FROM Petra to wadi rum

(JORDAN)

From the rose-red Nabatean city of Petra to Wadi Rum: A 10-day journey through the heart of Jordan! One of its greatest natural wonders, Wadi Rum, is often considered the most impressive desert landscape in the world. This vast, colorful, and echoing desert is a paradise for both nature enthusiasts and horse lovers—legendary landscapes that inspired Lawrence of Arabia.

On this ride, you’ll experience fast gallops and long canters across the stunning desert, camp under the stars around a crackling fire, and enjoy delicious Arabic and Jordanian cuisine. You’ll also explore Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and enjoy the incredible sensation of floating effortlessly in the Dead Sea, the saltiest body of water on Earth.

On the last day, we’ll enjoy a day at a luxurious 5-star spa retreat, where we’ll cleanse our skin with mineral-rich mud and allow our bodies to recover from the trek.

Group of riders with arabian horses walking through the vast wadi rum desert, some rugged clif on the left. The sky is bright blue and the sand is golden, with the horse's footprints in the front.

QUICK GUIDE

  • Airport: Amman Queen Alia (AMM)

  • Intermediate to advanced riders

  • From $1950 per person based on shared room/tent

  • 10 days, 6 horse riding days

  • Group size: Min. 3 - Max. 10

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Ride through Wadi Rum—a UNESCO-listed paradise for nature and horse lovers. Enjoy fast gallops and long canters across the desert landscapes.

  • Camp under the stars, relax by a campfire after a full day of riding, and enjoy delicious Jordanian cuisine.

  • Mix of adventure & sightseeing, exploring Petra—one of the modern Seven Wonders of the World—and floating in the Dead Sea, the saltiest body of water on Earth.

Group of riders on arabian horses in a row under a huge arch in the Wadi Rum desert.
At night, a sky full of stars shines over the yellowish mountains of the Wadi Rum desert.

information about RIDING IN JORDAN

  • The horses include a variety of breeds including arabs and arab crosses with local breeds, Anglo-Arabs, and thoroughbreds. Though they may not be very tall, these horses are exceptionally strong, resilient, and perfectly equipped to handle the challenging desert conditions.

    Required skill level: This ride is for experienced intermediate to advanced riders only. Participants should be fit enough for extended canters, even in hot weather, and should feel comfortable riding at all speeds. Riders must be able to trot, canter, and gallop in a group, maintaining a light seat during faster paces, and riding with soft, independent hands.

    The maximum weight for riders is 85 kg.

    Riders are encouraged to help care for their horses by providing food and water. However, brushing and saddling will be done by our team at each stop.

    English-style saddles are used, and each horse has a bit and bridle selected to match its temperament. The saddle pads are equipped with pockets to hold small items such as water bottles, cameras, and sunscreen, which can be brought along on the ride. A jeep will carry the rest of your luggage, which will be available during lunch and dinner or camping breaks.

    The pace will depend on the terrain. There will be plenty of opportunities for long trots and canters when the ground allows, but there will also be stretches of walking over soft sand or rocky terrain.

  • Accommodation: The first two nights and last two will be in 3-stars or more Hotel. Other nights will be in tents. Mattresses and dome tents are provided; you will set up and take down your own tent each day, with assistance available if needed. As we are trekking in the desert, sanitary facilities are very basic, and water is limited. The camping is basic so you need to be prepared to live without home comforts for a few days.

    Single supplement: USD 150

    Food: Meals on the ride are prepared by the camp chef and showcase delicious Jordanian and Arabic specialities every day. Tea is served at every break and water and soft drinks are available at all times in the cool box.
    Alcohol is not provided and is not consumed by the guiding team but it is usually available in the hotels and so you can buy it if you wish. Bringing alcohol to the ride in the desert is not recommended for cultural reasons.
    Vegetarian diets can be accommodated with prior notice.

  • PRICE: From USD 1950 per person, based on two riders sharing a twin or double room/tent during the holiday.

