3-Day Jordan Highlights: Petra, Wadi Rum, Dana, Aqaba & the Dead Sea
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 days
Fitness Level
Moderately fit: able to walk several kilometers and climb stair sections; long drives break up activity but days include sustained walking.
Overview
A private, three-day circuit through Jordan that pairs Petra’s carved facades with the sand-swept panoramas of Wadi Rum, the ecological slopes of Dana Reserve and a buoyant finish at the Dead Sea. Ideal for travelers who want a compact, logistics-free introduction to Jordan’s landscapes and history.
3-Day Jordan Highlights: Petra, Wadi Rum, Dana, Aqaba & the Dead Sea
Select participants and date
Morning light pushes into the Siq and the sandstone walls begin to warm — the first day of the three-day circuit locks you into a rhythm of stone, sand and salt. You step out of the van in the high plateaus near Dana, breathe cold air heavy with thyme, and watch a fragile ridge of hills mark the road to Petra. In a single itinerary this private tour stitches Crusader towers, Nabatean tombs, desert panoramas and the buoyant surface of the Dead Sea into one compact loop.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring a refillable water system
Carry at least 2–3 liters per person per day and a lightweight filter or extra bottles; water stops exist but can be spaced far apart.
Wear sturdy shoes and expect stairs
Petra includes cobbles and stair climbs (the Monastery is around 800 steps), so choose supportive footwear with good grip.
Protect against sun and wind
High UV and reflected heat from stone mean sunscreen, sunglasses and a brimmed hat are necessary, while nights can be chilly so pack a warm layer.
Manage expectations on inclusions
The tour includes transport and some accommodations but not all entrance fees or optional jeep tours — budget accordingly and confirm options before travel.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Nubian ibex (seen in Dana and Petra ridgelines)
- Desert foxes and occasional sand-colored lizards in Wadi Rum
History
The route ties Nabatean engineering in Petra to Crusader-era fortifications like Shobak, reflecting Jordan’s role as a crossroad for trade and military routes.
Conservation
Dana and Wadi Rum are protected areas with fragile ecosystems; follow designated paths, avoid collecting artifacts, and support local guides who practice low-impact tourism.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Amman
Recommended Gear
Sturdy day hiking shoes
Stable traction for cobbles, sandy trails and the Monastery stairs in Petra.
High-SPF sunscreen and sunglasses
Reflective sandstone and desert sun increase UV exposure across the itinerary.
summer specific
3–4L hydration system or water bottles
Keeps you hydrated across long stretches between services in Dana, Wadi Rum and Petra.
Light layering jacket
Nights in Wadi Rum and early mornings in Petra can be unexpectedly cold.
winter specific