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Jordan offers something truly unique – vast geographic diversity in a compact area, making it a perfect setting for big thrills and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. This scenic, welcoming Middle Eastern kingdom, whose total area could fit into Canada approximately 110 times, has easy access to adrenaline-inducing excursions, ranging from camel trekking to cycling and canyoning.
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Spanning 650 kilometres from the ruins of Umm Qais to the Red Sea resort of Aqaba, the new Jordan Trail is a good example of these adventurous outings. Soak up sacred and historic sights en route, such as the lost city of Petra, featured in the 1989 blockbuster movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
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“Jordan is a unique adventure-tourism destination because of its geographic and environmental diversity,” says Visit Jordan adventure specialist Ahmad Bani-Hani. “You can hike through northern Jordan’s oak forests, passing through archaeological sites and villages and sleeping in homestays to experience the local food and lifestyle.”
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You can create your own bucket list on MyJordanJourney.com, but for a jumpstart on your adventure-packed itinerary, consider these eight incredible experiences.
- Jeep adventures in Wadi Rum
Want a dynamic way to explore the desert valley that has graced Hollywood classics, from Lawrence of Arabia to The Martian? Take a guided driving tour on a 4x4 Jeep over red and white sands past marvellous canyons, dramatic rock bridges and intriguing petroglyphs, and then feast on slow-cooked lamb. The vast emptiness and the sunrise and sunset views all contribute to an unforgettable outing. - Eco-hiking through historic and holy sites
Thanks to the new Jordan Trail, which traverses the country from north to south, eco-hiking has hit new exciting heights. The fresh-air viewing choices are endless, from medieval castles to places where Jesus reputedly walked. At the award-winning Feynan Ecolodge, visitors can hike past the remains of an early-Byzantine monastery and glimpse brilliantly coloured Syrian Serin finches, or learn how Bedouin tribes use plants for medicine. - Canyoning thrills at Wadi Mujib
Adventure seekers gravitate to Wadi Mujib, declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2011. As you explore sandstone canyons, you can swim in natural pools, scramble over rocks and rappel down a 20-metre waterfall with trained guides. Keep your eyes peeled for Egyptian vultures, Levant sparrowhawks and other migratory birds. - Camel trekking in the desert
Nothing evokes the traditional Bedouin lifestyle more than riding camels. Set sail aboard one of these “ships of the desert” in Wadi Rum. Test your endurance and skill, as you pace past the Nabataean Temple’s ruined marble columns, Lawrence’s Spring (where British author T.E. Lawrence, the inspiration behind Lawrence of Arabia, refreshed himself) and other historic sites. Catch the action of camels racing at the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Camel Race Festival, held annually in November at the Wadi Rum track. - Scuba-diving delights in Aqaba
Whether your preference is scuba diving or snorkelling, the pristine coral reefs provide enticing options at the Red Sea resort of Aqaba. For more than 30 years, the classic Cedar Pride shipwreck has harboured a dazzling assortment of underwater life, from octopi and anemones to morays and lionfish. The wreck’s maximum depth of 26 metres offers plenty for divers who enjoy great visibility and balmy water temperatures of 20 to 26 degrees Celsius. - Cycling to Jordan’s ancient sites
Beyond the bustling capital city of Amman, cyclists can head into the wilderness to get a closer look at Jordan’s grandest historical sites. From the beautifully preserved Roman amphitheatres of Jerash to the frescoes of dancers and hunting scenes at Qasar Amra to the monumental Crusader castle of Kerak, there’s a lot to admire as you work up a sweat on your bike. Book a customized private tour in Amman. - Rock climbing in Wadi Rum
Since the mid-1980s, the popularity of rock climbing in Wadi Rum has steadily expanded. Hundreds of climbs of varying difficulty, along with accredited Bedouin guides, await enthusiasts. Large sandstone formations, hidden chimneys and bolted rappel routes will challenge the skills of climbers while they gaze over the ruins and dunes of the legendary valley. - Wildlife viewing in the Dana Biosphere Reserve
National Geographic Traveler named the Feynan Ecolodge one of the world’s top 25 ecolodges. This luxurious property serves as an excellent jumping-off point to explore the Dana Biosphere Reserve, a protected 320-square-kilometre area that is home to nearly 450 wildlife species. Naturalists are on hand to help guests spot the Nubian ibex and Blanford’s fox, among other rarities on-site.
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This content was produced by The Globe and Mail's Globe Edge Content Studio. The Globe's editorial department was not involved in its creation.