Stories of Discovery & Wonder

Wadi Rum & Petra 3-Day Tour from Eilat Border — Bedouin Camp & Two Days in Petra

Three days between the red rock of Petra and the wide-open reaches of Wadi Rum: a Bedouin camp night, a 4x4 jeep loop, and two days to explore Petra’s carved façades. Practical timing, border notes and day-by-day highlights inside.

Wadi Musa, Ma'an Governorate•

3 days

•By Adventure Collective•October 2025

The Experience

At first light the desert exhales cool air and Wadi Rum’s monoliths catch fire with color. You cross the Eilat border, drive roughly one hour to Rum Village, and step into a 4–5 hour Bedouin-led 4x4 loop that threads sand dunes, narrow canyons and rock bridges—Nabatean Temple, Lawrence Spring, Khazali Canyon, Um Fruth and Burdah Arch are typical highlights. The jeep rattles over corrugated sand; the wind seems to guide you toward remote viewpoints.

Before You Go

Hydrate for long desert days

Carry at least 2–3 liters of water each day; refill options are limited between village stops.

Sturdy shoes for Petra’s stone steps

Closed-toe hiking shoes with good grip make climbs to the Monastery and Royal Tombs far more comfortable.

Plan border timing

Crossing from Eilat requires passport control on both sides and the Jordanian side pick-up—arrive at the border by early afternoon to avoid late closures.

Respect Bedouin camp etiquette

Accept tea and follow local guidance on sleeping areas and camp fires; camps are basic but offer hot meals and blankets.

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

•Little Petra (Siq al‑Barid) for quieter Nabatean carvings
•Sunset viewpoint at Burdah Rock Bridge for dramatic silhouettes

Wildlife

•Nubian ibex
•desert (sand) fox

Conservation Note

Both Petra and Wadi Rum are environmentally sensitive—stay on marked trails, avoid touching rock art and carry out all waste to protect fragile sandstone and desert ecosystems.

Petra was the capital of the Nabatean kingdom and flourished as a trade hub; Wadi Rum has millennia of human presence and 20th-century fame through T.E. Lawrence and Bedouin culture.

What to Bring

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Closed-toe hiking shoesEssential

Protects ankles on rocky trails and provides traction on carved stone steps.

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Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF)Essential

Desert sun is intense midday; shade is limited on both jeep routes and Petra trails.

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Daypack with 2–3L water reservoirEssential

Keeps water, snacks and layers accessible during long site visits and jeep tours.

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Warm layer and light sleeping liner

Desert nights can be chilly—bring a warm mid-layer and a liner for camp comfort.

Common Questions

Do I need a visa to enter Jordan from Eilat?

Many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at the Jordanian border, but check current entry requirements for your passport in advance and have passport pages free for stamps.

How much walking is involved in Petra?

Expect several hours on foot; the Siq to the Treasury is about 1.2 km one way and side trails to the Monastery involve steep stone steps and an additional 1–2 hours for the climb.

What does the Bedouin camp include?

Typical camps offer overnight shelter (basic heated or insulated tents), dinner (BBQ) and breakfast, and tea—amenities vary by operator but communal facilities are provided.

Is camel riding included?

Camel rides are usually optional and charged extra (commonly around 10 JD / 15 USD per hour); the jeep tour and a box lunch are typically included in the itinerary.