17-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Jordan
Jordan is often perceived as an expensive destination, but for the savvy backpacker, it offers an incredible wealth of culture, history, and natural beauty at a fraction of the cost. By utilizing the Jordan Pass, sleeping in budget-friendly hostels, and eating like a local at falafel stands, you can traverse the entire country from north to south while keeping your expenses ultra-lean.
This 17-day itinerary focuses on slow travel, using local 'Coaster' buses and public transport to connect major historical sites like Petra and Jerash with off-the-beaten-path gems like Dana and the Crusader castles. Prepare for legendary hospitality and epic desert landscapes on this ultimate Middle Eastern adventure.
Day 1: Amman - Arrival and Downtown Hustle
Arrival at Queen Alia International Airport
Clear customs and pick up a local SIM card. Use the Sariyah Airport Express Bus to reach downtown Amman for a fraction of the price of a taxi.
Lunch at Hashem Restaurant
Eat at this legendary downtown institution where kings and backpackers alike dine on the cheapest and best falafel and hummus in the city.
Al-Balad Gold Souq
Wander through the historic heart of Amman, exploring the vibrant markets and narrow alleys of the downtown area for free.
Sunset at the Roman Theater
Watch the city turn golden from the steep stone steps of this 2nd-century theater located in the center of the city.
Day 2: Amman - The Ancient Citadel and Rainbow Street
Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a)
Explore the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace with sweeping 360-degree views of the capital's seven hills.
Roman Nymphaeum
Stop by this partially preserved public fountain from the 2nd century AD, a free and quick historical site in the downtown area.
Rainbow Street Walk
Stroll up the hill to Jabal Amman to see the contrast between the old city and the trendy cafes and street art of Rainbow Street.
Wild Jordan Center
Enjoy the sunset views over the Citadel from this eco-friendly center that supports Jordan's nature reserves.
Day 3: Jerash - The Pompeii of the East
Northbound Bus from Tabarbour
Take a local minibus from Amman's Northern Bus Station to Jerash for about 1 JOD.
Jerash Archaeological Site
Walk through the Oval Plaza, the Cardo Maximus, and the stunning Hadrian's Arch in one of the world's best-preserved Roman provincial cities.
Lunch in Jerash Village
Find a local shawarma shop outside the ruins for a quick, filling meal that costs less than 3 JOD.
Return to Amman
Catch the last return bus to Amman before sunset to avoid expensive private taxis.
Day 4: Madaba - The City of Mosaics
Transfer to Madaba
Take a local bus to Madaba, a city famous for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics.
St. George’s Church
View the famous 6th-century Mosaic Map of the Holy Land, the oldest surviving cartographic depiction of the region.
Madaba Archaeological Park
Explore the ruins of several Byzantine churches and the Hippolytus Hall, all included in your Jordan Pass.
Burnt Palace
Visit this ancient residence to see intricately detailed floor mosaics that survived a 7th-century fire.
Day 5: Mount Nebo & Dead Sea - Biblical Views
Mount Nebo Hike or Taxi
Visit the spot where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land, offering views of the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea.
Dead Sea Free Access Point
Avoid expensive resorts by heading to the 'Salt Formations' near the Mujib Bridge for a free float in the hypersaline water.
Wadi Mujib Panorama
Stop at the viewpoint overlooking the 'Grand Canyon of Jordan' for some of the country's most dramatic scenery.
Evening in Madaba
Try the local 'Saj' bread for a cheap and delicious dinner at a neighborhood bakery.
Day 6: Dana Biosphere Reserve - Hiking the Highlands
King's Highway Journey
Travel south to Dana Village, a 15th-century stone village perched on the edge of a massive canyon system.
Explore Dana Village
Wander the narrow paths of this largely abandoned Ottoman-era village and enjoy the silent mountain air.
Village Loop Trail
Take a self-guided short hike around the terraced gardens of the village for free.
Sunset over Wadi Dana
The cliffs turn red and purple as the sun sets over the valley towards the Arava Desert.
Day 7: Dana - The White Dome Trail
White Dome Trail
A stunning hike through the terraced gardens and limestone formations of the reserve. Check with the visitor center for trail maps.
Picnic Lunch
Pack some bread, cheese, and olives from a local shop for a budget lunch with a million-dollar view.
Wadi Dana Viewpoint
Walk to the edge of the village for a panoramic view that stretches all the way to the Dead Sea on clear days.
Traditional Bedouin Tea
Many local guesthouses offer free tea and stories by the fire in the evening.
Day 8: Wadi Musa - Arrival at the Gates of Petra
Bus to Wadi Musa
Catch the morning minibus from Dana to Wadi Musa, the gateway town for Petra.
Check into a Hostel
Drop your bags at one of the many budget hostels in the upper part of Wadi Musa to save money.
Moses' Spring (Ain Musa)
Visit the site where Moses is said to have struck a rock to bring forth water, a short walk from the town center.
Dinner at the 'Cheap Street'
Head to the local market area for affordable falafel wraps and roast chicken away from the tourist traps.
Day 9: Petra - The Rose Red City (Day 1)
The Siq and The Treasury
Arrive early to walk through the narrow Siq and see Al-Khazneh (The Treasury) before the crowds and heat arrive.
High Place of Sacrifice
Hike up the steep stairs for an incredible view of the Royal Tombs and the city center below.
