2 Weeks in Jordan: Ultimate 14 Day Jordan Itinerary

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Lucky you, you have time to spend 2 weeks in Jordan!

I get how overwhelming it can be to plan an itinerary in unfamiliar territory. But don’t you worry! I’m here to guide you in making your two weeks in Jordan unforgettable.

I’ve spent a mind-boggling three months soaking up history in the Middle East during my 2.5 years of traveling around the world, including 3.5 incredible weeks exploring Jordan solo in my rental car.

With 2 weeks in Jordan, you’ll get to see and do things in Jordan that most people have to skip.

You will get to see the world-famous archeological sites (five of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites), including Petra. You’ll really get to experience Jordan’s culture and beautiful landscapes at a whole other level and even get a bit off the beaten path.

There are impressively well-preserved Roman ruins, beautiful deserts, and even the Dead Sea! Want to scuba dive in the Red Sea? No problem!

You can squeeze SO MUCH into your 2 week Jordan itinerary.

🇯🇴 Check out this 5-star-rated, 7-night Jordan tour. It includes all the highlights: Amman, Jerash, the Dead Sea, Petra, Wadi Rum, and Aqaba. Enjoy a perfectly curated experience that lets you soak in Jordan’s beauty without the stress. 🐫

How to Spend Two Weeks in Jordan

Note: This 14-day Jordan itinerary assumes you are flying in and out of Amman. If you are able to fly into Amman and out of Aqaba, or vice versa, you will have a bonus day or two to enjoy.

Day	Jordan 2 Week Itinerary Overview	Overnight
Day 1	Arrive in Amman	Amman
Day 2	Sightseeing in Amman	Amman
Day 3	Roman Ruins in Jerash, Ajloun Forest Reserve, & Ajloun Castle	Jerash or Ajloun
Day 4	Madaba, Mount Nebo, & Dead Sea	Dead Sea
Day 5	Wadi Mujib Siq Trail & Ma’in Hot Springs, Drive to Petra	Petra
Day 6	Full-Day Exploring Petra	Petra
Day 7	See More of Petra	Petra
Day 8	Arrive in Wadi Rum by 2 pm, Sunset Wadi Rum Jeep Tour	Wadi Rum
Day 9	Drive to Aqaba	Aqaba
Day 10	Swim, Snorkel, & Scuba in the Red Sea	Aqaba
Day 11	Drive to Dana Biosphere Reserve	Dana
Day 12	Hiking in Dana Biosphere Reserve	Dana
Day 13	Drive Back to Amman	Amman
Day 14	End of Your 2 Weeks in Jordan / Fly Out of Amman

Author’s Note: Before Reading the 14-day Jordan Itinerary

• This itinerary is meant to be tailored according to your travel style and preferences, so have fun! I’ll include a list of alternative experiences for you to swap in. If you don’t want to spend this much time hiking, or if you want a slower-paced itinerary, you can skip Dana Biosphere Reserve and use those days for something else.
  
• The itinerary is excellent but can easily be reversed (start on the other end of the country and work your way across). You can add days. Or cut days. There are no rules. Go nuts!
  
• My Jordan itinerary started in Aqaba in the south (after crossing the Israel-Jordan land border). It ended in Amman so I could fly out of the Queen Alia International Airport. You can do the same, or you can do the opposite, however you prefer.

Day 1 – Arrive in Jordan via Queen Alia International Airport

Welcome to Jordan! When you arrive in Jordan, take a moment to soak it all in.

As a solo traveler, I prefer to ensure a smooth arrival in a new country by booking a private transfer service to pick me up from the airport, alleviating any potential stress or complications.

Now is the time to ensure you have everything you need for your journey. My first day in Jordan was spent renting a car, getting gas, buying a SIM card, getting cash at an ATM, and buying water and snacks for the road.

If you are planning to rent a car, you can get your car at the airport and start exploring Jordan right away! Or, if you’d prefer to avoid the hectic driving in Amman, you can pick up your car in town when you’re ready to leave.

