Petra to Wadi Rum Trek – 6 Days

The striking thing here is the chance to walk between Petra and Wadi Rum rather than simply ride from one famous site to the other. You leave Petra’s main path near the Sabra Amphitheatre and spend days among bare mountains, dry valleys, sandstone cliffs, and broad sandy spaces with very few signs of modern life. I like the route’s sense of place, and I like that meals, camps, a hiking guide, and the key desert transfers are built in.

The main caution is simple: this is a difficult remote trek, not a sightseeing holiday with a little walking added. Day one covers 24 kilometers and can take eight hours, while navigation is not fully waymarked. You need strong fitness, good footwear, and a willingness to sleep in basic desert accommodation.

Key details that shape the trek

• A true overland route: You walk south from Petra through the southern desert mountains and Wadi Araba before reaching Wadi Rum.
• Day one is the test: The 24-kilometer opening walk includes 380 meters of ascent and 740 meters of descent.
• Five nights away from ordinary hotels: Accommodation, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included for all five nights.
• Small-group format: The group can have up to 14 people, small enough for a more personal guide relationship.
• Remote trail conditions: Day two is not waymarked, and several sections pass through wild valleys far from regular tourist routes.
• Useful finishing transfer: After reaching the Abassiya area on day five, a jeep carries you into Wadi Rum.

Leaving Petra behind on day one

Your meeting point is the Petra Museum in Wadi Musa, with a 7:30 am start. A transfer takes you from your hotel in Wadi Musa to the beginning of the walk, which saves you from arranging an early taxi and gets the group onto the trail promptly.

The first day gives you a different view of Petra. You turn away from the busy central route and continue through the wider Nabatean settlement, passing the Sabra Amphitheatre before heading south. This is not a quick visit to Petra’s famous monuments. It is a long walk through the outer reaches of the ancient area, followed by a mostly downhill route toward a remote campsite.

The figures matter. At 24 kilometers, day one is the longest clearly stated walking day. The 380 meters of climbing may sound manageable, but the 740 meters of descent can be hard on knees and feet, especially when the ground is rocky. The walking time is listed at six to eight hours, and the physical and trail ratings are both difficult.

I would not use day one to judge the whole trip too quickly. It is designed to get you well away from the Petra crowds and into the open country, but it asks a lot before your legs have settled into the rhythm of the trek. Pack water where you can reach it, keep your lunch accessible, and avoid carrying unnecessary weight.

Day two through rural desert country

Day two covers 15 kilometers and takes about four to five hours. Its physical rating drops to easy, though the trail itself is marked moderate. That difference is useful: the walking may be less demanding than day one, but the surface and route finding still require attention.

You move through rural desert mountains and rocky valleys, with oleander plants appearing along the way. The details here are modest but important. This is not a polished path with frequent signs, benches, or cafés. The route is listed as not waymarked, so your English-speaking hiking guide is more than a companion. The guide helps the group stay on course and explains what you are seeing.

The absence of trail markers adds to the remote feel, but it also means you should not expect independent walking time away from the group. Stay close enough to hear instructions, especially where valleys or rocky slopes offer more than one possible line.

Wild valleys and the approach to Wadi Araba

Day three continues south through wild desert mountains and dry valleys. You pass a cluster of mountains while gradually making your way toward a camp near the Jordan Valley.

Exact distance and walking time are not provided for this day, so it is wise not to build a detailed personal schedule around it. What is clear is the character of the route. You are moving through open, sparsely developed country, where the reward comes from the scale and quiet rather than from a long list of named sights.

Camping near the Jordan Valley gives the trek a strong sense of progress. Petra is now behind you, and Wadi Rum is still ahead. That in-between quality is one of the best reasons to choose this trip. You are not simply visiting two attractions. You are seeing the changing ground between them, one day at a time.

The tradeoff is comfort. Remote camps can be memorable, but they are not a substitute for a full-service hotel. The package includes five nights of accommodation, but the supplied information does not specify the exact style of every night. Ask for the accommodation details before booking if bedding, bathrooms, or privacy are important to you.

