Petra to Wadi Rum Trek – 6 Days

Leave the crowds behind fast. This six-day Petra to Wadi Rum trek follows a remote section of the Jordan Trail through Nabatean ruins, dry valleys, sandstone mountains, and open desert. I like the way it links two of Jordan’s great sights on foot, and I like that meals, camps, a hiking guide, and key transfers are included. The main catch is the physical demand: this is a difficult, rugged route with long days and little trail marking.

You begin near Petra Museum in Wadi Musa at 7:30 a.m. and finish at a Wadi Rum campsite the next morning. The group can have up to 14 people, which is small enough for a personal feel but large enough to bring a mix of hiking speeds and fitness levels. A strong level of fitness is required, and you should be comfortable walking for several hours over rough ground.

Five things to know before you book

• A rare point-to-point route: You walk from Petra toward Wadi Rum instead of visiting each site by road as separate stops.
• Remote desert camping: Five nights of accommodation, plus breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day, are included.
• A demanding opening day: Day one covers 24 kilometers in six to eight hours, with a difficult physical and trail rating.
• Unmarked country: Parts of the trek are not waymarked, so the local English-speaking guide matters greatly.
• A useful final transfer: On day five, a jeep carries you from Abassiya to Wadi Rum after the hike.
• A strong package price: At $995 per person, the value rests on the remote guiding, camps, food, and transport rather than sightseeing tickets.

Why this Petra to Wadi Rum route is special

Most visits to Jordan divide the country into tidy blocks: Petra one day, Wadi Rum another, and a long road transfer between them. This trek gives you a slower connection between the two. You spend days crossing southern desert country where the reward is not a single monument, but the changing shape and color of the ground beneath your feet.

The route begins inside the wider Petra area, then leaves the main tourist path near the Sabra Amphitheatre. That detail matters. You still begin among Nabatean remains, but the experience quickly shifts from carved stone and busy paths to empty valleys and remote camps.

You pass sandstone peaks, dry riverbeds, rocky valleys, oleander plants, colorful canyons, dunes, and broad sandy stretches. The scenery keeps changing, which helps balance the long walking days. It also means this is not simply a desert stroll. You will climb, descend, cross uneven ground, and spend much of the day exposed to sun and wind.

The route is described as new and off the beaten path. That is appealing if you want a less polished side of Jordan. It also means you should not expect a clear, fully marked walking path. The guide is not just there to point out scenery. You rely on that person for route-finding and local understanding.

Day one: Petra’s southern edge and a hard 24 kilometers

The trek starts with a hotel pickup in Wadi Musa and a transfer to the starting point near Petra Museum. You then leave the main trail and head south through the larger historic Petra area, passing the Sabra Amphitheatre.

The day is mostly downhill, with about 380 meters of ascent and 740 meters of descent. That sounds easier than climbing all day, but downhill walking over rocky ground can be tough on knees and ankles. At 24 kilometers and six to eight hours, this is the trip’s longest stated walking day.

The opening day is rated difficult for both physical effort and trail conditions. I would treat that rating seriously. You need well-broken-in hiking shoes, a daypack that fits properly, and enough water capacity for a remote route. The first day sets the tone: this is a trek, not a guided sightseeing walk with occasional exercise.

The reward comes from the change in atmosphere. Petra’s main paths can feel crowded and organized. Here, the ruins fade into open country, and you finish at a remote campsite rather than returning to town. That first night should feel like a proper transition from Jordan’s famous archaeological site to its wilderness.

Day two: Easier walking through dry valleys

Day two covers 15 kilometers in about four to five hours. The physical rating is easy, though the trail rating is moderate. You gain roughly 290 meters and descend about 320 meters while continuing south through desert mountains and rocky valleys.

This is a useful recovery day after the long first stage. It is shorter, but moderate trail conditions still call for care. Uneven stone and loose surfaces can slow you down even when the distance looks manageable.

The route passes oleander plants, an interesting reminder that dry country is not lifeless country. Small pockets of vegetation help mark water patterns and seasonal drainage. Your guide can add meaning to details that would otherwise be easy to miss, including plants, mountain ridges, riverbeds, and old routes through the country.

