A Trek to Petra from Dana Reserve: An Adventure across Jordan

What are the best places to visit in the Middle East? Jordan is undoubtedly one of them. And the trek to Petra from Dana Reserve shows you just why.

Hikers, bikers, and climbers looking to experience the world’s most remote and challenging landscapes head to Jordan, the jewel of the Middle East. Once there, the best 50-mile trek in this biologically diverse country — and one of National Geographic’s 15 best hikes in the world — is the hike from the Dana Biosphere Reserve to Petra.

The Dana to Petra trek is a tiny section of the larger Jordan trail, offering significantly spectacular features. It spans around 73 kilometers, winding through hills, valleys (wadis), mountains, and beautiful rock formations. And you get to interact with relics and structures built over 2000 years ago by the Nabataeans.

However, just as amazing, the trek is also as challenging. It’s undoubtedly among some of the most challenging hikes in the world. Therefore, if you dream of trekking to Petra from Dana Nature Reserve one day, you should be prepared for what awaits.

The best thing is that this Petra Jordan travel offers an incomparable experience. So, what does the Petra Trek entail?

Dana Nature Reserve

Encompassing 109 square miles, the Dana Reserve is Jordan’s largest nature reserve. Elevations on the east side of the reserve can reach up to 1,500m, with deep descends through gorges, canyons, and beautiful wadis to the lowest levels of Wadi Dana (Wadi Araba).

Also, on the eastern side of this reserve lies Dana village at an elevation of around 1,400m. The village can get cold and foggy during the cold months, but its location, perched perfectly on a cliff, makes it a fantastic sight.

Dana Reserve is home to a wide range of plant and animal species. These include 25 endangered species and three found nowhere else on the planet. The trek begins here, at an altitude of 4,900 feet on the Qadisiyah plateau, with a clear view of the mountains of the Great Rift Valley on the horizon.

A few hours into the journey, the trail drops 2,000 feet and passes through all four of Jordan’s biozones. From lush green wadis to an endless expanse of desert, the trip continues along old Bedouin trails, sheepherders’ paths, and hunting trails in some of the most remote parts of the country.

Across the Desert and into the Mountains

Your Petra Jordan travel will generally last about six days or more. And the terrain on the trail varies radically from day one to the next. It includes rough climbing, long stretches through the desert, and camping under the brilliant desert stars.

As you go towards your destination, you’ll share tea with local Bedouins, feast on food cooked underground in the traditional tagine style, and probably see more goats and camels than other travelers.

After crossing the vast desert expanse of the grueling Wadi Araba, you’ll climb again into the Sharah Mountains. The soaring gorges and spectacular views here make it a hiker’s heaven. You’ll find a lush landscape blooming with oleander, 500-year-old junipers, and a well-deserved rest at a mountain oasis.

You couldn’t be more wrong if you thought you must reach Petra to enjoy stunning sights. The entire track from Dana to Petra has breathtaking features that add life to your whole hiking trip.

Destination Petra

Days of travel through this remarkable, isolated terrain create a rare mystic intensity. Anticipation builds when the landscape changes once again. Rock formations are now rounded rather than jagged, and hidden deep in the canyons below is your destination — the ancient city of Petra.

Winding through narrow gorges, your first sight of Petra is breathtaking. The rose-colored sandstone walls of this mythic city are carved out of the mountains themselves, emerging from the canyon walls like a strange dream landscape—a World Heritage Site and arguably one of the most visited archaeological sites globally.

The Nabatean Arabs carved this city out of solid rock over 2,000 years ago. Unique in its location and astonishingly ornate design, much of Petra remains underground, and discoveries are still being made.

Truly one of the new Wonders of the World, Petra is an amazing destination and an experience of a lifetime. But reaching Petra at the end of an epic adventure through the wildest regions of Jordan is an adventure trek like no other on Earth.

Step-by-Step Hiking Guide From Dana to Petra

Starting at Dana Biosphere Reserve, the Dana to Petra trek offers some of the most amazing trails in the world. And the knowledge of the final destination (Petra city) makes the hike even more exciting.

A hike through this Jordan trail usually takes a week or more. It will require endurance, although the reward is undoubtedly worth every step. And as such, it’s certainly not for the faint-hearted.

