In Jordan, where the culture places so much focus on hospitality, visitors will feel welcome in peoples’ homes as well as in partaking of the many outdoor adventures that entice travelers.
Alfresco adventure is a hallmark of any visit to Jordan, so much so that there’s a hiking and biking trail running the length of the country.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning fan, these are some of the best outdoor adventure options to pique your adrenaline over and over.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Exploring Wadi Rum
The clean air and untouched landscape of Wadi Rum is synonymous with the Jordanian desert. This part of the country is a hub for hiking, jogging, biking and even sand duning. If you think that camping in the desert means packing a picnic basket and roughing it, you’re wrong.
Many visits to Wadi Rum include meeting with locals to understand the culture and dining on lavish meals cooked in authentic Bedouin style to nourish and reenergize you after a day of adventure.
Or opt for dinner in the seasonal (May through October) Al Matal Bedouin Tent at the Petra Marriott Hotel. Stargazing from this vantage point from one of the perches at is a magical experience, too.
Enjoying the Beach Life in Aqaba and Beyond
Growing in popularity is the beach scene in Jordan, which includes sandy shores on both the Dead Sea and the Red Sea. While the Dead Sea has little marine life, its more than 30 miles of coastline more than makes up for it.
The Red Sea has 17 miles of its own Jordanian coastline boasting a colorful underwater seascape best enjoyed while scuba diving or snorkeling. A must-see is the Yamanieh coral reef within the Aqaba Marine Park.
Numerous tour operators run guided trips from Aqaba, but it is easy to rent equipment from a hotel or even on the beach. The most adventurous can take advantage of the constant breeze by trying their hand at windsurfing.
Refuel and unwind after your tour with dinner under the Aqaba stars at Kubba Levantin Restaurant, in Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Saraya Aqaba.
Soaking in Hot Springs
Nourish your skin and muscles with a soak in the Ma’in Hot Springs between the city of Madaba and the Dead Sea. The mineral-rich water has restorative properties for the body and is always warm thanks to the natural heating from beneath the earth’s surface.
If the natural surroundings like waterfalls and palm tree oases in the desert lull you into relaxation, there are resorts in the area where you can spend the night, making it the perfect stop on a Jordanian road trip headed for the Dead Sea.
Canyoning and Rock Climbing in Wadi Mujib
Surrounding a river that empties into the Dead Sea, this below-sea-level nature reserve, the lowest in the world at nearly 1,400 feet below sea level, has cooler temperatures than the desert during the day, making it a favorite of hikers and sporty travelers. Its impressive rock formations surrounding the many tributaries of the river are a sight to behold.
Canyoning involves climbing over rocks and meandering through the nooks and crannies of the many waterfalls and streams within this reserve. Bring your camera as you’ll want to document every dramatic step through the cavernous stone openings and shady oases of the journey. Come prepared, though, as shoes will almost certainly get wet.
Biking Across a Nation
The Jordan Bike Trail stretches 455 miles from the northern part of the border near Um Qais all the way down to Aqaba. It is an exhilarating way not only to explore the country’s tourist hot spots, but also to see smaller villages and towns for a glimpse of daily life in the desert.
As the landscape trades verdant fields and olive tree groves for the beige canyons and desertscape further south, the ride provides ever-changing scenery.
For those unsure of how to navigate such a trip on their own, thankfully, there are companies that can organize these trips and handle all the logistics for you. If time is of the essence, consider driving just an hour outside of Amman to do just a section of the trail.
Camel Riding in the Desert
From Wadi Rum to the outskirts of bustling Amman, visitors to Jordan can ride a camel through some of the nation’s most iconic landmarks, like Petra and Jerash.
Four legs are faster than two, and this is an enlightening way to learn more about the Bedouin culture from the region. While camel racing is another popular pastime, it’s best left to the experts.
Golfing in Jordan
Although not top of mind in the golf world, Jordan actually has a beautiful golf course that is open to public visitors, Ayla Golf Club in Aqaba. Designed by Greg Norman, this is the first 18-hole grass course in the country and is drawing more travelers who want to mix a bit of sports with cultural attractions on their journey.
Golf is growing in popularity among locals, too, thanks to the Jordan Golf Federation, which is offering classes to women and children to increase interest and become a more inclusive sport in the region.
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