JORDAN

“The choices of venues, guides, and activities were excellent and I felt safe throughout the trip. This trip was so well thought out and yet so personal. I felt like I was traveling with good friends. I would recommend this to anyone, and can’t wait to go on another trip with Jackie.” – Miranda

• Day 1: Arrive in Amman

  Arrive at Queen Alia International Airport and transfer from QAIA into Amman. Drop off at your hotel. (Transfer included)

  The transfer takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your arrival time and traffic.

  Dinner included at hotel, exact time TBA depending on flights, but count on somewhere around 7-8pm.

  Overnight in Amman at The House Boutique Suites or similar.

• Day 2: Amman - Dana - Hike from Dana Village to Feynan

  Early morning pick up from Amman (at 7:00am), head south to Dana. We will start hiking from Dana Village, 1,200m above sea level, and head west into Dana valley with our trekking guides. The trail drops steeply at first and then levels into a more gradual descent through the Dana Biosphere Reserve towards the eco-lodge at Feynan. The reserve, Jordan’s largest, includes four distinct bio-geographical zones, which means that Dana supports an astonishing diversity of birds, plants, and animals. On our way down the valley we may see Griffin Vultures overhead as well as hyrax and copper-blue lizards on the rocks; if we’re lucky, we might even catch a glimpse of an ibex or a desert fox, or see the footprint of a wolf in the dust.

  Finish the hike at one of the world’s best ecolodges for sunset and stargazing; Feynan Eco-Lodge.

  Drive from Amman to Dana takes around 3:30 Hours.

  Hiking Distance 14Km (under 9 miles). Ascent 230m (750 ft). Descent 1140m (3740 ft). Hiking Level: Moderate.

  Overnight at Feynan Eco-Lodge.

• Day 3: Feynan - Furon - Hike from Furon to Ghbour Whedat

  After breakfast, we will be transferred from Feynan Ecolodge to Furon where we will hike from Ras Al-Feid towards Ghbour Whedat.

  We will experience some astonishing views into the most remote and wild corners of Jordan. We’ll be hiking on Bedouin shepherd trails along the Sharah Mountains. On the most remote sections of the trail, we’ll be on less-traveled and therefore harder to identify hunters’ paths, which is why our Bedouin guide will be the star of the show. The peaks of black mountains overlooking our trail and steep precipitous drops of the canyons below make this day absolutely spectacular, and we will gradually climb up the hills following these Bedouin paths to uncover more of the spectacular views over the desert below.

  Hiking Distance 17.1Km (10.5 miles). Ascent 750m (2460 ft). Descent 920m (3018 ft). Hiking Level: Difficult.

  Travel distance by Jeep from Feynan to Furon is around 2 hours.

  Overnight camping in the wilderness (5-BILLION STAR HOTEL here we come 🤩).

• Day 4: Ghbour Whedat - Hike from Ghbour Whedat to Little Petra

  After yesterday’s very remote hike, today while we approach Little Petra, we will see signs of increasing human habitation. Along the way we will pass Bedouin camps, sheep pens, and small agricultural plots.

  In this region between Ghbour Whedat and Little Petra we will also pass Nabatean ruins, some of which may include wine and olive presses, aqueducts, and other ancient water infrastructures.

  Our desitnation today is Little Petra, believed by archaeologist to be a “suburb” of Petra, and meant to house traders traveling along the silk road connecting Africa to Asia, Europe and Arabia. Touring Little Petra, we will see rock carved facades, houses, and other ancient buildings carved into the sandstone canyon .

  Hiking Distance 14km (less than 9 miles). Ascent 610m (2000 ft). Descent 560m (1837 ft). Hiking Level: Moderate.

  Overnight at Little Petra Bedouin Camp.

• Day 5: Little Petra - Hike from Little Petra to Petra

  After breakfast we’ll start our hike, eventually entering Petra via ‘The Back Door,’ avoiding most of the tourists. We’ll be on good trails down Wadi Ghurab, amidst sandstone mountains guarding the approaches to Petra. This way follows a Nabataean route out of the valley and skirting round the final mountain on a natural rock terrace which has been ‘improved’ for the safety of walkers. Even so, it still narrows slightly before reaching a hidden plateau high above the impressive chasm of Wadi Siyyagh.

  Just beyond, carved into the cliff face, ‘The Monastery’ suddenly comes into view, where there is a Bedouin café for refreshments if we would like. Nabataean steps then lead down into ancient Petra; our route then takes us through Um Saihoon village in Wadi Musa and on to our Petra hotel.

  Hiking Distance 14km (less than 9 miles).

  Overnight in Wadi Musa at Petra Moon Hotel.

