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Jordan Travel Guide

Looking for an in-depth Jordan travel guide?

Then you’re in the right place!

Tucked between Israel, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Syria is Jordan, the true hidden gem of the Middle East.

Jordan offers travelers an exciting mix of old and new with everything from Roman ruins to sprawling desert landscapes to cosmopolitan cities.

The country is also home to tons of truly unique experiences; I mean, where else can you camp in the desert with a Bedouin community, explore an ancient city, and soak in a tropical hot spring?

In short, if you’re ready to go on an action-packed adventure, Jordan is the place to be.

Additionally, hospitality is an important part of Jordanian culture.

In Wadi Rum, Jordan’s most famous desert, you can stay with a Bedouin community and learn all about this nomadic culture. You’ll get a chance to eat delicious food cooked in an underground pit, explore the desert in a truly unique way, and see the night sky like you never have before.

If camping isn’t really your style, there are lots of boutique Jordan hotels and unique accommodations throughout the country like the electricity-free Feynan Ecolodge in the Dana Biosphere Preserve.

You can even arrange to stay with a local family through the Jordan Tourism Board for a truly immersive experience.

One thing you’ll definitely want to consider when planning your trip to Jordan is purchasing a Jordan Pass.

Starting at $99 USD, this ticket gives you entry to 40 of Jordan’s top attractions, including many of the country’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Petra, Wadi Rum, Quesir Amra, and more.

The pass saves you time and money and helps you get around with a free digital Jordan guide.

Plus, if you purchase your pass before your trip and plan to stay for a minimum of three nights in the country, you’ll get your visa fee waived — a huge win for travelers on a budget!

Keep reading to dive into resources that will help you with planning a trip to Jordan in the Middle East.

Note: This ultimate guide to Jordan travel contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Jordan Map

Use this Jordan travel map to begin planning your trip to this incredible country!

Jordan map

Click here for an interactive Google Map version of the above graphic.

Jordan Tourism Highlights

The following guides share Jordan highlights & travel experiences that you won’t want to miss!

Jordan Travel Advice

Plan the perfect trip with these Jordan travel tips!

Best Jordan Tours

Explore local culture with an Jordan tour guide through these unique excursions:

  • Wadi Mujib Siq Trail Hiking Experience from Amman
  • Petra & Wadi Rum from Aqaba
  • Private Tour Madaba, Mount Nebo, and Dead Sea Day Trip with Amman Sightseeing from Amman
  • Bethany Baptism Jordan River Site and As-Salt City Visit from Amman
  • Madaba, Mount Nebo, & the Dead Sea from Amman

Renting A Car In Jordan

Need a rental car for your Jordan trip?

Use Discover Cars to quickly compare your car rental options.

Their comparison tool does the homework for you, so there’s no need to have up 10+ tabs trying to figure out which company is the most affordable. Actually, you can save up to 70% using their tool!

Jordan Hotels

Click here to browse the best Jordan travel hotels!

Prefer self-contained stays?

Click here to check out unique local rentals!

You can also use this map to search for local stays:

Jordan Travel Insurance

It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or with a group on a Jordan tour. When visiting Jordan — or any other country in the world — make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

With coverage, you’ll have peace of mind as you embark on your Jordan travel itinerary.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks.

Jordan Travel Guide FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling in Jordan.

Q: What are the best places to visit in Jordan?

One of the biggest highlights of any trip to Jordan is Petra, an ancient desert city rediscovered nearly 200 years ago.

Also known as the “Pink City” or the “Rose City,” Petra features the ruins of gorgeous buildings like a monastery and treasury built into the desert hills that are some of the best-preserved examples of the Hellenic style of architecture.

Petra offers a ton of opportunities for hikers and explorers of all kinds — so much so that many experts recommend spending two days in the city. Stay into the evening to experience the Petra Night Show, where the Siq and Treasury are illuminated by hundreds of candles.

Wadi Rum, or the Valley of the Moon, is also a top attraction for visitors to Jordan.

Once the filming location for the classic film Lawrence of Arabia, this gorgeous sandstone valley is the ultimate Middle Eastern experience. There are plenty of ways to explore Wadi Rum from camel rides to rock climbing to ATV tours.

For the full Wadi Rum experience, you can book a Bedouin camping tour where you can learn more about this nomadic Arab culture. And hit the hay too early — one of the best parts of camping in Wadi Rum is the incredible evening skyscape and you won’t want to miss it!

Of course, no trip to Jordan is complete without a float in the Dead Sea.

