Travel Guide to Jordan – At the end of March this year (2021), we traveled for almost a month in Dubai when we decided it was time for a new destination.
At the time, many countries were still closed to tourism because of COVID.
During our search for places to go, we stumbled across many blogs that were talking about Jordan. After a quick look into things we would be able to do during our trip, considering the circumstances we were living in, we decided to visit Jordan for the first time and fell in love with the beauty of that place.
We’ll share here everything we learned about this great country.
Good to know when planning your trip to Jordan
Capital – Amman
Currency – Jordanian Dinar (JOD) 1JOD = 1,20€
Best time to visit – March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn)
Language – Arabic
Safety – Jordan is considered a very safe destination. The Jordanian government puts a lot of effort and money into making visitors feel safe. But as always, be careful everywhere you go. There is a crime in all places, even the safest ones.
A few do, and don’ts would be:
- Don’t interrupt or pass in front of a Muslim who may be praying in a public place.
- Don’t openly consume food, beverages, or cigarettes in public during the holy month of Ramadan.
- Don’t dress provocatively when walking outdoors.
What to wear in Jordan?
This, for us, was one of the most critical questions when we decided to visit the country for the first time and write this Travel Guide to Jordan.
Although more than 92% of Jordanians are Muslims, women in Jordan are not required to wear hijabs or cover up otherwise. Jordan is relatively liberal compared to some of its neighbors. In parts of Amman, nearly everyone is dressed Western-style.
Still, there’re some things we should consider when visiting it. For example, cleavage is a big no. You can wear different things inside depending on the hotel you’ll be staying at. But a rule of thumb for visiting places and walking around is to avoid wearing shorts and tops with cleavage.
How’s the weather in Jordan?
During Spring and Autumn, the temperature can be varied between 10 to 30 °C. Jordan is characterized for having a hot, dry climate b, ut it can get pretty chilly and windy in the mornings. Especially if you’re planning on spending a night or two in the desert, don’t forget to bring an extra layer!
Do I need a VISA to enter Jordan?
We’re not sure how it works for all countries, but you get the VISA at the airport for the majority.
With both our passports, Portuguese and Brazilian, we were able to do that.
It’s swift and easy to get a tourist VISA. As soon as you arrive at the airport before picking up your luggage, there’s a place where you need to get the VISA. We paid 40 JOD each for the VISA, around 48€, and we were ready to enter the country.
What do I need to enter Jordan during COVID time?
Because of COVID, we need in March 2021:
1- A negative COVID PCR Test showing done no more than in the last 72 hours and;
2- QR code **
** For the QR code, you need to go online to the Jordanian government website, fill out a form and pay a fee. After you’re done, you’ll receive a QR code in your email. This fee is to cover the expenses of the COVID PCR test you’ll need to do once you arrive at the airport in Jordan. Yes, you must have done one test previously, and you’ll do another upon arrival. You need to show the QR code you received in your email for this last one.
How long should I stay in Jordan?
Ideally, seven days is enough to cover Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead, and the Red Sea. We spent nine days there as we usually take longer to create content for ourselves and our hotel partners.
Best five things to do in Jordan
1- Rose city of Petra
Petra is a famous archaeological site and was the Nabatean Kingdom’s capital. It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage.
Situated between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea, Petra was an important crossroads between Arabia, Egypt, and Syria-Phoenicia. It is half-built, half-carved into the rock, and is surrounded by mountains riddled with passages and gorges. It is one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites, where ancient Eastern traditions blend with Hellenistic architecture.
Many famous Hollywood movies were filmed in Petra, and an excellent example of it is “Indiana Jones and the last crusade.”
We visited Petra on a Friday, and because of COVID, the place was empty. From the parking lot to the famous “Treasury” in the pictures above, the walk from the entrance is 2km long (just over a mile). It takes around 20min, and it’s a super easy walk through “Al Siq,” as they call the path to get there.
On the way there, there’s a whole on the rock called “Lucky J” if you get a rock into the ‘J,’ it means you’re lucky. Fred did it.
The Treasury or Al Kazneh is the tomb of a Nabatean King. You’re not allowed to go inside anymore as they discovered breathing inside the temple was damaging it. But there is much more to see in Petra than just The Treasury, such as the Royal Tombs and the Monastery.
To go to the Monastery, there is a path with 900 steps. Don’t forget to come prepared to Petra with comfortable shoes and lots of water. There’s the option to get a camel or a donkey to go up, and then you can walk down.
