Jordan: The Ultimate Travel Guide
Why visit Jordan?
Jordan is an amazing country with a rich history and culture. From the ancient ruins of Petra to the stunning landscapes of Wadi Rum, Jordan has it all.
So if you’re looking for a new and exciting place to travel, Jordan is the perfect destination. Keep reading to learn more about the wonders of this amazing country!
Arriving in Jordan
Jordan has two international airports you can fly into:
1. Queen Alia International Airport in Amman
2. Aqaba King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba
You can fly directly into Queen Alia International Airport from many European cities including London, as well as North America and Asia.
Visa
Over 100 nationalities are eligible for a visa on arrival in Jordan. You can consult the list posted by the Ministry of Interior here for more details.
The visa costs 40JD (about €50) on arrival at the airport but if you buy the Jordan Pass then you don’t have to pay this.
Should you buy the Jordan Pass?
The Jordan Pass is a tourist package that covers the visa fee and the entrance to around 40 tourist attractions. You can check the full list of included attractions here.
The price for the Jordan Pass starts at 70JD (about €90) and it has three available options depending on how many days you need to visit Petra.
One important thing to take into consideration before deciding to buy a Jordan Pass is whether or not you will land in Aqaba because if you arrive in Aqaba then you are exempt from paying the visa fee.
The official Aqaba website states that in order to benefit from the free visa you have to leave the country from the same border within 1 month of arrival. We left from Amman and nobody asked to see any proof of visa payment or our Jordan Pass.
Petra
Petra is one of the seven wonders of the world and you will not be disappointed by visiting this magnificent place! The ancient ruins are spectacular to see with the intricate carvings into the rock face as well as the beautiful red-rose rock formations surrounding this ancient city. Every time you wander around this beautiful place you will spot new ruins or carvings that you haven’t seen before, and that is one of the most incredible things about this place.
Read more: Petra – The Ultimate Travel Guide
Wadi Rum
If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, then the Wadi Rum desert is the place to be. You can go on camelback and explore the different valleys that make up this area. It’s a great way to get away from all of the crowds and have some alone time with yourself, not to mention the breathtaking views that will make you question whether you’re still on Earth or you somehow landed on Mars.
Read more: Wadi Rum – Adventure Guide
The Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth, and it’s also one of the most amazing sights in Jordan. The water here is so salty that you can float without any effort at all. The place is perfect for swimming or just relaxing while enjoying the soothing breeze that surrounds you.
If you’re not planning on renting a car, we recommend you do The Kings Highway Tour that also includes The Dead Sea.
Read more: The Kings Highway Tour.
Amman
If you’re looking for a city that has it all, then you need to head to Amman. It’s the biggest city and the capital of Jordan. It’s a place that is always busy, yet always welcoming. From the amazing food to the friendly locals, there are so many reasons to fall in love with Amman.
Getting around
With some popular attractions not accessible by public transport, the best way to travel around Jordan is by car. However, if you are not planning on renting a car, travelling by bus is also an easy way to travel around. Just keep in mind that for some attractions it might be necessary to hire a taxi.
Read more: Getting around Jordan
How many days should you spend in Jordan
It really depends on how much you want to see and your pace of travel. However, we recommend spending at least 5 days in order to visit the most essential parts of Jordan and not get overwhelmed.
We’ve built three possible itineraries for 5, 7 and 10 days in Jordan in order to help you get inspired.
You can read more about each stop in our Jordan: Complete 10-day Itinerary
5-day Itinerary:
Day 1: Amman
Day 2: Madaba, Mount Nebo, Dead Sea
Day 3: Petra
Day 4: Wadi Rum
Day 5: Travel back to Amman
7-day Itinerary:
Day 1: Amman
Day 2: Jerash, Ajloun Castle, Umm Qais
Day 3: Madaba, Mount Nebo, Dead sea
Days 4-5: Petra
Day 6: Wadi Rum
Day 7: Travel back to Amman
10-day Itinerary
Day 1: Amman
Day 2: Jerash, Ajloun Castle, Umm Qais
Day 3: Madaba, Mount Nebo, Dead sea
Day 4: Mukawir Castle, Kerak Castle, Lot’s Cave
Day 5: Dana Nature Reserve
Days 6-7: Petra
Day 8-9: Wadi Rum
Day 10: Travel back to Amman
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