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Petra
Wadi Rum
The Dead Sea
Dana Nature Reserve
Aqaba
Petra
Get to feel like Indiana Jones in “The Last Crusade” as he charges through the desert gorge to the Treasury in search of the Holy Grail! Jordan abounds in archeological riches, but few sites in the world can rival the Nabataean city of Petra, carved out of the rose-red rock cliffs!
WHAT TO DO
The entire area around the site of Petra offers dramatic and varied landscapes. The canyons and high places are a maze of wind-sculptured rocks, tiny meandering tracks, and secluded valleys, where the only sound is the tinkling of goat bells or the reedy notes of a shepherd’s flute. It is, in effect, an adventurer’s playground. This is a great place for walking, trekking, horseback riding and off-road cycling.
If you have the time and the energy to face the inclination, climb up to the shrine of the prophet Aaron, 1,350m (4,429 ft.) above sea level. It is the highest point in Petra, and you will be rewarded by spectacular views of the entire region. The climb takes about 2-3 hours, so be sure to wear a good pair of walking shoes and take plenty of water.
WHERE TO STAY
Like many of the adventure hotspots in Jordan, Petra has a variety of accommodations including:
Wadi Rum
“Vast, echoing and God-Like” is the way Lawrence described Wadi Rum, where you will enjoy this largest and most magnificent of Jordan’s desert landscapes. If you like adventure, you'll love Wadi Rum.
WHAT TO DO
Here you can hire a camel and follow in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia, climb the highest peaks, or take a safari trip across the rolling sand dunes in a 4x4 vehicle. You can explore by foot the hidden canyons and discover the secret messages carved in the walls over four thousand years ago, or take a hot air balloon trip and soar with the eagles high above this amazing site.
For experienced rock-climbers, there are climbs reaching 1,700m and vary between Grade 3 and 5 in difficulty. The rocks are sandstone and excellent climbs are possible, often exceeding the quality and length of those in places such as the Italian Dolomites.
Your trip to Wadi Rum will not be complete without a hot air balloon ride, which you can book through the Royal Aero Sports Club of Jordan.
WHERE TO STAY
There are many accommodations options for adventure seekers in Wadi Rum; from "bring your own tent" campsites to luxury bedouin villages.
Learn more about what there is to do in Wadi Rum on our blog, My Jordan Journal!
The Dead Sea
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WHAT TO DO
The Jordan Valley is a great place for thrill-seekers of all ages and abilities. The hills, valleys, and waterways that lead down to the Dead Sea, provide a natural playground for a multitude of outdoor activities, including leisurely walks, exhilarating horseback rides, and challenging climbs. Almost all activities take place under Jordan’s strict code of nature conservation that all visitors are expected to respect.
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon and treat yourselves to a soothing massage, or grab a lifejacket and take the plunge. The river is your only path as you trek uphill from the Dead Sea through the narrow, 50m high walls of the Reserve. Your guide will take you through a series of cascading waterfalls, each more challenging than the one before.
WHERE TO STAY
The Dead Sea area is home to some of the most luxurious hotels and spas in the country of Jordan. Be sure to check out:
- Jordan Valley Marriot Resort and Spa
- Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea
Dana Nature Reserve
The Dana Nature Reserve is the largest and only reserve in Jordan that includes the four different bio-geographical zones of the country. Tour one of the oldest villages in the world and then settle in at the beautiful Rummana campsite for overnight. Take the opportunity to hike and explore the area and end the day watching the spectacular sunset overlooking the beautiful landscape along the face of the Great Rift Valley.
THINGS TO DO
Such a complex and diverse environment provides a wide range of adventurous activities.Visitors can leave their vehicles behind and escape into the beauty and remoteness of the Reserve along one of the many canyons and hiking trails. Local Bedouin guides are available for longer excursions (hiking, canyoning, and mountain biking), while many shorter trails can be explored unguided. Activities at Dana Biosphere Reserve Guesthouse include tours of the Ottoman-era Dana Biosphere Reserve Village, a gorgeous hike through the entire Reserve to Feynan Ecolodge, visits to Nabatean tombs, and relaxing on your very own cliff-perched balcony, surrounded by Dana’s magnificent views.
WHERE TO STAY
The Dana Nature Reserve is also in very close proximity to a number of quality places to rest your head at night. Be sure to check out:
Aqaba
Aqaba
With its wealth of other attractions, Jordan's splendid Red Sea resort is often overlooked by modern-day visitors. But apart from being a delightful place for discerning holidaymakers, this is actually a great base from which to explore various places of interest in southern Jordan.
Aqaba is a fun place. It is a microcosm of all the good things Jordan has to offer, including a fascinating history with some outstanding sites, excellent hotels and activities, superb visitor facilities, good shopping, and welcoming, friendly people, who enjoy nothing more than making sure their visitors have a good time.
Aqaba International Airport is situated just 20 minutes from the town center and services regular flights from Amman as well as from several European cities. From the town center, the borders of Israel, Egypt's Sinai and Saudi Arabia are no more than a 30-minute drive.
WHAT TO DO
Here you can experience some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world. The temperate climate and gentle water currents have created a perfect environment for the growth of corals and a teeming plethora of marine life. Here you can swim with friendly sea turtles and dolphins as they dart amongst the schools of multi-colored fish. Night dives reveal the nocturnal sea creatures, crabs, lobsters, and shrimp, as they search for a midnight snack.
There are several dive centers in Aqaba. All offer well-maintained diving equipment, professional instructors, and transport by boat to a variety of dive sites.
For those who prefer to keep their feet dry, all the deep sea wonders can be viewed through a glass-bottomed boat or by submarine, or you can just relax under the sun on the resort's sandy beaches. Plus, of course, there are plenty of other water-sport activities available, as well as an extensive and interesting Marine Park.
From as far back as five and a half thousand years ago Aqaba has played an important role in the economy of the region. It was a prime junction for land and sea routes from Asia, Africa and Europe, a role it still plays today. Because of this vital function, there are many historic sites to be explored within the area, including what is believed to be the oldest purpose-built church in the world.
WHERE TO STAY
Aqaba, Jordan is a perfect location for all kinds of travelers because there is adventure, luxury, and rich culture everywhere you turn. The amazing accommodations don't disappoint either:
