Jordan is a culture-rich, history-rich, awe-inspiring country full of natural wonders and man-made marvels. From the Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, and the River Jordan to the ancient ruins of Petra and Jerash, Jordan boasts sites and scenes to rival — and surpass anything in the world. However, planning a trip to this Middle Eastern country can feel overwhelming. Part of the reason for this is that your options seem infinite. The more research you do about Jordan, the more you’ll find that even the lesser-known places are worth stopping for. Where it gets trickier is if you have a limited amount of time for your dream Jordan trip. But we’re here to tell you — based on our experience — how to have an incredible Jordan experience in just five days. In this 5-day Jordan itinerary, we will explain in detail what we did, where we went, how we got there, where we stayed in Jordan, the costs, Jordan travel hacks, and much more. Additionally, we’ll explain some bonus destinations and activities you may be able to squeeze in during your Jordan trip. 

Before we get into the thick of it, it’s worth mentioning that we went to Jordan during February, which meant that it was fairly cold. If you do visit Jordan during the winter as well, be sure to bring layers because you will need them. We visited when the opportunity presented itself; however, the ideal time to visit Jordan is between March to May or September to November.

It’s also important to note that we got sick right before we entered Jordan, so we actually had to take it somewhat easy and reduce our activities. Our 5-day itinerary was heavily affected by the season and our health and well-being. Having said that, I believe that in addition to doing everything we did, you would be able to do several more incredible things while you’re in Jordan. 

Now, let’s plan your perfect 5-day Jordan itinerary!

Quick Tips For Your Jordan Trip

1) Get the Jordan Pass

The Jordan Pass is a pass created by the Jordanian government. This all-inclusive pass covers the entrance fees to more than 40 of Jordan’s top attractions, including Petra, Jerash, Wadi Rum, and many other sites. On top of that, it takes care of the expense of your visa on arrival. The cost of the Jordan Pass is a no-brainer simply because the price of a visa and the entry fee to Petra alone would exceed the cost of the pass. The more of these sites you go to, the more value you can get out of the Jordan Pass, so if you plan on having a thorough trip, it becomes more obvious why you’ve purchased the pass. Be sure to buy and download the pass prior to flying into the country.

2) Rent a car

Jordan is a country that’s practically made for a road trip. In fact, this itinerary is ultimately a Jordan road trip. The roads are simple, well-marked, and safe. We used RentalCars.com; however, there are plenty of options that will also allow you to choose the car based on the reputation of the rental car company, the price, and the rental contract terms. Once we arrived at the airport, we used Budget to rent a car. I’m not sure about the other companies, but they did require us to put a deposit in case of damages. Alternatively, you can use a tour company, but again, Jordan is easily one of the most road trip-friendly countries in the region. 

5-Day Jordan Itinerary

Day 1 in Jordan: Fly into Amman, Drive to Petra

Queen Alia International Airport in Amman and King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba are the two main airports for people flying into Jordan. Amman is more convenient and typically has more available flights. We flew in from Beirut, so our flight was an hour, more or less. If you’re flying in from as far as England, it should still only take about five to six hours. 

Once you arrive, you could go directly to Amman or do as we did and take the road south to Petra. The particular order you choose to do things and what sites you prioritize is up to you. In our case, we were especially excited to see Petra so once we got our rental car, we took the desert highway to the famed Nabatean city. This route takes about 3 hours. Your other option is to take the scenic King’s Highway, which is about a 4-hour drive. We arrived at the Movenpick Petra and spent the rest of the day resting and settling in. The reason we chose the Movenpick was mostly based on it being the nearest to the historical site (it’s actually right across the street from the entrance). However, there are cheaper options that are just a short drive away.

Before we went to Jordan, we had read that Petra can take anywhere from 1-2 days to get the full experience. We would recommend taking two days so you give yourself a chance to see the entire site. Petra is a large complex with many miles of hiking. Bring a good pair of hiking boots and plenty of water. 

Day 2 in Jordan: Exploring Petra

We arrived at Petra around 8:30 in the morning. The earlier you get there, the better because the magnificent ruins do get crowded quickly, which means more hustle and bustle and a lot messier photos — if that’s a concern. We chose to go through the main entrance in Wadi Musa, which means your first stop will be the picturesque Treasury. However, there is a lesser-known entrance on the backside of the ancient city that allows you to see the Monastery (Ad Dier) first. 

