And there you have it - the journey through the wonders of Jordan, encapsulated in this ultimate 5-night, 6 day guide that radiates with the spirit of ¡VAMOS!
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