🛏️ Stay overnight in Amman at Carob Hostel (budget), Nu Fifty Two (mid-range), or Amman International Hotel (luxury)

Day 2 – See the Sights in Amman

Amman, the capital of Jordan, is a bustling city with a rich culture and history. There are many things to see and do in Amman, from exploring the ancient ruins to shopping in the lively markets.

Below are some of my top picks for experiencing all the city has to offer:

• Jordan’s hip-hop scene is one of the best-kept secrets in the world. Check out the Underground Amman Tour to learn all about it.
  
• Enjoy a wine tasting at JR Wine Experience, one of the top wine restaurants in Jordan.
  
• Sample some of Jordan’s delicious cuisine on a food tour.
  
• Explore Amman’s lively markets and shops.
  
• Hear The Call to Prayer and visit King Abdullah 1 Mosque, one of Amman’s most beautiful mosques.
  
• Explore Amman’s famous historical sites: Citadel (great at sunset) and Roman Theater – no need for a guide, just do some research online before you go!

🛏️ Stay overnight in Amman at Carob Hostel (budget), Nu Fifty Two (mid-range), or Amman International Hotel (luxury)

Day 3 – Roman Ruins in Jerash, Ajloun Forest Reserve, & Ajloun Castle

Get up early, eat breakfast, and drive north to explore the well-preserved Greco-Roman city of Jerash. This is something you wouldn’t have time to do if you only had 1 week in Jordan.

I love exploring Roman ruins, and Jerash was awesome! I spent about 1-2 hours exploring on my own, but it’s easy to hire a guide upon arrival if you’d like to learn more about the grand city’s history.

If you get an early start to your day, you’ll have plenty of time to combine your visit to Jerash Archeological Park with a short hike through the Ajloun Nature Reserve and a quick stop at nearby Ajloun Castle.

A lot of people don’t make it to the Ajloun Forest Reserve, which is unfortunate – I really enjoyed my visit! Next time, I’ll reserve one of the cabins and stay overnight.

Entrance to Jerash Archeological Park and Ajloun Castle are both included in your Jordan Pass, but you’ll have to pay to enter the trails at Ajloun Nature Reserve.

The hardest part of the drive is getting out of Amman (I found the traffic to be stressful), and after that, you’ll be on quiet roads.

👉 If you don’t have a car and would like to visit Jerash on a day tour from Amman, you might like this full-day tour of Umm Qais, Jerash, and Ajloun from Amman.

🛏️ Stay overnight in Jerash at Ruins Wall Hotel & Hostel (budget), 1955 Heart of Jerash (City View) (great mid-range apartment with optional add-on home-cooked meals from a Jordanian mama downstairs), or in Ajloun Forest Reserve.

Day 4 – Madaba, Mount Nebo, & Dead Sea

This is another busy day, so be sure to eat a good breakfast. It’s a little more than an hour’s drive from Jerash to Madaba.

Madaba is a very small town that is mentioned in the Old Testament, but worth a stop to see the famous 6th-century mosaic of Palestine thought to be the oldest surviving map of the region. And it’s included in the Jordan Pass!

Since you’re in the area, you might as well stop by Mount Nebo, where Moses is believed to have seen the promised land before he died.

And then finally, to the Dead Sea – a place that is on many travelers’ bucket lists! Bring a book or newspaper for a fun photo of you reading while floating effortlessly. Don’t shave before coming here, trust me.

Alternatively, if you have the time during your two weeks in Jordan, you could decide to spend the night in Madaba and push your Dead Sea visit to the next day, following the Siq Trail hike at Wadi Mujib.

🛏️ Stay overnight at the Dead Sea or Madaba, depending on your timeline: Safi Kitchen Farm Stay (budget, ~45-minute drive to Wadi Mujib), Dead Sea Spa Hotel (mid-range), Mujib Chalets (low-end luxury), Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea (luxury), or Tell Madaba Hotel (mid-range, one of my favorite stays in Jordan).

Day 5 – Wadi Mujib Siq Trail & Ma’in Hot Springs, Drive to Petra

This will be one of your favorite days in Jordan, so I hope you’re ready!

Wadi Mujib Canyon is known as Jordan’s Grand Canyon, and you can hike the super fun and WET Siq Trail. The hike takes about two hours to complete, and you’ll want to get there as soon as the Visitor’s Center opens, or even a little before.