Royal Tombs
Explore the Urn Tomb, Silk Tomb, and Palace Tomb, which are carved directly into the multi-colored sandstone cliffs.
Exit via the Siq
Walk back through the Siq as the shadows lengthen, a totally different experience than the morning rush.
Day 10: Petra - The Monastery and Beyond (Day 2)
Colonnaded Street
Walk through the Roman heart of the city past the Great Temple and the Qasr al-Bint.
Ad-Deir (The Monastery)
Climb the 800+ steps to reach Petra's largest and most imposing facade, often quieter than the Treasury.
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
Take a free shuttle or local taxi to this smaller 'suburb' of Petra to see the rare Nabataean ceiling paintings.
Wadi Musa Souq
Browse the local market for spices and traditional Bedouin scarves (Keffiyeh) at local prices.
Day 11: Wadi Rum - Into the Desert
Bus to Wadi Rum
Take the daily early morning bus from Wadi Musa directly to the Wadi Rum Village.
Bedouin Camp Transfer
Meet your camp host and head into the protected area to drop your bags at a budget desert camp.
Lawrence’s Spring
Visit the natural spring where T.E. Lawrence famously bathed, located at the base of a massive mountain.
Khazali Canyon
Walk through this narrow cleft to see ancient Thamudic and Nabataean inscriptions and petroglyphs.
Day 12: Wadi Rum - Red Dunes and Canyons
Sand Dune Climbing
Climb the massive red sand dunes for panoramic views of the 'Valley of the Moon'.
Burdah Rock Bridge
View one of the highest natural stone arches in the desert, a world-class photo opportunity.
Sunset Camel Trek
Experience the desert at the traditional pace of the Bedouin as the sun dips below the horizon.
Zarb Dinner
Enjoy a traditional Bedouin meal cooked in an underground oven, a staple of desert camp life.
Day 13: Aqaba - Red Sea Relaxation
Shared Taxi to Aqaba
Shared taxis or the local bus are the easiest ways to reach the coastal city of Aqaba from Wadi Rum.
Aqaba Fort
Visit this 16th-century castle located near the world's tallest flagpole, overlooking the Gulf of Aqaba.
South Beach Snorkeling
Take a local bus to South Beach for free access to coral reefs teeming with colorful fish just meters from the shore.
Duty-Free Shopping
Aqaba is a duty-free zone; it's the cheapest place in Jordan to buy snacks, electronics, and souvenirs.
Day 14: Aqaba - Marine Life and Markets
Aqaba Marine Park
Spend a relaxing morning on the public beaches, which are clean and popular with local families.
Fresh Seafood Lunch
Head to the fish market area for a budget-friendly meal of fresh Red Sea fish grilled to order.
Ayla Ruins
Explore the remains of the first Islamic city established outside the Arabian Peninsula, located right in the city center.
Aqaba Night Market
Wander the vibrant evening markets for cheap street food and a lively atmosphere.
Day 15: Kerak - Crusader Might
Desert Highway Bus
Travel north from Aqaba towards Kerak, home to one of the largest Crusader castles in the Levant.
Kerak Castle
Explore the dark corridors and massive halls of this hilltop fortress, which played a major role in the Crusades.
Mamluk Palace
Inside the castle walls, don't miss the 14th-century palace built by the Mamluks after they captured the fortress.
Overnight in Kerak
Stay in a small local hotel near the castle to experience a more authentic, less touristy side of Jordan.
Day 16: Shobak and the King's Highway
Shobak Castle
Visit this remote Crusader castle, also known as Montreal, which is much less visited than Kerak and free to explore with your pass.
Wadi Bin Hammad Hike
If time permits, explore this lush valley with hanging gardens and hot springs for a small entrance fee.
Return to Amman
Catch a northbound bus back to the capital for your final night in the kingdom.
Farewell Mansaf Dinner
Splurge slightly on your last night to try Jordan's national dish, Mansaf (lamb cooked in fermented yogurt).
Day 17: Amman - Final Souvenirs and Departure
Jordan Museum
Visit this excellent museum in the city center to see the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Ain Ghazal statues.
Last Minute Spice Shopping
Head to the Souq al-Sukar to buy za'atar, sumac, and local coffee at local prices to take home.
Sariyah Airport Bus
Catch the airport express bus from North Station or the 7th Circle for your flight home.
Departure from Queen Alia
End of your 17-day Jordanian epic journey.
Best Time to Visit Jordan
The best times to visit Jordan are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the temperatures are mild enough for long days of hiking in Petra and Dana. Summer (June to August) can be intensely hot, especially in the desert and the Jordan Valley, while winter (December to February) can be surprisingly cold and rainy, with occasional snow in Amman and the highlands.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). Jordan is a cash-heavy society, especially for budget travelers using local buses and eating at small falafel shops. While ATMs are plentiful in Amman, Aqaba, and Wadi Musa, they can be scarce in rural areas like Dana or Wadi Rum. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in local eateries; rounding up the bill is a common practice.
Getting Around Jordan
For the budget traveler, the 'Coaster' buses (white minibuses) are the way to go. They don't have fixed schedules and leave when full, but they are incredibly cheap (usually 1-3 JOD between cities). For more reliability, the JETT bus system offers air-conditioned coaches on major tourist routes like Amman to Petra or the Dead Sea. Trains are not a viable option for passenger travel in Jordan, so buses and shared taxis (serviis) will be your primary modes of transport.