    Single supplement: USD150

    2025 DEPARTURE DATES:

    • Friday March 21 – Sunday March 30

    • Friday March 28 – Sunday April 6 · (3 saddles left available)

    • Friday April 4 – Sunday April 13 · (6 saddles left available)

    • Friday April 11 – Sunday April 20 · (1 saddles left available)

    • Friday April 18 – Sunday April 27 · (5 saddles left available)

    • Friday April 25 – Sunday May 4 · (5 saddles left available)

    • Friday May 2 - Sunday May 11 · (FULLY BOOKED)

    • Friday May 9 – Sunday May 18 · (8 saddles left available)

    • Friday May 16 – Sunday May 25

    • Friday May 23 – Sunday June 1 · (5 saddles left available)


    * * *

    SUMMER BREAK - DUE TO THE HEAT, WE DO NOT ORGANIZE TREKS IN JUNE, JULY AND AUGUST.

    * * *

    • Friday September 5 – Sunday September 14 (7 saddles left available)

    • Friday September 12 – Sunday September 21

    • Friday September 19 – Sunday September 28 · (8 saddles left available)

    • Friday September 26 – Sunday October 5 · (3 saddles left available)

    • Friday October 3 – Sunday October 12 · (6 saddles left available)

    • Friday October 10 – Sunday October 19

    • Friday October 17 – Sunday October 26

    • Friday October 24 – Sunday November 2

    • Friday October 31 - Sunday November 9 · (7 saddles left available)

    • Friday November 7 - Sunday November 16 · (8 saddles left available)

    • Friday November 14 - Sunday November 23 · (8 saddles left available)

    • Friday November 21 - Sunday November 30 · (9 saddles left available)

  • What's Included:

    • All transfers as described in the program.

    • Night in a hotel in Madaba on days 1 and 9, including breakfast

    • Night in a hotel near Petra on Days 2 and 8, including breakfast and dinner.

    • 5 nights camping in the Wadi Rum with dome tent and matress.

    • English speaking horse guide.

    • 6 days riding from Petra to Wadi Rum, (between 5 and 6 hours per day)

    • Full board from Day 2 to Day 10 (excluding lunch on Day 2 and dinner on Day 9) including drinks (non-alcoholic)

    • Day 9: Entry and lunch at a 5* resort at the Dead Sea (drinks NOT included)

    Not Included:

    • Flights

    • Jordan Pass, you will have to buy it before departure – your visa fee will be waived upon arrival (www.jordanpass.jo) and your 1-day entry ticket to Petra and entry to Wadi Rum are included in the price of 70 JOD.
      Please PRINT your Jordan Pass so that the guide can take it to the visitor center in Wadi Rum !

    • Meals not mentioned in the program: dinner day 1 & day 9 in Madaba, lunch day 2 in Petra, drinks at lunch on day 9

    • Tips are usually accepted in Euro, Jordanian dinar or US dollar.

    • Travel insurance for horse tours is mandatory

    • Sleeping bag

    • Helmets are not provided on this ride: you should bring your own.

    • Single supplement: USD150

  • Climate:

    Jordan has a desert climate, with predominantly hot temperatures and little rain, but there are some seasonal and regional differences. Winter is short and usually December - February.

    Wadi Rum:
    Spring and Autumn temperatures are usually 24-27ºC during the day, dropping to 10-12ºC at night. The summers are very hot, around 40ºC, and there is no riding. Winter can be cold, with daytime temperatures of 13-14ºC and nights of minus 1ºC.

    Airport:

    The closest airport is Amman (airport code: AMM).

    Airport transfers to/from the airport are included in your holiday. Our driver will be waiting for you in the arrival hall and your host will always available by phone should you need any assistance.

