

Adventure Hiking in Jordan
- Jordan
- 5 nights
Climb Jordan’s highest mountain, enter Petra via the backdoor and sleep in a Bedouin camp under the stars
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guidesHotel & Glamping
3 nights in a hotel and 2 nights in a Bedouin campMeals
All breakfasts, 4 lunches and 2 dinnersTransfers
Both airport transfers and travel between locationsEquipment, Permits & Fees
Fully equipped fixed Bedouin tents. All permits and entry fees.Small Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people
What's it like?
Highlights
Pass through the sandstone mountains that guard Petra’s ‘backdoor’ before soaking up the secrets of the UNESCO World Heritage Site itself
Hop in a desert truck through the dunes of Wadi Rum to climb Jordan’s highest peak, with views all the way to Saudi Arabia
Swim, or float, in the Dead Sea – the lowest point on earth, famous for its healing properties
Looking for a longer adventure? Check out Hike Jordan and Snorkel the Red Sea (opens in new tab), or sleep in a Martian dome on our Premium: Ultimate Adventure in Jordan (opens in new tab)
Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Jordan
HotelTwin shareShow Day 1 detailHide detail
You'll be met at the airport and driven to your hotel in central Madaba, where you can check in anytime from 14:00. The rest of the day is yours to explore - wander through streets famous for intricate Byzantine mosaics, including the ancient Holy Land map at St George's Church, grab a seat in a local café or hop in a taxi to nearby Mount Nebo for sweeping views over the Jordan Valley.
Day 2
Dana Nature Reserve
Driving3.5hrsHiking5hrs · 12km · 250m up · 800m downGlampingTwin shareAll meals includedShow Day 2 detailHide detail
After breakfast and a chance to meet your group, you’ll get the lowdown on the days ahead. Then it’s off to Dana Nature Reserve – one of Jordan’s quieter gems. You’ll hike the Shaq Al Reesh trail (or something similar), setting off from Al-Barrah and following a dramatic siq into the rocky wilds of Shaq al Reesh. The route winds past jagged mountains, natural springs and crumbling ruins that hint at ancient civilisations. It links up with the Nawatef area, where sweeping views, lush greenery and tucked-away archaeological sites add another layer of intrigue. This is a proper blend of nature and history - a peaceful yet fascinating intro to one of Jordan’s most prized reserves. You’ll round off the day at Little Petra Bedouin Camp, tucked in a quiet desert valley among sculpted sandstone. Watch the sun melt behind Petra’s peaks before bedding down for a night under the stars.
Day 3
The backdoor to Petra
Hiking6 hours · 14km · 500m up · 520m downHotelTwin shareBreakfast and lunch includedShow Day 3 detailHide detail
After an early breakfast, set off on foot from camp and cross the desert via Wadi Ghurab, flanked by sandstone mountains that guard the approach to Petra. Follow a lesser-trodden Nabataean path that climbs gently, revealing wide views over the Araba Mountains and, on a clear day, stretching as far as the Negev Desert. Skirt along a naturally carved rock terrace to reach a hidden plateau high above Wadi Siyyagh. As you descend, the monastery suddenly comes into view – your first glimpse of Petra, well away from the crowds. Take your time to explore, stop for a drink at the nearby Bedouin café if you like, then continue into the heart of the city via its original Nabataean steps. Take your time to wander through Petra’s archaeological highlights – the Royal Tombs, Street of Facades and the iconic Treasury – before exiting through the narrow Siq into Wadi Musa.
Day 4
Head to Wadi Rum and climb Jordan’s highest peak
Driving4.5hrsHiking4hrs · 4km · 400m up · 400m downGlampingTwin shareAll meals includedShow Day 4 detailHide detail
Head to the unique desert landscape of Wadi Rum, where you'll hop into a desert truck for the hour’s drive to the foot of Um Ad Dami (1800m) – the highest peak in Jordan. Hike up to the summit, from which the panorama is spectacular – to the south, you can see the border to Saudi Arabia and to the north, Jebel Rum. You'll descend to a remote Bedouin camp to relax and marvel at the stars in the clear desert night. Dinner here is a real experience – you’ll be served zarb, a delicious traditional dish cooked for 4-5 hours on hot coals under the ground.