The scenery throughout the trail is breathtaking. You’ll pass through some stunning deep gorges, the high ridges of Araba Valley, and beautiful rock formations before making your way to the famous lost city.

And did I mention that Petra is now one of the Seven Wonders of the World? Yes, it is! The Petra trek will lead you to the lost city in the rocks, which recently attained the title.

The great thing about this Petra Jordan travel is that it offers epic moments from the start to the end. The scenery is diverse and packed with numerous stunning features that will undoubtedly leave you mind-blown. From the majestic mountain, plateaus views to the incredible rural countryside, this hike has a lot to enjoy.

And if you wish to make your Dana to Petra trek more fulfilling, an off-the-grid camping adventure will do. For instance, the Wadi Rum Bedouin camp will be a great opportunity for you. Besides, the place has accommodations along the route, ensuring your hiking expedition is as comfortable as possible.

See related: Best Van Camping Equipment [Essentials & Gadgets]

Day One: Arrival

The first day would certainly be the arrival day. You take a flight to Dana through the Queen Alia International Airport, just a few minutes from Amman city. This is one of the world’s oldest cities and Jordan’s capital.

From here, all you need is to get yourself good accommodation. This will help you relax before the start of your hike the next morning.

But, if you arrive early, you can take some time to explore this ancient city and dine at one of its many restaurants before retiring to sleep.

You can also head to Dana village, the hike’s starting point, and find accommodation nearby.

Day Two: Petra Trek Begins

If you had booked a hotel in Amman, the first thing the following day is to travel to Dana village. This is where the hike starts.

But no need to worry. Dana is around 2.5 hours away from Amman City, and your tour company will undoubtedly have arrangements for your hotel pick-up.

The awaited hike starts at the Dana Nature Reserve. You trek through the reserve’s diverse landscape comprising four distinct ecozones. The place hosts some of the most stunning flora and fauna.

During the first miles of your hike, the trail will lead through the majestic mountains overlooking Dana Valley, to the al Khashasha Valley. Fortunately, before the day ends, you’ll have reached Mansoura camping site, which offers an excellent wilderness camping area and facilities.

The hiking distance for the first day will be around 15km.

Day Three: Heading to Furon

After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, you’ll be set for day three of your hike. Today, things start to become more challenging as we head to Furon. For example, the hike starts by climbing past steep mountains before entering the expansive Wadi Araba desert.

For about an hour or so, the views will include steep mountain walls and jagged rocks until you can see the stunning Sharah Mountains.

You’ll also see some interesting Wadi Araba rock formations created by centuries of erosion. The day will end at the Furon camping site, where you’ll enjoy a night under the stars.

The hiking distance for today will be around 14km, having trekked for almost 7 hours in the vast wilderness. Good sleep will be vital for your next day’s adventure.

Day Four: Trekking to Ghbour Whedat 

After an early breakfast, you’ll start your fourth day of hiking with a trek to Ghbour Whedat. Today’s trail is relatively easy, as it mostly comprises gentle slopes and gradual ascents.

You’ll also enjoy stunning views of the Jordanian desert landscape, including its many canyons and valleys. The bare black mountains’ beautiful peaks overlooking the trail offer amazing sights for that excellent hiking experience. And as you ascend higher on the hills, the views of the barren desert ahead are just breathtaking.

Your day ends at the Ghbour Whedat camping site, where you’ll enjoy another beautiful night under the clear skies. You can enjoy the great sight of stars shining down on you from above.

And as you take your time to relax, you’ll have covered around 17km.

Day Five: Destination Little Petra

You’ll have covered a distance of around 46km by now since you started your Jordan trail hike. And the fifth day offers another exciting addition to this distance.

Today, our Petra trek leads us to a place known as the Little Petra. The place is also known as Siq al-Barid, and it’s around 14km away from Ghbour Whedat. The journey takes you past more stunning views of the Jordanian landscape, including its mountains, valleys, and canyons.

You’ll also pass through several Bedouin camps, agricultural plots, and sheep sheds, indicating increased human activities. This ends a long trekking journey of only rock, valleys, mountains, and expansive desert scenery.

As you enter Little Petra, you’ll be mesmerized by the sight of its ancient buildings and rock carvings. Archeologists believe Little Petra was a suburb built for traders conducting business along the Silk Road.