    VISA:

    You will need to purchase a Jordan Pass (www.jordanpass.jo) before the start of your holiday. The pass you’ll require is called the “Jordan Wanderer”, which costs 70 JOD (approx US $100). By purchasing this pass, your visa fee upon arrival in Jordan will be waived, and you will receive your visa stamp at the airport. The Jordan Pass also includes entry to Petra and Wadi Rum, so no additional entry fees are required. Be sure to PRINT your Jordan Pass, as your guide will need to present it at the visitor center in Wadi Rum.

Galoping in the Wadi Rum desert in Jordan on a white horse.
A hot air balloon soaring over the rugged mountains of the Wadi Rum Desert in Jordan.
A traveler with a backpack and headscarf hikes towards the Monastery (Ad Deir), one of Petra’s most iconic ancient rock-cut structures in Jordan, surrounded by rugged sandstone mountains and a clear blue sky.
Three riders walk on horseback on top of a rugged sandstone cliff. In the background , the mountains of the Wadi Rum desert.

Day by day ITINERARY

  • Day 1 : Arrival

    Upon arrival at Amman airport, you’ll be greeted by a driver for your transfer to a 3* hotel in Madaba; a mostly Christian town. If time allows you can visit the St. George church and the mosaics at the archaeological museum. We can recommend you a very nice Jordanian dinner (not included) at a local restaurant: Haret Djoudna.

    Note: you will have to buy the Jordan Pass before departure, so your visa fee will be waived upon arrival (www.jordanpass.jo). Your 1-day entry ticket to Petra and entry to Wadi Rum are included in the price of 70 JOD.

    Day 2: Visit Petra

    08.00 AM: transfer to Petra (3 hrs). You will be taken to your 3* hotel where you can leave your luggage (Early check-in if possible). A short walk takes you to the visitor center of Petra where they scan your Jordan Pass and you can start your non-guided tour. You can hire there a private guide if you prefer. We recommend you to visit via the Siq, the Treasury, the street of façades and the colonnaded street. You can climb up to the monastery or the high place of Sacrifice. Lunch is not included. At night you will have dinner and a pre-ride meeting at Petra B&B with your guide for the riding trip.

  • Day 3 - First ride in the mountains

    After breakfast, transfer to the starting point of the ride (25 minutes). Your adventure begins in the mountains. The morning ride lasts 2.5 hours, offering amazing views over Petra and Wadi Araba.

    After lunch, we continue for another 2.5 hours, riding through small villages and past Bedouin tents, as the landscape gradually transitions from mountains to desert. You will enjoy your first night under the stars.

    Day 4 - Wadi Rum Desert

    After breakfast, you take down your tent while our team prepares your horse, and then the ride begins!

    We ride for about 2 hours toward the village of Humayma, where we lead the horses across the Desert Highway into the northern part of Wadi Rum, the Kharaza area. Here, we enjoy our first long canter before stopping for our lunch break.

    In the afternoon, we ride for another 2.5 hours through dry riverbeds and valleys to our camp location. Be quick to remove your horse’s saddle—he’ll be eager for a good sand bath! It’s a beautiful spot to enjoy sunset and sunrise.

    Day 5 - Protected Area of Wadi Rum

    After breakfast, the third day of riding begins in a stunning part of the desert as you get into the protected area of Wadi Rum. The morning ride lasts 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on how much the group enjoys long canters!

    Lunch is near Umm Ishrin, with plenty of time to relax: enjoy the meal, take a nap, snap some pictures, and soak in the scenery.

    In the afternoon, we ride for another 2.5 hours along endless sand roads, perfect for many canters. Here, the sand shifts through many shades—so keep your cameras ready!

    Day 6 - Wadi Rum & Burdah Bridge

    This morning, we ride for 2 to 2.5 hours, passing through breathtaking landscapes of mountains and valleys.

    After a well-deserved lunch break, we continue for another 2.5 hours, riding via Burdah Bridge to the 5-kilometer-long Barrah Canyon, where we set up camp.

    Enjoy the silence...

    Day 7 - Wadi Rum & Barrah canyon

    After breakfast, we continue our ride through Barrah Canyon. We ride for about 3 hours, still enjoying amazing views, colors, and nice, long canters along the way.