• Day 6: Petra - An option to hike Al Khubtha Mountain, Al Madras, or the High Place of Sacrifice - to Wadi Rum

  Today we have more time to visit other trails and sites inside Petra. If we feel courageous and want to avoid the crowds and discover some less-visited monuments in Petra, we can visit sites such as the Khubtha Mountain, Al Madras, or the High Place of sacrifice. We will enter through the Siq, exploring the ancient rock carved ruins of Façades Street before following a steep climb up ancient Nabataean steps to near the summit of Al Khubtha to enjoy the magnificent panorama overlooking the famous Treasury (yes, the one from Indiana Jones), then descend again to Petra’s main entrance.

  Alternatively, we can continue on and hike up to the High Place of Sacrifice, enjoy spectacular views over the rocky, desert terrain, where breathtaking panoramic views await. Or we can hike the Madras trail, this special route into Petra climbs along the southern cliff of the Siq and involves several scrambles over steep sandstone escarpments. The journey continues along the rugged mountains to the High Place of Sacrifice, where the Nabatean altars, an obelisk, and foundations of the priest’s house are still visible, as well as a splendid panoramic view of the Petra city center below. Descend through Wadi Farasa, passing the Lion Fountain and the Roman Soldier’s Tomb. Visit the recently excavated Nabatean Villa and the Great Temple as you return to the center of the ancient site. Whichever route we take, we will be well satisfied with our two-day exploration of one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

  Transfer to Wadi Rum, enjoy the hospitality of the Bedouins, a sunset camel ride, and another night under the stars (oh you just wait… 🤩).

  Week 1 overnight at SunCity Camp

  Week 2 overnight at Memories Aicha Luxury Camp

   

• Day 7: Wadi Rum - Jeep tour - Dead Sea

  Today we’ll enjoy a 4(ish)-hour jeep tour that will allow us to travel around Wadi Rum’s valleys, canyons, dunes and deserts, discover rock inscriptions, majestic views of mountains and landscapes and narrow gorges. At each stop we have the opportunity to hike and scramble and explore on our own time.

  Later on we’ll be transferred to the Dead Sea where we can begin to experience the magic of salt and mud.

  Drive from Wadi Rum to the Dead Sea takes around 3 Hours.

  Overnight at Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea.

• Day 8: Dead Sea - Wadi Mujib (Siq Trail / Weather Permitting) - Dead Sea

  After breakfast, we’ll drive to Wadi Mujib, for a refreshing hike. The trail starts at the visitor center near the Mujib Bridge, where we will take the cantilevered walkway over the dam and follow the course of the river between towering sandstone cliffs to the base of a large waterfall. The hike usually takes from 2-3 hours, depending on the walking pace of the group. Visitors must know how to swim.

  After the hike, we’ll head back to the Dead Sea where we’ll have plenty of free time to continue our indulgent exploration of salt and mud. Lunch on own at or near hotel today.

  Overnight at Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea.

• Day 9: Dead Sea - Queen Alia International Airport - Departure

  All good things must come to an end, and this is where we say goodbye!

  Pick up from the Dead Sea and transfer to the airport to catch your flight. (Time to be set up according to your flight – please send us your flight info once you book).

  Dead Sea to the airport: approx. 1 hour.

“It was so nice to have all the details managed by one of the best travel professionals in the business, and all I had to do was say yes and buy my ticket.”

TRIP COST: $4,250 per person

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Transportation as per itinerary in private, air-conditioned vehicle
• Accommodations and meals as per itinerary
• English speaking hiking guide during the trip
• Local Bedouin guide/escort on the Jordan Trail days 3 and 4
• Donkey for safety measures on days 3 and 4
• All meals and water while hiking
• 1 Night camping in wilderness including breakfast, box lunch, cooked dinner and water during the hike
• Mattress and blankets provided for camping in wilderness
• Water with meals in restaurants and hotels
• Individual airport Pick up & Drop off
• Entrance fees to the sites mentioned in the itinerary
• Camel ride in Wadi Rum
• Jeep Safari in Wadi Rum
• Wadi Mujib hike

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

• Flights and public transportation outside of itinerary
• Travel insurance, medical insurance including Covid-19, immunizations, Jordan visas, passports
• Single rooms are NOT available on this itinerary due to remote accommodations
• Tips and gratuities
• Personal expenses such as drinks, extra transfers, etc.
• Exit tax from Jordan (10 JD / $15 pp at land borders)
• Any Covid-19 related additional measures
• Items that have not been specifically mentioned in the program and under the “included” section

We first went to Jordan in 2018 as a one-time, bucket-list style trip, but it was SO UNIMAGINABLY, AMAZINGLY, MIND-BLOWINGLY MAGIC that those who missed out have been begging us to do it again ever since we got back.