You’re certainly exhausted by now. And a relaxing night is welcomed. The Bedouin Camp offers an excellent place to spend the night near Little Petra. At least you get to take a hot shower after that exciting but tiring day.

Day Six: Final Stretch to Petra

The final day before reaching Petra, the lost city, is here. From Little Petra, it’s only around 14km left, and you’ll have Petra, the city on the rocks, in sight.

If you want to avoid the large crowds that visit this part of the Jordan Trail, your hike might follow the Wadi Ghurab or Wadi Musa route. The route takes you through spectacular views of sandstone mountains, through the Nabataean trail, and out of the valley—the stretch skirts around one more mountain with an improved natural rock terrace.

The trail leads to a hidden plateau above the chasm of Wadi Siyyagh, offering an impressive view. And that’s just part of the beautiful views from above here. “The Monastery” is also pretty much visible from here.

Even better, there is a Bedouin café nearby. This means you can enjoy some refreshments to re-energize for the last leg of your Petra hike.

After an exhausting but rewarding journey of around 73km, you’ve finally reached Petra! And as you enter Petra, you’ll walk past temples, rock-cut tombs, and even a Roman-era theater. And lastly, you have your eyes on Petra’s most famous structure, the “Treasury.”

The lost city presents some of the most amazing views, with its beautiful architecture and stunning location. Imagine a whole city cut out in rocks! The sights are simply breathtaking.

As the day ends, you’ll head back to the Bedouin Camp, where you’ll spend your night.

What to do in Petra City 

Reaching the city is just half the fun during your Petra Jordan travel. Exploring the place offers even more exciting opportunities to enjoy your Middle East, Jordan trail hike.

So, where do you start?

Day Seven: Visiting Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Jordan. And it’s not hard to see why. The area is simply stunning, with red sandstone mountains and rolling valleys.

There are numerous things to do in Wadi Rum, from hiking and camel riding to exploring the many ancient rock carvings. You can even go for a Wadi Rum Jeep Tour.

Therefore, it’s time to head to Wadi Rum on the seventh day of your tour. And with a 4×4 Jeep, you’ll be able to explore all that the expansive desert offers. You’ll have more to enjoy than you can take in, from the deep valleys, gorges, dunes, rock bridges, and ancient rock inscriptions.

Finally, you end the day by watching one of the best desert sunset views you’ve ever seen. Now, this makes up for the long trekking journey to this place.

Have a good sleep because tomorrow presents even more adventures!

Day Eight: Dead Sea Visit

This should be the last day of your Petra Jordan travel excursion. So, from Wadi Rum, where you spent the night at Bedouin Camp, the next destination will be the Dead Sea.

And did you know that this is Earth’s lowest point? Yes, it is!

Multiple rivers, including the River Jordan, feed the Dead Sea. It has no outlet, meaning the water evaporates, leaving high concentrations of salt and minerals. You can enjoy floating on the sea’s extremely salty water, making it almost impossible for anyone to sink.

Additionally, the famous Dead Sea mud is said to be magical. So, you can also try that or even go for some spa experiences. This offers an amazing way to relax the tired feet and legs after a long hike.

Remember, the Dana to Petra hiking distance is 73km long. Now, that’s not a short distance!

From the Dead Sea, it’s time to return to Amman city. Once in Amman, you can spend another night or take a flight back home from the Queen Alia International Airport. Your Petra trek adventure is complete.

Petra’s Most Stunning Features

A 73 km-long hiking adventure is exhausting, especially involving hills, valleys, and a hot desert. So, what makes Petra so unique that people don’t mind the tiring journey?

Here are some of the most impressive features you’ll find in Petra.

The Siq: Petra’s Main Entrance

As you start your Petra adventure, you’ll first notice the Siq. It’s a 1.2km long and narrow gorge that leads to the ancient city. And in some parts, it is only as wide as a person.

The walls of the Siq are up to 200m high and are made of red, white, and pink sandstone. It’s a fantastic sight, especially when the sun shines and casts a beautiful light on the rocks.

Walking through the Siq offers a unique experience. As you pass by old carvings and inscriptions on the rocks, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time.

