Petra & Wadi Rum: Full-Day Private Tour from Amman — Explore the Siq, Treasury and Desert Valleys
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
12–14 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate—comfortable walking for several hours and able to handle steep stone steps; not technical but stamina required
Overview
Spend a long, deliberate day walking from Petra’s shadowed Siq into the Treasury and then crossing into the vast amphitheater of Wadi Rum by 4x4. This private tour from Amman pairs close-up archaeology with red-dune panoramas and Bedouin hospitality.
Petra & Wadi Rum: Full-Day Private Tour from Amman — Explore the Siq, Treasury and Desert Valleys
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You step out of the air-conditioned minivan while the desert air rearranges your plans: a dry, warm rush that smells faintly of thyme and sun-warmed stone. Ahead, a slit of shade — the Siq — yawns between red sandstone walls, and a murmur runs through the small group as the Treasury’s carved face appears, monumental and immediate after 1.2 kilometers of narrowing gorge.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start before dawn
Beat the heat and the crowds at Petra’s Treasury by arriving early; sunrise through the Siq is cooler and less crowded.
Carry extra water
Bring at least 2 liters per person—bottled water is provided, but you’ll want a reliable supply during hikes and desert drives.
Footwear matters
Wear sturdy hiking or trail shoes—the Siq is smooth and sometimes slippery; the Monastery requires steep, uneven steps.
Cash for extras
Petra entry and optional guides or camel rides may not be included; carry Jordanian dinars for tickets, tips, and Bedouin camp purchases.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Nubian ibex on high sandstone ledges
- Red desert fox and various raptors in Wadi Rum
History
Petra was the Nabatean capital and an important caravan stop on incense and spice routes; Wadi Rum has served as Bedouin homeland and was mapped into modern legend by T.E. Lawrence.
Conservation
Both sites are sensitive: Petra’s soft sandstone erodes with heavy foot traffic and Wadi Rum’s desert ecology recovers slowly from off-road disturbance—support licensed guides and Bedouin camps to keep tourism sustainable.
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Adventure Hotspots in Amman
Recommended Gear
Sturdy walking shoes
Support and good grip for cobbled paths, the Siq and the Monastery steps.
Sun protection (hat + SPF)
Direct sun on exposed desert and rock faces can be intense mid-day.
summer specific
Reusable water bottle (2L+)
Keeps you hydrated between provided bottled water stops and reduces plastic use.
Light insulating layer
Mornings and evenings can be cool in the desert despite hot days.
spring specific