Cycling in Jordan: The Jordan Bike Trail through Petra and Wadi Rum
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 the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions111.56 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
English
In a few words
Embark on a sporting and immersive adventure in the heart of Jordan on an 8-day itinerary combining cycling , hiking , and cultural encounters . This route follows the spectacular Jordan Bike Trail , crossing iconic sites and pristine landscapes, between mountains, desert, and sea.
Over approximately 200 km by bike, spread across four days, you will explore the landscapes of Dana , the trails of Petra , the lunar expanses of Wadi Rum , and the sun-drenched beaches of the Red Sea . Between rolling tracks , technical climbs , and off-the-beaten-path sections , each stage promises its own share of discoveries and sporting challenges .
Evenings are filled with local conviviality , spent in Bedouin camps under the stars, comfortable accommodations , and relaxing moments by the Dead Sea . This trip offers a complete experience , combining physical exertion , breathtaking panoramas , and an authentic immersion in Jordanian culture.
An intense and exotic stay, designed for active travelers in search of genuine emotions and unforgettable memories .
The highlights
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200 km by bike between Dana, Petra, Wadi Rum and the Red Sea on the Jordan Bike Trail
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Explore Wadi Rum by bike and jeep
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Nights in Bedouin camps, comfortable accommodations and relaxation at the Dead Sea
Photos
Sport
Level
Leisure Cycling
For those wishing to cycle 50 km a day. The stages are sometimes hilly and follow cycle paths, greenways, and secondary roads. A trip suitable for anyone who cycles occasionally.
The expert's opinion
Riders should be comfortable riding on a variety of surfaces including trails, paved, unpaved/gravel and rocky roads that may encounter low vehicle traffic. Our off-road trails are mainly 4×4 jeep tracks, hard-packed sand, and short sections of soft sand as we approach the desert.
In figures
PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Average duration/day: 4h30
- Average distance/day: 50 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 485 m
- Predominant type of terrain : White path
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 6h
- Average distance/day: 16 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 500 m
- Average daily descent: 500 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
English
You will be accompanied by one of our cycling guides, who are trained first aides and
experienced in dealing with emergencies. They are able to handle repairs along the route, if
support vehicle is not around. Guides possess good English conversational skills and have a
knack for cracking jokes when you least expect it, obviously in addition to being good
cyclists.
Our guides are the heart of every Experience Jordan Adventures tour, combining professionalism, expertise, and a passion for sharing the beauty of Jordan. All our guides are highly qualified, with many years of hands-on experience leading adventure, cultural, and cycling tours throughout the country. Fluent in English, they ensure clear communication and a seamless experience for international travelers. Each guide is fully trained in first aid and emergency procedures, providing you with confidence and peace of mind throughout your journey. Beyond their technical skills, our guides possess in-depth knowledge of Jordan's history, culture, and natural landscapes, offering unique anecdotes and stories that bring every trail, site, and village to life. Adaptable, attentive, and friendly, they excel at creating a safe, enjoyable, and memorable adventure for every participant.
Program
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Welcome to Jordan – Arrival in Amman
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Welcome to the vibrant heart of Jordan!
Upon arrival at QAIA Airport, take a taxi or rideshare to your hotel and settle into your room. Enjoy your first taste of authentic Jordanian cuisine and, depending on your arrival time, take a leisurely stroll through Amman's vibrant streets to soak up the city's atmosphere and charm.
Day 1 -
Cycling through history and landscapes to Little Petra
- Transportation Bus - 03h - 210km
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 50 km
- Positive elevation gain 1150 m
- Predominant type of terrain Dirt road
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Meet your guide at 8:00 AM and depart for a transfer south to Shobak, where our cycling adventure begins near the majestic Shobak Castle, one of Jordan's iconic Crusader fortresses. Enjoy the opportunity to take panoramic photos before cycling a short distance to a local home for a delicious lunch and some well-deserved relaxation.
The journey continues off-road, along a mix of tracks and scenic roads towards Little Petra, one of the most impressive stops on the Jordan Bike Trail. The route skirts the Dana and Petra mountains, offering breathtaking views of the Jordan Valley. End the day with a visit to charming Little Petra before reaching your campsite for the night, nestled among the rocks, where Bedouin hospitality awaits.
Day 2 -
Hidden Paths and Wonders of Petra
- Transportation Bus - 00h15 - 10km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After a hearty breakfast, embark on an unforgettable hike from Little Petra to the heart of the ancient city, entering through the quiet "back gate" to avoid the crowds. Follow picturesque trails down the Wadi Ghurab, winding through sandstone mountains along an ancient Nabataean route, and cross a natural terrace leading to a hidden plateau overlooking the spectacular Wadi Siyyagh canyon.
