Jordan is a country that offers a diverse range of landscapes and sceneries to explore. One of the most famous attractions is the ancient city of Petra, known for its stunning rock-cut architecture and beautiful desert surroundings. The iconic …
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Backpacking Jordan in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Jordan with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Jordan
Embark on a cultural odyssey in Jordan, where ancient history meets warm hospitality, creating a unique backdrop for backpackers. Pros? Explore iconic Petra, float in the Dead Sea, and experience the charm of bustling markets. Jordan offers a safe and welcoming environment for backpackers. However, costs can be higher compared to some neighboring destinations. Yet, the country's rich history, diverse landscapes, and ease of travel make it a compelling choice for backpackers seeking a blend of adventure and heritage, where every step unveils a new chapter in this Middle Eastern tapestry.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Jordan
Scenery
People
Jordanians are known for their warm and welcoming nature, making them some of the most hospitable people in the world. They have a genuine interest in connecting with others and are quick to make visitors feel at home. Jordanians are renowned for …
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Architecture
Jordan is home to several ancient ruins and interesting architecture, including the famous archaeological site of Petra. This ancient city is known for its stunning rock-cut architecture and intricate carvings, including the iconic Treasury …
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Food
The food in Jordan is so good because it is a fusion of flavors from various cultures, including Bedouin, Palestinian, and Lebanese. Jordanian cuisine features a wide variety of fresh and locally sourced ingredients, such as olive oil, herbs, and …
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Backpackers
The backpacker scene in Jordan is relatively small but growing. The country is becoming increasingly popular among budget travelers due to its rich history, stunning landscapes, and friendly locals. The main backpacker hubs in Jordan are Amman, …
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Uniqueness
Exploring Jordan offers a unique and off the beaten track experience due to its rich history, diverse landscapes, and welcoming culture. From the ancient city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to the otherworldly landscapes of Wadi Rum, Jordan …
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Cheap
The average cost for backpacking in Jordan can vary depending on the traveler’s preferences and travel style. On average, budget travelers can expect to spend around $30 to $50 per day. This includes accommodation in hostels or budget guesthouses, …
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💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Jordan
- Explore the ancient city of Petra: Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It is an incredible archaeological site with stunning rock-cut architecture, including the famous Treasury building.
- Visit the Dead Sea: The Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth and known for its high salt concentration, which allows you to float effortlessly on its surface. It is also famous for its therapeutic mud, which is believed to have healing properties.
- Marvel at the beauty of Wadi Rum: Wadi Rum is a desert valley with breathtaking landscapes of red sand dunes, towering cliffs, and unique rock formations. It is a popular destination for hiking, camel trekking, and stargazing.
- Discover the Roman ruins of Jerash: Jerash is one of the best-preserved Roman cities outside of Italy. It features well-preserved ruins, including a colonnaded street, theaters, temples, and an impressive oval plaza.
- Experience the vibrant culture of Amman: Amman, the capital city of Jordan, offers a mix of modernity and tradition. Explore its bustling souks, visit ancient citadels and museums, and indulge in delicious Jordanian cuisine.
But Jordan offers more...
× Jordan
Traveled route: Amman, Dead Sea, Petra, Aqaba, Wadi Rum
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Jordan
The best time to visit Jordan for backpacking is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F). This allows for comfortable exploration of popular sites such as Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea.
It's important to note that Jordan can get quite hot during the summer months, with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F) in some areas. This extreme heat can make outdoor activities and hiking challenging, especially for backpackers. Additionally, winter (December to February) can bring colder temperatures and occasional rainfall, which may limit certain outdoor activities.
Therefore, the spring and autumn seasons offer the ideal balance of pleasant weather and optimal conditions for backpacking in Jordan.
It's important to note that Jordan can get quite hot during the summer months, with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F) in some areas. This extreme heat can make outdoor activities and hiking challenging, especially for backpackers. Additionally, winter (December to February) can bring colder temperatures and occasional rainfall, which may limit certain outdoor activities.
Therefore, the spring and autumn seasons offer the ideal balance of pleasant weather and optimal conditions for backpacking in Jordan.
Risk level: medium (50%)Safety advice for Jordan
- An increased threat of military and terrorist attacks against Israel and Israeli interests across the region and ongoing military action in the Occupied Palestinian Territories could lead to increased tensions in other locations in the Middle East. Demonstration and protest activity may occur, and localised security situations could deteriorate with little notice. Avoid all demonstrations and protests.
- This may also result in airspace closures, flight cancellations and flight diversions, and other travel disruptions.
- Terrorism is a worldwide threat. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds gather. Take official warnings seriously. If there's a security incident, follow the advice of local authorities.
- Protests occur in Amman and other major cities in Jordan. Most protests are peaceful but could become violent. Avoid protests and public gatherings.
- Security is unstable in Syria and Iraq. Reconsider your need to travel to Jordan's borders with Iraq and Syria, which can be subject to cross-border criminal and politically motivated attacks on security forces and military installations inside Jordan.
- Petty crime includes robbery with violence, bag snatching, theft from hotels and vehicles, and assault. Be alert in tourist areas, especially to pickpocketing, bag snatching and assault by unlicensed guides. Scammers operate in tourist areas. They often target single women. They promise companionship, marriage or offer joint business ideas. Credit card fraud, including card skimming, occurs. Be wary of approaches from friendly strangers. Always keep your card in sight when shopping. Check ATMs for card-skimming devices.
- Women may be verbally, sexually and physically harassed or sexually assaulted. Don't make eye contact with or talk to men you don't know. Don't walk or travel alone, especially after dark. Always ride in the back seat of rideshares or taxis.
- Shooting guns to celebrate is illegal but common. It sometimes causes death and injury. Stay indoors and away from windows if people are celebrating with gunfire.
- Flash flooding occurs across Jordan during the rainy season, which runs from November to March. Valleys (wadis) are most at risk, but recent flooding has closed roads, including major highways. Monitor weather conditions before commencing road travel. Follow the advice of local authorities and avoid flood waters.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
source: www.gov.uk
JordanMy tips to get you on the way!Does Jordan sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Jordan. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Jordan may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Jordan. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Jordan may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Jordan, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Jordan, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 25 September 2024