19-Day Ultimate Jordan Budget Backpacking Route
Jordan is often perceived as an expensive destination, but for the savvy backpacker, it offers an incredibly rewarding 'Epic Journey' that can be conquered on a shoestring budget. By leveraging the Jordan Pass, utilizing local 'Service' microbuses, and embracing the vibrant street food culture of Amman and beyond, you can stretch your dollars across nearly three weeks of ancient history and Martian-like landscapes.
This 19-day itinerary focuses on slow travel, moving through the backbone of the country from the northern ruins to the southern shores. You will stay in social hostels, hike through biosphere reserves, and sleep under the stars in Bedouin camps, all while maintaining a lean daily expenditure that respects the spirit of true backpacking.
Day 1: Amman, Jordan - Arrival and Downtown Vibes
Queen Alia International Airport Arrival
Clear customs and pick up your local SIM card. Use the yellow airport shuttle bus (Sariyah) to reach the city center cheaply rather than taking a private taxi.
Check into Downtown Hostel
Drop your bags at a budget-friendly hostel in the downtown (Balad) area, which is within walking distance of the major Roman ruins.
Al-Balad Market Walk
Wander through the bustling gold souks and spice markets to soak in the local atmosphere without spending a dime.
Dinner at Hashem Restaurant
Join the locals for the most famous and affordable falafel and hummus in the country. It is an open-air institution where a full meal costs just a few dinars.
Day 2: Amman, Jordan - The Roman Legacy
The Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a)
Hike up the hill to see the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace. The panoramic views of the sprawling white city are unbeatable.
Roman Theatre
Descend back to the valley to explore the 6,000-seat theater built into the hillside. It remains remarkably preserved and is still used for performances.
Odeon Theater & Nymphaeum
Visit these smaller, free-to-view ruins located nearby the main theater to see how ancient Romans managed their public water and entertainment.
Rainbow Street Sunset
Walk up the steep stairs to Rainbow Street for a cheaper tea at one of the side-alley cafes while watching the sun set over the city.
Day 3: Jerash, Jordan - The Pompeii of the East
Transit to Jerash
Head to the North Bus Station (Tabarbour) and catch a local microbus to Jerash. This is significantly cheaper than a private tour.
Jerash Archaeological Site
Explore the Oval Plaza, the Cardo Maximus, and the many temples of this incredibly well-preserved Roman provincial city.
Hadrian's Arch
Marvel at the massive triumphal arch before heading back to the bus stand for your return trip to Amman.
Shawarma on the Go
Grab a quick chicken shawarma from a street vendor near the bus station for a high-protein, low-cost dinner.
Day 4: Amman, Jordan - Cultural Immersion
The Jordan Museum
Learn about the Dead Sea Scrolls and the nation's history in this modern facility. It's an affordable indoor activity for the morning.
Duke's Diwan
Visit one of the oldest buildings in the city, converted into a public library and heritage space with a small, voluntary entrance fee.
Local Art Stroll at Darat al Funun
Walk through this series of renovated villas housing contemporary art and archaeological remains; entry is free.
Kunafa Tasting at Habibah
End your Amman stay with a slice of traditional cheese pastry. The line in the alleyway tells you everything you need to know about its quality.
Day 5: Madaba, Jordan - The City of Mosaics
Microbus to Madaba
Take a service taxi or bus from Amman to Madaba, a journey of about an hour through the highland plains.
St. George’s Church
See the famous 6th-century Mosaic Map of the Holy Land on the floor of this Greek Orthodox church.
Madaba Archaeological Park
Walk through the open-air museum to see more Byzantine mosaics and the foundations of ancient churches.
Burnt Palace
Explore the ruins of this Byzantine residence, which features intricate floor decorations and free or low-cost entry.
Day 6: Karak, Jordan - Crusader Castles
Kings Highway Transit
Board a microbus heading south toward Karak. This route offers stunning views of the Mujib Dam and the deep canyons.
Karak Castle
Explore the dark galleries and massive fortifications of this 12th-century Crusader stronghold perched on a hilltop.
Karak Old Town Souq
Wander the steep streets around the castle for a local lunch of Mansaf (if you can find a budget-friendly portion) or Galayet Bandora.