After a morning of hiking, it’s time to head to the Ma’in Hot Springs for some relaxation!

The hot springs in this area have been around since pre-Roman times, offering visitors unparalleled views and therapeutic benefits. Not all hot springs are suitable for swimming – some may be too hot to handle!

If you’re looking for a luxurious experience, the private hot springs at the Ma’in resort cost about 10 JD. If you’re traveling on a budget, however, there are public hot springs nearby that offer a more affordable option – although without any amenities.

Soak in the warm water and let your worries drift away as you enjoy the wonders of Jordan!

Then, when you’ve finished relaxing, it’s time to head to Petra.

🛏️ Stay overnight in Wadi Musa, near Petra, at Petra Cabin Inn Hostel (budget), Petra Stones Inn (one of my favorite stays in Jordan thanks to the welcoming family who runs it, mid-range), or Le Maison Hotel (higher mid-range).

Days 6 & 7 – Explore the Ancient City of Petra

The moment you’ve been waiting for is finally here – you’ve made it to Petra!

There’s a lot to see in Petra, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that Petra actually exceeded my already-high expectations.

In hindsight, I wish I hired a local guide to learn more about the history of Petra.

If you’re in really good shape and you get an early start, you will be able to see most of Petra in 1-2 days. I hiked to the Treasury Viewpoint and the Monastery on the same day, and I was EXHAUSTED.

You will receive many offers to ride camels or donkeys inside Petra, and I would caution you against doing this as it wasn’t clear to me that the animals were well-cared for (I saw one guide hit a camel with a metal chain, for example).

As an alternative to riding the camels, carry a couple of oranges with you and ask the camel’s owner if it’s ok to give them to the camel. Camels LOVE to eat oranges. They’ll eat it whole right out of your palm, and then you’ll be their best friend forever.

👉 This popular 5-star overnight tour from Amman makes exploring Petra and the Wadi Rum desert easy. Travelers give the guides rave reviews!

Here are the top things to do in Petra:

• Hike to the Treasury Viewpoint in Petra for that Famous Pic
  
• Climb 800 Ancient Steps to the Monastery in Petra
  
• Petra by Night (Petra by Night is only available 3 days/week, so check the calendar if this is something you want to do, but personally, I felt it was overrated for the price, as it’s not included in your Jordan Pass)
  
• Horseback Ride or hike to The Place of High Sacrifice
  
• Get Away from the Crowds in Little Petra (not inside Petra, but nearby)

Petra opens at 6 am, and I recommend you get there as early as possible to beat both the tour groups and the heat!

🛏️ Stay overnight near Petra at Petra Cabin Inn Hostel (budget), Petra Stones Inn (one of my favorite stays in Jordan, family-run mid-range), or Le Maison Hotel (higher mid-range).

Day 8 – Wadi Rum Desert

The Wadi Rum Desert is absolutely stunning. It’s an Instagram dream!

If you plan to get to Wadi Rum by the early afternoon, book a sunset Jeep tour to explore the gorgeous natural rock formations and bridges of the desert and learn the history of the Bedouins who live there.

Your accommodation may offer other activities like hikes, camel rides, ATV tours, or guided stargazing, so check with them to know your options.

One day in Wadi Rum was enough for me, but some people enjoy staying longer.

Be careful bringing your own vehicle into the desert. It’s better to park in the small town right outside and get picked up by your accommodation. And book far in advance if you want to spend the night in one of the famous bubble tents!

🛏️ Stay overnight in Wadi Rum desert at Magic Milky Way Camp (budget), Wadi Rum Star Wars Camp (mid-range), or Memories Aicha (luxury)

Days 9 & 10 – Aqaba & the Red Sea

You’ve been on the go for over a week, so you deserve some R&R on the Red Sea!

I took this opportunity to do a little bit of scuba diving in Aqaba with the Red Coral Dive Center, which I really enjoyed.

If you’re not a scuba diver, get some sunbathing and snorkeling in. I’ve also heard of people renting a boat for the day and chilling on the water. Sounds lovely!