Five years later, we’re finally going back! But just like the first time, no promises we’ll be going again, so if you want to go to Jordan – SIGN UP NOW! This is an incredible itinerary and hiking through this beautiful country is the best way to immerse yourself in its culture, its welcoming people, and its famous wonders.

BUT DON’T JUST TAKE IT FROM US…

LET’S HEAR IT FROM THOSE WHO’VE BEEN THERE:

“I would strongly recommend traveling with Jackie! Firstly, Jackie rocks! She is so fun, charismatic, caring and makes everyone around her feel at ease. I love that the trip she planned was thoroughly planned and organized with a badass itinerary, but the whole trip felt very relaxed and there was room to make changes. I also really enjoyed that it was a relatively small group so that we could all get to know each other and really enjoy sharing the experience with one another. This trip exceeded my expectations and went above and beyond! Everyday felt like a new adventure. I would do this trip again and again and highly recommend it to anyone!” – Chelsea, Jordan 2018

“I would HIGHLY recommend traveling with Jackie. She is so organized and passionate about her trips, it’s infectious. I have done two trips with her now and everything has gone so smoothly. She’s a professional, but it feels like you are traveling with a friend.” – Carley, Jordan 2018 (Fun fact: Carley is now on her 6th trip with JUMP!)

“Awesome experience and people, would highly recommend!!!” – Shawn, Jordan 2018

Check out more JUMP Adventures reviews.

Also, watch this again 🤩 (full screen/full HD):

• Week 2 Info

  Because the dates of this trip overlap with the Week 1 dates, the time has come to announce and implement something BIG that we’ve been working on behind the scenes for awhile…

  We’ve invited longtime JUMP Adventures enthusiast, participant, and friend Carley Cross to host her first trip with us! 

  

  That’s right, we’re ready to take our next giant leap here at JUMP Adventures – offering more trips than Jackie can personally attend – and Carley is helping us make it happen!

  Many of you already know Carley, whether you’ve met her in person on previous JUMP trips (she’s been on SIX of them), or you’ve heard her on the podcast (she’s been featured in four episodes recapping many of her travel experiences with Jackie).

  Bottom line – she’s been there, done that with JUMP Adventures for the past four years and even went on our first Jordan trip in 2018! Yeah, she knows the drill. 

  We are thrilled to be able to offer a second trip to Jordan in 2023 with Carley as the host.

  And SURPRISE! If you join us for Week 2, you’re still going to get to meet up with Jackie at the end of your trip, as she will be waiting to welcome you with Dead Sea-salty, muddy, open arms to spend the last couple of days with you!

  

  We love everything about this, and we hope you do too.

• Getting to/from Jordan

  Flights are not included.

  Arrival and departure airport for this trip is Amman, Jordan (AMM)

  Transportation to and from the airport will be provided on the first and last day of the itinerary. Please send us your flight information so we can coordinate.

  Please note there is a required visa to Jordan – see Visa to Jordan tab below.

• Physical Fitness

  This is a multi-day hiking trip. We will spend hours each day hiking with daypacks in warm/hot desert climate. A proficient level of physical fitness and ability is necessary for this trip, both to keep the group together with a good pace, and, more importantly, so that YOU feel your absolute best every day!

  We recommend actively training for this trip at least for the two months before departure, if not more. That way, you will have more energy to enjoy the views, take photos, and explore the sights in your spare time, rather than just make it to the next destination. The best training is hiking – the activity that we will actually be doing – with cross-training as a bonus to feel your best. Training should be stepped up as you get closer to departure, to an amount you feel is appropriate (you don’t want to cause yourself injury!). Using your gear before departure (boots, daypack, clothing, etc.) is also essential, as it gives familiarity and comfort with what you’ll be wearing on the trail. Adopt a philosophy of “getting fit to go thru-hiking,” rather than “going thru-hiking to get fit,” to avoid problems.

  I specifically recommend (and use) nuun tablets for electrolyte replacement and hydration, compression socks for blood flow and fast recovery, and emergen-C packets to start each day with a boost of energy. These are in addition to physical fitness, they do NOT replace your training! Let’s DO this!

  If you are interested in a personal training program to prepare for this trip, we can help you, please just ask!

• What's Jordan like?

  Check out episodes 94 & 95 of JUMP podcast for all things Jordan!