Before we get further into the specifics about touring Petra, I have to say that, in spite of being extremely sick at that point of the trip, Petra far exceeded our wildest expectations. As massive and magnificent as it may seem in pictures, its scale, grandeur, and exquisiteness are overwhelming in person. For example, the Treasury isn’t just carved into the side of a mountain — it’s so large that it basically is the mountain. This is not easy to comprehend in images alone. I believe that whatever expectations you have regarding Petra will be exceeded when you behold its wonders with your own eyes. 

Now, back to the nitty-gritty details. As you wander through the slot canyons, you’ll notice donkeys, camels, and horses that you can ride. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend this because it feels a bit inhumane, and it’s a place best served by taking in every moment and moving at your own pace. From one end of the site to the other is roughly 6 kilometers or 12 kilometers there and back, so if you have trouble walking or would rather save energy, maybe a camel or a donkey is an alright idea (no judgment here). 

Whether you plan on taking one or two days to explore Petra, you won’t want to miss out on any of its key attractions. If you take the main entrance, you’ll come across the Djinn Blocks first. However, you also need to make sure you see the Petra Treasury (Al-Khazneh), the Royal Tombs, the Street of Facades, the Petra Theater, the Byzantine Church, the Petra Monastery, and the Winged Lion. Petra does consist of a labyrinth of routes, which could at first appear confusing, but the pathways are pretty clear, and you can go about your adventure in many different ways and still cover the same ground. 

Another popular way to see Petra is by doing the Petra By Night event, which happens three times per week. We only did not go because we were sick. We also noticed the general sentiment of those who have gone is that it isn’t worth it. Having said that, it seems like there’s nothing to lose by going and seeing the Treasury lit up by more than a thousand lanterns, while Bedouins play the flute. Plus, you get tea to sip during the show. If you do plan on taking pics, be sure you set your camera to a long exposure and keep it steady. 

Lastly, you do not need a guide to show you around Petra. It could be helpful, but again, you can easily navigate this Nabatean wonder all by yourself. 

Day 3 in Jordan: Depart from Petra, and arrive at The Dead Sea

In case you haven’t already seen every part of Petra, use the morning to check out whatever you haven’t already crossed off your checklist. After that, prepare to depart for the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is quite large, so depending on which part you’re going to it can take anywhere from 1-3 hours from Petra. We were aiming for the northern section of the Dead Sea at the Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa, so we would also be close to the Jesus Baptism Site. We took King’s Highway to get there, which is stunning with red cliffs, winding mountain roads and panoramic views, historical sites along the way, and the Dead Sea with its milky white haze hanging over it to the left as you drive further north. 

On the way, you can visit Lot’s Cave or stop at Mount Nebo, — either of which is well worth it if you are into biblical history or religious tourism. Mount Nebo is the site where Moses is believed to have viewed the Holy Land before he died. 

The Dead Sea is shrinking, so the other reason this is a must for your Jordan itinerary is that it’s hard to say how much longer swimming in it will be possible. Speaking of swimming in the Dead Sea, even if you don’t stay at a hotel right on it as we did, you can likely get a day pass to use a resort’s amenities or find the spot next to Cafe Break Abadi to go into the sea. However, only the resorts have fresh water to wash off, so if you do go to that spot bring a water bottle to rinse yourself because the salt can easily dehydrate you. 

In fact, the Dead Sea is so salty that it is recommended to enjoy the water for just 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Also, you should ideally float on your back and not swallow any of the water or let any get into your eyes. Afterward, rub the Dead Sea mud all over before you rinse it off. The supposed health benefits of swimming in the Dead Sea did seem to be legitimate. Afterward, we felt rejuvenated and revitalized. Additionally, I will say that it lives up to expectations when it comes to just how out-of-this-world cool it is to float effortlessly. It is impossible to sink and it’s like you’re suspended in the air. 