If you’re not a beach person, you could skip Aqaba and add extra days to another part of the itinerary.

🛏️ Stay overnight in Aqaba at Hakaia Community (budget), Laverda Hotel (mid-range), or Kempinski Hotel Aqaba (luxury)

👉 This highly-rated Dana to Petra Group Trek looks incredible – it’s a multi-day trek from the Dana Nature Reserve to Petra through canyons and desert along Bedouin trails.

Days 11 & 12 – Hiking in the Dana Biosphere Reserve

If you haven’t gotten enough hiking done in Petra, then make sure you spend a couple of days at the Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jordan’s largest nature reserve.

You’ll experience stunning views and see lots of wildlife, especially birds.

The nearby Dana Village, with beautiful views of Wadi Dana, is as old as most everything in Jordan, with people living there for thousands of years.

Although some of the trails can be done without a guide, it is strongly recommended to hire a guide to see the reserve safely.

Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat.

🛏️ Stay overnight near Dana Biosphere Reserve at Al Nawatef Eco Camp (budget) or Dana Gate Lodge (mid-range)

Day 13 – Drive Back to Amman

Your amazing two weeks in Jordan are almost over – sad!

Make the drive back to Amman, and spend your evening doing any of the things you didn’t get to do on Day 2.

Or simply relax at your accommodation (I know you’re probably tired from all of the adventure!).

🛏️ Stay overnight in Amman at Carob Hostel (budget), Nu Fifty Two (mid-range), or Amman International Hotel (luxury)

👉 My pick for the best small group tour to Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea is this 2-day small group tour with a guide, with over 800 5-star reviews! You’ll see Jordan’s top sights in 2 days, including a night in a Bedouin tent in the desert!

Day 14 – Fly Home

On the last day of your Jordan itinerary, leave enough time to return the rental car when you fly home.

Give yourself a little extra cushion in case of any unexpected traffic or delays.

Try not to be too sad about leaving Jordan – think of all the amazing memories you created!

More Options: Build Your Own 14 Day Jordan Itinerary

If you want to build your own Jordan itinerary from scratch and are just looking for some inspiration, here are all the top things to do in Jordan! 

1. Begin your Jordan adventure with a visit to Amman, the capital city. The bustling markets, historical sites, and mouthwatering street food will provide an authentic taste of Jordanian life. See the Citadel for a panoramic view of the city and visit the majestic Roman Theatre that dates back to the 2nd century AD.

2. Take a trip to Jerash, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the Middle East.

3. Marvel at Madaba’s Byzantine mosaics, especially the famous 6th-century map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land in St. George’s Church.

4. Ascend Mount Nebo, from where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land before he died.

5. Lose yourself in Wadi Rum’s desert landscape—immortalized on film in ‘Lawrence of Arabia — on a 4×4 tour or camel ride.

6. Spend a night under the stars at a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum for an unforgettable experience.

7. Don’t miss Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World known for its stunning rock-cut architecture, such as Al-Khazneh (The Treasury) and Ad Deir (The Monastery).

8. Explore Little Petra—a smaller but equally captivating archaeological site close to its more famous sibling.

9. Try canyoning in Wadi Mujib Biosphere Reserve for an adrenaline rush amidst breathtaking scenery.

10. Relax at Ma’In Hot Springs—a series of natural thermal waterfalls that are reputedly therapeutic.

11. Discover Aqaba City—the gateway to the Red Sea—with excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities amidst vibrant coral reefs.

12. Experience weightlessness while floating effortlessly on the Dead Sea’s hyper-saline waters—it’s impossible to sink!

13. Pamper yourself with a natural mud treatment at the Dead Sea for a unique spa experience.

14. Hike through Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jordan’s largest nature reserve, offering stunning views and diverse flora and fauna.

15. Visit the Ajloun Castle—a 12th-century Muslim castle built by the Ayyubids to fend off Crusader invasions.

16. Explore Umm Qais, home to the ancient ruins of Gadara, with sweeping views over the Sea of Galilee and Golan Heights.

