Dana to Petra Trekking Expedition
About This Tour
An eight-day trekking expedition along one of the most spectacular sections of the Jordan Trail, following ancient Bedouin trading routes from the Dana Biosphere Reserve — Jordan's largest nature reserve — south to the rose-red city of Petra. Over five days of guided trekking (roughly 82km in total) you'll cross hamada desert plains, narrow sandstone canyons and river valleys, passing Nabataean and Byzantine ruins and the remains of Iron Age villages from the ancient Kingdom of Edom. Nights are spent in wilderness camps under a full canopy of stars, supported by a private Bedouin guide, a full camp crew and pack animals carrying your gear. The trek concludes by entering Petra on foot through the Siq — the narrow, kilometre-long gorge that opens onto the Treasury — before a final day relaxing in the Dead Sea's famously buoyant waters. This is a genuine wilderness adventure through one of the most remote and beautiful corners of Jordan, suited to trekkers with a good level of fitness.
Tour Highlights
- 8-day, 7-night guided trek from the Dana Biosphere Reserve to Petra
- ~82km of trekking through canyons, hamada desert and wilderness valleys
- 4 nights camping under the stars with a full Bedouin support crew
- Ruins of Iron Age villages from the ancient Kingdom of Edom
- Arrive in Petra on foot through the dramatic Siq gorge
- A relaxing afternoon floating in the Dead Sea to finish the trip
- Private Bedouin trekking guide plus English-speaking adventure guide
How the Day Runs
Arrive at Queen Alia International Airport, where our representative meets and assists you through arrival formalities. Private transfer to your hotel in Amman for check-in, dinner, and a restful night before the trek begins.
Drive south to Dana, a 6,000-year-old village on the edge of the Dana Biosphere Reserve, where you meet your guide and trekking crew. The reserve is home to ibex, mountain gazelles, foxes, wolves and badgers. The trail descends through a dramatic gorge and open valley into Wadi Feynan, with views back toward the Dana mountains. Overnight in a wilderness camp at Feynan. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
The trail crosses dry hamada plains and canyon country with views of the Sharah Mountains, passing possible remnants of Nabataean and Byzantine ruins. Roughly 350m of ascent and 400m of descent through changing desert landscapes, with the vast Wadi Araba visible to the west. Overnight camp on the edge of Wadi Barwas. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Leaving the rocky hamada behind, the route follows an old Bedouin trading path into the lush Ras Fied valley — a steady three-hour climb toward a mountain pass with sweeping views back over Wadi Araba, followed by an easier descent to the riverbed camp. Around 980m of ascent and 350m of descent in total. Overnight camp at Ras Fied. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
One of the most spectacular days of the trek, following the riverbed up into a striking landscape of ridges, dry wadis and centuries-old Bedouin paths, passing the ruins of Iron Age villages from the Kingdom of Edom. The trail ends among the sandstone mountains on the edge of the Petra area. Overnight camp at Shkaret Msei'd. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
The final day of trekking, and the most rewarding — the terrain opens into classic sandstone plateaus and rounded "cushion" rock formations. The first Nabataean carvings begin to appear as the trail winds through mini canyons toward Little Petra, then on to Petra itself. Around 450m of combined ascent and descent. Overnight in a hotel in Petra. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Walk through the Siq, the narrow, dramatic gorge that opens onto Petra's iconic Treasury — one of the most famous reveals in world travel. Spend the morning exploring the ancient Nabataean capital, then drive north to the Dead Sea for the afternoon, with time to float in its famously buoyant, mineral-rich waters at 420m below sea level. Overnight at the Dead Sea. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
An early transfer to Queen Alia International Airport for your departure flight, bringing the trek to a close. Breakfast included.
What's Included
- Meet & assist on arrival and departure at Queen Alia International Airport
- Visa assistance on arrival
- Private airport transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle
- 1 night hotel in Amman (3-star, half board)
- 1 night hotel in Petra (3-star, half board)
- 4 nights in wilderness camps during the trek (shared tents, full board)
- 1 night hotel at the Dead Sea (4-star, half board)
- Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner on all trekking days
- Professional English-speaking adventure guide throughout
- Private Bedouin trekking guide for the hiking route
- Full support crew, pack animals and camp staff
- Camping equipment (tents, mattresses, basic facilities)
- Luggage transport by 4x4 support vehicle during the trek
- Entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary
- Drinking water during trekking days
Not Included
- International airfare
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, snacks, etc.)
- Sleeping bag — please bring your own
- Tips for guides, drivers and camp staff (recommended $100 per person)
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Bank transfer fees
Questions People Actually Ask
This is a genuine wilderness trek — expect 4 to 8 hours of walking most days over uneven desert and canyon terrain, with some steep, strenuous sections (particularly Days 4 and 5). A good level of fitness and prior hiking experience are recommended. It is not suitable for beginners or those with mobility limitations.
Nights 2 through 5 are spent in wilderness camps (shared tents) set up by our support crew along the route, surrounded by the Dana mountains, canyons, and desert wadis. Nights 1, 6 and 7 are in comfortable hotels in Amman, Petra, and at the Dead Sea.
A professional English-speaking adventure guide, a private Bedouin trekking guide for the route itself, a full support crew and pack animals, camping equipment, breakfast/lunch/dinner, drinking water, luggage transport by 4x4 support vehicle, and entrance fees to all sites along the way. You'll need to bring your own sleeping bag.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most comfortable trekking temperatures. Summer (June–August) is possible but hot in the lower desert sections; winter can bring cold nights at altitude. We can help you pick the right dates when you enquire.
Yes — it's designed for small to mid-sized groups, with per-person rates improving as group size increases. Get in touch with your group size and preferred dates for an exact quote.