Southern Jordan Adventure: 5-Day Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea Tour
Trace Jordan’s highlights in five days: Byzantine mosaics in Madaba, floating in the Dead Sea, the rock-carved wonders of Petra, and a Bedouin jeep safari in Wadi Rum. This practical guide outlines what to expect, how to prepare, and where to focus your energy.
The Experience
Before You Go
Hydrate early and often
Carry 2–3 liters of water per person and refill when possible; desert heat and Petra’s walking demand steady hydration.
Wear sturdy shoes
Expect uneven stone steps in Petra and rocky tracks in Wadi Rum—trail runners or light hiking boots give traction and ankle support.
Time your hikes
Start Petra and Wadi Rum activities at first light to avoid midday heat and to catch better light for photography.
Carry local currency and small bills
Tipping is customary for guides, camel/horse handlers, and camp staff; small JOD notes and coins simplify transactions.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) — quieter carved facades near Petra
- •Shobak Castle — Crusader-era ruins off the main tourist loop
Wildlife
- •Nubian ibex (cliff-dwelling)
- •Red fox and small desert lizards
Conservation Note
These sites are sensitive: stick to marked paths in Petra and Wadi Rum, avoid removing rock or sand, and support local businesses to help preserve cultural landscapes.
The tour passes Byzantine Madaba’s 6th-century mosaic map, Nabatean Petra (1st century BCE–1st century CE), and Bedouin cultural landscapes in Wadi Rum shaped by centuries of desert life.
What to Bring
Sturdy walking shoesEssential
Support and grip for Petra’s stone paths and Wadi Rum’s uneven terrain.
2–3 L reusable water bottle or hydration bladderEssential
Essential for staying hydrated during long transfers and desert walks.
Sun protection (hat, high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses)Essential
Sun is intense, especially at the Dead Sea and on exposed desert tracks.
Light insulating layer and windbreakerEssential
Desert nights and early mornings can be chilly—pack a warm, compact layer.
Common Questions
Is the Dead Sea swim included?
Day-use entry to an Oh Beach resort at the Dead Sea with lunch is included; bring swimwear and a towel—do not shave immediately before entering due to irritation risk.
How much walking is required in Petra?
The guided portion is about 3 hours over roughly 3–5 km round trip through the Siq, Treasury, and key monuments; optional farther routes increase distance and elevation.
Are accommodations comfortable?
The tour includes mid-range hotels in Amman and Petra, and a Bedouin-style overnight in Wadi Rum with basic but warm camp amenities and a BBQ dinner.
Do I need a visa for Jordan?
This tour includes a free Jordan visa if passport details are provided in advance; check current entry rules before travel and allow processing time.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
5 days
Location
Amman, Amman Governorate
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness: comfortable walking for 3–5 hours on multiple days, able to handle stairs and short hikes in heat.
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