7 Day Jordan Itinerary: What to Skip and What’s Worth It

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What to Skip First if You’re Short on Time

If you’ve only got 5 or 6 days, prioritize Petra and Wadi Rum—they’re the most iconic and unique experiences in Jordan, and absolutely worth the time.

Here’s what I’d cut first:

• Amman – It has some cool sites, but skip it unless you love cities or need to recover from jet lag.
  
• Aqaba – Great for diving or beach time, but not a must if you’re short on days.
  
• Dead Sea overnight – Float, rinse, and move on. It’s a fun stop but doesn’t need more than a couple hours.
  
• Madaba, Jerash, Ajloun – These are interesting, especially if you’re into Roman ruins or religious history—but too far or too similar to justify on a tight timeline.

If you’ve only got 5 days, here’s what I’d recommend:

• Day 1: Land in Amman, head to Petra
  
• Day 2: Full day in Petra
  
• Day 3: Wadi Rum Jeep tour + overnight
  
• Day 4: Second day in Wadi Rum or head to Dead Sea
  
• Day 5: Drive to Amman and fly out

👉 My Top Picks for Accommodations in Amman: Carob Hostel (budget), Nu Fifty Two (mid-range), or Amman International Hotel (luxury)

Day 2: Dead Sea + Optional Ma’in Hot Springs

Drive time: ~1.5 hrs from Amman to the Dead Sea area

Ease into your Jordan itinerary with a slower-paced day—especially if you’ve just landed and are still shaking off jet lag. The Dead Sea is the perfect place to do absolutely nothing while feeling like you’re doing something.

If you’ve never been before, it’s definitely worth the stop. (I skipped it on this trip since I’d already visited from the Israel side.)

Just don’t expect to spend hours here—it’s usually very hot, and floating in salty water is fun but not exactly a full-day activity. 

The Dead Sea is technically a lake and is famous for being the lowest point on Earth and 10x saltier than the ocean. You’ll float effortlessly—but also want to avoid getting any of that water in your eyes or mouth.

What to expect at the Dead Sea:

• Cover yourself in the famous black mud (it’s part of the experience).
  
• Skip shaving that day unless you enjoy pain.
  
• Resorts offer beach access—public access is limited.
  
• Most local women swim fully clothed; tourists wear swimsuits, so do what makes you comfortable.
  
• It’s often very hot—plan for a short visit unless you’re staying at a resort with pools and shade.

Optional: Ma’in Hot Springs

About 30 minutes from the Dead Sea, Ma’in offers a quiet thermal spring setting. 

Entry to Ma’in Hot Springs resort is around 10 JD (~$14 USD) for the resort’s private pools. If you don’t need amenities, you can enjoy the nearby public hot springs.

Just note that between the hot weather and hot water, it might not feel super refreshing unless you go early or late in the day.

Want a great view over the Dead Sea? 

Swing by the Panorama Dead Sea Complex. It’s a quick stop with a small museum, a decent café, and one of the best panoramic viewpoints in the area.

Day 3: Wadi Mujib Siq Trail + Drive to Petra

Drive time: ~30 min from Dead Sea to Wadi Mujib, ~3 hrs from Wadi Mujib to Wadi Musa (where Petra is located)

Wake up early and make your way to Wadi Mujib for one of Jordan’s most unexpectedly fun experiences. 

Wadi Mujib ended up being one of the absolute highlights of my Jordan trip—and I say that as someone who doesn’t typically love hiking, climbing, or slipping on wet rocks for fun. But Wadi Mujib was the exception.

It’s basically Jordan’s version of canyoning: a slot canyon filled with chest-deep water, small waterfalls, ropes, and natural chutes. 

I did it solo and finished in about an hour, but in hindsight, I wish I’d slowed down. It’s that fun and refreshing.

You don’t need a guide for the Siq Trail—just a sense of adventure and maybe some light upper-body strength. I doubted myself a few times while scrambling up slick rocks, but then a group of fit Canadian retirees passed me, laughing, so I knew I had no excuse.

Essential Info for Wadi Mujib:

• Seasonal access: The Siq Trail usually runs from April 1 through October 31, but weather conditions can cause sudden closures.
  
• Hours: Opens at 8AM, but arrive early (I aimed for 7:30AM) to beat the tour groups. Last entry is at 2PM.
  