Royal Tombs

Petra is also home to some of the most impressive tombs in the world. These tombs were carved into the mountainside and served as burial chambers for ancient kings.

The most famous tomb is The Urn Tomb, one of Petra’s largest tombs. It’s decorated with beautiful carvings and inscriptions.

The other tombs include the Palace Tomb, the Corinthian Tomb, and the Silk Tomb. They all show the extent of ancient ingenuity and how far human civilization has come.

Al Khazneh: The Treasury

At the end of the Siq is the most famous monument in Petra, the Al Khazneh. Also known as The Treasury, this amazing structure was carved from a sandstone rock face. It’s one of the most beautiful ancient structures and forms the face of Petra.

This facade dates as far back as the 1st Century BC. And it’s undoubtedly a marvel that’s worth the long tour.

Al Deir: Petra’s Monastery

The Treasury is not the only impressive building here. The Al Deir, also known as The Monastery, is an even bigger structure than The Treasury. In fact, it’s the largest monument in Petra.

Al Deir is a Byzantine monastery cut into a mountainside. It has an impressive façade that offers a perfect view of Wadi Araba. And like The Treasury, it’s also made of sandstone.

The monastery was used as a place of worship and also for storage. And it has a fascinating history that’s worth learning.

Ancient Churches

Petra has several ancient churches to its name. The first and most famous one is the Petra Church. Although it is one of the most recent additions to Petra, the church holds a significant place in the city’s history.

Petra Church is a Byzantine church built in the early 500s AD and remains a stunning monument to date. It is in the city’s center, built on an elevated ground, north of the famous Colonnaded Street. It’s among the three Byzantine churches in this area, the Blue Chapel and the Ridge Church being the others.

The Petra Church is famous mainly because of its astounding mosaic decoration, which is still well-preserved. And in it, around 140 ancient papyrus scrolls were discovered in recent excavations. That makes the church a great source of ancient church history.

High Place of Sacrifice

This is one of the most significant religious sites in Petra. The High Place of Sacrifice is a platform on top of a mountain that offers stunning views of the valley and surrounding mountains.

It’s believed to be where ancient rituals and ceremonies were conducted. And there are still many remains that can be seen here, including altars and sacrificial tables.

If you’re visiting during summer, you can catch the sunset from this spot. It’s truly an unforgettable experience.

Colonnaded Street and the Great Temple

Colonnaded Street is the main street in Petra and runs through the center of the ancient city. This street was once lined with shops and was a bustling hub of activity.

Today, it’s a beautiful sight with columns and stone carvings. At the end of the street is the Great Temple, one of the most significant structures in Petra.

The Great Temple is undoubtedly among the most prominent structures here, around 75 feet above the street. Also, the temple is seen to have been placed on the highest point in the city, which might indicate its importance for the city during that era.

Admiring this majestic structure is a reason worth enough to book this Petra Jordan travel adventure.

Petra Theatre

Along the city’s main street stands the ruins of the once-great Petra Theatre. This was used for plays, concerts, and other public gatherings. It’s believed to have been built during the reign of Aretas IV Philopatris.

What makes the theater unique is its design. While part was built, the largest portion was carved out of a stone. It’s the only one of its kind on the planet.

The theatre could seat up to 8500 people and is an excellent example of ancient engineering. Generally, this theatre resembles Roman architecture in shape and design, making it a stunning structure to admire.

It is one of the many highlights of Petra and one that you shouldn’t miss.

Best Petra Tours

The Dana to Petra trek adventure is one of the best things to do in the Wadi Musa region and its environs. And many great tour options will take you through Petra’s highlights.

You can try one of these:

1. Petra 2-Day Tour From Tel Aviv

If you want to experience the beauty and highlights of Jordan, this tour is one of the best ways to do just that. It is a two-day guided tour from Tel Avi, allowing you to visit some of the most stunning ancient sites and cities, including Jerash and Petra.

The tour starts with an early morning shuttle pick-up from your hotel, the Abraham Hostel in Tel Aviv. You’ll then drive through Jerusalem, enjoying the spectacular sights of the Judean Desert, as you head towards the Allenby Border Crossing.

The first stop of this tour will be at Jerash, arguably the best-preserved Roman ancient city. You’ll enter Jerash as you view the colonnaded streets, temples, theatres, and other majestic structures. This will certainly be like traveling back to ancient times, especially as the experienced tour guide shares interesting historical facts.

