Wadi Rum and Petra: 2-Day Desert & Nabatean City Adventure from the Eilat Border
Two days that pair Wadi Rum’s vast desert with Petra’s rose-red façades — a compact, practical circuit from the Eilat border that balances a Bedouin jeep and camp experience with a guided tour of the Nabatean city.
The Experience
Before You Go
Carry extra water
Desert heat and long walking stretches require at least 2–3 liters per person; water is limited between sites.
Start early in Petra
Enter with your guide at opening to avoid mid-day crowds and hottest temperatures on the exposed sections.
Confirm border paperwork
Have passports, visa funds, and printed booking details ready — border processing can add 30–90 minutes.
Tip locally for services
Horse and camel handlers, Bedouin guides and camp staff rely on tips; carry small bills in Jordanian dinar.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Lawrence Spring viewpoint — a quiet overlook near the village with sunrise light on sandstone
- •Khazali Canyon inscriptions — a short side slot with ancient petroglyphs and cooler shade
Wildlife
- •Nubian ibex
- •desert fox (red fox)
Conservation Note
Both sites are geologically fragile and water-scarce; stick to marked paths, avoid climbing rock art, and minimize single-use plastics to reduce local impact.
Petra was the Nabatean capital and a trade hub that redirected incense and spice routes; Wadi Rum has long been home to Bedouin communities and was a World War I-era desert theater.
What to Bring
Sturdy hiking shoesEssential
Support and traction for Petra’s stone streets and Wadi Rum’s mixed rock and sand terrain.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)Essential
Desert sun is intense year-round; protect skin and eyes during long outdoor periods.
Layered clothingEssential
Desert temperatures swing; lightweight layers work for hot days and cool nights at camp.
Refillable water bottle with filter or purifier
Useful to top up between provided bottles and reduce plastic waste.
Common Questions
Do I need a visa to enter Jordan at the Eilat border?
Many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at the Jordanian border; confirm your country’s requirements before travel and have passport and fees ready.
Can I choose to sleep in Petra instead of Wadi Rum?
Yes — the tour offers the option to overnight in either a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum or a 3-star hotel in Petra at the same rate; inform the operator at booking.
Is the Wadi Rum jeep tour suitable for children?
Jeep tours are family-friendly but involve bumpy tracks; parents should assess tolerance for dust and rough rides, and infants should be secured in appropriate seats if available.
Are horses and camels included in Petra and Wadi Rum?
A 700-meter horse ride in Petra is available (not mandatory) and camel rides in Wadi Rum are optional and typically cost extra; handlers expect tips.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
2 days (approx. 48 hours)
Location
Wadi Rum, Aqaba Governorate
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness required — able to walk several hours on uneven ground and manage short climbs.
Ready to Explore Wadi Rum?
Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.
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