To explore Jordan beyond Petra and Wadi Rum, head north to the Roman cities and green hills around Jerash, Ajloun and Umm Qais, walk the old streets of As-Salt, hike the canyons of Wadi Hidan and Wadi Mujib, and trek or cycle the Jordan Trail and Jordan Bike Trail through villages most visitors never see. The best way in is with local people: a family lunch, a Bedouin tea stop or a guide from the area.

Here are the places and experiences we love most outside the two famous sites, all of which you can do with us.

1. Umm Qais and the start of the Jordan Trail

In the north-western tip of Jordan, Umm Qais is a Greco-Roman Decapolis city built of black basalt, with views over the Golan Heights and the Sea of Galilee. It’s also where the 40-day Jordan Trail begins. Our Umm Qais day hike covers 8 km of the trail and ends with lunch at a local family’s home.

2. Jerash, Ajloun and Jordan’s green north

Jerash is one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world, and Ajloun Castle dominates the hills nearby. In the Ayoun region we have worked with local hikers and families to develop guiding, homestays and story-telling meals. Join us for Jerash, Ajloun and lunch with a local family in Orjan, or stay longer on our 2-day North of Jordan tour. The north is at its greenest from February to early April.

3. As-Salt

Built on steep hills around a deep valley, As-Salt is an old Jordanian town known for its heritage buildings and its Harmony Trail, which shows how its communities have lived side by side. Explore it with a local host on our As-Salt city tour.

4. Wadi Hidan and Wadi Mujib

Jordan’s canyons are a world away from the desert. In Wadi Hidan you hike and swim through a black basalt gorge with natural pools and slides (Swim and hike in Wadi Hidan). Wadi Mujib, near the Dead Sea, is a splash-and-climb canyon walk (Wadi Mujib Siq Trail).

5. Dana Biosphere Reserve and the Dana to Petra Trek

Dana is Jordan’s largest nature reserve, and the trail from Dana village to Petra is the crown jewel of the Jordan Trail. Over five days you walk through wild valleys, camp with our Bedouin support team and arrive at Petra’s Monastery through the back way. See the Dana to Petra Trek, or the shorter Dana to Petra mini adventure.

6. Shobak Castle and the Jordan Bike Trail

Shobak was the first of the Crusader castles built in Jordan. It’s also where our cycling tours join the Jordan Bike Trail, the national cycling route we developed, which links villages, Bedouin tea stops and family lunches from north to south. Ride it on Cycle Jordan, or on an e-bike.

7. Little Petra and Petra’s back door

Even Petra has a quieter side. Little Petra, once a busy trading stop, is a short ride from the main site, and from there a Nabataean route leads into Petra past the Monastery, avoiding most of the crowds. Several of our tours include this walk and a night in a Bedouin camp nearby.

8. The Red Sea at Aqaba

Jordan’s window to the Red Sea has coral reefs and marine life just off the beach. Our Summer Adventure includes snorkelling there.

How to travel beyond the main sights

Go with local people. Many of these places have few signs, little transport and no facilities, so a local guide or host makes them possible.
Eat with families. A home-cooked lunch is the best way to hear people’s stories and support village households directly.
Slow down. Walking or cycling between places lets you meet people you would pass by in a bus.
Combine. Add a day or two in the north or in As-Salt to a Petra and Wadi Rum trip, or ask us for a private tour built around your interests.

Frequently asked questions

Is there more to Jordan than Petra and Wadi Rum?

Yes: Roman cities, green hills, canyons, the Red Sea, the Dead Sea and hundreds of kilometres of hiking and cycling trails through villages.

How many extra days do I need?

Even one extra day lets you see Jerash and Ajloun, or hike the start of the Jordan Trail at Umm Qais. Two days covers the north properly.

Plan a trip beyond the main sights with us