Full-Day Petra and Wadi Rum Tour from Amman — Treasury to Desert in One Day
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
12–16 hours
Fitness Level
You should be comfortable walking several kilometers on uneven ground and climbing stairs; basic stamina for a long travel day is required.
Overview
See Petra’s iconic Treasury and the otherworldly dunes of Wadi Rum in a single, full-day itinerary from Amman. This tour combines long drives with intense walking in Petra and a two-hour 4x4 safari in the desert—perfect for travelers short on time but hungry for spectacle.
Full-Day Petra and Wadi Rum Tour from Amman — Treasury to Desert in One Day
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The day begins before sunrise in Amman, when a driver threads the jeep through waking streets and the highway unfurls south across basalt plains. By the time the city drops behind you, the air starts to dry and the hills turn a quiet pink. Arriving at Petra feels like walking into a living ruin: the Siq narrows, light fractures across polished sandstone, and then the Treasury suddenly opens — a carved façade that looks both impossibly delicate and monolithic.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start early in Petra
Arrive at the Siq at first light to avoid crowds and heat; the walk from the entrance to the Treasury is about 1.2 km on uneven stone.
Bring a lightweight daypack
Pack 2–3 liters of water, sunscreen, and a small first-aid kit—facilities in Petra and Wadi Rum are spaced out.
Wear grippy, broken-in shoes
Expect cobbles, sand and stairs (the Monastery climb is roughly 800 steps); trail-running shoes or hiking shoes work best.
Carry cash for the Jordan Pass and tips
Entrance fees to Petra are commonly covered by the Jordan Pass; bring JD for incidental purchases and guides.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Nubian ibex on the surrounding cliffs
- Red foxes and desert lizards in Wadi Rum
History
Petra flourished as a Nabatean trading capital from the 1st century BCE; Wadi Rum has been inhabited by Bedouin tribes for millennia and was a strategic base during the Arab Revolt.
Conservation
Both Petra’s sandstone and Wadi Rum’s fragile desert soils erode easily—stay on marked paths, avoid touching rock art, and support local Bedouin-run businesses to offset tourism impacts.
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Adventure Hotspots in Amman
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking shoes
Provides traction on Petra’s cobbles and stability on desert tracks.
Sun hat and sunscreen
Essential protection during long stretches in exposed sun, especially in Wadi Rum.
summer specific
Insulated water bottle (2–3L capacity)
Hydration is critical; refillable bottles save money and plastic waste.
summer specific
Light layers and windbreaker
Desert evenings can be chilly; a light layer helps during sunset in Wadi Rum.
spring specific