The Petra Desert Marathon 2026 in 4* hotels
In summary
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Sports
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Duration8 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationMiddle East / Jordan
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions156.95 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
French
Arabic
In a few words
Experience an extraordinary adventure on an 8-day tour of Jordan , highlighted by the legendary Petra Marathon . This trip perfectly combines personal challenge and cultural immersion.
Your exploration begins with the discovery of Amman , the capital, before immersing yourself in ancient history at Jerash and admiring the Ajloun fortress . To approach the challenge with serenity, treat yourself to a rejuvenating break in the soothing waters of the Dead Sea .
On race day, take on one of the most spectacular courses on the planet, winding through a UNESCO World Heritage site . Whether you're running or cheering on the participants, the experience is guaranteed to be unforgettable. Extend the magic with an exploration of the Nabataean city : cross the Siq canyon to admire the famous Treasury (Al-Khazneh) and its majestic royal tombs.
To conclude this expedition in style, we head towards the vastness of Wadi Rum . A 4x4 excursion into the heart of this magnificent desert, a local lunch and the sharing of Bedouin tea seal this unique journey, a perfect balance between sporting performance, magnificent scenery and millennia-old heritage.
The highlights
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Push yourself to the limit in the legendary Petra Marathon, a wonder of world heritage.
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Travel back in time by exploring Amman, the ruins of Jerash and the city of Petra
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Recover from your exertions by floating in the soothing waters of the Dead Sea.
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
The Petra Marathon is for regular runners looking for a unique sporting challenge in an exceptional setting. The course, run in challenging conditions due to the desert climate, altitude, and terrain, requires good physical preparation and prior experience in long-distance running. Regular endurance training is recommended, with specific marathon training in the weeks leading up to the event. Participants must be able to sustain effort for several hours and navigate terrain with varying elevations. Beyond performance, this marathon is a human and sporting adventure that emphasizes pushing personal limits, discovery, and the joy of running in a legendary landscape.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 2h
- Average distance/day: 8 km
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Trail and road running
- Average duration/day: 6h30
- Average distance/day: 43 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 200 m
- Average daily descent: 200 m
Management
French
Arabic
Your trip to Jordan is organized with a professional and experienced local team, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience throughout your stay. You will benefit from the services of a qualified driver, experienced in tourist travel and committed to adhering to all applicable safety standards. A trained and experienced French-speaking local guide will also be present to help you discover the country's rich cultural, historical, and natural heritage, while ensuring the program runs smoothly. For the sporting portion of your trip, special attention is paid to the organization of the Petra Marathon, with support tailored to the needs of each participant. Our priority is to offer you a safe, comfortable, and memorable sporting and tourist experience.
Program
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Arrival in Amman - Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA)
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Upon arrival at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman , our local representative will warmly welcome you and guide you through immigration formalities and visa processing. You will then travel by private transfer to your accommodation. This initial journey offers the perfect opportunity to soak up the unique atmosphere of the Jordanian capital . After settling into your hotel , you will have free time to relax, rest, and recharge before your sporting adventure begins. Overnight in Amman .
Day 1 -
Amman - Amman city tour - Jerash - The Dead Sea
- Transportation Bus - 01h40 - 70km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 8 km
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, you begin your day exploring Amman . First, you ascend to the Citadel , located on Jabal Al-Qalaa hill, to admire a panoramic view of the Jordanian capital. There, you observe the remains of the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace , before descending to the Roman Theatre nestled in the heart of the lower city.
Next, you head north to Jerash , a remarkably well-preserved ancient Roman city. You stroll along its cobbled avenues and discover Hadrian's Arch , the Oval Square , and the Temple of Artemis .
Your journey continues to the medieval fortress of Ajloun , which offers sweeping views of the surrounding hills. At the end of the day, you'll travel to the Dead Sea to check into your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay by the Dead Sea .
Day 2 -
Free day at the Dead Sea
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, you'll enjoy a free day of relaxation at the Dead Sea , located more than 400 meters below sea level. It's the perfect opportunity to experience natural buoyancy in its salty waters, renowned for their relaxing properties. This break will allow you to fully recover before the next part of your sporting adventure .
As an option, you can choose to visit the historical site of Bethany Beyond the Jordan. Located on the hill of Tell El-Kharrar , this historically significant site is associated with John the Baptist and the baptism of Jesus.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel on the shores of the Dead Sea.
Day 3 -
Dead Sea - Petra
- Transportation Bus - 03h - 200km
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, you'll enjoy some final moments of free time and relaxation by the Dead Sea . In the early afternoon, you'll depart for Petra , the Nabatean city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, you'll attend the official Petra Marathon briefing at 5:00 PM . This briefing will provide you with the latest instructions and practical recommendations before your athletic challenge. Afterwards, you'll settle into your room to rest. Dinner and overnight stay in Petra .
Day 4 -
Petra (Marathon Day)
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Distance 43 km
- Positive elevation gain 200 m
- Negative elevation 200 m
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, it's time for the main challenge of your stay: the 2026 Petra Marathon . The group will depart from the hotel at 6:00 a.m. sharp to walk to the Petra Visitor Center , located approximately 1 km from the official starting line at the entrance to the Siq . If you haven't collected your race number the day before, please arrive at the center by 5:30 a.m. The race starts at 6:30 a.m. for both the marathon and the half-marathon. Please adhere strictly to these times to guarantee your entry to the site. After crossing the finish line of this legendary event, you'll return to your hotel to rest and savor your achievement. Dinner and overnight stay in Petra .
