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With hundreds of miles of hiking trails, desert adventures, and UNESCO World Heritage sites, Jordan is an ideal destination for backpackers. Jordan finds itself in a privileged position within the Middle East and borders a number of countries, including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Israel, and Egypt. This location makes Jordan an ideal starting point for backpackers who wish explore the region. The country also boasts accessible public transport networks, making it easy to get around. There are also plenty of things to do away from the usual tourist tracks, and plenty of affordable accommodation and cheap places to eat, which makes it easy for those on a tight budget.
Jordan for Backpackers - Where To Go
Petra
Arguably one of the most architecturally beautiful locations in the world, Petra is a Nabatean city located in the Jordanian desert. Here, visitors will find jaw-dropping sites, including Al-Khazneh and Ad Deir. Each monastery and temple in Petra is carved from sandstone into the cliff faces, and archaeologists believe that only 15% of this ancient city has been discovered. Visitors can explore the sites on foot or on top of a camel. Backpackers have a range of ways to reach Petra from the major cities, and there are also plenty of organized tours to Petra available.
Madaba
Madaba is a bustling city that is best known for its mosaic art. Adorned with mosaics from the Byzantine Empire, Madaba is a colorful city steeped in history. It is home to the world-famous mosaic map of the Holy Land, which attracts thousands of visitors each year. The city boasts a laid-back charm that is favorable to backpackers because it feels more like a friendly neighborhood than a large metropolis.
Aqaba
Located directly on the Red Sea, Aqaba is a beautiful coastal city that offers a little something for everyone. This city is easy to reach from Amman via plane or bus, depending on your budget and timeframe. It boasts a wide range of restaurants, food stalls, local events, and water-based activities. Visitors can take to the water on a boat, windsurf, or go on a snorkeling adventure. Although Aqaba has a number of luxury hotel resorts, it also has some backpacker-friendly hotels and guesthouses. Furthermore, Aqaba is a great base to explore nearby sights such as Wadi Rum or Petra with one of the many tours available from Aqaba.
Amman
As it is the capital city of Jordan, Amman is a fantastic starting point for any backpacking holiday. The city combines trendy bars and restaurants with phenomenal Roman sites such as the magnificent Amman Citadel, which is home to the stone Hand of Hercules. There is also some beautiful Islamic architecture, including the King Abdullah I Mosque, which opened in 1989. Amman is perhaps one of the best cities for vegan and vegetarian food, and it also boasts a vibrant nightlife that is difficult to find elsewhere in Jordan. Plus, it serves as a convenient hub for organized tours from Amman to Petra, Wadi Rum, or Jerash, making it easy to explore Jordan’s highlights from one central base.
Wadi Rum
If you’re a backpacker who wishes to swap the city sights for the wilderness, Wadi Rum is the place for you. Also known as the Valley of the Moon due to its beautiful night sky, Wadi Rum spans across miles of mountains, rock bridges, sand dunes, and notable sites such as the alleged house of Lawrence of Arabia. For thrill-seeking adventures, visitors can join one of our Wadi Rum Tours for thrilling jeep rides, mountain climbing, and overnight camping.
Mujib Biosphere Reserve
With such a diverse landscape, the Mujib Biosphere Reserve has plenty of things to do for those who like to experience the great outdoors. This reserve is particularly ideal for hikers of all abilities. A popular hiking route is the Mujib Trail, which is a highly challenging route that covers 15 kilometers of flora and fauna. There are also easy and moderate hiking trails, and visitors should be prepared to walk through water on almost every route. Adrenaline junkies may prefer the Canyon Trail, which gives hikers the opportunity to descend a 20-meter waterfall.
Dana Nature Reserve
This spectacular nature reserve covers a vast landscape that is home to buzzards, eagles, and a wide range of rare Jordanian wildlife. Backpackers can spend as much or as little time exploring Dana Reserve and its hiking trails. Visitors can also stay overnight in a chalet or a tent in order to fully appreciate the Milky Way display that is regularly seen from the reserve.
The Jordan Trail
If the above activities are not enough to excite you, then maybe Jordan’s longest hiking trail will do the trick. The Jordan Trail spans across 650 kilometers of rolling hills, mountains, towns, and villages. It was created by the local community with hikers in mind and is easy to navigate. There are plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat along the way, and backpackers will have a large number of accommodation options on route. On average, the entire trail will take hikers around 40 days to complete. The route passes notable sites, including Umm Qays and the city of Petra, making it easy for those with less time to hike a short section of the trail.
Jordan for Backpackers - Where To Stay
Depending on where you are, there are a variety of places to stay in Jordan to suit all budgets. In larger cities such as Amman, there is everything from five-star business hotels to international hostels. Hostels and guesthouses are the most affordable options for backpackers and also offer a great way to meet fellow travelers and share tips. Closer to the Red Sea, visitors will find larger beach resorts, particularly in the city of Aqaba. These resorts are expensive but are also an ideal way to relax and unwind for a few days.
How To Travel as a Backpacker in Jordan
Backpacking in Jordan is convenient thanks to the country’s vast public transport network. Buses, in fact, are the cheapest way to travel around Jordan, yet they often don’t follow timetables. Instead, a bus will depart the station once it’s full, so passengers should be prepared to wait. In busier cities, buses fill up quite fast. A trip between Amman and Aqaba takes around 4 hours, and typically costs between 14 and 28 USD. An alternative is the JETT Bus, a scheduled air-conditioned coach that can be booked in advance online or at the JETT bus office in Amman. It usually departs early in the morning for Petra and takes about 3-3.5  hours, with one-way fares around 10 JOD (about $14 USD) per person, making it a budget-friendly option.
Jordanian taxis, marked by yellow and green colors with Arabic writing, are affordable and willing to take visitors on both short and long trips. Also, to save time, an internal flight is an efficient way to get from one place to another. In Jordan, flights between Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport and Aqaba’s King Hussein International Airport typically take around 55-60 minutes, with Royal Jordanian operating regular nonstop services. One-way fares vary depending on timing and demand, but they are pricier than buses, often around 40-90 USD or more, making flights a faster yet more expensive way to travel between cities.
For those who want to explore Jordan without the stress of planning every connection, our organized Jordan tours are the smartest choice. Tours offer local insights, smoother travel, and access to hidden gems that might be tricky to navigate on your own. In short, they let backpackers experience the best of Jordan efficiently, safely, and with a deeper appreciation for the culture, history, and landscapes.
Enhance Your Backpacking Adventure
Jordan’s mix of accessible transport, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities makes it a top choice for backpackers. From exciting hikes and desert adventures to affordable food and accommodation, there’s something for every traveler. Use our Jordan travel resources to plan your adventure, uncover hidden gems, and experience Jordan for backpackers in a way that’s seamless, rewarding, and truly memorable.
Jordan is brimming with thrilling activities and budget-friendly options, but why stop there? Our Jordan, Egypt, & Israel Package Tours, available for example in a 14-day version, allow you to experience the best of the region in one unforgettable journey. Plus, we take care of all the logistics, including smooth transfers, exciting itineraries, expert guides, and comfortable hotels, allowing you to fully enjoy your Middle Eastern getaway.