The tour continues to Amman, Jordan’s capital, where you will see more sites, including the King Hussein National Mosque and the Royal Place. And if you want to have a taste of the region’s unique delicacies, this is the point.

As for the night, you’ll have a spot at one of the authentic Bedouin campsites, the nomadic Bedouins. The following day’s tour will lead you to Petra, a UNESCO site and one of Jordan’s most famous tourist destinations. The city was carved on the Jordanian desert red rocks more than two millenniums back but still stands beautiful.

2. Petra & Wadi Rum Day Trip From Amman

This is another great option for those who want to explore Petra and the Wadi Rum region. The tour starts with a pickup from your Amman hotel and heading toward south Jordan.

The first stop will be at the world-famous ancient city of Petra, where you’ll spend about three hours exploring the area with a guide. You’ll also get some free time to explore and photograph this one-of-a-kind place.

After that, it’s off to Wadi Rum for a two-hour Jeep Safari through the desert landscapes. This is an excellent way to see more of the Jordanian countryside and learn about the Bedouin culture.

The tour’s main highlights include;

• Petra city’s well-preserved stone carvings
• Various monuments, including The Treasury, Royal Tombs, and Al-Siq
• A 4 by 4 Jeep safari on the expanse of the Wadi Rum desert
• Watching the desert’s beautiful sunset in one of the Bedouin campsites

Your ticket will cover;

• A round trip to the Petra and back to the hotel
• The 4×4 safari ride
• Comfortable transport in air-conditioned vehicles
• Free WiFi

3. A 2-Day Trip to Petra, Wadi Rum, & the Dead Sea from Amman

Now, this 2-day tour takes you through the entire Jordan trail. It starts with a pick-up from your hotel in Amman and then drives down to the Dead Sea through Petra and Wadi Rum.

Like the other tours, you’ll have a chance to see the beauty of Petra city and its ruins and enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Wadi Rum desert. However, you also get an opportunity to visit the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea, and float in the saltiest sea waters in the world.

Learning about the Bedouin culture makes the trip even more captivating. And spending the night at a Bedouin campsite is certainly a unique experience.

The tour’s main highlights will include;

• A trip to Petra and its stunning stone-carved monuments
• A night at a deluxe Bedouin camp
• Desert adventure on a 4 by 4 Jeep
• A swim at the salty Dead Sea

This is one of the most comprehensive tours through the famous Jorda trail.

4. Aqaba Shore Excursion: Petra Sightseeing Tour

This is a great option for those short on time who want to check out the city during their Petra Jordan travel. The tour starts with a pick-up from your Aqaba hotel and then heads north to Petra.

The drive takes about an hour and a half; along the way, you’ll see some of Jordan’s unique landscapes. It will take you through the Wadi Desert, into the Sharah Mountains, and to the stunning Rose City (Petra).

Once you arrive in Petra, you’ll have several hours to explore the area with a guide as you relish some stunning ancient structures. Remember to have your camera with you, as this can’t go undocumented.

Some of the main highlights of this tour will include:

• Petra city’s multiple carvings
• Siq Canyon, where you’ll see the Treasury, Petra amphitheater, and the Royal tombs.
• Learning about Petra’s history from the professional tour guide
• Enjoying lunch at a local restaurant

The tour offers some of the most flexible itineraries, where you can customize the places you want to visit.

5. Discover Petra’s Hidden Gems Tour

The starting point for this tour is the visitor’s center. From here, you travel past Petra city’s stunning structures and monuments, including the Treasury, the Great Temple, the Petra theatre, the Byzantine church, and the Royal Tombs.

You’ll also have the opportunity to hike to the monastery, one of the city’s most majestic structures in the area. Some of the benefits of booking this tour include:

• It allows you to explore and enjoy Petra city in its entirety
• It’s hand-picked to offer the most memorable moments
• You’ll have a professional guide to answer all your questions and guide you to the best sites.
• It’s among the best hiking trails when exploring Petra

Tips on Planning a Petra Jordan Travel

If you are planning to participate in the Dana to Petra Trek adventure, here are some incredible tips you should consider:

1. When to Visit Petra

The best time to visit Petra is between March and May during spring. During this period, you can enjoy the cool weather as you hike through the mountains without dealing with the heat of the desert.

