Road Trip to Mars: Explore Jordan’s Wonders from Amman to Aqaba

There’s no other place in the world where you can float in saltwater far below sea level and witness out-of-this-world landscapes within a short distance.

From walking through one of the seven wonders of the modern world and stepping back in history to tasting authentic local dishes under the desert stars, Jordan offers a variety of activities for travelers seeking adventure and culture alike.

The best way to experience the full offerings of the compact country of Jordan is by driving on its network of well-maintained roads. You will have the flexibility to visit many of the top attractions while stopping to take photos of whatever captures your attention.

And with friendly locals and signs in both Arabic and English, it is almost impossible to get lost while driving in Jordan.

A few tips: Book a rental car in advance and be sure to carry your driver’s license, passport and a certification of roadworthiness (provided with the vehicle). Pay close attention to speed bumps and look out for animals crossing the roads.

With all that in mind, here are some must-do’s on your road trip from Amman to Aqaba. And as always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.

Start: Amman

Start in the capital city of Amman, where you can experience Jordan’s modern life in its bustling souks, coffeehouses and galleries.

Soak in views of the majestic city from its highest hill at the Amman Citadel, where you can admire historic architecture from the Roman, Byzantine and Umayyad periods.

Shop for art and antiques from around the country at Souk Jara, and pop into rooftop bars and restaurants along the famous Rainbow Street.

Cap off the day’s adventures with an evening at one of the top new restaurants in the city, Roberto’s at The Ritz-Carlton, Amman. Drink in the stunning, 360-degree skyline views from the 20th floor as you enjoy expertly crafted cocktails and contemporary Italian dishes.

The Dead Sea

A 45-minute drive on Highway 40 (Dead Sea Road) from the center of Amman through arid hills will bring you to an intense blue body of water, which at 1,414 feet (431 meters) below sea level, is marked as the lowest point on Earth.

With salinity levels that are four times that of most oceans, the Dead Sea has almost magical buoyancy. Float your cares away on these surreal, gleaming waters that contain more than 35 minerals said to alleviate skin conditions, joint aches and arthritis.

Add a spa day to the itinerary and kick back and relax at The Spa at The Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa — rated Jordan’s Best Resort Spa in 2022 by World Spa Awards.

Luxuriate in treatments that exfoliate and moisturize your skin using locally found natural elements, like the Dead Sea Mud Wrap or the Dead Sea Body Polish.

Petra

Next, head south to the iconic fourth-century-B.C. sandstone city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. If time allows, take King’s Highway 35, a winding and scenic five-hour route, to Wadi Musa, the gateway to Petra.

Or you can take the more direct (but with fewer scenic stops) three-hour trip via Desert Highway 15 or Dead Sea Highway 65.

Plan to spend at least a day or two visiting the “Rose City,” as Petra is known, so you can take in the reflections of the changing light from sunrise to sunset on the elaborately carved sandstone structures.

You’ll need good walking shoes and a pass to enter the Instagram-worthy, 121-foot-tall (37-meters) Treasury of Petra, aka Al Khazneh, as well as the other monuments in this ancient Nabataean city.

After a day of exploration, enjoy unique Bedouin music, culture and cuisine in the evening in the softly lit Al Matal Tent at the Petra Marriott Hotel, overlooking the picturesque Petra Valley.

Here you can taste authentic Bedouin drinks; traditional dishes such as zarb (marinated lamb) and mandi (a one-pot rice and meat dish), both cooked in an underground oven; and platters of hummus, moutabbal (eggplant dip), fattoush salad and Arabic sweets. This tented dining experience requires advance reservations and is closed from November to April.

End: Wadi Rum and Aqaba

Drive 65 miles (104 kilometers) south via King’s Highway and Route 47M to another of Jordan’s top attractions, Wadi Rum.

When you arrive at Wadi Rum, expansive orange, red and brown cliffs and sand dunes make you feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet.

In fact, this unique landscape, nicknamed “Valley of the Moon,” is often seen as a backdrop in many outer-space films, such as “The Martian,” “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” and 2021’s “Dune.”

Explore miles of granite rocks and sandstone formations in Wadi Rum with a local guide and a four-wheel drive vehicle, or take advantage of exclusive rock-climbing and trekking opportunities.

After your day of otherworldly adventure, head to the seaside town of Aqaba (about an hour drive via Wadi Rum Road and Route 47M) for an authentic Jordanian dining experience at the palatial Kubba Levantin Restaurant at Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Saraya Aqaba.

Dine under the stars, savoring international wines and craft cocktails and feasting on meze and international cuisine, and reflect on your memorable road trip.