Day 5 -
Visit to Petra
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 8 km
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, you'll set off to explore the ancient Nabataean capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your guided tour begins with a walk through the heart of the Siq , a narrow canyon approximately 1 km long, winding between colorful sandstone walls. At the end of this gorge, you'll be confronted by the famous Khazneh , the Treasury carved directly into the cliff face. You'll continue your exploration on foot through the ruins of the rose-red city, discovering royal tombs , temples, and ancient Roman streets. Your local guide will share the history of this major trading hub of antiquity. Optionally, you can extend the evening with a traditional gala dinner to immerse yourself in Jordanian culture and hospitality. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Petra .
Day 6 -
Petra - Wadi Rum
- Transportation Bus - 02h - 130km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 8 km
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Glamping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, you'll depart for the Wadi Rum desert , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll explore its vast expanses of red sand and sandstone mountains on a 4x4 jeep excursion. Your route will take you through canyons, natural arches, and past ancient rock carvings. During this outing, you'll enjoy a break to share a traditional Bedouin tea prepared according to local customs. At the end of the day, you'll arrive at your desert camp . You'll watch the sunset over the rocky cliffs before enjoying a traditional dinner and spending the night under the stars .
Day 7 -
Wadi Rum - Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA)
- Transportation Bus - 04h30 - 316km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast at the camp , you'll enjoy a few last moments admiring the Wadi Rum desert scenery before heading home. Depending on your flight schedule, you'll be transferred to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman . Assistance will be provided with your departure formalities before boarding your return flight .
Day 8
Accommodation
Located in the heart of Amman, the Amman Paradise Hotel is an ideal starting point for exploring the Jordanian capital. Its prime location provides easy access to major tourist attractions such as the Citadel, the Roman Theatre, and the city's vibrant neighborhoods. After a day of sightseeing and exploration, this modern hotel offers a warm, comfortable, and relaxing atmosphere, perfectly suited for travelers seeking rest and relaxation before continuing their journey through Jordan.
Located on the magnificent shores of the Dead Sea, the Grand East Hotel offers an exceptional setting, ideal for relaxing and enjoying the unique benefits of this natural site. Combining comfort, well-being, and breathtaking views, this welcoming hotel provides the perfect transitional space to recharge and recover before or after continuing your journey of discovery through Jordan.
Located in the immediate vicinity of the famous archaeological site of Petra, the Moon Petra Hotel offers an ideal setting for travelers wishing to discover the Nabatean city in optimal conditions. Thanks to its prime location, this welcoming hotel is a convenient stopover, perfectly suited for cultural stays or participants in the Petra Marathon. Its inviting common areas and friendly atmosphere contribute to creating an authentic experience, perfect for relaxing in the heart of this historic region.
Nestled in the heart of the spectacular Wadi Rum desert, nicknamed the "Valley of the Moon," Luxury Rum Magic offers a magical immersion into the Bedouin world. Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes shaped by red sandstone mountains, narrow canyons, and vast dunes, the camp allows you to fully experience the enchantment of the desert, especially during its legendary sunsets and under a night sky of rare purity. It's the ideal base for an authentic adventure after a thrilling day of exploration in a 4x4.
Access
On the day of your arrival, you will meet us at 1:00 PM directly at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman (QAIA) . Our local representatives will warmly welcome you and guide you through the visa process. Once your visa is processed, a private transfer will take you to your hotel in Amman for your first night.
For your departure: The stay ends at the same place, at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman (QAIA) , at 1:00 p.m. on the last day.
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Welcome and assistance by a member of our staff upon arrival
- Transfers according to the above itinerary in a modern, air-conditioned private vehicle
- Accommodation for 7 nights with half-board in the hotels mentioned or similar
- French-speaking guide during the tour days
- 2-hour tour inside the Wadi Rum desert in a 4x4 vehicle
- Entrance fees to all sites mentioned
- Free visa for Jordan
- Race pack (T-shirt, medal, meal at the finish line, refreshments along the course)
The price does not include
- International flight tickets
- Personal expenses
- Meals and drinks not mentioned above
- The usual tips for the guide, drivers, Knight in Petra, and in restaurants and hotels
- Anything not mentioned above
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
To fully enjoy your stay and the Petra Desert Marathon, it is recommended that you bring equipment adapted to the weather conditions and terrain. Pack running shoes that have already been broken in and are suitable for long distances, breathable technical clothing, a cap or hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. A water bottle or hydration system is strongly advised for the race, as well as a sports watch to track your performance.
For visits and excursions, opt for light and comfortable clothing, a pair of walking shoes with good grip, a lightweight backpack, a windproof jacket for evenings in the desert, and warmer clothing for nights in Wadi Rum. Don't forget your personal belongings, a first-aid kit, your travel documents, and any usual medications.
Appropriate equipment will allow you to experience this sporting and cultural adventure in the best conditions.
Clothing to bring
Jordan enjoys a hot, dry climate, with high daytime temperatures and sometimes cooler evenings, particularly in the Wadi Rum desert. It is advisable to pack lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for sports activities. For the marathon, opt for technical gear designed for exertion: breathable t-shirts, running shorts or leggings, appropriate socks, and clothing that has already been tested during your training.
For visits and excursions, pack comfortable, loose-fitting clothing suitable for walking, as well as clothing that respects local customs (shoulders and knees must be covered during certain visits). Also, remember to bring a sweatshirt or light jacket for cool mornings and evenings in the desert, and a windbreaker for Wadi Rum.
Don't forget: swimsuit for the Dead Sea, sunglasses, cap or hat, light scarf for sun protection and a pair of comfortable shoes for daily explorations.