The autumn, between October and November, is also not a bad time to take your hiking tour. The only disadvantage with these two periods is that everyone will be there. You’ll have to contend with the many tourists that flock to the area now.

2. What to Pack for Petra Tour

When packing for the Petra Jordan travel, include comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, water, and snacks. You should note that the tour involves walking long distances on rugged ground, climbing hills, and descending into valleys. Therefore, having comfortable wear is important.

Also, don’t forget your camera. It would be quite disappointing if you failed to record all the great moments and sites throughout the trip.

3. Getting Travel Insurance Cover

No matter where you’re going or how long you’ll be gone, it’s always a good idea to have travel insurance. This will protect you in case of any emergencies that may occur while you’re on your trip. And considering the nature of this hiking expedition, you’ll undoubtedly need to have a valid cover.

Generally, there are many different types of travel insurance coverage. And getting the one policy cover that caters to your specific travel needs is important.

When planning for that Dana to Petra hiking tour, TravelInsurance.com would be a great travel partner for this and subsequent trips. It covers numerous happenings, including lost luggage, emergency medical issues, emergency evacuations, and flight cancellations.

And to top it all, it offers both individual and family travel covers.

4. Mode of Transportation

There are several transportation options available when touring Petra. You can go on foot, horseback, or camel ride. However, the most popular choice is going by foot, allowing you to explore Petra at your own pace while enjoying its beauty.

Also, while a horse ride is mostly included in your ticket price, tips are always expected.

5. Guided or Self-Guided Tours?

There are both guided and self-guided tours available when touring Petra. Guided tours offer the advantage of learning Petra’s history from a professional guide. The travel guide will lead you to some of the most stunning sites in the area.

On the other hand, self-guided tours allow you to explore Petra at your own pace without following a group. You can always get a map of the area to help you navigate through Petra.

However, if you choose to go on a self-guided tour, it is important that you keep to the marked trails, as some areas can be dangerous.

6. How to Get to Dana Reserve

Dana Reserve is located in the south-central part of Jordan. The best way to get there is by car or bus from Amman. The drive takes about three hours, and there are several buses that run daily from Amman to Dana Reserve.

You can also take a taxi from Amman, but this will be more expensive than taking the bus. Even better, you can book a car rental for more comfort or when traveling as a group or family.

Once you arrive in Dana Reserve, there are plenty of places to stay, including camping sites, hostels, and hotels.

7. Duration of Visit

The average visiting period to Petra should be at least two days. This will give you enough time to explore this once-lost city’s major sites and attractions. However, if you want to explore more of Jordan, you can extend your stay and add some side trips.

For instance, some people plan a 5-day or even 9-day trip to Petra. This allows you more time to see, learn, and enjoy the beauty of Rose City and beyond.

8. What to Eat There

During your Petra tour, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to try delicious Jordanian food. From traditional dishes like mansaf and hummus to sweet bites like knafeh, there are options to suit various interests in Jordan.

And if you want to try some authentic street food, there are several places where you can get it. Ask your guide or hotel staff for the best places to eat.

Note: If you are on a budget or prefer your foodstuff, you can pack what you need for the tour. Considering the long hiking trails, the only disadvantage is that this might make your luggage heavier. However, always ensure you carry lots of water to keep yourself hydrated.

9. Avoiding the Crowds

As mentioned earlier, some months are quite crowded with tourists. If you want to avoid the crowds, avoiding the peak seasons is best. As such, visiting Petra during the winter months between December and February will work.

During these months, you’ll find that most tourist attractions are less busy as people prefer to stay indoors due to the cold weather. And since most tours run all year round, you can still enjoy all the activities and sites without dealing with too many people.

The only thing you’ll have to endure is the biting cold.

Another option is to avoid the peak hours for your Jordan trail hiking. For instance, touring Petra early in the morning or late in the afternoon will help you avoid most crowds. Since peak hours fall between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., starting your hike earlier is ideal.

Lastly, you can try a more of-the-main-trail approach instead of following everyone else’s busy routes. And you’ll still enjoy stunning sites like the others.

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