Guesthouse Check-in
Stay in a local family-run guesthouse to experience authentic hospitality at a fraction of the price of hotels.
Day 7: Dana, Jordan - The Edge of the World
Transit to Dana Village
Connect through local microbuses to reach the historic stone village of Dana, overlooking the massive biosphere reserve.
Dana Village Walk
Explore the 15th-century stone houses and enjoy the silence of this remote mountain community.
Hiking the Wadi Dana Trail
Start a self-guided hike on the lower portions of the trails. Many paths are free to access without a mandatory guide.
Communal Dinner
Most lodges offer a fixed-price communal dinner which is the most economical way to eat in this isolated region.
Day 8: Wadi Musa, Jordan - Gateway to Petra
Morning microbus to Wadi Musa
Catch the early transport to the town adjacent to Petra. Try to arrive by noon to settle in and prepare for the long walk ahead.
Budget Lunch in Wadi Musa
Avoid the restaurants closest to the Petra gate. Walk uphill into the local part of town for much cheaper prices.
Visit the Petra Museum
Entry is free and located right next to the visitor center. It provides excellent context before you enter the site tomorrow.
Plan with Fellow Travelers
Hostels here are full of hikers; find a group to split the cost of groceries for packing your lunch tomorrow.
Day 9: Petra, Jordan - The Siq and The Treasury
Early Entry to Petra
Be at the gate at sunrise to beat the crowds and the heat. The walk through the Siq is most magical in the early light.
Al-Khazneh (The Treasury)
Witness the iconic facade. Spend time taking photos before the tour groups arrive in mass.
Street of Facades & Royal Tombs
Explore the massive tombs carved into the rock face. Bring your own water and snacks to avoid the overpriced site cafes.
High Place of Sacrifice Hike
Climb the steep stairs for an aerial view of the city center. It’s a tough hike but completely free once you are inside.
Day 10: Petra, Jordan - The Monastery Challenge
The Back Entrance Route
Take a local truck to the 'Back Entrance' to hike into the site toward the Monastery, avoiding the crowds at the main gate.
Ad Deir (The Monastery)
Reach the largest monument in Petra. The views across the Wadi Araba desert from the nearby cliffs are spectacular.
Colonnaded Street & Qasr al-Bint
Walk back through the city center, exploring the free-standing ruins that many tourists skip.
Rest and Rehydrate
Petra is physically demanding; spend your evening resting at the hostel to prepare for the desert tomorrow.
Day 11: Wadi Rum, Jordan - Entering the Martian Desert
Bus to Wadi Rum
Take the daily early morning bus from Wadi Musa directly to the Wadi Rum Visitor Center.
Village Orientation
Walk from the visitor center to Rum Village. Meet your pre-booked Bedouin host for a traditional tea.
Lawrence’s Spring
Take a short walk from the village to this historic spring located at the base of the mountains.
Desert Sunset Walk
Walk out onto the nearby red sand dunes to watch the desert change colors as the sun dips below the horizon.
Day 12: Wadi Rum, Jordan - Living Like a Bedouin
Full Day Desert Jeep/Walk Tour
Join a group tour to visit the Mushroom Rock, Abu Khashaba Canyon, and the Burdah Rock Bridge.
Bedouin Lunch
Enjoy a simple meal cooked over an open fire in the shade of a massive rock outcrop.
Sandboarding
Try your hand at sliding down the steep Al-Hasany dunes. Many camps provide boards for free or a small tip.
Zarb Dinner & Stargazing
Eat a traditional meal cooked underground and enjoy the Milky Way in one of the darkest skies on Earth.
Day 13: Wadi Rum, Jordan - Deep Desert Exploration
Hike to Khazali Canyon
Explore the narrow fissure containing ancient Nabataean petroglyphs and inscriptions.
Meditation in the Silence
Find a quiet spot away from the tracks to experience the true 'Rum' silence described by Lawrence of Arabia.
Seven Pillars of Wisdom
View the iconic rock formation near the visitor center that inspired the title of T.E. Lawrence's book.
Cultural Exchange
Spend the evening around the campfire sharing stories with the Bedouin staff to learn about desert life.
