Exploring Jordan’s 'Golden Triangle': Ancient Cities and Starry Desert Nights

The south of Jordan is renowned for its inky seas, rose-tinted wadis, and rust-colored deserts dotted with traditional Bedouin camps. Here's how to spend five adventure-filled days exploring Aqaba, Petra, and Wadi Rum, also known as Jordan's 'Golden Triangle.'

Day 1: Aqaba

Start your journey in Aqaba, Jordan's only coastal city, located at the tip of the Gulf of Aqaba. Dive into clear, warm waters on a snorkeling or scuba diving expedition in the Aqaba Marine Reserve. Must-see sites include the Japanese Garden and the Cedar Pride shipwreck. After a day of exploring underwater wonders, catch the sunset from Aqaba Castle and enjoy a dinner of grilled seafood and sayadieh at Mirwas, part of the Royal Yacht Club.

Days 2-3: Petra

Travel two hours via the King’s Highway to Wadi Musa, the base camp for exploring Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin at the Petra Museum to learn about the Nabataeans, the ancient Arab tribe that built Petra. Then, follow the Main Trail through the Siq Canyon to The Treasury (Al-Khazneh), Petra’s most iconic landmark. Continue along the trail to see the Royal Tombs, the Colonnaded Street, and Qasr Al-Bint palace. In the evening, visit Petra Kitchen for a culinary class and feast on Jordanian cuisine. On the following day, either explore more of Petra or visit Little Petra (Siq al-Barid). End your visit with Petra by Night, when the path to The Treasury is illuminated by 1,800 lanterns.

Days 4-5: Wadi Rum

Head south of Petra along the Desert Highway to Wadi Rum, a vast desert landscape. Stay in one of the desert camps and spend your first afternoon on a Jeep safari, visiting Lawrence’s House, Khazli Canyon petroglyphs, and the Um Fruth stone bridge. Enjoy a traditional Bedouin meal of zarb under a starry sky. On your final day, take a hot air balloon ride over Wadi Rum, camel trek, sandboard, or rock climb. At night, participate in stargazing with RumSky Stargazing.

Conclude your journey by either returning to Aqaba for more seaside adventures or traveling north to Amman for historic sites, vibrant souks, and traditional Jordanian cuisine.