Canyons, sandstone, and sand dunes on day four

Day four brings a varied walking day with colorful canyons, rock formations, wide views, and sand dunes. The route includes both climbs and descents, and the night ends at a scenic campsite.

This sounds like the most visually varied part of the walk. The colors and shapes of southern Jordan change as you move between narrow canyon sections, exposed rock, and open sand. You will want time for photographs, but remember that a pretty stop does not make the walking effortless. Sand takes more work than firm ground, and repeated ups and downs can add up after several days.

The best approach is to pace yourself. Walk steadily, take short rests, and protect your feet from hot sand and grit. I would also keep a light layer handy. Desert temperatures can shift quickly between sun and shade, and the open setting offers little shelter.

The long climb out of the Jordan Valley

Day five is the final full day of trekking. It begins with a long, gradual ascent as you climb out of the Jordan Valley and up toward the desert plateau around Wadi Rum. The walking day is listed at about six hours.

A gradual climb can be deceptive. It may not have the drama of a steep wall, but it lasts, and it arrives after several days on foot. This is where a strong base of fitness pays off. You do not need to race. You need enough endurance to keep moving for much of the day with a pack and desert heat.

Later, you reach the plateau near Wadi Rum. At Abassiya, a Bedouin village, the walking gives way to a jeep transfer into the Wadi Rum Protected Area. This is a practical change of pace and a fitting arrival. You have crossed the hard ground on foot, then use a local-style desert vehicle for the final approach to camp.

The transfer from Hummeima to Wadi Rum is included. Confirm the exact handoff and timing with the operator before departure, since this is one of the few pieces of transport that directly connects the trek to the protected area.

A quiet final morning in Wadi Rum

Day six begins at the Wadi Rum camp. Red sand dunes, sandstone mountains, and unusual rock formations define the setting. The published schedule gives this stop 11 hours, but the tour ends the morning after the hike at the Wadi Rum campsite, so think of this as your final desert stay rather than a full guided walking day with a fixed list of stops.

This morning gives you room to absorb the finish. After five nights of movement, Wadi Rum’s stillness can feel like a reward in itself. You can then continue to Aqaba and the Red Sea, travel toward the Dead Sea, or head back to Amman. The operator can arrange a private extension, but that is not included in the $995 price.

The end point is worth planning carefully. Wadi Rum is not the same transport hub as Petra or Amman, and an onward trip works best when arranged before you start walking. If your Jordan trip includes Aqaba, this trek can make a natural link. If you need to fly out soon, allow plenty of time for the road transfer.

What the $995 price covers

At $995 per person, this is not a cheap way to move from Petra to Wadi Rum. It is a supported six-day expedition, and the value depends on how much you would otherwise need to arrange yourself.

The price includes:

• Five nights of accommodation
• An English-speaking local hiking guide
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner for five days
• Hotel pickup in Wadi Musa to the day one trailhead
• Transfer from Hummeima to Wadi Rum on day five
• A mobile ticket and pickup option

That bundle removes several practical headaches. You do not need to find food in remote country, work out how to reach each camp, or hire separate transport for the final approach to Wadi Rum. The guide also matters because parts of the route are not waymarked.

The price does not include the Jordan Pass, which covers your Wadi Rum entry fee, or tips for guides, drivers, camp and hotel staff, and other service providers. Airport transfers, airfare, insurance, and personal spending are also extra. Add those costs before comparing this trek with a self-organized trip.

The maximum group size is 14. That is large enough to create a social atmosphere, but still more manageable than a big coach-based tour. Guide quality will shape your experience, so ask who is assigned to your date. Guides associated with the operator include Mahmood Attal, Raja, Motaz, and Habu el Bedul, though the specific guide is not guaranteed.

Food, camps, and the practical rhythm

All five breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are included. That is especially useful here because remote walking days leave few options for buying food along the way. You can focus on carrying what you need for the day rather than planning every meal.

Accommodation is included for five nights, but the supplied details do not spell out the exact properties or camp facilities. If you need a private room, a certain bathroom setup, or particular bedding, ask before paying. The phrase remote campsite should be taken seriously.

Bring a day pack with water, sun protection, personal medicine, snacks if you like them, and a warm layer. A larger bag may be handled according to the operator’s arrangements, but that detail is not specified, so confirm what you carry and what can be transported.