• Entrance fee: 21 JD (~$29 USD) — not included in the Jordan Pass.
  
• Distance: About 3km (1.8 miles) round trip. It’s mostly through water, so the pace is slower than a normal hike.
  
• Difficulty: Moderate. Some climbing, but if I can do it, you probably can too.
  
• Age limit: Must be 18+ to hike the Siq Trail.

What to wear/bring:

• Quick-drying clothes or a swimsuit with a t-shirt and shorts over it
  
• Waterproof shoes or sandals with straps (I wore Tevas)
  
• A dry bag or waterproof fanny pack; GoPro, waterproof camera, or a waterproof phone case
  
• No jewelry, no valuables—it’s wet and wild in there
  
• Change of dry clothes and a towel – leave in the car for afterward

After the hike, drive south to Petra (Wadi Musa)

It’s a scenic drive along the King’s Highway, with sweeping desert views and the occasional camel just casually hanging out roadside. 

Keep your eyes peeled—both for camels and unmarked speed bumps, which come out of nowhere.

You might pass a military checkpoint or two on the way. They’re usually quick and friendly—just have your passport handy. They may ask you to open your trunk, but I was always waved through without any hassle.

There are gas stations along the way if you need to fill up. They’re full-service, so someone will pump your gas for you. If you’re paying by card, they might have you go inside to complete the transaction.

Driving here is mostly chill—especially compared to Amman—and the road to Petra is one of the better stretches. 

Skip the hitchhikers if you’re a solo female traveler. Don’t ask me how I know.

If you’re into history and don’t mind a slight detour, Karak Castle is an impressive Crusader fortress perched above a sleepy town. It adds some time to your drive but makes for a fun and quick stop. Definitely not a must-do if you’re short on time.

Petra is located in the small town of Wadi Musa—there’s not much else there besides hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops. Most hotels are within a 5-minute drive of the entrance, and parking near the visitor center is free.

Arriving in Wadi Musa the night before your Petra visit gives you time to settle in, grab dinner, and either catch Petra by Night (if it’s running—Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights only) or get to bed early so you can hit the Petra gates right when they open the next morning.

I wasn’t blown away by Petra by Night—it felt ultra-touristy and super crowded—but if you’ve got the time and budget, it’s still a memorable way to see the canyon and Treasury lit by candlelight.

👉 My Top Picks for Accommodations in Wadi Musa (near Petra): Petra Cabin Inn Hostel (budget), Petra Stones Inn (mid-range), or Le Maison Hotel (higher mid-range). I had the best experience with the family that runs Petra Stones Inn!

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Day 5: Wadi Rum Desert Adventure

Drive time: ~2 hrs from Petra

Time to trade the rose-red rocks of Petra for the rust-colored sands of Wadi Rum.

This part of the trip is less about ticking off attractions and more about soaking up that otherworldly scenery.

You’ll pass by the Hejaz train parked just off the road. It was built by the Ottomans in 1908 and is a fun little photo stop—random and cool in the middle of the desert.

Jeep Tour + Stargazing

Welcome to Mars—or at least the closest thing to it on Earth. Wadi Rum is jaw-dropping in every direction, and spending a night here is a must on any Jordan itinerary. 

Towering red sandstone cliffs, vast empty valleys, and sunsets that make you forget to check your phone—it’s that kind of place.

You can’t drive yourself into the desert. 

Instead, you’ll check in with your passport at the Visitor Center (free with the Jordan Pass), then leave your car in the nearby parking lot.

Make sure to arrange a pickup time with your camp ahead of time—I didn’t, and ended up awkwardly standing around trying to get a signal to call them.

Once you’re in, it’s Jeep tour time. All camps offer them, and most follow a similar route: rock bridges, red sand dunes, narrow canyons, and ancient petroglyphs. 

Our guide brought sweet Bedouin tea for sunset and even let us take turns driving the truck over the dunes. It was way more fun than I expected!

At night, you’ll eat dinner around the fire, stargaze in the clearest skies you’ve ever seen, and maybe even dance or share a shisha pipe with new friends. 

I was only there one night (my temporary travel buddy was on a tight schedule), but I really wish I’d stayed two. A full day of desert hiking or lounging in your camp is a perfect reset after Petra.