17. Sample traditional Jordanian dishes like Mansaf (lamb cooked in yogurt sauce) and Maqluba (upside-down rice dish).

18. Tour Karak Castle: A crusader stronghold, Karak Castle is a labyrinth of stone-vaulted halls and endless passageways.

19. Discover Shobak Castle: Another Crusader castle perched dramatically on a hilltop surrounded by incredible views.

Remember, these are just highlights in an exciting country full of history, culture, adventure, and welcoming locals!

Things to Know When Planning Your 2 Week Jordan Itinerary

🇯🇴 Jordan is a small country located in the Middle East, sharing borders with Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Israel.

⛑️ Jordan is a highly safe country for tourists, and politically, Jordan is very stable. I felt very safe as a solo female traveler in Jordan (although there are some cultural differences women should be aware of before traveling solo here).

🗣️ Arabic is the official language spoken throughout Jordan, but you may find people who can also converse in English (or other languages) in tourist areas.

🛂 United States passport holders require a visa. Jordan issues visas to U.S. citizens for a fee at most international ports of entry and most international land border crossings upon arrival, so you don’t need to buy one in advance. Jordan has a visa-on-arrival policy for many countries.

🤑 You should buy the Jordan Pass, which includes a free visa online when applying for a tourist package, and receive access to 40 different tourist attractions, including Petra, Wadi Rum, Pella, and Jerash.

🚗 Driving in Jordan was pretty easy (I did this itinerary as a road trip) and safe, too. Just watch out for potholes. The only exception is in Amman – the traffic there made it challenging, and I didn’t keep the car long after arriving.

💰The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar, which is quite strong compared to other currencies.

🛍️ Bargaining at local markets/shops (such as at Petra) is expected.

How Much Does it Cost? Is Jordan Expensive?

I was in a bit of money shock when I arrived in the Middle East from Southeast Asia, where everything was extremely inexpensive.

Jordan is not a cheap travel destination, but if you plan your budget wisely, you can definitely make it work!

Some easy ways to cut costs are to use the limited public transportation options, which may mean taking twice as long to get anywhere, or to befriend other travelers to share the costs of taxis and accommodation.

Here’s a breakdown of my Jordan travel costs:

Rental Car + Gas	$45 USD /day
Mid-Range Accommodation (I stayed in private hotel rooms and guest houses but hostels would be cheaper)	$35 USD /day
Food (breakfast is usually included with accommodation)	$25 USD /day
Activities (some activities were expensive and some days I didn’t do activities, so this is approximate)	$50 USD /day

If you share costs like rental car and hotel, you can cut costs down quite a bit during your 14 days in Jordan.

👉 I love how easy it is to compare the major car rental companies to find the best price with this tool.

Best Time to Visit Jordan

Summer (June to August): Jordan is hot in the summertime – temperatures routinely reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. If you like extreme heat, this could be an excellent time to visit. However, many travelers prefer to avoid these months because the extreme heat can be very uncomfortable and make sightseeing difficult.

Fall (September to November): Fall is an excellent time for your 2 weeks in Jordan because the temperatures are mild, and you’ll have some of the best weather conditions in the country. Keep in mind that it’s also peak time for tourism.

Winter (December to February): Winter is generally cold and rainy in Jordan, depending on which part of the country you’re in, with temperatures dipping low at night.

Spring (March to May): Spring in Jordan is an ideal time to visit because the temperatures are milder and more pleasant during the day. You can explore some of the country’s incredible sites and attractions without worrying about the heat. Just be aware that this is also the peak tourist season, and you may have to contend with crowds in some places.

Look up when Ramadan is (it varies from year to year) – many restaurants will be closed during that time, so plan accordingly.

I visited Jordan during Ramadan and went hungry a couple of times because I forgot it was Ramadan, and restaurants were closed during daylight hours in some of the less-touristy destinations. But I also got invited to celebrate the end of Ramadan with a couple of local families, which was a trip highlight.

👉 This popular 5-star overnight tour from Amman makes exploring Petra and the Wadi Rum desert easy. Travelers give the guides rave reviews!

Getting Into Jordan, Visas, and Restrictions

United States passport holders require a visa. Jordan issues visas to U.S. citizens for a fee at most international ports of entry and most international land border crossings upon arrival, so you don’t need to buy one in advance.