There are no trail markers listed for this day. That makes the guide especially important and gives the route a more exploratory feel. If you prefer signs, maps, and clearly painted arrows, this may feel less comfortable. If you like the idea of walking through country that has not been packaged for mass tourism, it is one of the route’s strengths.

Day three: Wild mountains on the way to the Jordan Valley

The third stage continues south through wild desert mountains and broad desert valleys. You pass a cluster of mountains before descending toward camp near the Jordan Valley.

Specific distance, walking time, and elevation figures are not provided for this day, so you should ask for the current day plan before departure. The wording suggests another full day in remote country, but it would be wrong to treat it as easy simply because exact figures are missing.

The setting is the main attraction. Mountain groups create a sense of scale, while the descent toward the valley changes the view from enclosed rock country to wider, more open space. This is the kind of day when a steady pace matters more than speed.

A guide can also make the route more than a procession of pretty views. The strongest comments about this company praise guides who explain monuments, plants, ridges, and riverbeds, and who bring humor to long hours on foot. Names associated with the company include Habu el Bedul, Raja, Mahmood Attal, and Mutaz, though the guide assigned to your departure is not specified. Ask who will lead your group.

Day four: Canyons, rock formations, and sand

Day four brings colorful canyons, unusual rock formations, wide views, and sand dunes. The walking mixes uphill and downhill sections and ends at another attractive campsite.

This sounds like one of the most varied days. Canyons give you close views of the rock, while dunes and open stretches create a wider sense of space. The changes in surface may also make the day feel more tiring than the scenery suggests. Sand takes more effort than firm ground, and repeated ups and downs can add up.

There is no published distance or time for this stage. That missing detail is worth clarifying if you plan around strict fitness limits or need to know how much recovery time you have each day. In a remote trek, the practical rhythm often matters more than the headline duration: walk, rest, eat, watch the light change, then settle into camp.

The camping is a major part of the appeal. Five nights of accommodation are included, but the exact camp style and facilities should be confirmed through the accommodation details before booking. Do not assume a permanent hotel-style room in the desert. The route is remote, and the experience is built around simple wilderness stays.

Day five: The long climb out and the move to Wadi Rum

The final hiking day begins with a long, gradual ascent out of the Jordan Valley. Later, you reach the high desert plateau near Wadi Rum and continue toward the Bedouin village of Abassiya.

The climb is gradual rather than sharply steep, but it comes late in a five-day trek. Your legs may be tired, and the steady upward pull can be demanding. This is a good reason to keep your pace conservative earlier in the trip. Saving energy is part of the skill here.

At Abassiya, a jeep transfer takes you to Wadi Rum. That vehicle connection is practical, not a shortcut to criticize. The route links two large areas, and the transfer gets you into the protected area without adding another long road or walking section at the end of an already strenuous day.

The arrival should feel dramatic. You shift from a multi-day crossing through mountain and valley country into Wadi Rum’s red sand, sandstone mountains, and striking rock formations. The jeep ride also gives you a different view of the desert, with the walking route behind you and the final protected area ahead.

Day six: A quiet morning in Wadi Rum

You wake at the Wadi Rum campsite, surrounded by red sand and sandstone formations. The protected area is the trip’s final setting, and the tour ends there the morning after the hike.

The schedule lists about 11 hours for day six, but the written plan makes clear that the organized trek ends in the morning. That longer figure may reflect the overall final segment or departure timing, so confirm your exact checkout and transfer arrangements.

The tour does not include a final transfer onward. You can continue to Aqaba and the Red Sea, head toward the Dead Sea, or return to Amman. The operator can arrange a private extension, but that is separate from the listed package.

This flexible ending is useful. You are not forced into a fixed return route, and Wadi Rum can work as a pause before the next part of a Jordan trip. Still, plan your onward transport in advance. The trek finishes in a remote area, not in a city transport hub.

What the $995 price really covers

At $995 per person, this is not a cheap way to see Petra and Wadi Rum. You are paying for five nights of accommodation, five breakfasts, five lunches, five dinners, a local English-speaking hiking guide, a day-one transfer from Wadi Musa, and the day-five jeep transfer from Hummeima to Wadi Rum.

That package is sensible for a remote route. Organizing food, camps, route support, and desert transport on your own would take time and local contacts. The price also buys you continuity: one company handles the long connection instead of leaving you to piece together separate drivers and overnight stays.

