Jordan: More Than Petra and the Dead Sea

Jordan may be best known for its ancient rock-carved city of Petra and the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea, but for those in search of raw, outdoor adventure, the country is quickly gaining recognition as the Middle East's hidden gem for thrill-seekers.

While the ongoing Israel-Gaza war has impacted regional tourism, Jordan remains relatively safe for travelers according to both the UK Foreign Office and the US State Department. And for those looking beyond traditional tourist paths, the country delivers in spades—with deserts, mountains, canyons, and reefs that rival some of the world’s most iconic adventure spots.

Wadi Rum Trail: Walk Through a Sci-Fi Landscape

In 2023, Jordan launched one of its most exciting adventure offerings: the Wadi Rum Trail. This epic 10-day, 120km-long hiking route winds through the surreal, rust-red desert landscape of Wadi Rum—a location made famous by movies like Star Wars, Dune, and The Martian.

Unlike the typical 4x4 desert tours, this trail invites travelers to slow down and immerse themselves in the silence of the sands, promoting sustainable, low-impact tourism that supports local Bedouin communities and preserves the delicate ecosystem.

Biodiversity and Adventure in Protected Reserves

Jordan might be about the size of the US state of Maine, but it’s packed with natural wonder. The country boasts 33 protected land and marine ecosystems, each offering a unique window into its rich biodiversity.

 Wadi Mujib Biosphere Reserve

Located 410m below sea level, this is the world’s lowest-lying nature reserve. Here, adventure meets discovery. Travelers can climb, swim, and slide through sandstone gorges, all while keeping an eye out for the elusive desert-dwelling Nubian ibex.

🏞 Dana Biosphere Reserve

Jordan’s largest nature reserve is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, home to 180 species of birds and 25 endangered mammals. Its dramatic landscapes of canyons, cliffs, and plateaus also make it ideal for hiking, stargazing, and eco-lodging.

Dive into the Deep: Aqaba Marine Reserve

For those drawn to the sea, the Aqaba Marine Reserve—recently added to the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas in January 2025—is a thriving coral haven. With more than 500 fish species, warm waters, and healthy coral reefs, Aqaba is fast becoming a bucket-list dive destination. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a snorkeling newbie, the marine life here will leave you awe-struck.

Jordan’s Next Chapter: Adventure with Purpose

What makes Jordan’s outdoor appeal even more compelling is its community-first, conservation-minded approach. From desert treks that employ local guides to marine reserves that prioritize sustainability, Jordan is writing a new chapter in Middle Eastern tourism—one where nature, culture, and conscious travel come together.

So if you're looking for a destination that goes beyond the ordinary—where you can hike through Mars-like deserts one day and dive coral reefs the next—Jordan should be at the top of your list.