👉 My Top Picks for Accommodations in Wadi Rum: Magic Milky Way Camp (budget), Wadi Rum Star Wars Camp (mid-range), or Memories Aicha (luxury)

I didn’t book early enough to snag a bubble tent at Aicha, but even my standard tent was amazing. If you want that luxury desert-in-a-sci-fi-movie vibe, book well in advance.

If glamping isn’t your thing, you can also find more traditional Bedouin camps—I’ve stayed in one on a different trip and loved that experience too. 

Wadi Rum has a lot of great options, depending on how rustic or bougie you want to go.

👉 One of my favorite nights in Jordan was at the famous Memories Aicha Luxury Resort in Wadi Rum. I didn’t book far enough in advance for the famous bubble tents, but the luxury tent was worth the splurge!

Day 6: Choose Your Own Adventure – Desert, Beach, or City

Drive time:

• Wadi Rum → Aqaba: ~1 hr
  
• Wadi Rum → Amman: ~4 hrs
  
• Wadi Rum → Madaba: ~3.5 hrs (near Amman)
  
• Wadi Rum → Jerash/Ajloun: 5+ hrs (not recommended)
  

By now, you’re probably a little dusty, slightly sunburned, and wondering how to wrap up your Jordan trip. Good news: You’ve got options.

🚗 Option 1: Stay Another Night in Wadi Rum (My Choice)

If you’re not ready to say goodbye to the desert, you’re not alone—I wished I had booked a second night here.

Use the day to slow down and actually enjoy your camp’s amenities (bubble dome photos, anyone?), take a morning hike, or book a longer Jeep tour.

Things to Do with a Second Day in Wadi Rum:

• Watch sunrise over the red rocks with a cup of Bedouin tea
  
• Hike to a nearby viewpoint (your guide will know a good one)
  
• Book a longer Jeep tour with stops at hidden canyons and natural rock bridges
  
• Ride a camel across the sand dunes (short and long treks available)
  
• Go horseback riding with a local guide (usually needs to be booked in advance)
  
• Take a guided hike—there are a couple of easy marked trails from the visitor center
  
• Relax, nap, and stargaze—this is vacation, after all

🌊 Option 2: Head to Aqaba and the Red Sea

Drive time: ~1 hr from Wadi Rum

I spent a few days diving in Aqaba and enjoyed the laid-back vibes—though I’ll admit, it wouldn’t have made my itinerary if I only had one week in Jordan. 

That said, if you love diving, or just need a pool and a cocktail, Aqaba is a fun change of pace.

Aqaba Highlights:

• Scuba diving or snorkeling in the Red Sea (the Cedar Pride Wreck and Japanese Gardens are popular dive spots). On average, diving in Aqaba costs around 25-35 JD per dive ($17-25 USD), depending on how many dives you do.
  
• Relax at a beach club (try Berenice Beach Club or B12—note some clubs don’t allow solo travelers)
  
• Take a stroll along the corniche at sunset and grab sugarcane juice from a street vendor
  
• Enjoy dinner in town or at your hotel—Aqaba’s nightlife is more chill than lively

🚨 Local tip: Women wear bikinis at beach clubs, but locals are often fully covered at public beaches. A sun shirt might help you feel more comfortable.

🛫 Flying out of Aqaba?

Aqaba has a small international airport that can save you a 4-hour return drive to Amman—just make sure the flights line up with your plans. Routes are limited and can change depending on regional conditions.

🕌 Option 3: Drive Back Toward Amman (via Madaba or Direct)

Drive time: ~4 hrs to Amman

If your flight’s the next morning or you want to explore a little more of northern Jordan, you can make your way back toward Amman. 

Along the way, you’ve got a few options to break up the drive.

Madaba (45 minutes south of Amman)

Known for its mosaics and old churches, Madaba is a tiny, relaxed town and a decent overnight stop. I stayed here and enjoyed it, but if you’re short on time, it’s not a must-see.

The main draw is the Madaba Map—a 6th-century mosaic of the Holy Land located inside St. George’s Church. 

If you’re heading through Madaba, consider stopping at Mount Nebo—a hilltop viewpoint where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land. There’s a church here with ancient mosaics and sweeping views on clear days.

Another option is the Baptism Site at Bethany Beyond the Jordan, just north of the Dead Sea. This is where Jesus is believed to have been baptized, and it’s one of the country’s most important religious sites. I visited from the Israeli side of the river and learned a lot from my tour guide!