The Jordan Pass is not included. It covers entry to Wadi Rum, so factor that into your total budget. Tips, travel insurance, airfare, airport transfers, personal expenses, and tips for guides, drivers, camp staff, and other service providers are also extra.

The value is strongest if you want to walk the full connection and prefer not to manage logistics in isolated country. If you mainly want a quick look at Petra and a night in Wadi Rum, this trek asks for far more time, money, and physical effort than you need.

Guides, group size, and the human side

The maximum group size is 14. That is a reasonable limit for a remote hike. A smaller group can move more easily and gives you better access to the guide, while a group of 14 still provides company during long evenings at camp.

Guide quality matters more here than on a standard city tour. You are not only listening to stories. You are walking on sections that are not waymarked, crossing rough ground, and spending days away from regular services.

The strongest praise connected with this company centers on guides who are warm, funny, careful, and able to explain the country along the route. Habu el Bedul is singled out for guiding, while Raja is described as professional and pleasant company over a five-day desert hike. Mutaz is praised for his history knowledge and kind manner, and Mahmood Attal is noted as energetic.

Your assigned guide may be someone else. Ask before you go, especially if route-finding and cultural explanation are priorities. The support crew also matters at camp. Hussain, known as Abu Thayir, and Eid have been praised for their work around camp on a Petra to Hummeima trek.

Who should book this trek?

I would recommend it to strong walkers who want Jordan’s desert country at a slower pace. It suits you if you enjoy remote routes, simple camps, long days, and scenery that changes gradually rather than delivering a new attraction every hour.

It can also suit families with active older children. One family completed a demanding desert trek with a 13-year-old, but that should not be read as proof that the route is easy. Your child needs to be fit, comfortable with long walks, and ready for basic camping.

I would hesitate to recommend it if you have knee problems, limited hiking experience, or little tolerance for heat, rough ground, and uncertain trail conditions. The first day alone is 24 kilometers, and later days bring more climbing and sand.

Pack for function. Bring sturdy footwear, sun protection, layers for changing desert temperatures, personal medication, and a comfortable daypack. Because the route is remote, ask the operator exactly what water support, luggage handling, campsite facilities, and sleeping arrangements are provided.

Should you book the Petra to Wadi Rum Trek?

Book this trek if the journey between Petra and Wadi Rum matters as much as the destinations. The route gives you a rare view of southern Jordan, with remote valleys, sandstone country, dunes, and desert camps replacing the usual road transfer.

Skip it if you want a relaxed holiday or a tightly scheduled sightseeing package. The best reason to go is not convenience. It is the chance to spend five days walking through quiet country with a local guide and finish beneath Wadi Rum’s red cliffs.

The high rating of 4.9 from 11 ratings and a 100 percent recommendation record suggest strong satisfaction, especially with the guides, organization, camps, and sense of adventure. Even so, the route’s difficulty is the deciding point. If you are fit, curious, and ready for a real desert trek, $995 can be fair value. If not, choose shorter hikes and visit Petra and Wadi Rum separately.

FAQ

Where does the trek start?

It starts at Petra Museum in Wadi Musa, Jordan.

What time does the trek begin?

The stated start time is 7:30 a.m.

Where does the trek finish?

It finishes at a Wadi Rum campsite on the morning after the hiking route ends.

How long is the experience?

The experience lasts approximately six days.

How far is day one?

Day one covers 24 kilometers and takes about six to eight hours.

Is the trek physically difficult?

Yes. You should have a strong level of physical fitness. Day one is rated difficult for both physical effort and trail conditions.

Is the route marked?

At least part of the route is not waymarked. A local English-speaking hiking guide is included.

What meals are included?

Five breakfasts, five lunches, and five dinners are included.

How many nights of accommodation are included?

Five nights of accommodation are included.

Is Wadi Rum entry included?

No. The Jordan Pass, which covers the Wadi Rum entry fee, is not included.

Can the operator help with onward travel?

Yes. After the trek, you can continue to Aqaba, the Dead Sea, or Amman, and the operator can help arrange a private extension.

What is the cancellation policy?

A full refund is available when you cancel at least six full days before the start time. A 50 percent refund is available when you cancel two to six full days ahead. Cancellations less than two full days before departure are not refunded. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of participants may lead to a new date, another experience, or a full refund.