Tour guides Jordan

5 ideas for guided tours in Jordan

• The ancient city of Jerash

  

  Thanks to its remarkable state of preservation, the Roman city of Jerash, just 50 kilometers from Amman, has earned the nickname “Pompeii of the Middle East.” Its origins date back to the 1st century AD, during the reign of Emperor Hadrian.

  The visit begins beneath a triumphal arch built in his honor and continues up a hill to the ancient sanctuary known as the Temple of Zeus.

  From there, you can admire the oval-shaped forum near what was once the city’s main artery, the cardo maximus — an 800-meter-long paved street lined with 500 columns. Each year, the beautifully restored North and South Theaters host a major festival of music, theater, and dance.

• Petra

  

  In this ochre valley, Petra appears after the long passage of the Siq — narrow cliffs, silence settling in. Shadows slide from wall to wall, and then suddenly the Treasury emerges, its carved façade almost unreal. You move forward slowly, sand crunching underfoot, the light shifting as you go.

  The city stretches far beyond those first façades — royal tombs, worn stairways, high plateaus. Toward Ad-Deir, the steps multiply, breath short, the reward a wide panorama over the red cliffs. The descent leaves a quiet impression, something simple yet striking.

  Just a few kilometers away, Little Petra continues the story in a more intimate gorge, with carved doorways and quiet corners. On the road to the Dana Reserve, the mountains open up, villages clinging to the slopes, a stony horizon beyond. Farther south, the desert of Wadi Rum stretches with its dunes and towering walls — another measure of time itself.

• The desert of Wadi Rum

  

  The vast desert of Wadi Rum lies south of the Arabah region, near the Gulf of Aqaba. This truly magical site is a must-see on any trip to Jordan.

  The desert is dotted with rock formations carved by time, while the surrounding dunes shift from deep red to golden yellow, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Visitors explore by 4×4 or camel, but it’s on foot that you’ll feel the full serenity of the place.

  Landscapes like the Burda cliffs and the Rakhabat canyon will keep you spellbound. And for the ultimate experience, spend at least one night in a Bedouin camp and fall asleep beneath a sky full of stars.

• Dana Nature Reserve

  

  To get a bit of altitude and enjoy a quiet escape, head for the Dana Reserve. Approaching from the town of Tafilah, you’ll find a village with the same name perched on a small hill. It makes a perfect base for exploring the area.

  There are plenty of trails to choose from, and with a local guide you won’t miss a single highlight — every viewpoint over the valley or the edges of the Wadi Araba desert comes to life.

  Short treks can easily be done on your own, and you can even spend the night in established camps like Rummana Camp or Feynan Lodge, about a six-hour hike away. And if you’re up for more adventure, why not try a canyoning session in Wadi Hidan?

• Canyoning in the Wadi Mujib Gorge

  

  For sporty travelers or anyone looking for a thrill, head to the Wadi Mujib gorges near the Dead Sea.

  Set off on a canyoning adventure through warm, rushing streams. The most popular route is the Siq Trail, which winds through ochre and red cliffs whose walls are sometimes barely two meters apart.

  Most of the time, the water reaches up to your waist, and you use ropes to get through the trickier sections. Don’t worry — the route is well secured, and guardians are there to assist you at the most challenging spots. A beautiful waterfall awaits at the end of the hike, and the return is easier since you follow the current. Several other routes are available, all open from April to October.

  The Canyon Trail and Malaqi Trail are the longest and most demanding, lasting up to six hours, and must be done with a guide.