The visa currently costs 40 JD ($56.50 USD) for a single entry, 60 JD ($85.00 USD) for two entries, and 120 JD ($170.00 USD) for a multiple-entry visa. 

Visas are not issued upon arrival at the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge land border crossing, so if you’re coming from Israel, double-check which borders you’re going over (I went over in the south at Aqaba from Israel and had no issues). 

U.S. citizens are typically given visas that are valid for 30 days. 

All visitors should have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after your entry date, with at least 2 blank pages.

If you need to buy a visa, and if you’re planning to visit Petra or any other tourist sites with a fee, and you’ll be in the country for at least 3 days, you should buy The Jordan Pass. You must present The Jordan Pass at the border to collect your visa.

Many countries benefit from the same visa-on-arrival policy as the United States. However, I am not an immigration expert, so please be sure to research the entry requirements for your nationality and passport type. More information about Jordan visas can be found here.

Crossing the Land Border from Israel

I can tell you from experience that sometimes Israelis may have to go through some extra hoops to get into Jordan.

I’m unsure if it’s an official policy or if the border agent my friend and I worked with was just being difficult. My American-Israeli friend and I walked over the land border crossing from Eilat, Israel, to Aqaba, Jordan (it had just opened post-C***D, so that could have added to the challenge).

I had my documents stamped in seconds, whereas my American-Israeli friend had to “hire” a tour guide to take responsibility for her since they said Israelis needed to be a part of an organized tour. She literally paid him to vouch for her, and then we left him at the border.

Along the way, we met other Israelis who had no issues driving across the border; they just changed to Jordanian license plates for the duration of their trip to avoid any issues.

The Jordan Pass is Worth It for Your 2 Weeks in Jordan

The main reason why it’s worth it to buy the Jordan Pass is that it waives the visa fees (only if you are staying at least 3 nights in Jordan), and it includes access to 40 different tourist attractions, including Petra, Wadi Rum, Pella, Jerash, etc.  

There are three different options or levels of the Jordan Pass, the main difference being how many consecutive days you will visit Petra. 

I bought the most expensive Jordan Expert level (80JD) for 3 consecutive days to visit Petra, but I didn’t need 3 days in Petra. But it depends on your fitness level – seeing Petra involves quite a bit of walking and hiking.

The Jordan Wanderer level (1-day visit to Petra)  is 70JD, and the Jordan Explorer level is 75JD (2 consecutive days in Petra).

If you don’t have the Jordan Pass, visiting Petra costs 50 JD for one day, 55 JD for two days, and 60 JD for three days.  When you combine that with the 40JD visa on arrival fee, you’re looking at a minimum of 90JD spent on those two items, so the pass is already worth it.  Plus, when you add in other attractions, you’ll save even more.

Most attractions didn’t scan the pass, but a few did, including border control. 

Things I Didn’t Love About Jordan

Traveling to Jordan is an incredible experience, but no country is perfect.

As a backpacker on a tight budget, there were some things that I didn’t love about my time in the country – from its costliness to spotty cell service and slow wifi.

First, Jordan is an expensive country – it can be challenging to find affordable options for food and lodging if you’re on a tight budget like many backpackers.

Cash is king here; most places do not accept credit cards, so make sure you bring enough cash with you, or do what I do and take out money at the ATMs in the major cities.

Additionally, wifi in some areas is incredibly slow, making it hard to stay connected while traveling. If you’re a digital nomad, you may want to look more into this before booking. Cell service was also spotty in some areas; I often had difficulty getting a signal.

Public transportation wasn’t great either – it can be confusing to figure out, and it takes a while to get from one place to another when going this way. I had a car, so I had no issues, but I usually rely on buses or trains to get around when I travel.

Many people don’t speak English here, which I actually love – but I could understand how this could be challenging for some travelers.

My least favorite thing about Jordan was that many people smoke cigarettes, which I can’t stand. Gross.

Overall, my experience in Jordan was incredible despite the few things I didn’t love. There are so many unique sites and experiences to participate in there – it’s well worth the visit!

