PETRA – JORDAN

Your adventure begins as you arrive in Jordan, where transport will be arranged to collect you from Amman. It’s well connected to Europe and Asia, making your journey smooth and hassle-free. The meeting point, where we will start our journey to the mountains is in the city centre. The transfer will leave at 2pm and takes around 3 hours. If you arrive before this time there are several luggage storage places so you can use the time to explore Amman. If you’re arriving a day early, we can suggest excellent accommodation options to ensure a relaxed start to your journey.

For the duration of the trip, you’ll be based in Wadi Musa. This means you won’t have to carry all your belongings from place to place, and after each day of hiking, you’ll return to the comfort of a warm shower and a cosy bed. Get ready for an unforgettable week exploring one of the Middle-East’s most spectacular mountain landscapes.

Click for Route Map :  ~15-16 km  5-6 h  ~200 m    ●●●○○ — Moderate

The trail begins in the traditional village of Dana, high on the rim of a dramatic canyon in the Dana Biosphere Reserve. From the guesthouse, the path drops gently at first down toward Wadi Dana gorge, offering views across rugged cliffs, terraces, and desert scrub.

As you walk, you pass through changing scenery: from stone-walled fields and almond trees, through dry riverbeds and green patches where springs feed occasional pools, and over red and ochre rock that shifts tones with the sun. The lower you go, the more you feel the desert opening up.

The final stretch descends into Wadi Feynan, ending at the remote and eco-friendly Feynan Lodge. Here you can rest and enjoy a refreshing drink.

Click for Route Map :  17 km  7-8 h  ~250 m  ●●●●○ — Challenging

This is one of the most beautiful and iconic sections of the Jordan Trail. It starts at Ras al-Feid, a dramatic viewpoint overlooking Wadi Araba, then gradually descends through the rugged landscapes of the Sharah Mountains.

The path winds through hidden gorges, sandstone domes, and narrow valleys, offering breathtaking panoramic views across the desert. The terrain is varied, with steep ascents and descents, giving hikers a true sense of wilderness and remoteness.

As you approach the end, the trail leads into Baydha (Little Petra), an ancient Nabataean caravan station. Here you can explore rock-cut façades, caves once used as storage and dwellings, and the narrow entrance passage that opens into the “Little Petra” site.

Click for Route Map :  13 km  4–5 h  ~450 m  ●●●○○ — Moderate

The Petra Back Door hike offers one of the most rewarding ways to enter Jordan’s most famous site. Starting from Little Petra, the trail climbs gradually through sandstone hills and desert plateaus before dropping into the hidden valleys that lead toward the Monastery.

The path winds past rock carvings and eroded cliffs before revealing the monumental façade of Ad Deir (the Monastery), carved high into the sandstone. Approaching this vast monument on foot is an unforgettable experience, with far fewer crowds than the main entrance.

From the Monastery the route continues down into the heart of Petra, descending long stairways and narrow passages toward the Royal Tombs, the Colonnaded Street, and finally the Siq. Ending in the main visitor centre, the hike combines desert scenery, archaeological wonders, and a dramatic entrance into one of the world’s great sites.

With the 3-day Petra pass it will allow you to do the Petra hikes either side of the free day and then also enter again in your free time if you wish. It’s well worth it! Another great option is to head to the Dead Sea for a float in the water.

Visiting Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is an unforgettable experience that transports travelers back to the era of the Nabateans, who carved this breathtaking city into Jordan’s rose-red sandstone cliffs over 2,000 years ago. The journey begins at the Siq, a narrow canyon that leads to the magnificent Treasury (Al-Khazneh), Petra’s most iconic monument. Beyond the Treasury, Petra unfolds into a vast archaeological wonderland, featuring the Royal Tombs, the Colonnaded Street, the Great Temple, and the awe-inspiring Monastery (Ad Deir)—which can be reached via an exhilarating climb of 800 steps. For adventurers, trails like the Al-Khubtha Viewpoint and the Petra Backdoor Hike offer incredible perspectives and fewer crowds. Whether exploring Petra’s ancient ruins by daylight or witnessing its magic under the soft glow of candles at Petra by Night, this UNESCO World Heritage Site leaves visitors with a deep appreciation for its history, ingenuity, and timeless beauty. With a mix of adventure, culture, and history, Petra is a must-visit destination that exceeds all expectations.

Click for Route Map :  11 km  4-5 h  ~450 m  ●●●○○ — Moderate

The Al Khubtha Trail is one of Petra’s most striking hikes, leading from the Royal Tombs up to a dramatic viewpoint directly opposite the Treasury. The path begins at the base of the Urn Tomb and climbs steadily on carved rock steps, winding through narrow passages and across ledges that look out over the heart of Petra.

As the trail gains height, views open across the amphitheatre, the Colonnaded Street, and the surrounding sandstone cliffs. The highlight comes at the end of the path, where a high ledge offers the famous perspective of the Treasury framed between cliffs far below — one of the most iconic views in Jordan.

The return follows the same route back to the Royal Tombs, completing a short but memorable hike that combines archaeological interest with one of Petra’s greatest panoramas.

Click for Route Map :  15 km  6 h  ~300 m  ●●●○○ — Moderate

Wadi Ghuweir is one of Jordan’s most beautiful slot canyon hikes, beginning near Al Mansour and descending through the Dana Biosphere Reserve toward Feynan. The trail winds deep into a narrow sandstone gorge, where towering cliffs rise overhead and the sound of running water echoes through the canyon.

The route alternates between boulder-hopping, wading through shallow pools, and crossing small cascades. Along the way, hanging gardens of ferns, palms, and reeds cling to the rock walls, creating a lush ribbon of green in the heart of the desert. The contrast of red rock, clear water, and bright vegetation makes this one of the most atmospheric hikes in Jordan.

After several hours of canyon walking the gorge opens gradually, with the path continuing toward Feynan. With its combination of water, gardens, and spectacular cliffs, Wadi Ghuweir feels like a hidden oasis — a true adventure hike in the Dana Reserve.

After an unforgettable week exploring the mountains, it’s time to pack your bags and begin the journey back to the city. We will take you back to Amman, making it easy to catch your flight home or continue exploring this incredible country. We recommend booking flights after 4pm to give us time to get you back from the mountains.

If you’re planning to extend your stay in Jordan, there are plenty of incredible places to visit. We’d be happy to provide recommendations to help you make the most of your time.

As you leave Wadi Musa behind, you’ll take with you memories of towering peaks, ancient villages, and the thrill of adventure in one of the most untouched regions. Until next time!