Day 4 in Jordan: Stroll the River Jordan and the Baptismal Site of Jesus Christ

One of the main reasons we stayed at the Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa was to be close to the Baptismal Site of Jesus Christ. We were roughly a 25-minute drive from the site. The significance of this location is that it is, as the name states, the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ, where John the Baptist is said to have baptized Jesus. 

This biblical site is extremely popular and, in my opinion, worth visiting (I’ll explain more about that in a moment); however, it is commercialized and somewhat restricted. One thing we didn’t realize before we went was that the reason for this is that the site is essentially a military zone, seeing that it is situated right on the border of the West Bank and Jordan. If you visit, this means you will need a group tour. It is safe, but you are required to stay on the beaten path. 

The Baptismal Site of Jesus Christ can be explored rather quickly, though you are shown it at mostly the pace of your guide. What I will say is that, despite some of the restrictions, the site still retains a sense of wilderness that harkens back to ancient times and the features that made it a refuge of sorts. Additionally, the site also holds biblical relevance to Elijah and his supposed ascension. 

For us, we took day four of our Jordan trip easy and kept a light schedule by heading back to the hotel afterward. But again, we were still quite sick during the trip. You could use the rest of the day to check out other sites and natural wonders in the area. We stayed another night at the Hilton, which — even though the Movenpick was great — ended up being our favorite resort in Jordan. 

Day 5 in Jordan: Roam Amman and the Ruins of Jerash

On our final full day in Jordan, we ate breakfast at our hotel and then headed off toward Amman. While you’ve got several options due to the proximity of so many incredible sites and cities in the area, we stopped by Jerash. Jerash is roughly 45 minutes from Amman. 

This once mighty ancient city is the second most visited tourist destination in Jordan behind only Petra. Occupied for more than 6,500 years at one point, the pinnacle of Jerash occurred during Roman rule, which is why it is known to be one of the most well-preserved Roman provincial towns in the world and a Decapolis city. Because it was hidden beneath the sand for centuries before its excavation and restoration, it has been nicknamed the “Pompeii of the Middle East.” Fortunately, the ancient ruins of Jerash are fun and easy to explore and can be done in just a few hours. Personally, Jerash was a close rival to Petra for me on this trip, which is saying quite a lot because Petra was otherworldly. If you visit the ancient city, be sure to see Hadrian’s Arch, the Oval Plaza, the Hippodrome, the North Theater, the South Theater, the North Gate, the West Baths, the Nymphaeum, the Colonnaded Street, the Temple of Zeus, and the Temple of Artemis. 

Due to the sheer size of Jerash, you will have plenty of space and photo opportunities for yourself in spite of the number of visitors the site receives — especially if you come during the evening. 

Depending on the time of your flight on day five, you could spend a portion of it in nearby Ajloun or Amman. If you do choose to hang out in Amman, some of the main sites to explore are the Amman Citadel and the Roman Theater, which are located right in the center of the city. The theater holds about 6,000 people and is still used for festivals and performances. Additionally, a semi-preserved Nymphaeum and the Jordan Folklore Museum are right next doors. If you swoop by the citadel, you will get to see the Temple of Hercules, a Byzantine church, the Jordan Archaeological Museum, and the Umayyad Palace. 

Jordan Sites and Scenes: Honorable Mentions

Every person’s Jordan itinerary will look different. To help you further customize yours, take a look at some of the honorable mentions featured here — and remember, these sites are no less grand and spectacular than the ones we went to. We just prioritized our bucket list places because of time constraints. Also, make sure to check the locations and distances between sites to double-check that your trip works logistically. 

• Ma’in Hot Springs — are a natural hot spring located near the Dead Sea. The thermal waters come from nearby hot waterfalls and the site has been used since the Romans for its healing properties. 

• Wadi Rum — is a desert wilderness and valley in Southern Jordan. This popular tourist destination is known for its towering sandstone cliffs and mountains, natural rock arches, red sand dunes, and narrow canyons, which have also made it a frequently used filming location for movies like The Martian, Dune, Lawrence of Arabia, and many others.

• Wadi Mujib — is a gorge and the lowest nature reserve in the world, situated along the coast of the Dead Sea. The Mujib River flows through a steep canyon and has been inhabited for thousands of years.