What to Wear in Jordan

It’s a primarily Islamic country, but people near the main tourist sites are very used to foreigners.

Since it was hot while there, I did walk around Aqaba in shorts and a tank top one day. I’ll be honest; people seemed to notice and stare a bit, but not in a rude way. They also noticed me when I was dressed modestly since I was clearly not Jordanian. But I tried not to do it again.

I mostly wore some loose-fitting pants and a T-shirt. Women should consider keeping their shoulders and knees covered since women dress very modestly here. It’s up to you, though.

I wore a regular bathing suit under my wet suit when I went scuba diving, which seemed fine. But I did see locals on the beach in long sleeves and skirts, so it may have felt weird to be in a bathing suit around the locals.

If you go into a mosque, you’ll likely be required to cover your head. If you can visit a mosque, especially if you haven’t done so before, you should!

Is Jordan Good for Solo Travelers?

This Middle Eastern country is a great place to explore if you’re traveling alone, especially for female travelers.

Its hospitable locals and stunning landscapes make it the perfect spot for a solo adventure. I spent 3.5 weeks in Jordan and had an incredible experience – from breaking the Ramadan fast with two different families to admiring the breathtaking desert views; I was welcomed and awed by this beautiful country every step of the way!

I met a traveler in Petra and hiked the whole day with her, had dinner with her that night, and then met up with her several months later in Central America. While on a food tour in Amman, I met a European couple traveling, and we went out for dinner and wine together the following evening. It’s easy to connect with other travelers in Jordan!

Getting Around Jordan

As a solo traveler on a budget, I usually prefer public transportation.  But when I was researching, I didn’t see many easy transportation options other than fully organized tours or hiring drivers, so I opted to rent a car. 

I recommend using Discover Cars to compare rental car costs easily. I could pick up the car in Aqaba and drop it off in Amman, which worked out well for me.  

Even with the extra cost of having a different drop-off location, I paid about $38 USD per day for the car, including taxes and fees. 

That’s a lot of money for a solo backpacker, especially when you add in the cost of gas, but I’m glad I did it because driving was relatively easy, and it gave me a lot of freedom to explore on my own schedule. 

Driving was pretty easy, definitely easier than my road trip through the Balkans in 2021. Just watch out for potholes.

If you don’t want to rent a car, you can hire a driver.  I met two women in Wadi Rum who hired a driver for a few days to get around, and they were really happy about not having to stress about transportation. But they paid quite a bit more for the driver than I paid for a car.

Many people hire tour companies to get them around and coordinate the logistics of their visit, so that’s always an option, too.

According to my research, buses and minibusses are how locals get around the country.  This is the most affordable option and also the most time-consuming.  Buses often don’t leave until full, so they don’t operate on a set timetable. 

In Amman, Uber is inexpensive and reliable. If you use a taxi, be sure to negotiate the price before getting in.

You’ll have no problem finding Jordanians who speak at least some English in very touristy spots like Petra and Wadi Rum. I would say that overall, about 50% of the locals I encountered spoke strong English, but it really depends on where you are.

Obviously, the more local you go, the less English will be spoken. I never had any issues getting help or answers when I needed them.  I did use Google Translate a few times on this trip to chat with locals.

What to Pack for 14 Days in Jordan (or More)

I travel for 6-9 months at a time, so I have to wear whatever I have in my backpack, more or less.

For Jordan, I picked up a cheap pair of flowy pants and a loose shirt because I wanted to try to dress a little more conservatively than I had in the previous 5 months in Asia and Israel.

Packing List for Jordan:

• Loose pants / long skirts that cover your knees
• Shirts that cover your shoulders and don’t show cleavage
• Light scarf for extra coverage when needed
• Comfortable shoes for lots of walking
• Hat and sunglasses
• Travel Adaptor – I use this one
• Portable battery to charge your devices on the road
• Selfie stick/tripod – this one fits in my bum bag
• Waterproof iPhone pouch for Wadi Mujib and the Dead Sea
• Waterproof fanny pack – which lets me keep valuables on me at the beach or at Wadi Mujib
• Airtag – in case your bag goes missing
• Water bladder and hose – if you’re doing a lot of hiking
• Refillable water bottle (I use this filtered water bottle, which lets me have clean water anywhere I go)
• Warm clothes if going in winter
• Travel Insurance

Must-Try Jordanian Dishes

Trying local food is one of my favorite parts of travel (as you surely know if you follow me on Instagram), and Jordan has some really delicious food!