    After our lunch break, we continue for another 2 hours to our camping spot near a beautiful dune—perfect for capturing beautiful sunset and sunrise pictures. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a few hot air balloons drifting through the sky early in the morning.

    Day 8 - Ride back to civilization

    After breakfast, we ride for 2.5 hours through a beautiful area with natural rock bridges and a “mushroom” rock along the way. You will enjoy many canters before our lunch break.

    In the afternoon, we ride for about 1 hour across a mud flat, where we can enjoy one last short canter. Then, it’s time to say goodbye to your horse and the team. You will be transferred back to a 3-star hotel in Petra for a well-deserved hot shower!

    Dinner at Petra B&B.

  • Day 9: Dead Sea and Mabada

    8:00 AM: Transfer to the Dead Sea (3 hours).

    Lunch at the 4 or 5-star Holiday Inn Resort at their buffet restaurant (drinks not included). Spend the afternoon enjoying the beach, Dead Sea mud, pools, and other resort facilities.

    Around 5:00 PM: Transfer to your 3-star hotel in Madaba via the scenic Mt. Nebo route through the hills (45 minutes).

    Day 10: Departure day

    Pick up and transfer 2.5 hours before the departure time of your flight.

A blue dome tent stands facing a vast valley, framed by rugged sandstone mountains. In the center, a group of horses peacefully grazes and rests.
petra.jpg
A group of riders are sitting on the sand at sunset in the Wadi Rum desert of Jordan.
Riders walk on horseback across golden sands as the sun rises, casting a warm glow over the Jordanian desert. The towering mountains take on stunning reddish hues, creating an amazing landscape.
A row of riders stands on the reddish sand in the Wadi Rum desert, in front of a natural monument that looks like a mushroom.
A between the ears shot, mounted on a red horse, galloping in the Jordanian desert.
A camp is set in a reddish canyon. People rest on the left while horses graze on the right.
A line of riders on Arabian horses moves through the reddish sands of the Wadi Rum desert. The sun shines brightly, casting a warm glow, while the black mountains stand in striking contrast against the clear blue sky.
A rider is galloping through the Jordanian desert on a white Arabian horse.
A row of riders on Arabian horses stands in the Wadi Rum desert. The morning sun shines , casting long shadows on the sand, while the mountains at the back stand in striking contrast against the blue sky.
A camp is set at the entrance of a huge canyon. A few tents are set at the front, and the horses rest at the back.
A group is galloping on Arabian horses in the vast Jordanian desert with rugged mountains in the background.
Group of riders horse trekking through the Wadi Rum desert of Jordan.
Group of riders galloping on a wide, sandy piste in the Wadi Rum desert of Jordan, surrounded by rugged mountains.
Group of riders trekking at midday in the desert in Jordan, near Petra.
A man and a woman are relaxing, floating in the Dead Sea, reading a newspaper.
A row of riders on horses under a huge arch in the Jordanian desert.
Arab horse smelling a camel in the Jordanian desert.
Two riders galloping on a white and a black horse in the Wadi Rum desert in Jordan.
Two people jump high over the dunes at sunset, their figures silhouetted against the glowing sky, with the dark mountains in the background.
A row of riders stands on reddish sands in front of the Wadi Rum mountains.
A line of riders trekking on horseback through the dunes in the Jordanian desert.
Grey Arab horse facing us on a rocky mountain in the Wadi Rum desert.
Sky full of stars, shining over a sand cliff in Jordan.
Sunset in the Wadi Rum desert, with the sand glowing and the mountains standing out in the background.
Group of riders trekking with arabian horses in the Wadi Rum desert.
Adventurer laying on a matress in the Jordanian desert, facing the beautiful sunset between the mountains.
Group of riders trekking in the Wadi Rum desert, in a reddish sandy valley with the mountains in the background.
Lovely terrace with flowers and great views of Petra in the background.
Beautiful red Arab horse in Jordan.