Day 14: Aqaba, Jordan - Red Sea Relaxation
Bus to Aqaba
Take the microbus from Wadi Rum village to the port city of Aqaba. It's a short 1-hour trip.
Aqaba Fortress
Visit the Mamluk Castle near the waterfront, which played a role in the Arab Revolt.
Public Beach Chill
Head to the city's public beach to swim with the locals and enjoy the Gulf of Aqaba views.
Seafood Feast (Budget Style)
Look for local fish shops in the market area where you can buy fresh fish and have it grilled for a small fee.
Day 15: Aqaba, Jordan - Snorkeling the South Beach
South Beach Microbus
Take the local bus 15km south to the Marine Park where the best snorkeling is found just offshore.
Snorkeling Japanese Garden
Rent a mask and fins for a few dinars and swim out to see vibrant corals and tropical fish.
Picnic by the Sea
Eat a pre-packed lunch under the shade of the park's umbrellas to save on expensive beach club food.
The Tank Wreck
Advanced snorkelers can swim out to see the submerged anti-aircraft tank in shallow water.
Day 16: Dead Sea, Jordan - Floating at the Lowest Point
Travel to the Dead Sea
This is the hardest leg for budget travelers. Try to find others to share a taxi or take a bus back toward Amman and hop off at the Dead Sea junction.
Amman Beach (Public Access)
Use this public facility for a much lower fee than the luxury resorts. It provides showers, which are essential after the salt float.
The Famous Float
Experience the weightlessness of the high-salinity water. Don't forget to apply the mineral-rich mud!
Sunset at the Sea
Watch the sun set over the Judean Mountains across the water before heading to a nearby hostel.
Day 17: Wadi Mujib, Jordan - The Water Adventure
Wadi Mujib Siq Trail
Hike up the river canyon against the current. This is a thrilling water adventure that requires no guide for the basic trail.
Lunch with a View
Eat your packed lunch overlooking the mouth of the canyon where it meets the Dead Sea.
Dead Sea Panorama Complex
Visit this museum and viewpoint for the best photographic angle of the entire Dead Sea basin.
Return to Amman
Catch a late-afternoon bus or shared taxi back to the capital city for your final nights.
Day 18: Amman, Jordan - The Final Souq Run
Souk El-Khodra
Visit the vibrant fruit and vegetable market to see Amman at its most local and energetic.
Abdali Boulevard
Contrast the old city with the new by walking through this modern development. It’s free to walk and great for people-watching.
Final Souvenir Shopping
Buy spices, za'atar, or small bottles of Dead Sea mud in the Balad area where prices are lowest.
Farewell Dinner
Return to your favorite street food stall for one last round of fresh pita and hummus.
Day 19: Amman, Jordan - Departure
Final Arabic Breakfast
Enjoy a bowl of 'Foul Moudamas' at a neighborhood cafe to fuel up for your flight.
Jordanian Coffee Ritual
Sip one last cardamom-scented coffee while watching the morning chaos of Amman.
Transit to Airport
Catch the Sariyah bus from the North Bus Station or 7th Circle for the most economical ride back to Queen Alia International.
Departure
Check-in and bid farewell to the Kingdom of Jordan after 19 days of epic, budget-friendly exploration.
Best Time to Visit Jordan
The ideal time for a budget backpacking trip to Jordan is during the shoulder seasons: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is pleasant enough for long hikes in Petra and Wadi Rum without the blistering heat of summer or the surprisingly cold, rainy nights of winter. For the absolute lowest prices, late February can be great, though you must be prepared for potential snow in the highlands!
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). It is pegged to the US Dollar, making the exchange rate very stable. Cash is king in Jordan, especially for microbuses, street food, and budget hostels. While ATMs are plentiful in Amman and Aqaba, they are scarce in Wadi Rum and Dana, so always carry enough cash. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill at small cafes is common practice.
Getting Around Jordan
Public transport in Jordan consists mainly of microbuses (minivans) that depart only when full. They are incredibly cheap but require patience and flexibility. For more reliability, the JETT Bus company offers scheduled routes between major tourist hubs like Amman, Petra, and Aqaba. Within cities, 'Service Taxis' (shared white cars) follow set routes and cost very little, while yellow taxis are private and should be negotiated or metered.
