Planning the Best Jordan Experience: Petra & the Wadi Rum Desert
Come explore Jordan with me! I’m breaking down how we spent four unforgettable days exploring Petra at sunrise, eating fantastic meals in Amman, and sleeping under the stars in the Wadi Rum Desert. Join me to learn everything you need about planning this bucket list trip!
Our episode sponsor this week is Destinations Morocco! If you are thinking about a trip to Morocco, contact Destinations Morocco and let them do the trip planning for you.
They offer:
Private and small group tours, no more than 6 people (or whatever number makes sense)
Handcrafted itineraries that respond to your interests and priorities
Adaptability during a tour that allows for changes and spontaneity
Personal service throughout: private guide and driver, 24/7 support in Morocco and the US
Emphasis on luxury accommodation, food and cultural experiences
You can also learn more about them on their podcast, Destination Morocco Podcast.
Before You Go
Sign Up for the STEP Program
I always recommend registering international trips with the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
You’ll get notifications about weather, safety concerns, and other travel advisories. It's an easy way to get peace of mind.
Try FlyKitt for Beating Jet Lag
I used FlyKitt on our flight to Jordan, and I’m officially a believer.
The app tells you exactly when to sleep, wake up, take supplements, and use light-blocking glasses.
I felt great on arrival, and terrible on the way home when I didn’t use it. Lesson learned.
Where to Start: Arriving in Amman
You’ll fly into Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), Jordan’s main international hub. I highly recommend using a tour company for this trip. Ours handled our driver, guides, reservations, and logistics seamlessly, which made everything feel like stress-free luxury.
We used Al Dakak Travel Agency, and had an excellent experience with our driver Mohammed and guide Anis.
Where We Stayed: St. Regis Amman
Beautiful, comfortable, and perfectly located.
Don’t skip the breakfast! It was one of our favorite meals of the entire trip. Fresh bread, hummus, feta, omelets, pastries, and fruit!
I also recommend eating dinner at the Sufra Restaurant
Outdoor courtyard, phenomenal Jordanian dishes, and hands-down the best falafel we’ve ever had.
Exploring Amman
Amman was full of surprises! The city is filled with ancient ruins, delicious food, and vibrant neighborhoods.
Highlights from Our Day in Amman
The Citadel — A hilltop collection of Roman and Byzantine ruins.
Roman Amphitheater — Another reminder that Rome was everywhere.
Local markets — Spices, nuts, sweets, and local life on full display.
Trying knafeh — A warm, sugary cheese pastry (intense but unforgettable).
Lunch at Carob House — A seven-course farm-to-table experience packed with pomegranates, fresh veggies, and color.
Fun Facts We Learned
Most Jordanians don’t keep indoor pets, instead, they care for street dogs and cats instead.
Water is delivered weekly by truck, and every home stores it in rooftop tanks.
Fresh produce is abundant and absolutely delicious.
Mount Nebo: Stop Between Amman & Petra
On the drive south, we stopped at Mount Nebo, where Moses is believed to have stood overlooking the Promised Land. The mosaics inside the church are stunning, and the views stretch out across the Jordan Valley to Jerusalem on clear days.
Where to Stay Near Petra: Old Village Resort
Petra is technically located in Wadi Musa, a small town 2 km from the Petra Visitor Center.
We stayed at Old Village Resort, a historic village converted into a boutique hotel with:
Charming stone buildings
A maze of little pathways
Indoor & outdoor pools
Balcony rooms (worth asking for!)
We spent one night here, which was perfect.
Your Guide to Visiting Petra
Petra was the highlight of our entire trip, and planning ahead makes a huge difference. Here’s exactly what we did—and what I’d recommend you do too.
Start at Little Petra
Arrive around 7 a.m. This quiet, lesser-known archeological site was the practice area for the carvers of Petra.
Zero crowds
Easy to explore
Intricate facades carved into sandstone
A dreamy way to start the day!
Enter Petra Early
From the entrance to the Treasury, it’s an easy walk—about a kilometer. We arrived early enough that it felt quiet and magical.
Don’t Miss:
The Treasury (of course!)
Roman ruins (yep, they were here too)
Tombs and carved facades around every corner
The Monastery Hike
The Monastery Hike
~800 steps
Roughly 1 mile uphill
Totally manageable
Unreal views
There’s even a little café at the top where you can relax with tea and enjoy the view
If You Want Fewer Crowds
Next time, I’d enter Petra from the back route starting in Little Petra. You hike to the Monastery first and then walk down toward the Treasury. Very few visitors do this.
Food in Petra
There’s only one cafeteria-style restaurant in the park, and you need a reservation. Our tour company handled this for us. Bring snacks and water too.
Total Time
We spent 5–6 hours and walked nine miles. Late fall is ideal. I would not do this in summer.
Wear:
Comfortable shoes
Breathable clothes
A hat
Sunscreen
Wadi Rum Desert
I knew Petra would be iconic, but I didn’t expect the Wadi Rum desert to completely steal my heart.
We stayed at Memories Aicha Luxury Camp, one of 200+ small camps scattered across the red sand dunes.
One night in Wadi Rum is absolutely perfect.
Choose the Glass Dome Tent
The “Panoramic Luxury Tent” felt like sleeping inside a snow globe with 360° desert views. Choose this over the canvas tents—100% worth it.
What We Did in Wadi Rum
Rested (after a big Petra day!)
Enjoyed dinner at camp
Sat around a campfire with other travelers
Did a private stargazing experience at 11 p.m.
Learned about constellations from an astronomer
Got night photos taken in the desert
Fun Movie Fact!
Wadi Rum was the filming location for:
The Martian
Dune
Indiana Jones
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
It truly feels like another planet.
Morning Desert Safari
The next morning, we went on a desert jeep tour that included:
A natural stone bridge
Sand dune climbs
Canyon hikes
Camel sightings
Next time I’d add a sunrise hike or camel ride!
Final Day: Castles, the Dead Sea & Back to Amman
From Wadi Rum, it’s a 4-hour drive back to Amman. We stopped at:
Kerak Castle, a huge Crusader fortress
A lunch spot used by many tours. The food was okay.
You can add a Dead Sea Resort Day Pass on this route. We skipped it because we’d recently visited from the Israel side.
Final Dinner in Amman at Um Khalil (Lebanese food)
Huge portions, fresh ingredients, excellent service.
You can easily share an entrée since the plates are massive.
Jordan absolutely exceeded our expectations! From ancient cities and red deserts to some of the best food we’ve had anywhere. Petra alone is worth the trip, but Wadi Rum is what surprised me most.
If you’re planning a trip or want any tips or advice for customizing your itinerary, send me a DM over on Instagram @thistraveltribe. I’m always happy to help you dream up your next epic adventure!