10-Day Ultimate Jordan Budget Backpacking Route
Jordan is often perceived as an expensive destination, but for the savvy backpacker, it offers a wealth of affordable experiences. By utilizing the Jordan Pass, eating at local 'falafel joints,' and navigating with public minibuses, you can explore one of the world's most historic nations for a fraction of the cost typically associated with Middle Eastern travel.
This itinerary takes you from the bustling hills of Amman through the Roman ruins of the north, down the King’s Highway to the rose-red city of Petra, and finally to the shores of the Red Sea. Get ready for warm Bedouin hospitality, world-class history, and some of the best street food you'll ever taste.
Day 1: Amman - Arrival & Old City Vibes
Rainbow Street Walk
Start your journey by walking down Rainbow Street in Jabal Amman. It’s the perfect place to soak in the city's creative energy and grab a cheap tea with mint at a local cafe.
Al-Balad (Downtown) Exploration
Descend into the heart of the city to explore the bustling markets and spice shops of the downtown district. It's loud, fragrant, and completely free to wander.
Dinner at Hashem Restaurant
Join the locals for a legendary and incredibly cheap meal of falafel, hummus, and fuul. It is an open-air institution that has hosted royalty and backpackers alike.
Hostel Check-in
Settle into a budget-friendly hostel in the downtown area to meet fellow travelers and stay within walking distance of the main sights.
Day 2: Amman - Ancient Landmarks
Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a)
Perched on the highest hill in Amman, this site contains the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace. Use your Jordan Pass for free entry.
Roman Theater
Visit the remarkably preserved 6,000-seat theater built into the hillside. It’s a great spot for people-watching and photography.
Jordan Folklore Museum
Located right next to the theater, this small museum showcases traditional Jordanian life and costumes at no extra cost with your pass.
Kunafeh at Habibah
Wait in the inevitable line for a slice of warm, cheesy Kunafeh. It’s the most famous dessert in Jordan and costs less than two dollars.
Day 3: Jerash - The Pompeii of the East
North Bus Station (Tabarbour)
Take a local minibus from Tabarbour station to Jerash. It is the cheapest way to travel and offers a glimpse into local daily life.
Jerash Archaeological Site
Explore the stunning Oval Plaza, the Cardo Maximus, and the Hadrian's Arch. This is one of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns in the world.
South Theater
Listen to the bagpipers play in the ancient theater, demonstrating the incredible acoustics of Roman engineering.
Return to Amman
Catch the last minibus back to the capital to enjoy one final evening of Amman’s vibrant street food scene.
Day 4: Madaba - Mosaics & Mountains
Minibus to Madaba
Travel south to the 'City of Mosaics.' It’s a short, affordable ride and the town is very walkable.
St. George’s Church
See the famous 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land, the oldest known geographic floor mosaic in history.
Madaba Archaeological Park
Wander through open-air ruins featuring exquisite mosaic floors from the Byzantine era.
Mount Nebo
Take a shared taxi to Mount Nebo to see where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land. The view over the Jordan Valley is breathtaking.
Day 5: Wadi Musa - Journey to Petra
JETT Bus to Wadi Musa
Book the JETT bus for a reliable and reasonably priced journey to the town bordering Petra.
Wadi Musa Town
Check into your hostel and grab a cheap shawarma wrap from the main circle. Save your energy for the big day tomorrow.
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
Take a free shuttle or a cheap taxi to 'Little Petra.' It’s free to enter and serves as a perfect, less-crowded appetizer for the main site.
Local Mansaf Dinner
Try Jordan’s national dish, Mansaf (lamb cooked in fermented yogurt), at a budget-friendly local eatery away from the tourist main gate.
Day 6: Petra - The Rose-Red City
The Siq & The Treasury
Enter as soon as the gates open to walk through the narrow gorge (Siq) and see the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) without the crowds.
High Place of Sacrifice
Hike up the steep trail for an incredible panoramic view of the entire archaeological park.
The Monastery (Ad Deir)
Climb the 800 steps to the massive Monastery. It’s less crowded than the Treasury and equally impressive.
Royal Tombs
On your way back, explore the grand facades of the Royal Tombs carved directly into the rock face.
Day 7: Wadi Rum - The Valley of the Moon
Minibus to Wadi Rum
Catch the early morning local bus that runs specifically for tourists between Wadi Musa and Wadi Rum village.
Bedouin Camp Transfer
Meet your camp host at the visitor center. Budget camps offer basic but authentic tent accommodation in the heart of the desert.
Desert Jeep Tour
Join a shared jeep tour to see red sand dunes, ancient inscriptions, and natural rock bridges. Sharing the cost makes this very affordable.
Stargazing
Wadi Rum has some of the clearest skies on Earth. Enjoy the silence of the desert under a canopy of stars for free.
Day 8: Wadi Rum to Aqaba - Sun & Sand
Morning Camel Trek
Take a short sunrise camel ride back to the village—a classic desert experience that won't break the bank.
Transit to Aqaba
Take a local bus or share a taxi with other backpackers for the one-hour drive to Jordan's only coastal city.
Aqaba Fort
Visit the 16th-century castle located near the coastline, which played a role in the Arab Revolt.
Ayla Marina Walk
Stroll through the modern marina area for sunset views, then head to the local souq for the cheapest seafood in town.
Day 9: Aqaba - Red Sea Snorkeling
South Beach Snorkeling
Take a local bus to South Beach. You can rent snorkel gear for a few dollars and swim right off the shore to see vibrant coral reefs.
Japanese Garden Reef
Swim out to this famous reef spot, known for its shallow water and abundance of marine life, including hawksbill turtles.
Aqaba Marine Park
Explore the visitor center to learn about Red Sea conservation before heading back to the city.
Street Food Souq
Feast on grilled fish and freshly baked bread in the local market area for a few Jordanian Dinars.
Day 10: Return to Amman
JETT Bus to Amman
Take the comfortable JETT bus back north. It’s a 4-hour journey through the desert landscape.
Souq el-Sagha
Do some last-minute souvenir shopping for spices, soaps, or small trinkets in the Gold Souq area.
King Abdullah I Mosque
Visit the iconic blue-domed mosque. It is one of the few mosques in Amman that allows non-Muslim visitors (modest dress required).
Farewell Dinner
End your journey with a final feast of Manakeesh (Jordanian pizza) at a local bakery before heading to the airport.
Best Time to Visit Jordan
The best time to visit Jordan is during the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). During these periods, temperatures are mild enough for hiking in Petra and exploring the desert without the scorching heat of summer or the surprisingly cold nights of winter.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). Jordan is largely a cash-based society, especially for local buses, street food stalls, and small shops. While ATMs are plentiful in Amman and Aqaba, always carry enough cash when heading into Wadi Rum or remote parts of the King's Highway. Tipping (baksheesh) is common for service but not mandatory in budget eateries.
Getting Around Jordan
For the budget traveler, public minibuses are the cheapest way to travel between cities, though they often only depart when full. The JETT bus system is a more organized, air-conditioned alternative with fixed schedules and reasonable prices. There are no passenger trains in Jordan, so buses and shared taxis (serviis) are your primary modes of transport.
