Introducing Jordan
For many people Jordan begins and ends with the magical ancient Nabataean city of Petra. And it's true, Petra is without doubt one of the Middle East's most spectacular, unmissable sights, battling it out with Machu Picchu or Angkor Wat for the title of the world's most dramatic 'lost city'.
Advertisement
Yet there's so much more to see in Jordan - ruined Roman cities, Crusader castles, desert citadels and powerful biblical sites: the brook where Jesus was baptised, the fortress where Herod beheaded John the Baptist, and the mountain top where Moses cast eyes on the Promised Land. Biblical scenes are not just consigned to the past in Jordan; you'll see plenty of men wearing full-flowing robes and leading herds of livestock across the timeless desert. But it's not all crusty ruins. Jordan's capital Amman is a modern, culturally diverse Arab city which is lightyears away from the typical cliches of Middle Eastern exoticism. The country also offers some of the wildest adventures in the region, as well as an incredibly varied backdrop ranging from the red desert sands of Wadi Rum to the brilliant blues of the coral-filled Gulf of Aqaba; from rich palm-filled wadis to the lifeless Dead Sea. Ultimately it's the sensual delights of daily life in the Middle East that you'll hanker for longest after you return home; the bittersweet taste of cardamom coffee or the smell of a richly scented nargileh (water pipe); the intoxicating swirl of Arabic pop sliding out of an Amman doorway and the deafening silence of the desert.
Jordanians are a passionate and proud people and the country truly welcomes visitors with open arms. Despite being squeezed between the hotspots of Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Israel & the Palestinian Territories, Jordan is probably the safest and most stable country in the region. Regardless of your nationality, you'll be greeted with nothing but courtesy and hospitality in this gem of a country.
Travel Alert: Travellers in Jordan should exercise caution; check Safe Travel for current government warnings.
Make it happen
Ready to go? These recommended partners make it easy:
- Off the beaten track to Petra and Wadi Rum
- Discover Jordan with the family
- Tour to Madaba, Mount Nebo and The Dead Sea
- Cycle to Petra and Wadi Rum
Last updated: 2012. 1. 19
Tips & articles
-
Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel: top 10 countries for 2012
27 10월 2011
Which countries will come into their own as travel destinations in 2012? We’ve collated hundreds of ideas from everyone at...
-
Tom Hall’s travel picks for 2011
30 12월 2010
What’s in store for travel in and around Europe in 2011? Here are some suggestions to get you booking that...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
-
RE: 7 days in Jordan
by go_2 14 9월 2011
re. 'joyful' @ post #5 (though hopefully not for long) SPAM... SPAM... SPAM... SPAM... I would +never+ book with a tour company that…
-
Re: 7 days in Jordan
by joyful_237 14 9월 2011
when you go to Jordan. you must see Petra it is a MUST see. the ticket a little expensive but you can't pass it up. Also you must take…
-
RE: Help with Egypt to Jordan itinerary, June/July 2012
by a1 14 9월 2011
Please note that if you are indifferent to Israel 'evidence' in your passport, then it is much faster and cheaper to go from Egypt to…
Advertisement
Jordan
Things to do
- All things to do (315)
- Activities (52)
- Entertainment (37)
- Restaurants (87)
- Shopping (41)
- Sights (80)
- Tours (18)
Make it happen
Our Top Picks For Jordan
-
1 Jerash
One of the best-preserved ancient Roman cities in the Middle East
-
2 Mt Nebo
Stand on the site where Moses looked out over the Promised Land
-
3 Dead Sea
Try floating in the salty water in the lowest place on earth
-
4 Karak
Labyrinthine Crusader castle that dominates the walled town below
-
5 Madaba
Mellow small-town vibe that offers wonderful Byzantine mosaics and lots of day trips
Fast Facts about Jordan
- Local name
Al-Mamlakah al- Urdunniyah al- Hashimiyah
- Tourism contributes
10% of GDP and US$800 million to the economy every year
- Land Area
96, 188 sq km
- Cultivated land
4.5%
- Religion
80% Sunni Muslim, 15% Shi'a Muslim, 5% Christian
- Palestinians living in Jordan
1.7 million
- Population
5, 759, 000 (July 2005 est)
- Percentage of Jordanians who have a mobile phone
- Former names
Rabbath Ammon, Philadelphia (the 'City of Brotherly Love')
- Elevation
850m
- Population
1.8 million
Our favourite Jordan Blogs (beta)
-
Five Reasons to Visit Jordan in 2012
Blog: Landlopers - 25 1월 2012
1. Safe and stable so far - The reverberations of the 2011 Arab Spring have been felt throughout the Middle East, and they’re not over yet. The instability in Egypt especially has had a lasting impact on tourism not only in that country, but surrounding...Copyright LandLopers All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.
-
Jordanian Food: Sumac, Spice & Slice
Blog: Inside the Travel Lab - 23 1월 2012
The older I get, the more I enjoy cooking classes. With an opening statement like that, I’m in danger of whirling around in a cartoon swirl and remerging as an immaculately groomed housewife from the 1950s: hair set, rosy-cheeked smile, skirt that sticks out like a snipped triangle and the scent of freshly baked cookies following me around like a caricature cloud...
-
Reflections on a Petra Dog
Blog: Landlopers - 23 1월 2012
I took this photo in Petra, Jordan, while on a 10-hour exploration of the ancient site. It was hot, scorching really, and every living thing was seeking shade of some sort, including this little guy. Dogs traditionally are not well cared for in certain...Copyright LandLopers All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.