• Aqaba — is a coastal city on the northern tip of the Red Sea in the southernmost part of Jordan. Aqaba is known for its snorkeling and diving, historical sites, and beach resorts.

• Ajloun Castle — is a historic fortress in the northwestern part of Jordan in the town of Ajloun. This 12th-century castle was constructed upon the orders of Saladin to defend the area from the Crusaders.

• Kerak Castle — is a Crusader castle that was built by the Crusaders in the 12th century. It is Jordan’s most well-preserved castle of its kind. 

What to pack and prep for your Jordan trip

Of the various Middle Eastern countries you might decide to travel to, Jordan is one of the more accessible, stress-free options to prepare for. I say this because electricity is relatively well-supplied, self-guided exploration and transportation are reliable options, and the country is safe. 

As far as clothing, what you pack depends heavily on the time of year you visit Jordan. However, even if you come during the warmer months, bring layers if you plan on going to Wadi Rum or any of the desert sites because it does get cold at night. Women should dress somewhat modestly; however, this is not so much due to any consequences for dressing otherwise, but more so out of respect for their customs. That being said, you can wear a bikini at the resorts and you will not feel out of place. 

We would recommend getting travel insurance as a rule of thumb — not just for Jordan, but for any destination you plan on visiting. 

You will also want to pack travel adaptors. Jordan does not have a set standard, so it’s better to bring a variety of adaptors. Your best bets are UK-style adaptors and European-style adaptors. 

It’s wise to pack a hands-free phone mount if you plan on doing a Jordan road trip. Instead of messing with the GPS while you’re driving, let it take care of itself by giving yourself a clear view. Additionally, pack a portable USB charger so you can keep your devices charged on the go. 

If you’re a content creator or just like capturing beautiful moments and memories, bring a solid camera, a stabilizer, and even a drone. Of course, respect the particular rules of each site, but you should not have any problems bringing a drone into Jordan. 

People Also Ask These Questions About Visiting Jordan

What is the local currency in Jordan and where can I exchange money?

The local currency in Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar. You can exchange money at most of the banks and any exchange office in Jordan, which you will readily find in tourist areas and major cities. Many hotels also offer currency exchange services; however, these rates may not be as favorable. 

What is the food like in Jordan?

Jordanian cuisine is diverse, reflecting the history, geography, and wide cultural influences that have impacted the country. Similarly to its neighboring countries, Jordanian food is doled out in generous portions and often served in a sharing style. Some popular Jordanian dishes include mansaf, falafel, shawarma, meze, kunafa, and makloubeh. Additionally, Jordan is known for its vegetables, herbal teas, and spices. The most commonly drank beverages include coffee, mint tea, and aryan, a type of yogurt drink.

What language is spoken in Jordan and will I be able to communicate with the locals?

Jordan’s official language is Arabic, which is also the most commonly spoken language in the country. Additionally, English is widely used and many Jordanians are multilingual, speaking other languages, such as German or French. 

Do I need a visa to enter Jordan?

Whether you need a visa to enter Jordan is highly dependent on the purpose of your visit and your nationality. You could fall into the visa-free entry, visa on arrival, or visa required. It’s wisest to check with your local Jordanian embassy, government-related online resources, or a consulate to figure out whether you need a visa and what the requirements are. 

What is the local transportation system like in Jordan?

Jordan has several transportation options, including taxis, rental cars, buses, Uber and Careem, private drivers, and group or private tours. 

How much should I budget for my trip to Jordan?

Because of the strength of the Jordanian currency, Jordan can be one of the costlier countries in the Middle Eastern region. On top of that, the cost of a Jordan trip depends on your itinerary, travel style, and the time of the year you visit. Generally, accommodations for hostels and guesthouses could be around 15-25 Dinare per night, while luxury hotels and resorts can cost hundreds of Dinare per night. Food and drink could cost between 15 to 25 Dinare per person. Transportation can cost a wide range depending on what type you opt for. As a tourist, it’s perhaps the most comfortable and best value to rent a car. For activities and sightseeing, buy the Jordan Pass. Overall, you could expect to spend between 75-110 JOD per day or as much as 200 JOD as a luxury traveler.