Day 5
Wadi Rum to the Dead Sea
Driving5hrsHotelTwin shareBreakfast and lunch includedShow Day 5 detailHide detail
If you're up early, your Bedouin hosts can point you to a nearby dune for sunrise - one last chance to soak up the desert's rich, red tones. After breakfast, hop back into the jeeps for your final drive across the sands, heading north to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. You'll stop here for the afternoon to unwind, take a dip and float in the salty water, before continuing on to Amman for your final night in the capital.
Day 6
Head back to Amman
Breakfast includedShow Day 6 detailHide detail
After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye. You’ll be dropped at Amman Airport in time for your flight, whether it’s early or later in the day. If you’ve got a bit more time, you can store your bags at the hotel and head out for a final wander through the city’s lively souks, grab some spices or sweets, and tuck into one last Jordanian snack before heading home.
Getting There
- Nearest airport
- Queen Alia International Airport (AMM)
- Pick up
- Queen Alia International Airport, Amman
Catch any flight to arrive on Day 1 - Drop off
- Queen Alia International Airport Amman
Depart any time on Day 6
What is and isn't Included?
What's included
- Guided hike in the Dana Nature Reserve
- Guided hike to Petra
- Visit to the city of Petra
- Guided hike to the summit of Um Ad Dami, Jordan's highest peak
- Visit to swim in the Dead Sea
- Expert, local, English-speaking guides
- 3 nights in cosy hotels
- 2 nights glamping in Bedouin camps
- All breakfasts
- 4 lunches (packed lunch)
- 2 traditional Arabic dinners
- Arrival transfers from Amman Airport at any time on Day 1/early hours of Day 2
- Departure transfers to Amman Airport at any time on Day 6
- All transfers during the trip
- Fully equipped, fixed Bedouin tents at the glamping sites
All permits and entry fees to the sites
What's not included
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion, but there is an expectation in Jordan to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice; however, we suggest the below as a guideline:
- Main Guide: $5+ per person, per day
- Driver: $3+ per person, per day
- Local guides: $3+ per person, per guide
- Hotel porters: $2 per person, per day
- Restaurants: £1 per person
- Jeep drivers: $2 per person
Of course, you are free to tip more or less and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality – while often expected, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures, and you'll need to provide your policy details before departure. Your insurance should offer adequate cover for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment, and the specific activities involved in your adventure. We also recommend ensuring your policy includes cancellation and curtailment cover, in case you're unable to join your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness.
Standard travel insurance may not cover all the activities included in your adventure, so it's essential to check the details carefully. There are adventure-specific providers that many travellers have used in the past, such as True Traveller (opens in new tab) (for those based in the UK or Europe), or Rise + Shield (opens in new tab), both of which offer cover for a wide range of adventurous activities.
Please make sure your chosen policy meets your individual needs and covers all aspects of your trip.
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice, or contact the Jordan Tourism Board for updates specific to your nationality.
Most travellers need a visa to visit Jordan, but the process is simple and flexible. There are two main ways to get your visa:
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Visa on arrival: many nationalities (including UK, US, EU, Canada, Australia and New Zealand) can obtain a single-entry visa on arrival at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, or at designated land borders. The fee is 40 JOD (approximately $56). Queues can be long during busy periods.
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E-visa: There is an option to apply for a visa online before travelling via the Jordan e-visa portal. Approval online is usually quick, however it won’t generally save you any time on arrival, as you’ll still have to join the same queue to get your passport stamped.
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.
Where You'll Stay
Looking for a private room? See Optional Extras for details and pricing.
What You'll Eat
For breakfast, expect a buffet typical of 3-star hotel breakfasts all over the world. Lunches will generally be either a packed lunch or buffet style. Dinner (where not included) will be at local restaurants and will cost approximately $15-$20 per pe…
Optional Extras
Pre/Post Trip Accommodation
- Accommodation in Amman (Single)
- …
- Accommodation in Amman (Twin/Double)
- …
- Accommodation in Madaba (Single)
- …
- Accommodation in Madaba (Twin/Double)
- …
Upgrades
- Optional Private Room Upgrade
- …/per person
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room and tent can be booked throughout for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
Transfers
- Private Airport Transfer to/from Amman or Madaba Hotel (one way)
- …
To request any extras, message your host via your Much Better Adventures account once you have booked your trip.