2- Wadi Rum: Valley of the Moon, otherwise known as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wadi Rum.
Wadi Rum is a protected area covering 720 square kilometers of dramatic desert wilderness in the south of Jordan. Huge mountains of sandstone and granite emerge, sheer-sided, from broad sandy valleys to reach heights of 1700 meters and more. Narrow canyons and fissures cut deep into the mountains, and many conceal ancient rock drawings etched by the peoples of the desert over millennia.
Bedouin tribes still live among the mountains of Rum, and their large goat-hair tents are a unique feature of the landscape.
There are many ways to enjoy the attractions of Rum, including jeep, camel, and hiking tours, and you can stay overnight in a Bedouin tent or a dome and gaze at the fantastic panoply of stars.
To safeguard its unique desert landscape, Wadi Rum was declared a protected area in1998 and an intensive conservation program is now underway.
3- Dead Sea: One of the saltiest bodies of water on Earth
Also called the Salt Sea, located between Israel and Jordan, visiting the Dead Sea is a must. It’s one of the unique places in the world. Did you know that the Dead Sea is the lowest earth place and a gigantic lake? Also, it is one of the saltiest bodies of water on Earth, with almost ten times more salt than ordinary seawater.
It is nearly impossible to swim in the Dead Sea. Because of the water’s high salt content, people who bathe in the Dead Sea can float on the water’s surface. We did this experience of swimming, and it was super fun to do it. They advise you not to stay more than 10-15 minutes inside the water.
4- Aqaba: is the perfect access point to the diving and snorkeling of the Red Sea
Aqaba is a Jordanian port city on the Red Sea’s Gulf of Aqaba. Its beach resorts are popular for windsurfing and other water sports. The area is a top destination for scuba divers, with notable dive sites, including the Yamanieh coral reef in the Aqaba Marine Park, south of the city. Aqaba is also an excellent base to explore Wadi Rum and Petra.
5- Amman: Capital
Amman, the capital of Jordan, is a modern city with numerous ancient ruins. Atop Jabal al-Qala’a hill, the historic Citadel includes the pillars of the Roman Temple of Hercules and the 8th-century Umayyad Palace complex, known for its grand dome. Built into a different downtown hillside, the Roman Theater is a 6,000-capacity, 2nd-century stone amphitheater offering occasional events.
Renting a car in Jordan
Is it safe to drive in Jordan?
When we decided to rent a car in Jordan, many people on IG told us to be careful as Jordanians are a little bit crazy drivers. As we’re both originally from Brazil and we can also say the same about our home country, we didn’t know how far this was true or not.
Yes, driving in Jordan is not difficult; it’s relatively easy as the roads are good, and it is the best way to explore the country. For example, if you want to drive from Amman, the capital, and go to Wadi Rum or Petra, you will be pushing for 2.5 to 4 hours.
Just be careful because they are little aggressive drivers that cut you in the curves and cross a road without looking for traffic, but nothing too scary.
We recommend renting a 4×4, especially if you plan to go to the desert. We rented one for 60€ per day at AVIS.
What do I need to rent a car in Jordan?
You will need your home country’s passport and driver’s license to rent a car. If you have an international driver’s license, bring it along just in case, but it’s not necessary. You will also need a credit card, where your car’s deposit will be charged.
Best Places to stay
1- Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea
Situated on the edge of the famous salt lake, 434 below sea level and close to Jordan’s top attractions, Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea is our fav hotel in Jordan and one of our favorites from this partner of ours, featuring a private sandy beach and a 5-star luxury spa that provides luxury experiences infused with Dead Sea rich minerals. The Dead Sea is believed to have been home to some biblical cities and recognized by Cleopatra as the oldest natural spa.
Location
Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea is directly located on the shore of the Dead Sea and is easily accessible. From the airport, it takes approximately 60 minutes to reach by car. At the same time, it takes about 45 minutes to get from Amman by car.
From inside the hotel, you have direct access to the Dead Sea, taking mud baths and floating effortlessly in the famous sea. The resort also has 9nine outdoor pools – each uniquely designed, open from sunrise to sunset, and available exclusively for your delight and enjoyment- a fitness center and a kids club.
The Resense Spa
at Kempinski, Ishtar Dead Sea is the largest in the region, with 10,000 Sqm. They offer 20 beautifully designed treatment rooms with private shower facilities, six individual outdoor treatments and relaxation areas, hydro-facilities with a steam room, sauna, whirlpool, Tepidarium heated lounges, and the Dead Sea pool, and the largest hydro-pool in the Dead Sea. There is also a separate ladies-only area.