Suddenly, the iconic Monastery appears, carved into the rock face, where you can enjoy refreshments in a charming Bedouin cafe. Descend the Nabatean steps into the ancient city, explore the wonders of Petra, then exit past the legendary Treasury and through the famous Siq of Petra to reach the lively shops, cafes, and hotels of Wadi Musa. A short transfer takes you back to Little Petra for your second night under the desert skies.
Day 3 -
Cycling towards the sands of Wadi Rum
- Transportation Bus - 01h - 50km
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 70 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Predominant type of terrain White path
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic 40-minute transfer from Wadi Musa along the famous King's Highway. Begin your journey at approximately 1,600 meters above sea level, descending gently towards the village of Toghra, where paved roads give way to dirt tracks. As you head south, the trail gradually levels out, leading you into the expansive landscapes of Wadi Rum.
Take a break along the way to share a cup of tea with a local Bedouin family and discover their rich culture before continuing your journey by bicycle across stretches of sand and mud. End your day with a jeep transfer across the desert to your overnight camp, where the magic of Wadi Rum awaits.
Day 4 -
Desert Adventure – Cycling and Jeep Safari in Wadi Rum
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 37 km
- Positive elevation gain 150 m
- Predominant type of terrain White path
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Start the day with a short jeep transfer from your camp to the impressive mudflats of Wadi Rum, where you'll spend a few exhilarating hours cycling through this unique desert terrain. Feel the adrenaline rush of riding across these vast open plains, surrounded by magnificent sandstone formations and breathtaking desert panoramas.
In the afternoon, embark on a 4-hour jeep safari, exploring the iconic valleys, canyons, dunes, and narrow gorges of this World Heritage Site. Discover ancient rock carvings, admire spectacular mountain views, and enjoy short hikes or climbs at your own pace at each stop. Pause for a simple yet delicious desert lunch, prepared in the shade of the mountains, before returning to your camp for another unforgettable night under the stars.
Day 5 -
From desert trails to the Red Sea – Cycling to Aqaba
- Transportation Bus - 00h30 - 25km
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 41 km
- Positive elevation gain 140 m
- Predominant type of terrain White path
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Cycle through the impressive sandstone mountains and vast desert expanses of Wadi Rum, crossing Jordan's largest wadi. Arrive in the charming village of Titen, where the trail joins the paved road, before continuing onto the Desert Highway and a short transfer to Aqaba, Jordan's gateway to the Red Sea.
Aqaba offers a refreshing change from the desert landscapes of Wadi Rum and Petra. Enjoy a day pass at one of the beachfront resorts to relax, sunbathe, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and savor the tranquil beauty of the Red Sea.
Day 6 -
Float, relax and recharge in the Dead Sea
- Transportation Bus - 05h - 330km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, where you'll spend the day floating in its mineral-rich waters and enjoying complete relaxation. Treat yourself to a revitalizing mud bath to cleanse and revitalize your skin, or indulge in a soothing spa treatment at one of the resort's facilities.
As the afternoon unfolds, admire the sunset over the West Bank hills with Jerusalem visible in the distance – a truly unforgettable experience. In the evening, transfer back to Amman for your overnight stay, reflecting on this relaxing day filled with natural wonders.
Day 7 -
Farewell to Jordan – Departure from Amman
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
All great adventures must come to an end. For those flying, it is recommended to leave Amman at least four hours before departure to ensure a smooth journey to QAIA Airport. We wish you a pleasant flight and hope you return home with unforgettable memories of your exploration of the wonders of Jordan.
Day 8
Note
Our cycling and adventure tours often venture off the beaten path, and it is sometimes necessary to modify or adapt the routes on the spot, as we cannot predict weather or environmental conditions. We reserve the right to alter the routes at any time based on these conditions. We guarantee that we will only make changes for safety reasons or to enhance the experience.
Accommodation
The Toledo Hotel Amman is ideally located in the heart of Amman, offering guests easy access to major attractions such as Rainbow Street and the vibrant Jabal Weibdeh district, both within walking distance. Its central location makes it a convenient base for exploring the city's cultural, historical, and modern attractions.
Little Petra Bedouin Camp is ideally located just 5 km from the entrance to the Petra World Heritage Site, offering guests easy access to one of Jordan's most iconic archaeological treasures. Its prime location provides breathtaking views of the white and red deserts, making it a perfect base for exploring the region's rich history and natural beauty.
Rainbow Camp is located in the heart of the Wadi Rum protected area, offering guests easy access to iconic desert sites such as Lawrence House and Burdah Rock Bridge. Its prime location provides breathtaking views of the surrounding sandstone cliffs and vast sand dunes, making it an ideal base for exploring the region's natural wonders.
The My Luxury Hotel Aqaba enjoys a prime location in the heart of Aqaba, offering guests easy access to the vibrant city center. Its central position places attractions such as the ancient Islamic Ayla and Palm Beach within a 10-minute walk, making it an ideal base for exploring Aqaba's rich history and coastal beauty.