All extras must be paid before your trip starts.
This Trip is Graded Level 3
Ratings & Reviews
- 2 stars (0)
- 1 star (0)
Category rating
- Food
- 5.0
- Guides & crew
- 5.0
- Accommodation
- 5.0
- Itinerary
- 5.0
Latest Reviews
Customer Photos
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Departure dates
Thursday 24th September 2026
to Tuesday 29th September 2026
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Got a Group of 6 or More?
What to Pack

Know before you go! Some stuff we'll provide, other things you'll need to bring.
FAQs
Can I book last minute?
Yes, you can definitely book last minute, although this trip does regularly sell out, so we recommend booking early to guarantee your spot on the trip. If requesting a spot less than 31 days in advance, the host will need to check accommodation availability before accepting your booking (please do not buy flights until your booking has been confirmed by the host).
How will Ramadan affect my trip to Jordan?
Ramadan will take place throughout February and early March. The national holiday of Eid ul-Fitr will follow for 2-3 days. Ramadan is an Islamic festival where the religious do not eat or drink during daylight hours. While this is a really interesting time to travel, you can expect some business hours will be shortened, alcohol is not permitted during daylight hours and some restaurants will be closed during this festival period. Activities for local people tend to be limited during the day, and the nights are very active in cities, with lots of different foods being sold and consumed. However, in hotel restaurants and tourist areas, food and drink are served as normal and Ramadan will not affect the inclusions on your trip. Liquor stores are likely to be closed for the month, but in tourist enclaves bars stay open (some may not allow alcohol outdoors – but inside is generally okay).
How many guides and support crew will be on my trip?
You will have one main guide with your group for the whole trip, up to a maximum of 14 people. For the hikes in Dana Biosphere Reserve and Wadi Rum, you’ll also be accompanied by an additional local guide.
Are Jordan trips running as normal since the Middle East Conflict?
Yes. Trips to Jordan have been running as normal throughout the conflict – check out our latest customer reviews! Much Better Adventures operate trips in line with the British FCDO travel advice and also consult with security advisors, both of whom have confirmed that trips are safe to run. We continue to receive real-time updates from the FCDO and our local host in Jordan will also inform us immediately should anything change locally. In case you have any questions, we have prepared some additional information about travel to Jordan during the Middle East Conflict.
For current Government advice about travelling in Jordan, have a read of the FCDO pages.
What are the restrictions on drones, binoculars and camera equipment in Jordan?
Tourists are not allowed to bring drones, binoculars, or some large telephoto camera lenses into Jordan. These will be confiscated at the airport and returned on departure, so please do not risk bringing these on your trip. Even if these are missed by airport security, your guide cannot allow them to be used, as this can have legal consequences if you are caught.
Can my dietary requirements be catered for on this adventure?
At Much Better Adventures, we work hard to accommodate dietary requirements and allergies so your trip is safe, inclusive and enjoyable. That said, options can vary by country, location and accommodation, and in some places options may be limited or unavailable. The information below has been provided by your host so you’re fully informed about what will be possible on your trip depending on your individual requirements. This information should be read carefully prior to your trip to ensure that you are adequately prepared for the situation ‘on the ground’.
Once you have booked on your trip, please fill out your passenger information form asap with any dietary requirements. Once you complete your passenger information, your dietary needs and any allergies are automatically shared with your host and, in turn, your guide. Please submit this as early as possible so they can plan accordingly and deliver the best experience. Please also remind your guide about your dietary requirements upon arrival, as mentioning these in person allows your guide to comprehend individual preferences and limitations as soon as you arrive.
BACKGROUND Jordanian cuisine is deeply rooted in Bedouin traditions, Levantine flavours and a culture of generous hospitality. Meals are often shared, with dishes built around grains, legumes and seasonal vegetables, alongside spiced meats and rich dips like hummus and mutabbal. Olive oil, herbs and flatbreads are staples, and many everyday dishes are naturally plant-based.
