See two of Jordan’s headline landscapes—Petra’s carved canyons and Wadi Rum’s red dunes—in a single, intense day. Early start, long drives and a mix of walking and 4x4 exploration make for a memorable but full itinerary.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Before dawn your vehicle slips out of Amman and the highway opens into ochre hills that roll toward the south. By midmorning the Siq narrows and the sandstone cliffs press in; light slips across the Treasury’s carved face, and the air smells faintly of dust and citrus. Later, the desert of Wadi Rum unfurls—wind-sculpted ridges and red dunes that dare you to slow down and listen to the sand.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
Approximately 15 hours
Fitness Level
Able to walk 2–3 hours on uneven terrain and tolerate long vehicle transfers
Wildlife
History
Petra was the Nabataean capital controlling incense and spice routes; Wadi Rum’s rock art records human activity across millennia and Bedouin cultures still inhabit its edges.
Conservation
Both sites are managed with heritage protection in mind—stay on marked paths, avoid climbing facades, and support local guides to ensure sustainable tourism.
Reserve your spot on the Experience Petra & Wadi Rum in One Day From Amman today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Start early
Pickup is early to make the most of daylight—pack a small breakfast and arrive ready to go.
Hydrate for the whole day
Carry at least 2–3 liters of water per person; options to refill at Petra exist but can be limited in Wadi Rum.
Wear grippy footwear
Sturdy, closed-toe shoes will protect you on uneven sandstone steps and loose desert sand.
Bring local currency
Petra entrance and some Bedouin purchases are easiest with cash (Jordanian dinars), though cards are increasingly accepted.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Provides traction on cobbles, carved steps and sandy tracks.
Refillable water bottle (2–3L)
Keeps you hydrated through long walks and desert heat.
summer
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
Blocks intense UV on exposed sandstone and open desert.
summer
Light daypack with layers
Carries snacks, a warm layer and rain shell for changing conditions.
fall