Best Things to Do:
The Most Unique Way to Reach Petra: This is the Jordan Trail
Traveling the world and discovering its beautiful corners is an experience that everyone should have at least once in their life. You can explore the world in many ways, by plane, by boat, by car, by bicycle, but there is one way that very few use and that is better than any other: walking.
Walking is one of the best ways to fully immerse yourself in the essence of each country, enjoying its landscapes, customs, traditions, and cultures. It's an experience that allows travelers to get to know the destination in depth and make the most of it. In Spain, many travel across the country to reach Santiago on the famous Camino de Santiago, but this is not the only trail in the world that lets you enjoy the beauty of a country.
A Trekking Adventure in Jordan
Jordan is a country that has seen a rise in tourism in recent years and more and more travelers want to discover the beauty of the country. While the most common way is to take a typical tourist trip, there is an alternative that allows you to enjoy each and every charm of Jordan.
This alternative is the Jordan Trail, an incredible long-distance hiking journey that spans the entire country. From Um Qais in the north to Aqaba in the south, its 650 kilometers of trails will showcase the magical spots of Jordan on a trip that lasts approximately 40 days, exploring unique towns, cities, and landscapes.
40 days may seem like a long time, but during this adventure that lasts a little over a month, you can enjoy the changing landscapes of Jordan by traversing lush hills in the north of the country, the rugged wadis, or the cliffs of the Jordan Rift Valley. The Jordan Trail is also a unique way to reach the incredible Petra and its historical ruins; hundreds of people choose this route every year to reach this destination.
But that's not all, on this trekking route, hikers will encounter the majestic mountains of Wadi Rum, a symbol of the country. Furthermore, as if that weren't enough, the route includes the crystalline waters of the Red Sea, known worldwide for their beauty.
A Unique Hiking Route
It is true that when we think of ideal hiking destinations, Jordan is not among the top, but the country offers a surprising number of high-quality hiking routes that traverse forest reserves, waterfalls, and much more. On those 650 kilometers of path, you can discover the best of Jordan while enjoying hiking.
With the Jordan Trail, you will completely learn about the history and culture of the country, as well as the traces left by ancient civilizations in the territory. Similar to the Camino de Santiago, the Jordan Trail is divided into stages. A total of 9 stages make up the entire route, but each of them is subdivided into sub-stages, which are completed in days to facilitate the trek and enjoyment of the hiker.
Of the nine stages, the most famous and recognized is stage 6, which covers the route between Dana and Petra. The sixth stage of the Jordan Trail is divided into sub-stages, and ideally, it should be completed in 4 to 5 days. It is considered one of the most beautiful treks in the world by all who have done it, and for good reason.
In this part of the 40-day journey, we will find a unique way to reach one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Petra. As mentioned earlier, more and more people are choosing this entrance known as "the back door" to get to the Treasury of Petra. Once there, you can rest while appreciating the beauty of this incredible place and explore each of its corners.
What You Need to Know About the Jordan Trail
It is very important to keep in mind that, despite its structural similarities, the Jordan Trail has nothing to do with the Camino de Santiago. To make this journey in Jordan, it is recommended to have the support of a local company that offers specialized guides and the necessary assistance and supplies for the trekking.
The Jordan Trail cannot just be done without preparation unless you are an expert in the area and in hiking. The route does not have clear signage like the Camino de Santiago, and at times resources can be limited. In the northern part of the country, it is easier to find water naturally, but keep in mind that in parts like stage 6, the arid terrain and heat complicate the availability of water.
The ideal situation is to carry a small water purifier like those used by climbers, but it should be noted that water sources are scarce, and seeking water in a nearby town is not highly recommended. Therefore, the best option is to do the Jordan Trail with a specialized agency that takes care of all this.
If you are a hiking enthusiast and love to travel around the world, the Jordan Trail is the perfect activity for your next vacation. Create a connection with nature, discover the rich history and incredible culture of Jordan through trails that will lead you to the wonders of this fascinating country.