Jordan Blog
Exploring Jordan: A Journey from the Dead Sea to Wadi Rum
During our summer trip through Europe, Jordan came up in conversations with fellow travelers. It hadn’t been on our radar, but the more we heard, the more it intrigued us. With plans to visit Egypt in a few months, we thought, why not do both? Jordan, with its ancient history, natural wonders, and stunning landscapes, quickly found its way into our itinerary.
We decided to hire a car for maximum flexibility. Although I was a bit nervous after hearing stories of chaotic driving in the region, we avoided the capital city and found the driving quite manageable. Jordan’s highways were surprisingly quiet, and the country’s top spots were only a few hours apart, making it easy to explore at our own pace.
We highly recommend this as a fantastic way to explore the country. However, I should mention that our Nissan Sunny had a tough time with four passengers and struggled on some hills, so keep that in mind if you’re traveling with a larger group. Car users also must be aware of the unusual amount of speed bumps that appear very suddenly and the regular passport checks along the way. Additionally, consider purchasing the Jordan Pass upon arrival. It includes your visa, entry to Petra, Wadi Rum, and more, making it a great value!
The Dead Sea: A Salty Experience
Our first stop was the Dead Sea. After picking up our rental car at Amman Airport, we made the short drive to the shores of this natural wonder, steering clear of Amman’s bustling streets. The Dead Sea is famous for its incredibly salty water, and the sensation of floating effortlessly was one of the most surreal experiences we had. We enjoyed our stay at O Beach Hotel & Resort, where we could relax by the pool and take in the view.
Fun fact: The Dead Sea is 440 meters below sea level, making it the lowest land elevation on Earth!
The highlight of this stop was more about the serene views across the valley to Israel, especially from our hotel’s pool. We even made new friends, fellow Australians Nick and Gemma, who joined us for the rest of the trip.
Petra: A Journey into Ancient History
From the Dead Sea, we embarked on a breathtaking drive through canyons and ascended over 1,000 meters toward Petra. It’s difficult to put into words just how incredible Petra is—truly one of the most awe-inspiring places I’ve ever been.
We stayed at Venus Hotel in Wadi Musa, just a two-minute walk from the entrance to Petra. Although we only spent one night, we managed to explore much of the ancient city. Walking through the narrow Siq and emerging at the Treasury felt like stepping into another world.
A Bedouin man approached us near the Monastery, offering tea and sharing stories about Petra’s history. He wasn’t trying to sell anything—just genuinely welcoming and informative. His hospitality led us to a secret viewing platform where we got a stunning perspective of the Treasury.
One of the most magical moments came by pure luck. We happened to see Petra by Night as the workers were setting up the area. Typically, this requires a separate entry ticket, but we were able to enjoy the sight in complete solitude, making it an unforgettable experience.
The Monastery in Petra was even more stunning than the Treasury so a must when visiting. A great tip we received was to take the shuttle from Petra’s main gates to Little Petra, which cuts down on the walking. From Little Petra, we hiked about an hour to the Monastery, with most of the route afterward being downhill—an easier option than the 3-5 hour uphill hike from the main gates, which includes 850 steps. This way, we could explore at a relaxed pace, passing the Treasury again on our return. The locals were incredibly friendly and recommended this route, so it’s worth considering their advice!
Wadi Rum: A Night Under the Stars
After Petra, we drove two hours to the Wadi Rum desert. The landscape here is otherworldly—no wonder it’s been featured in films like Star Wars and The Martian. While many opt for the famous bubble tents, we went for a more authentic Bedouin experience, staying in a basic tent for only $10 a night for all four of us. This was an absolute steal!
Our Bedouin hosts took us on a jeep tour to watch the sunset over the dunes, cooked us a delicious traditional dinner, and invited us to share stories around the campfire. Some of us even chose to sleep outside under the stars, which was a peaceful and mesmerizing experience.
The following day, we explored more of Wadi Rum, trying activities like dune bashing and sandboarding which were an additional cost. The desert’s tranquility was a welcome break from the rush of travel, offering a chance to slow down and reflect.
Aqaba: Our Honest Opinion
Our last stop was Aqaba, a city on the Red Sea. After a fantastic snorkeling experience in Egypt, we were eager to explore Jordan’s underwater world. Unfortunately, Aqaba didn’t live up to our expectations. The coral reefs at King Abdullah Reef were bleached, with far less sea life than we had hoped.
Despite encountering a few lionfish and a sea turtle during our sunset snorkel, the overall experience was tainted by the amount of rubbish in the water and on the shore. We had attended just after the school holidays so maybe this was a factor. If you have the time and haven’t ticked off the Red Sea, still feel free to head down and hopefully you have a better experience then us, this marked the end of our incredible journey through Jordan.
Jordan was a surprise in every way. From the ancient ruins of Petra to the tranquility of Wadi Rum, the country offered a wide range of unforgettable experiences. Each stop was unique, and the kindness of the locals made it all the more special. If you’re looking for a destination that combines history, adventure, and natural beauty, Jordan should definitely be on your list!