Petra & Wadi Rum 2-Day Tour: Dead Sea Float and Bethany Visit

Two days of Jordan’s headline landscapes: walk Petra’s Siq and carved facades, sleep under the desert stars in a Bedouin camp, float in the Dead Sea, and visit the baptism site at Bethany Beyond the Jordan. Practical pacing and a few local customs make the difference between a checklist and an immersive journey.

Wadi Musa, Ma'an Governorate•

2 days

•By Adventure Collective•October 2025

The Experience

A wind-stung morning on the highway south from Amman sets the tone: limestone cliffs blur past, and the air tightens as the landscape opens into rose-red canyons. Travelers arrive at the Siq, the narrow 1.2 km cleft that funnels into Petra, where the Treasury’s façade appears like a carved secret held for two millennia.

Before You Go

Start early in Petra

Arrive at the Siq before mid-morning to avoid heat and crowds and to have cooler conditions for climbing to the Monastery.

Hydrate for the desert

Carry at least 2–3 liters per person per day; water is limited in Wadi Rum and on site vendors may be sparse.

Bring cash for entrances and tips

Entry fees for Petra, Dead Sea facilities, El-Maghtas, and optional Wadi Rum 4x4 rides are often paid locally; small bills are best.

Dead Sea float safety

Avoid shaving or open cuts before floating; rinse thoroughly after and keep water out of eyes—mud and salt are abrasive.

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

•Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) — a quieter set of rock-cut houses and frescoes near Wadi Musa
•Lawrence’s Spring and petroglyph sites in Wadi Rum — accessible with a local guide

Wildlife

•Nubian ibex — often seen on cliffs around Petra
•Red fox and small desert reptiles in Wadi Rum

Conservation Note

These sites are fragile: stick to marked paths, avoid taking stones or artefacts, and use authorized guides to minimize erosion and cultural impact.

Petra was the Nabataean capital and a trading crossroads; El-Maghtas is recognized as a major baptismal site linked to early Christian pilgrimage.

What to Bring

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Sturdy hiking shoesEssential

Good tread and ankle support are useful for Petra’s uneven rock paths and short climbs.

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Sun protection (hat, SPF, sunglasses)Essential

Desert sun is intense—shade is limited and reflections from salt flats increase exposure.

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Reusable water bottle with filter or large capacityEssential

Ensures access to safe drinking water across long transfers and in remote areas.

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Light insulating layer or windbreaker

Desert nights and winter days can be cool; a light layer is useful for Bedouin camp evenings.

Common Questions

Are entrance fees to Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea, and El-Maghtas included?

No — most local entrance fees and optional Wadi Rum 4x4 rides or guides are paid on site; check with the operator for current prices.

Is the overnight Bedouin camp basic or does it have facilities?

Camps range from simple shared tents with communal facilities to upgraded private tents; this tour typically offers a traditional, modest camp—confirm specifics when booking.

Can I swim in the Dead Sea and what should I wear?

You can float in the Dead Sea; wear simple swimwear and avoid getting water in your eyes. Rinse off thoroughly with fresh water after floating.

How much walking and climbing is involved in Petra?

Expect several hours on uneven stone, stairs, and occasional steep paths if you climb to viewpoints like the Monastery or High Place of Sacrifice; plan for moderate exertion.