Jordan

Jordan stands as a beacon of peace and stability in the Middle East, offering travelers a profound journey through time. The landscape is incredibly diverse, shifting from the fertile, olive-tree-dotted hills of the north to the dramatic, arid canyons of the south. The jewel in Jordan's crown is undoubtedly Petra, the ancient Nabataean capital hidden within a rugged desert gorge. Walking through the Siq to catch your first glimpse of the Treasury is a rite of passage for any global traveler.

Beyond the historical ruins, Jordan is a playground for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The Dana Biosphere Reserve offers world-class hiking through varied ecosystems, while the mineral-rich mud of the Dead Sea provides a natural spa experience at the lowest elevation on Earth. In the south, the coastal city of Aqaba invites divers to explore vibrant coral reefs. Throughout the country, the genuine warmth of the Jordanian people—often expressed through invitations to share a cup of sweet mint tea—leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.

Reasons to Visit

• Petra: Explore one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, an entire ancient city carved into rose-red rock.
• Wadi Rum: Experience the breathtaking, Mars-like desert landscapes through 4x4 tours, camel rides, and overnight stays in Bedouin camps.
• The Dead Sea: Float effortlessly in hyper-saline waters and indulge in therapeutic, mineral-rich mud baths.
• Roman Ruins: Wander through Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman provincial cities in the world.
• Exceptional Hospitality: Experience the legendary warmth and welcoming nature of the Jordanian and Bedouin people.

Things to Avoid

• Disrespectful Clothing: Avoid wearing revealing clothing; both men and women should keep shoulders and knees covered in public areas.
• Public Displays of Affection: Refrain from kissing or overly affectionate behavior in public, as it is considered inappropriate in Islamic culture.
• Photographing Locals Without Permission: Always ask before taking photos of people, especially women and Bedouin locals.
• Drinking Tap Water: Stick to filtered or bottled water to avoid stomach issues.
• Disrespecting Ramadan Rules: If visiting during Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours.

Local Transportation Tips

Getting around Jordan is relatively straightforward. For intercity travel, the JETT bus network provides comfortable, air-conditioned coaches connecting Amman with major tourist destinations like Petra and Aqaba. For more flexibility, renting a car is a popular option; the roads are generally well-maintained, and driving the scenic King's Highway is a highlight. In Amman, yellow taxis are plentiful, but ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem are recommended for hassle-free, metered rides. Public minibuses are the cheapest option but operate without fixed schedules, leaving only when full.

Travel Etiquette

• Always use your right hand for eating, shaking hands, and passing items, as the left hand is considered unclean.
• When invited into a Jordanian home or a Bedouin tent, remove your shoes before entering.
• Accept offers of tea or coffee; it is a cornerstone of Jordanian hospitality, and refusing can be seen as impolite.
• Avoid pointing the soles of your feet or shoes at anyone, as this is highly offensive in Arab culture.
• During the holy month of Ramadan, be mindful of fasting locals and refrain from eating or drinking in public during the day.

Recommended Age Group

Jordan offers diverse experiences that cater to a wide range of ages, though some physical mobility is required for its most famous sites.

• Babies (0-2 years): Neutral. While Jordanians adore children, navigating the uneven terrain of Petra or the heat of Wadi Rum with a stroller is highly impractical; baby carriers are essential.
• Kids (3-12 years): Recommended. Children will love the adventure of riding camels, exploring ancient castles, and the unique sensation of floating in the Dead Sea.
• Teens (13-19 years): Recommended. The country is perfect for active teens, offering hiking, snorkeling in the Red Sea, and thrilling 4x4 desert safaris.
• Adults (20-64 years): Recommended. Adults can fully appreciate the deep historical context, cultural immersion, and challenging hikes like the Dana to Petra trail.
• Seniors (65+ years): Recommended. While Petra requires significant walking, golf carts are available for hire. The Dead Sea resorts offer excellent relaxation and wellness facilities.

Accessibility Level: Medium

• Accessibility in Jordan can be challenging due to ancient, uneven terrain and a lack of modern infrastructure in historical sites.
• At Petra, the main path through the Siq to the Treasury is relatively flat, and golf carts can be rented at the visitor center for those with mobility issues.
• Many high-end hotels and resorts at the Dead Sea, Amman, and Aqaba offer wheelchair-accessible rooms and ramps.
• Public transportation is generally not wheelchair friendly; hiring a private driver with an accessible vehicle is the best option.
• Wadi Rum can be difficult for wheelchair users, though some luxury camps are beginning to offer more accessible tent options.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the desert landscapes of Wadi Rum have served as the filming location for numerous Hollywood blockbusters? Its otherworldly red sands and towering rock formations made it the perfect stand-in for Mars in 'The Martian', as well as the backdrop for 'Dune', 'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker', and the classic 'Lawrence of Arabia'.

Cool Statistics

• Lowest Point: The shores of the Dead Sea sit at approximately 430 meters (1,410 feet) below sea level.
• Ancient Wonder: Petra was established as early as the 4th century BC, but was unknown to the Western world until 1812.
• Salinity: The Dead Sea is nearly 10 times saltier than the ocean, making it impossible for marine life to survive.
• Olive Trees: Jordan is home to some of the oldest olive trees in the world, with some estimated to be over 2,000 years old.