Travel to Jordan

Jordan in numbers

Why visit Jordan

Petra, desert, Roman ruins, the Dead Sea and the Red Sea

Landmarks

Petra, Wadi Rum, Amman, Jerash, the Dead Sea and Aqaba

A Jordan itinerary often follows a north-south line: Amman and Jerash, Petra, Wadi Rum, then the Red Sea at Aqaba, with a stop at the Dead Sea. Distances are short, and seven to nine days cover the essentials.

Petra, from the Siq to the Monastery

Petra is entered through the Siq, a corridor over a kilometre long between sandstone walls with pink reflections, which opens onto Al-Khazneh. Beyond it the city stretches out with its royal tombs and theatre. A long staircase climbs to the Monastery, Ad Deir, even larger than the Treasury and far less crowded. Two days let you avoid rushing.

Wadi Rum and its starry nights

Wadi Rum, also called the Valley of the Moon, lines up sandstone mountains, canyons and wide stretches of red sand. You cross it by 4x4 with a Bedouin guide, then sleep in a tent or under the stars. Natural arches and ancient inscriptions turn up along the way.

Amman and Jerash

Amman climbs its hills around the Citadel, whose Umayyad palace and dome overlook the city, with its Roman theatre and cafes where sage tea is served. About an hour away, Jerash keeps its colonnaded streets, an oval forum and Hadrian's Arch, one of the best-preserved Roman complexes in the region.

The Dead Sea and Aqaba

On the Dead Sea, in very salty water, you float effortlessly and coat yourself in mineral mud, facing arid hills. At Aqaba, to the south, the Red Sea offers diving and snorkelling on coral reefs, with a relaxed seaside-resort feel.

Before you go

Spring and autumn are ideal, summer is very hot in the desert

Area	Climate	Best time to visit
Petra and Wadi Rum	Very hot summers, cool winters with cold nights in the desert.	March to May and September to November
Amman and Jerash	Cool, rainy winters, hot dry summers on the heights.	March to May and September to November
Dead Sea	Very hot in summer, mild in winter.	October to April
Aqaba and the Red Sea	Mild winters, very hot summers; pleasant sea for much of the year.	October to April for sightseeing, all year for diving

The day-to-night temperature gap is marked in the desert: bring a warm jacket for evenings. Pack a hat, plenty of water and sun protection, and keep an eye on fares before you lock in your dates.

Getting around

Rental cars, drivers, buses and taxis

The road network links Amman, Jerash, Petra, Wadi Rum and Aqaba well. Most travellers rent a car, hire a driver or take intercity buses. Taxis are common in towns, and desert excursions go with local guides.

The rail network does not carry passengers on a regular basis, so rely on the road and allow some slack for morning trips: distances look short, but mountain roads slow things down.

Food and culture

Mezze, mansaf, sage tea and Bedouin hospitality

Hospitality is a strong trait: you are readily offered tea or Arabic coffee. Bedouin culture, with its songs, crafts and feel for the desert, is recognised on UNESCO's intangible heritage list for the Petra and Wadi Rum area. Modest dress is expected at religious sites.

At the table, mezze (hummus, moutabal, falafel, salads) come before mansaf, the national dish of lamb in fermented yoghurt served on rice. Hot bread, honey pastries and cardamom coffee round off the meal.

Flying to Jordan

The Jordanian airports covered by SniperAir

SniperAir destinations

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Jordan