Access
Starting and finishing point of the circuit
The tour starts and ends at your hotel in Amman. Please refer to your confirmation email for the exact hotel name.
Flights
Arrive and depart from Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), located approximately 1 hour from Amman.
Arrival (Day 1)
You can arrive at any time on Day 1, as no activities are planned other than your hotel stay. Check-in is from 2:00 PM. This day is simply dedicated to your arrival and settling in. Please ensure you are ready to check out of the hotel by 8:00 AM on Day 2 to begin your adventure.
Departure (Day 8)
Day 8 is a departure day with no planned activities; therefore, you are free to leave at any time that suits you.
Transfers
Airport transfers can be booked directly with us (see the "Additional Options" section) or arranged independently at the official airport taxi counter.
Go to the starting point
Queen Alia International Airport is 30 kilometers (18 miles) south of Amman , the capital and largest city of Jordan . It is the largest airport in the country, named after Queen Alia .
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation: 7 nights in carefully selected hotels, camps and guesthouses
- Meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners with local and international cuisine
- Transportation: Depending on the itinerary, from Day 2 to Day 7
- Guides: English-speaking cycling guide for all cycling days & full guided tour of Petra
- Cycling Support: 4x4 support vehicle for all cycling days
- Bike Rental: Standard bike included (Electric bikes available on request)
- Services during the route: Water refills and snacks provided during cycling stages
- Wadi Rum Experience: Jeep Safari exploring valleys, dunes and rock formations
- Access to Resorts: Entry to Dead Sea and Red Sea resorts for relaxation and swimming
The price does not include
- Jordan Pass: "Jordan Wanderer" (Visa and entry fees)
- Airport transfers: Pick-up and drop-off at QAIA airport
- Tips: For guides, drivers, hotel staff and other service providers
- Personal equipment: All personal cycling and hiking equipment (please bring your own helmet)
- Drinks & Extras: Alcoholic beverages and other personal expenses
- Insurance: Travel insurance
- Flights: All airline tickets to or from Jordan
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 provided on site
Bicycles:
Bike rental is already included in the tour price, so you don't have to worry about bringing your own bike or dealing with panniers, shipping, or airline regulations. Our bikes are Scott Aspect 740s (27.5” hardtails with Alivio/Deore groupsets, 2x9 speed, and hydraulic disc brakes), perfectly suited to the mix of roads and non-technical trails offered by the tour. We provide full mechanical support throughout the tour, including spare parts and bike replacement if needed.
Electric bikes (additional charge applies) :
Our electric bikes are Trek Powerfly 5 and Cannondale Trail Neo 2. Both models are hardtails, equipped with a Bosch Performance CX 250W mid-drive motor and a Bosch PowerTube 625Wh battery. Available in sizes S, M, L, and XL. Electric bikes are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, as quantities are limited.
Equipment to bring
Essential for cycling
- Helmet – essential for safety.
- Reusable water bottle (up to 750 ml) – hydration is essential.
- Small backpack / Daypack – for carrying the essentials of the day (snacks, clothes, water).
- Cycling shoes + pedals (if you are using clipless cleats) – optional but greatly improves performance.
- Personal saddle – optional, only if you prefer your own.
Travel & Essentials
- Travel documents: passport and travel insurance – absolutely essential.
- Electrical adapters and external battery (power bank) – to keep devices charged.
- Personal first aid kit and medications – essential for health and emergencies.
Comfort & protection
- Sunscreen / lip balm – to prevent sunburn and chapped lips.
- Insect repellent
- Earplugs – for better sleep in shared or noisy places.
- Toiletries / travel wipes – for everyday hygiene.
- Small flashlight/headlamp – handy at camp or in low light.
Clothing to bring
Essentials for cycling:
- Cycling shorts (with padding) – essential for comfort over long distances.
- Breathable jerseys / Cycling jerseys – help keep you cool and dry.
- Quick-drying socks and underwear – comfort + hygiene.
- Cycling gloves – reduce vibrations, prevent blisters.
- Sunglasses – protect the eyes from the sun, wind and dust.
- Buff or bandana – versatile protection (sun, wind, perspiration).
Essentials off the bike & casual:
- Comfortable walking shoes – for exploring off the bike.
- Cap / Hat – sun protection when the helmet is removed.
- Flip-flops or sandals – for camping, showering or relaxing.
- Swimsuit – for a swimming pool, a beach or a spa.
Season (November–March) :
- Fleece jacket or similar – a layer of warmth.
- Warm clothing (thermal underwear, hat, gloves) – essential on cold evenings.
- Windproof, waterproof, breathable and lightweight – ideally suited for cycling.
- Waterproof rain jacket – compact and lightweight.