Jordan in 5 days: Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea

Jordan packs a lot into a small country: a lively capital, one of the world's most famous ancient cities, a red desert and the lowest point on Earth. Five days are enough for a first visit.

Day 1 — Amman

Visit the Citadel for views over the city, the Roman Theatre downtown, and spend the evening around Rainbow Street and the souks of Al-Balad.

Days 2–3 — Petra

• Petra is about three hours' drive south of Amman. Stay in Wadi Musa next to the entrance.
• Walk through the narrow Siq to the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) early in the morning, before the crowds.
• Climb the roughly 800 steps to the Monastery (Ad-Deir) — tiring but unforgettable.
• Petra is huge: two days let you see it without rushing. Wear good shoes and carry water.

Day 4 — Wadi Rum

Drive about 1.5–2 hours to Wadi Rum for a jeep tour among red sand dunes and rock arches, and spend the night in a desert camp under the stars.

Day 5 — The Dead Sea

Float in the salty water of the Dead Sea, about an hour from Amman, before flying home. Don't shave beforehand and keep the water away from your eyes.

Practical tips

• The currency is the Jordanian dinar (JOD).
• Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) is about 35 km south of Amman.
• The Jordan Pass combines Petra entry with other sites and, for eligible nationalities, the visa fee — check whether it applies to your passport on the official website.
• Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the most comfortable seasons; summer is very hot in Petra and Wadi Rum.
• A rental car or a private driver is the easiest way to combine all these places.