Our room
At Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea, we stayed in one of the most beautiful suites we’ve ever stayed at! The Ishtar Honeymoon Suite – has a jacuzzi at the terrace facing the Dead Sea & Israel. We experienced one of the most gorgeous sunsets ever at the Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea. We couldn’t recommend this place more!
*** This room category is exclusive to couples only. Families with children are more than welcome in other areas.
Restaurants and bars: Enjoy mouth-watering buffets at the Obelisk Restaurant. Enjoy Akkad Pool Grill at the infinity pool for light snacks and meals during the day. If you are a fan of Italian cuisine like Fred and me, enjoy the most refined Italian recipes at Ashur Pizza & Grill Restaurant.
2- Kempinski Aqaba Red Sea
Aqaba is famous for its incredible underwater world. The aquatic city of Aqaba is considered the best location for diving activities and water sports. It is a favorite choice for romantics due to its gorgeous views of the Red Sea. We chose to stay at Kempinski Aqaba Red Sea when visiting it for the first time.
Kempinski Hotel Aqaba has an incredible location! It is strategically located in the city center of Aqaba, only ten minutes from King Hussein International Airport, also known as Aqaba International Airport. Queen Alia International Airport is almost three hours away along with the most inspiring of routes: the desert road.
The staff at the hotel is lovely. Very friendly, experienced, and helpful.
We stayed at the Executive Panoramic Suite, which it’s G.O.R.G.E.O.U.S! The suite has a private balcony, a separate bedroom, a private indoor whirlpool bath, and a picturesque Red Sea view. Can you imagine?
The resorts also offer a refined culinary experience with authentic Jordanian dishes and the best of the world’s cuisine. Click here for more info about their restaurants.
3- Suncity Camp – Wadi Rum
For the nights we decided to spend in the Wadi Rum desert, we chose SunCity Camp as our destination. Guests can choose from any of our panoramic mountain view tents, whether it is the traditional Bedouin tents (Thirty Tents), the royal tents (Eight suites), family suites (two suites), or our unique signature Martian Domes (Twenty Rooms).
The Martian Domes were inspired by the movie “The Martian, ” filmed in Wadi Rum.
We have seen lots of people staying at Domes in the middle of the desert, and we can say it’s an incredible and worthwhile experience. The Marian Domes are well equipped with A/C, a minibar, a bathroom, and hot water. It’s like a regular hotel room. They are comfortable and the perfect place to relax and enjoy the desert in the best way possible.
Some other notable movies that were filmed in Wadi Rum are:
- Prometheus
- Rogue One – A Star Wars Story
- Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
What to eat?
Some of the things we tried and liked the most when visiting Jordan were:
- Mansaf -lamb cooked in a sauce of fermented, dried yogurt and served with rice or bulgur
- Saanich – It is a savory rice dish cooked with fish).
- Osmalich – dessert – baked vermicelli, Kunafa pastry sandwiched between sweet cream and garnished with minced pistachio.
- Zarb – It’s a popular Arabic dish where they cook the meal inside a pit underground with only the heat of the sand. It’s usually based on Lamb, chicken, and vegetables such as carrots and rice.
Our nine-day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrived in Jordan at Amman international airport
We arrived at the airport and rented a car for €60 per day at AVIS.
We decided to spend the night at a small hotel in Amman so we could wake up early in the morning and head to the Wadi Rum desert.
Day 2 and 3: Suncity Camp in Wadi Rum
It takes 4 hours to drive from Amman to Wadi Rum. We decided to spend two nights in the desert at SunCity Camp. They have domes in the middle of the desert, which is a fantastic experience.
There are a few activities you can do while staying in the desert, such as: riding a camel (don’t forget to do your research first), renting an ATV, going paragliding, etc.
Day 4: Drive from Wadi Rum to Petra
It took us around 3 hours to drive from Wadi Rum to Petra.
Day 5: Petra
I spent the whole day visiting Petra.
Day 6 – Kempinski Aqaba Red Sea
It took us around one h 50min to get to the Kempinski Red Sea in Aqaba.
Day 7 and 8 – Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea
It took us 3 hours to drive from Kempinski Aqaba Red Sea to Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea. The roads were great, and it was a nice drive.
Day 9 – Drive to the airport
One hour drive from Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea to Amman Airport.
