Itineraries — Petra and the South

Petra and the South form the mythical heart of Jordan — the main reason most travellers come to the country. The region concentrates two of the most emblematic sites in the world: Petra, UNESCO Nabataean capital and 7th Wonder of the Modern World, and Wadi Rum, UNESCO desert with Martian landscapes where Lawrence of Arabia, Dune and several Star Wars were filmed. To this are added the Crusader fortresses of the King's Road (Kerak, Shobak) and the Dana Nature Reserve (one of the most beautiful hikes in the Middle East).

Logistics are compact: Petra and Wadi Rum are just 100 km apart (1h30 drive), which allows easy combination of both over 3-4 days. Most travellers descend from Amman via the Desert Highway (Highway 15) — 240 km, 3h drive — and possibly return via the panoramic King's Road (Highway 35). Aqaba Airport (AQJ) is a practical alternative for arriving directly in the south (Royal Jordanian flights from Amman, charters from Europe in winter).

For a short Petra-focused trip (3 days), plan: Day 1 — arrival at Wadi Musa, dinner and night; Day 2 — full Petra day (Siq, Khazneh, royal tombs, Monastery climb); Day 3 — finish Petra in the morning (secondary trails) + Wadi Rum transfer (1h30), Bedouin bivouac. Over 5 days (ideal), add: Day 4 — full Wadi Rum 4x4 day + 2nd Bedouin night; Day 5 — return to Amman with stop at Kerak or Shobak. With 7 days, integrate the Dead Sea and the Dana Reserve (half-day hike).

Accommodation in Wadi Musa (4,000-inhabitant village 1 km from Petra entrance) ranges from backpacker (€25-50/night) to luxury (Mövenpick Resort Petra with direct site access, Petra Marriott, €200-400/night). At Wadi Rum, two ranges: traditional Bedouin camps (€30-80/night) and luxurious bubble suites (Memories Aicha, Sun City Camp, €150-400/night) — the latter offer one of the most memorable experiences of any Jordan trip.