• Jordan FAQ/Notes

  • Double Occupancy: Due to the remoteness of this itinerary and limited accommodations, single occupancy is not possible. Everyone will be paired with one roommate. This does NOT mean you have to have a buddy to sign up! Solo travelers will be paired with other solo travelers.
  • WiFi/Cell Service: WiFi is available in the hotels in the cities, but is limited at the camps (if any at all). Don’t expect to have cell service in the wilderness. This is an excellent opportunity to turn your phones to airplane mode for a day or two at a time and enjoy being connected only to the mighty presence of Nature.
  • Outlets: Jordan uses rounded two-pronged outlets (Type C and F). A travel adapter will be necessary to charge your electronics (leave your electric razors and hair dryers at home). I always recommend bringing a mobile power bank to easily charge your phone when electricity is limited.
  • Water: Bring your reusable water bottle, as we will have access to fresh water all throughout our trip. Here at JUMP we are proud to pledge to Travelers Against Plastic, and you are invited to help give the planet a break by bringing a reusable water bottle and avoid using single-use plastic bottles at all costs.
  • Tipping your guides: Tipping is a personal appreciation of thanks and is very much appreciated by tour guides as a sign of recognition of their hard work and effort to make your holiday dreams come true. While the guides we work with earn fair wages and tipping is not obligatory, we recommend $10-20 per day, per traveler, per guide (i.e. anywhere between $100-200 for a 10-day trip per person for the main guide).
  • Trail Safety: Rescues are difficult in the desert. Take your time, with steady steps, and take care of each other out there! You are welcome to bring trekking poles, but these must be packed in your checked luggage (not allowed in your carry-on).
  • Our Tour Partner in Jordan: We are re-creating this dream trip with a dream partner: Experience Jordan. Jackie has known them since 2015 and we traveled to Jordan with them in 2018. We are in some of the BEST hands in the entire world.

• Wilderness Camping

  Wilderness camping accommodation is in twin accommodation dome tents (2 people per tent), with tents, mattresses and blankets provided. Camp will be set up for us by our awesome Bedouin guides. At camp, a ‘wash room’ tent and toilet tent will be set up. These are basic facilities, but allow privacy to wash and use the bathroom.

  You may consider packing your own travel pillow and sleeping bag liner for comfort.

• Jordan Covid-19 Updates

  For COVID-19 updates:

  http://international.visitjordan.com/page/31/Covid-19%20Update

  https://rj.com/en/travel-updates

• Jordanian Tourist Police

  The Jordanian Tourism police department may assign an escort to accompany the group (mainly with big groups traveling in large buses) and depending on their availability. This is generally in order to help with any bureaucratic issues, unexpected hassles that can arise during a tour and on check points. We as a company can not confirm if the group will be companied by a tourist police or not as they usually inform us one day before the trip. They are usually silent escorts and they do no harm for the tour and travelers have never complained about them.

• Visa to Jordan

  Travelers to Jordan must obtain a tourist visa (on their own time and expense), and fill out a Declaration Form prior to entering Jordan.

  A passport with a validity of at least six months and a visa are required for entry into Jordan. Jordanian immigration officials issue single entry visas to U.S. citizens for a fee upon arrival at Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport, the northern Sheikh Hussein crossing at the Israeli border, the Eilat/Wadi Araba crossing near Aqaba and most other border crossings except the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge.

  More information about entering Jordan:

  • Jordan International Travel Information (travel.state.gov)
  • Fill out your Travel to Jordan Declaration Form 72 hours before departure to Jordan. You will obtain a QR code that shall be presented for boarding.

• Packing

  You only need to carry your day pack with you on the hikes, and we will transport your overnight bag to each stop. We recommend you keep your day pack as light as possible, just to carry your water, camera and whatever else you want during the day. For your overnight bag, we recommend large rucksacks, or soft duffle bags, that can be locked.

  Temperatures in Jordan can be hot and with little rain. In the months of November to March it can be very cool at night particularly in the desert where night temperatures can drop to 5C or less. Even in the hot months out in the desert it can sometimes get cold at night. 

  Jordan is an Islamic nation and tends to be quite conservative so you should dress accordingly. As a general guideline, shoulders and knees should be covered at all times. The wearing of shorts is not allowed away from the beach or pool as it will restrict your entry into buildings of a religious nature and family homes. A light water and windproof jacket is useful and a hat essential. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot climate. 

  Packing List

  • Comfortable, lightweight walking boots suitable for rough terrain and easy scrambling
  • Lightweight windproof / waterproof jacket
  • Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing appropriate to warm conditions, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
  • Fleece jacket or similar
  • A daypack of around 20 – 30 liters
  • Head lamp recommended
  • 2 water bottles (recommended that you can carry 4 liters per day)
  • Insect repellent
  • Passport
    Tampons can be difficult to buy in rural areas or in the desert
    Lock for your bag
    Small travel towel, sleep sheet, travel pillow (optional)
    Toiletries
    Toilet paper
    Foot powder or Vaseline can be useful against blisters
    Dates, fruits, or candy bars if you have favorites (to provide instant calories during outdoor activities)