Here at the lowest point on Earth, you can enjoy the healing properties of this mineral-rich water or wade into the skin-softening Dead Sea mud at Amman Beach.

If you’re not ready to dip your toes into the water, just enjoy the gorgeous blue water and red mountains that look like a scene out of a painting.

Q: What do I need to know before going to Jordan?

As in many other Middle Eastern destinations, it’s important to be conscious of your wardrobe while traveling in Jordan. There are certain cultural expectations and norms for dress in Jordan for all genders and it’s best to be respectful and dress with these in mind.

Women should generally avoid wearing anything too revealing and stick to loose-fitting clothes. It’s also a good idea to carry a scarf or shawl as many religious sites may expect women to cover their hair or shoulders.

Men should avoid walking around topless and may want to wear long pants, particularly when visiting religious sites.

When traveling through Jordan, you’ll find that taxis are fairly inexpensive compared to other destinations. Taxi drivers may charge tourists double by faking a broken meter, though, so always ask your driver to turn on their meter so you know you’re getting the correct fare.

Also, don’t plan on finding a taxi in the afternoon as this is peak traffic time in Jordan. Taxis are scarce at this time and many drivers will refuse service to avoid traffic.

Jordan’s food is incredible but there are a few things to keep in mind before you go on a culinary tour.

For one, most Jordanian dishes include meat or some kind of animal product. While there are certainly vegetarian options throughout the country, particularly in the cities, the country’s traditional cuisine is not very vegetarian-friendly.

Of course, you can make a meal out of the “mezze” course, which consists of appetizers like salads, dips (like hummus!), and other small snacks.

Be aware, though:

Jordanians also enjoy sharing meals with guests and refusing a food offering is considered rude.

Q: Is it safe to travel to Jordan?

Despite what you may hear on the news, Jordan is one of the safest places to visit in the Middle East. Security is a constant presence throughout the country, particularly in areas popular with tourists.

That said, there are some safety tips to keep in mind when in Jordan:

Jordan shares borders with Syria to the north and Iraq to the northeast. It’s best to avoid these border areas as both countries are experiencing conflicts and violence.

Public demonstrations and protests are also common in Jordan, particularly in the capital of Amman. These protests are generally peaceful but it’s smart to keep an eye on the news to stay aware of any demonstrations and avoid large gatherings if possible.

Female travelers have also faced harassment in taxis in Jordan so it’s best to remain alert when taking a cab in the country.

Beyond these warnings, the general travel safety tips apply here: be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables close and out of view when exploring the area to avoid pickpockets.

Q: Is Jordan cheap or expensive?

Compared to other Middle Eastern destinations, Jordan is quite expensive. Hotel accommodations cost around $100 to $150 USD per night but prices vary depending on the city.

You can find deals in bigger cities with more accommodation options like Amman.

Food prices also vary depending on the destination and style of dining.

Though Jordan has an extensive bus system that’s fairly inexpensive, that’s more or less it when it comes to public transportation. If you’re looking to explore beyond the cities, you may want to consider renting a car.

Q: How many days should you spend in Jordan?

You can see most of Jordan’s major sites and attractions in a week-long trip. This will give you enough time to explore Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea and Amman.

Many of the must-see sights are easily accessible from Amman, so you can make the capital city your hub for a few days during your trip.

Q: What is the best month to visit Jordan?

Many agree that April is the best month to visit Jordan. The weather is perfect for being outdoors and you’ll have loads of activities to explore!

Q: How long can a tourist stay in Jordan?

Tourists from many countries — like the United States and Canada — can visit Jordan for up to 30 days without engaging in work activities.

Q: Do I need a Jordan travel visa?

Travelers from the United States, Canada, and several other countries do need a visa to visit Jordan, though it can be obtained upon arrival for a fee.

It’s recommended to view your country’s Jordan International Travel Information page for the most up-to-date information on entry and exit rules and Jordan Travel Requirements. You can also contact the Embassy of Jordan.

Q: Where is Jordan?

Jordan is located in the Middle East. It shares land borders with Syria (north), Iraq (east), Saudi Arabia (south/southeast), and Israel and the West Bank (west).

Q: Are credit cards accepted in Jordan?

Credit cards — particularly Visa and Mastercard — are widely accepted around Jordan at larger establishments, though it is always wise to carry some cash for smaller establishments and in case of emergency. Many smaller shops and eateries in Jordan prefer cash.

Q: Can you drink the tap water in Jordan?

The tap water is generally safe to drink in Jordan, though it is always best to double-check with your hotel to be safe.

Q: What is the local currency in Jordan?

The local currency in Jordan is the Jordanian dinar (ينار).

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