SPECIAL DIETS
Vegetarian -Vegetarian diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. Jordanian cuisine offers a variety of delicious vegetarian options such as falafel, hummus, moutabbal, baba ghanoush, mujaddara (lentils and rice), stuffed vegetables, fresh salads, and flatbreads.
Vegan -Vegan diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. In addition to classic dishes like falafel and hummus, vegan-friendly options may include lentil and vegetable soups, okra or green bean stews in tomato sauce, roasted seasonal vegetables, vine leaves (waraq enab), tabbouleh, and a variety of mezze prepared without dairy.
Kosher -Fully certified Kosher kitchens and supervision are non-existent in Jordan. Vegetarian or vegan options can often be the most reliable alternative if this is acceptable to you. Please read the related sections above.
Halal -Halal diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. Halal food is widely available in Jordan, and in practice, almost all food served throughout the country is Halal. As a predominantly Muslim country, restaurants, hotels, and food suppliers follow Halal standards as a norm, making it easy for you to dine with confidence.
INTOLERANCES
Gluten Free (for Coeliac, please see Allergies section below) -Gluten-Free diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. However, options will be more limited compared to those without dietary requirements. While your local hosts will do their best, it’s worth knowing that gluten-free supplies are generally only available in Amman and Madaba. In more remote areas, it's not possible to source specialist products, so meals will be based on naturally gluten-free dishes rather than substitutes. That said, most standard meals already include several options without gluten, even without special preparation. Please do consider bringing your favourite snacks or food supplements from home to ensure that you always have enough fuel for your adventure.
Lactose Free -Lactose-Free diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. Many traditional dishes are naturally lactose-free or can easily be prepared without dairy, such as grilled meats, rice and vegetable dishes, legumes, salads, and mezze based on olive oil rather than yogurt or cheese.
ALLERGIES
Our host has confirmed that they are able to accommodate mild allergies to the 14 allergens identified by the UK Food Standards Agency, where these are disclosed in advance. However, if you have a severe or life-threatening food allergy, please get in touch with our Customer Experience team prior to booking to discuss whether your requirements can be accommodated safely on this trip. This will allow us to carefully consider the sensitivity and severity of your allergy, the available provision on the trip and the accessibility of medical care should a reaction occur. Your safety is always our top priority. Please note that when travelling overseas, local ingredients, food preparation methods and labelling standards may vary, particularly in remote areas. It is also worth noting that any allergies may result in more limited options and repetitive provision in some areas. Whilst your guide will help communicate dietary requirements where possible, customers remain responsible for managing their own allergies during the trip.
What do I do about drinking water?
You shouldn’t drink tap water in Jordan. Your trip vehicle will have large containers of water that you are able to top your water bottles up with before and after each hike. At most hotels, drinking water should be purchased; unfortunately, very few hotels currently provide refilling stations.
What if things don't go to plan?
In the event of heavy rain, strong winds or storms, conditions may be unsafe to complete the planned hikes. Your guide will monitor forecasts and make decisions with safety in mind. If needed, the itinerary may be adjusted and an alternative route or activity offered.
Can I book on my own?
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Who is running the trip?
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
What is the official travel advice?
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
What vaccinations do I need?
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
How are the trips priced?
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
Why are your adventures only for adults?
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.
Who else will be on my trip?
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way. Check out our Community Values – a shared code to make sure that everyone's experience is safe, inclusive and brilliantly unforgettable.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
What's the weather like?
Jordan's climate is characterised by long, hot and dry summers, and short, cool winters. The climate is influenced by Jordan’s location between the subtropical aridity of the Arabian desert areas and the subtropical humidity of the eastern Mediterranean area.
The optimal seasons to explore Jordan are March to May, and September to December, when the temperature is comfortably warm but not scorching hot! The daytime temperatures during these times are around 23-27°C, and the nights are cooler, but not cold.
Travelling in December will be cooler, but it also means that the main sites (such as Petra) are far quieter. While the days are usually sunny and around 15-20°C, the nights can be very cold in the desert, and on occasion drop to near zero. Your reward is crisp, clear night skies in the desert.
What's the carbon footprint for this trip?
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 278kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
- A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
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