👉 My Top Picks for Accommodations in Amman: Carob Hostel (budget), Nu Fifty Two (mid-range), or Amman International Hotel (luxury)

Jerash & Ajloun (1 hour north of Amman)

Jerash has incredible Roman ruins—some of the best outside of Italy. 

But unless you’re a history buff or have extra days, it’s hard to justify the long detour.

I loved Jerash and exploring the north, but when I was helping a friend plan her 7-day trip—someone who’s already seen Pompeii—I suggested she skip it. I think it was the right call for her itinerary.

👉 The easiest way to explore North Jordan without a car is with this popular 5-star private tour of Jerash, Ajloun, and Umm Qais from Amman. It includes private round-trip transport from your hotel.

FAQs About Planning a Jordan Itinerary

Jordan Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors & Solo Travelers

These tips will save you time, money, and stress—especially if this is your first time traveling to the Middle East.

Jordan Pass: Just Get It

The Jordan Pass is a no-brainer if you’re spending more than three nights in the country. It waives your visa fee (normally 40 JD) and covers entry to over 40 sites—including Petra, Wadi Rum, Jerash, and the Amman Citadel.

There are three versions, based on how many days you plan to visit Petra. Since this itinerary covers just one (very full) day at Petra, the Jordan Wanderer (1-day Petra) is all you need.

You can always upgrade to a 2- or 3-day version if you want more time to explore Little Petra or break up your visit with a horseback ride or extra hikes.

Buy your Jordan Pass online before your trip. Print it or save it to your phone—it’ll be scanned at immigration and at major tourist sites.

➡️ Note: Petra by Night is not included in the Jordan Pass—it’s a separate ticket.

Visa tip: If you’re from the US, UK, or most of Europe, you can get a visa on arrival—and the Jordan Pass covers the cost as long as you stay at least three nights. Just show it at the airport when you land, and you’re good to go.

When to Visit Jordan

The best time to visit Jordan is spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). The weather is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking Petra and exploring Wadi Rum.

Summer can be brutally hot, especially in Petra and the desert. Winter is cooler and rainy in some parts of the country, with snow possible in Amman.

I visited in April, which meant perfect temperatures, green landscapes—and fewer crowds thanks to post-pandemic travel lulls. I was there during Ramadan, which made for some incredible cultural experiences (including celebrating Eid with two local families), but it’s worth knowing that many restaurants and bars close during this time.

Is Jordan Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Overall, yes—Jordan felt very safe as a solo female traveler. 

I spent a month road-tripping around the country on my own and had an overwhelmingly positive experience. There were a couple of uncomfortable moments, but I never felt like I was in danger.

Jordanians are some of the most welcoming people I’ve met. I heard “Welcome to Jordan” dozens of times a day, and almost everyone I interacted with went out of their way to be kind, helpful, and curious—especially when they found out I was traveling alone.

That said, cultural norms are very different, and that can lead to awkward situations. 

One day, I wore shorts in Aqaba (it was laundry day and 86°F/30°C+), and while no one was rude, I definitely got stared at more than usual. The rest of the time, I dressed modestly—long pants or skirts and tops that covered my shoulders—and felt more comfortable blending in that way.

I also had a creepy experience on a horseback tour of Petra, where the guide made several inappropriate comments, asked me out, and kept calling and texting me after I said no. I reported it, and the tour company was very apologetic. 

A hotel manager later told me that some Jordanian men have very limited interaction with women, especially Western ones, and don’t always know how to behave respectfully.

Another time, a man flagged me down and told me I had a flat tire. I didn’t see one, but he insisted on changing it and then asked for $10. It may have been legit—but the whole thing felt off. I paid because I was alone and about to cross the desert, but it reminded me to trust my gut and set boundaries quickly.

Also worth knowing: in touristy areas like Petra and Jerash, vendors and guides can get pushy. It’s nothing aggressive—just a lot of persistence. If you’ve been to places like Morocco or Egypt, you’ll know the vibe. Walk with purpose, give a firm no, and keep it moving.

Jordan is a fantastic destination for solo women, but bring your street smarts, dress modestly, and trust your instincts. The warmth of the people and the richness of the culture make it well worth it.

What to Wear in Jordan

Jordan is conservative, but tourists don’t need to cover up completely.

