The country of Jordan is a gem among the Middle East and a great destination for an active, trekking vacation. The capital, Amman, is known as the marble city as nearly every building has a facade of white marble. But beyond the city lies the expensive Wadi Rum desert with strange rock formations and sand dunes. This apparent wasteland dotted with traditional camps of Bedouins, peoples who know better than to see a wasteland here and have nomadically in the desert for generations. The sheer vastness of this land is inspiring and begs for adventure and exploration. And of course, you can’t visit Jordan without a visit to its most famous sight: Petra. One of the seven wonders of the world, this ancient Nabatean city is truly a sight to behold. While the peoples that dwelt here lived in simple caves, they carved elaborate tombs that still survive today. Stroll through this one-way-in natural canyon-fortress, see dozens of carvings, and gaze at the treasury. You can feel like Indiana Jones while riding a camel or explore some of the lesser known trails in the area. Little Petra also is a treat to see and there is much more to the traditional Petra site than the treasury, both on the path to it and as you continue back into the wilderness. Jordan also shares a shore of the Dead Sea, making it the perfect place to stop off for a float at the lowest place on earth.
Jordan is characterized by extreme weather and the shoulder seasons are typically best for traveling. The desert can be very cold in the winter and very hot in the summer (while simultaneously being very cold at night in the summer). Visitors should also be aware of increased security in the Middle East and should expect some waits at airport securities. Our trip that Intrepid runs in Jordan is an active hiking vacation where you can visit the sites mentioned above as well as many more. The trip is quite active and you will even get to stay at a desert Bedouin camp. Be prepared for some serious trekking, with some options for off-trail hiking on sand dunes and in Petra. Explore this trip’s itinerary and details as you plan your adventure in the beautiful Jordan.
