Aqaba, Petra & Wadi Rum: A Detailed 2-Day Tour Review

So, you’re thinking about checking out Jordan’s greatest hits in just 48 hours? Petra, Wadi Rum, and Aqaba? Is that even possible, very, really? I had that very question before I did it, and I will walk you through my thoughts, very, really, like, in a way.

Hitting the Ground Running: Aqaba’s Allure

First stop, Aqaba! It’s almost always the place to be for that burst of culture by the Red Sea, or maybe it’s always on your way to Petra anyway, for example. This city, with its warm waters and laid-back vibe, often acts like a super, truly welcoming entry point to all the historical sights Jordan’s packing, you know, sort of, honestly. Arriving in Aqaba, I think I found myself drawn to the coastal energy, and how that vibe contrasts against the more intense adventures that’d follow that, basically.

Like, very quickly, I started thinking about maximizing my time in Aqaba, actually. Because 2 days is, like, almost nothing, or very little for such a diverse experience, you see. Getting there, you’ll have some options, apparently: flying straight into Aqaba’s King Hussein International Airport is the swiftest move, you know. Otherwise, you can travel to Amman and then get to Aqaba through ground transport, very, very.

Okay, so once you’re there, think about your hotel, just slightly. Places like the Mövenpick Resort & Residences Aqaba and the Grand Tala Bay Resort offer superb views, and a little luxury before you rough it in Wadi Rum, like you maybe, really do need, that, I think, basically. Anyway, I spent, really, I mean like some, some time scoping out local eats—trying Sayadieh, a spiced fish dish with rice, or maybe trying some simple shawarma from the corner, just for a little while. This quick culinary hop? Total score, or something, sort of, really.

Actually, that first evening, as I wandered through Aqaba’s, in a way, maybe pretty chill, or super chilled-out streets, I prepped for my super early start the next day, sort of. Petra would be my main focus for day two, and Wadi Rum that very night, very, very. But it starts by waking up to this gorgeous sunrise, so it too has, that, it too, kind of, helps or doesn’t help?

Petra’s Daybreak Drama

Is Petra possible in just one day? We might be just doing it, really! Getting to Petra from Aqaba means hopping on an early bus or hiring a driver for a super direct route, really! You’re talking about a two-hour trip, so starting around 6 AM or earlier is often, frequently, and basically a solid move, arguably, basically, truly.

I wanted to get to the Siq just as it opened, but I didn’t or I did?, just slightly, maybe at times! That narrow canyon leading into Petra helps build the anticipation, it helps build it as that, seemingly, a super skilled hype-man or hype-person could, I suppose. As you’re passing between those rock walls that tower on top of you, it might feel like walking back in time or maybe, just, like you know you just went forward slightly!

And then—BAM! The Treasury shows up, okay. You knew you were gonna see it, like I knew, but there’s also that thing where you didn’t know when. You can, or should get your camera set because the sun’s usually just hitting the facade in such a way that makes it just super unforgettable, and just a little bright at times, actually.

After gawking at the Treasury (I, for one, mean it, just a little!) there’s a little choice in what to do, you know. Do you have stamina or, maybe, is that just an abstract thing for you or something like it, literally? I highly, highly, extremely recommend, usually, going all the way to the Monastery. You have to actually put the steps in to get there, it’s almost as if I climbed over 800 steps, something I’m saying.

Actually, on the hike, just slightly up to the Monastery, I met all types of people. There was an old fellow drawing the old fellow, I can see the old-age symmetry? A young lady telling us that all there ever will be is here? You’d get the full breadth of weird stuff people like me just go crazy for!

Wadi Rum: Sleeping Under a Billion Stars

Okay, that evening, I sped back to Aqaba to jump into a Jeep headed for Wadi Rum. I mean, what is there not to like, when you’re swapping ancient rose-colored architecture for wide open desert skies, often and clearly? Like you should think of it as some ultimate, or close to ultimate digital detox, seemingly, right?

Think about getting there just before the sunset to catch the rocks turn all fiery and vibrant and really intense, truly! Seriously, a Bedouin camp is where I crashed, you know. Like, it typically offers some pretty comfy tents with that basic bedding and stuff, for instance, specifically, typically, like the ones Captain Kirk would use. You want hot showers?, you might not have it!

Anyway, they also usually, usually have dinner included—often cooked under the sand. Like there’s nothing more primal than that or less? Sitting with folks around the bonfire, you share the stories and drink way too much tea, just slightly, I did.

And, honestly, just before bedtime? That’s the money shot for the money, just really. Because with no lights to mess anything up, the stars? Oh my God! Just wow!, very, incredibly, really. So, lie down on some dunes and you’ll quickly find you see more than you usually see or, also and obviously, have thought you could or couldn’t! Sleeping under those stars is kinda some experience, anyway. I slept like a rock or did I, in some way?

Because some of those camps run excursions after dark I opted out. They are all pretty optional at times, it does depend on your group for such decisions too.

Making the Most of Limited Time

Alright, fitting Aqaba, Petra, and Wadi Rum into 2 days is kinda hectic or the very definition of it or even super extra. If you’re considering it, though, and it can work, listen here, or right around there, typically! But, also, prep work is a total requirement or must-do to actually appreciate it, in short. Here’s what I learned, anyway, when it came to making, arguably, sure I made the most out of a very, very packed schedule:

• Early Starts Are Super Key: Okay, so get your butt up and get out there before the crowds swarm. Basically, fewer tourists at places makes everything, honestly, so much nicer to appreciate, truly.
• Hire a Very Good Driver: And if you can hire somebody to do the job and take you there, there’s actually quite the bit saved up or found in comfort or discomfort. Time’s important and local know-how is, like, the ultimate cheat code, typically.
• Light Packing, Packing Super Light, Okay?: Like lugging around, usually, a whole bunch of gear? The total mood killer or more like complete opposite, totally! Bringing less makes traveling places super faster, just for instance.
• Hydrate a Lot: Walking and hiking under the desert sun cooks you slowly or it does to a crisp!, arguably. It’s, for example, truly so much better to carry some water.
• Flexible is Better, and Always Is, Anyway: Sometimes things don’t go, usually, according to schedule. Seriously, keep your attitude easy or chilled!

Is This Tour Right for You? Some Thoughts on Choosing Well

Anyway, that 2-day hop through southern Jordan’s a toughy—no doubt or all in question?, you know? But hey! Some people will love the rush it has. Okay, that kinda person is always that thrill-seeker who just never has any time to spare and that actually wants some highlights real, and is also doing a lil bit more traveling or being that way.

So, what did I find, or the flip, when traveling super quick?: The whole deal might be, usually, not suited to those looking, always, for the slow, detailed route through things, for instance! Or those thinking the desert’s all, typically, supposed to, kind of, offer some luxury getaway, seriously. This is some experience that’s really outdoorsy—and sometimes kinda basic, honestly—if things go off road, basically.

I will say, to each their own: some of us prefer taking longer to appreciate things more than seeing ‘all of it’, okay? It would often really come down to travel type or vibe, really, just, honestly. Actually, personally, for one thing: my way, and more than others! I loved all those super varied experiences that Jordan gives—right now, fast or nothing?, anyway! I, for another one, thought Petra’s majesty and also all of Wadi Rum’s beauty really wowed me as being almost nothing as anyplace.

But, again?, my advice always? Think, very, about how you want, actually, really, really feel and do that before you take, almost, really anything or more than that, arguably! Either all or a bunch of people usually, always travel around things from which each is the own super travel styles and preferences always?