I felt most comfortable in loose pants or skirts and tops that covered my shoulders. I wore leggings and a tank top in Petra, and it was totally fine.

Skip the shorts unless you’re at a beach resort. Bring a scarf for religious sites—or moments like when I was invited to celebrate Eid in a small village and my host handed me one to cover my chest (and it wasn’t even a low-cut top!).

At the Dead Sea or Red Sea, tourists usually wear normal swimsuits, but local women often swim in clothes over their suits. A cover-up is a good call.

Comfy shoes, a hat, and sunscreen are musts—especially if you’re hiking in the sun.

Money: Bring Cash

Jordan’s currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). ATMs are widely available, and I had no trouble withdrawing cash.

That said, cash is still king in most places. You’ll need it for tipping, small shops, taxis, and even some guesthouses. Larger hotels and tourist restaurants often take cards, but not always.

Tipping and Bargaining

Tipping isn’t mandatory, but it’s appreciated. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

• Restaurants: 10% if service isn’t included
  
• Taxis: Round up
  
• Tour guides: A few JD, depending on service

Bargaining is expected in tourist markets and souvenir shops—not in supermarkets or cafes. I usually start at half the asking price and go from there.

Near Petra, I went into a small shop to buy water, and the first price they gave me was way too high. I pushed back politely, and he dropped it. Same goes for souvenirs—one Bedouin shopkeeper even bragged that Americans just hand over their credit cards without bargaining.

Not everyone’s out to scam you, but you do need to stay aware. Especially now—with tourism down due to the ongoing situation next door—locals are struggling. 

A little haggling is normal here, and it helps make sure everyone walks away happy.

What Language Do They Speak in Jordan?

Arabic is the official language in Jordan, but you’ll hear a mix of English too, especially in hotels, tourist sites, and restaurants catering to travelers.

Most of my hosts spoke at least some English. 

One of my favorites was in Wadi Musa—she was a former English teacher and absolutely thrilled to have someone to practice with. 

And in Wadi Rum, several of the Bedouins I met spoke not just English, but also French, German, Spanish—you name it. They’d picked it up over years of hosting travelers, and it was genuinely impressive.

That said, once you’re outside the main tourist hubs, English is less common.

A few useful Arabic phrases go a long way and are always appreciated:

• Shukran = Thank you
  
• Marhaba = Hello
  
• La, shukran = No, thank you

You don’t need to be fluent, but a friendly smile and a little effort go a long way in making connections—and navigating those moments when Google Translate fails you.

What to Eat in Jordan

The food is reason enough to visit Jordan. You have to try:

• Mansaf (lamb with fermented yogurt and rice) – Jordan’s national dish
  
• Maqluba – a spiced meat-and-veggie rice dish flipped upside-down to serve
  
• Falafel and hummus – trust me, it’s better than you’ve had anywhere else
  
• Kanafeh – sweet, cheesy dessert topped with syrup
  
• Bedouin tea – you’ll be offered this everywhere, and it’s a lovely ritual
  

The best meals I had were home-cooked—many guesthouses offer optional dinner for an extra fee (usually around 10 JD).

Getting Around: Why Renting a Car in Jordan Is the Move

If you’re trying to squeeze the best of Jordan into just one week, having your own wheels makes all the difference. 

Renting a car in Jordan was hands-down the best decision I made—it gave me total freedom to explore at my own pace and visit places that would’ve been tough or impossible on a fixed tour or local bus schedule.

The roads outside Amman are easy to drive. Amman itself is pure chaos. Think L.A. traffic meets roundabout roulette. I recommend picking up your car after you leave the capital or bracing yourself for an adrenaline rush.

I rented through Avis and paid around $38 USD/day, even with the one-way drop-off fee. Gas isn’t as expensive as you might think—I paid about $4.51/gallon, which felt like a bargain coming from California.

If driving’s not your thing, you’ve got options:

• JETT buses run fixed routes to major sites like Petra and the Dead Sea
  
• Day tours from Amman can get you to Petra, Wadi Rum, and Jerash with zero logistics to manage
  
• I met two women who hired a private driver for a few days—they loved the ease, though it’s definitely a pricier option

🚫 Skip public minibuses for short visits—they’re slow, unpredictable, and often leave only when full. Not ideal if you’re trying to make the most of your week.