The best food I had was homemade. As one of my Airbnb hosts put it, you won’t find good Jordanian food at restaurants because Jordanians don’t go to restaurants for food they can cook themselves at home.

At most of my accommodations, the hosts offered to provide homemade meals at an extra cost (I think the most I paid for a homemade meal was about $10 USD).

Here are some dishes you should be sure to try during your two weeks in Jordan:

• Tea – you won’t be able NOT to try it; everyone will offer it to you.
  
• Falafel – were you really in the Middle East if you didn’t try falafel?
  
• Hummus – once you have homemade hummus, you’ll never want the store-bought stuff again.
  
• Mansaf – Jordan’s national dish, lamb (or sometimes goat, I think) cooked with fermented yogurt called jameed, usually served with rice topped with pine nuts. I tried this several times, including with a Bedouin family near Petra.
  
• Maqluba – meat, rice, and vegetables cooked in a pot that is then flipped upside down when served
  
• Fattoush salad – I think Lebanon takes credit for this salad, but either way, you should have some. It’s made with toasted or fried pieces of flatbread, crisp greens, radishes, tomatoes, and onion. The secret ingredient is the pomegranate molasses dressing. Yum.

Grocery Shopping in Jordan

If you’re on a tight budget, eating out in Jordan isn’t always cheap, so you may be inclined to go grocery shopping. Most of the “supermarkets” you find in the local neighborhoods will be tiny corner stores with a different/smaller selection than we are used to in the West, but the cities do usually have a giant supermarket somewhere near the center if you want more options.

Visit a local bakery for the best bread or a butcher shop for the best meat.

Alcohol in Jordan

Partying and drinking will probably not be a big part of your two weeks in Jordan.

Many people in Jordan do not drink since they are practicing Muslims. So there aren’t as many bars as you may be used to. But there certainly are quite a few, especially in the cities! If drinking on vacation is important to you, be sure to check the calendar to see when the Ramadan holiday is – I was there during the end of Ramadan, and alcohol was even more scarce than usual.

Some local wineries have popped up recently, so if you’re into wine, you should try some! While in Amman, I visited JR the Wine Experience restaurant and tried several Jordanian wines and yummy food. I would definitely recommend it if you are in Amman.

I’m not really a beer person, so I didn’t try too much local beer. I think there are some local breweries, but you’ll usually find Amstel or something similar. I’m more of a cocktail person, so the local bars and pubs had some great mixed drinks.

👉 I’ve solo-traveled all over the world and LOVE to take tours that I find on Viator. They have so many 5-star tours, and it’s easy to see which ones have the best ratings. I’ve also had to use their 24/7 customer service more than once and was helped immediately.

Tipping in Jordan

Tipping isn’t mandatory in Jordan, but it’s always appreciated, so it’s up to you. It’s common to tip about 10% at restaurants in Jordan (but check the bill first in case service has already been added). 

Taxi drivers don’t expect tips, but they appreciate it if you round up the bill to the nearest JD.  And if you have an excellent tour guide, a small tip would be appreciated.

Tipping (as with most payments in Jordan) will be in cash.

Conclusion: Jordan Itinerary 14 Days

Your two weeks in Jordan will be some of the most amazing days you’ve ever had!

With a wealth of breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and unique history to explore, you’ll find endless activities to fill your days. From the bustling markets of Amman and Petra’s ancient monuments to the relaxing atmosphere of the Dead Sea, your 2 weeks in Jordan will be unforgettable.

One of the must-do adventures in Jordan is hiking the Siq Trail in Wadi Mujib – don’t miss it!

The easiest way to explore Jordan is by driving – here are all the tips you need to get around by car.

I’m not exaggerating when I say this: the people of Jordan are the most welcoming and hospitable people I’ve met in my travels to 60 countries. I’ll never forget them!