Wear broken-in hiking shoes with solid grip. The route includes rocky valleys, sandy ground, climbs, descents, and unmarked sections. A hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a small first-aid kit are sensible choices. Travel insurance is not included, and it is particularly important for a demanding trek in remote country.

The guide makes a real difference

This route is not just a line on a map. A good guide can explain the Nabatean connection around Petra, point out plants such as oleander, identify mountain formations, and help you understand how local communities use the desert.

The company’s wider guiding team has received especially strong praise for warmth, humor, historical detail, and care around camp. Names that come up in connection with its Jordan hiking programs include Motaz, Mahmood Attal, Raja, Habu el Bedul, and support crew members Hussain, also called Abu Thayir, and Eid.

Do not assume you will have a particular person. Instead, ask for the guide’s name and language before the trip. That small step can help you know what sort of interpretation and support to expect.

Who should book this trek?

I would recommend it to hikers who want a remote Jordan experience and who value a continuous route more than hotel comfort. It suits people who have already visited Petra and want to see the country beyond the main monuments, as well as fit families or groups comfortable with several days of walking and camping.

It is less suitable if your main goal is a relaxed Petra and Wadi Rum holiday. Day one is difficult, day five has a sustained climb, and the route is not fully marked. You should also think twice if you dislike basic camps, long hours outdoors, or fixed group pacing.

The family appeal is possible, but fitness matters more than age. A 13-year-old has completed a similar Jordan trek with the company, yet that does not mean every child will enjoy 24 kilometers on the first day. Discuss the route honestly with younger walkers before booking.

The tour has a 4.9 rating from 11 reviews and a 100 percent recommendation rate. Those figures suggest a strong record, but the sample is small. I would put more weight on your physical readiness, the confirmed guide, and the accommodation details.

Booking timing and cancellation facts

Confirmation is normally sent at booking. If you book within nine days of travel, confirmation may take up to 48 hours and depends on space.

Cancellation terms are strict close to departure. Cancel at least six full days before the 7:30 am start for a full refund. A cancellation two to six days ahead receives 50 percent, while a cancellation less than two full days before the start is nonrefundable. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum group size can lead to another date, another experience, or a full refund.

Should you book Petra to Wadi Rum?

Book this trek if the idea of walking through the space between Jordan’s great sights excites you more than ticking them off by car. The route offers remote mountains, dry valleys, canyons, dunes, desert camps, included meals, and a small group capped at 14 people.

Skip it if you want predictable trail markers, soft beds every night, or short walks with lots of free time. Before you commit, confirm the guide, camp arrangements, baggage plan, and onward transport from Wadi Rum. For a fit hiker seeking a serious desert crossing, the $995 package can be a strong value because it handles the hard logistics while keeping the walking at the center.

FAQ

Where does the Petra to Wadi Rum trek start?

The trek starts at the Petra Museum in Wadi Musa, Jordan. The stated start time is 7:30 am, with a transfer from your Wadi Musa hotel to the beginning of the hike on day one.

How long is the Petra to Wadi Rum trek?

The experience lasts approximately six days. Hiking takes place across five days, followed by a final morning at the Wadi Rum campsite.

How difficult is the trek?

You should have a strong physical fitness level. Day one is rated difficult for both physical effort and trail conditions, covers 24 kilometers, and takes about six to eight hours. Day five takes about six hours and includes a long, gradual ascent.

Is the trail waymarked?

The route is not fully waymarked. Day two is specifically listed as not waymarked, so you will rely on the local English-speaking hiking guide for route support.

What meals are included?

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included for five days. The package includes five breakfasts, five lunches, and five dinners.

Is transport included?

A transfer from your Wadi Musa hotel to the day one trailhead is included. On day five, a transfer from Hummeima to Wadi Rum is included, with a jeep transfer from the Abassiya area into Wadi Rum.

Does the price include entry to Wadi Rum?

No. The Jordan Pass is not included, and it covers the entry fee to Wadi Rum. Tips, travel insurance, airfare, airport transfers, and personal expenses are also excluded.