Petra and Wadi Rum

Hi !
It doesn't matter which one you do first ; you will probably cross the border in Eilat, so either you stop first in Wadi Rum and then Petra, then back to Eilat, or the other way, it's quite similar !
I would advice you to book a tour in advance, so you don't lose too much time looking for a guide, especially for Wadi Rum...and it's not more expensive booking in advance ! In addition, you will probably be able to join a group to do it, share transports... so it will be cheaper ! I can give you the contact of Jordan Nomads, I traveled with them several times and I was really satisfied of what they propose ! You will feel like a real bedouin, discovering the desert far from the beaten tracks ! And they can arrange you transports to or from Petra (and maybe you can share transports fares with other people, just ask them !)

Hi,

Maybe better than stay one night in Wadi Musa and Wadi Rum, it will be better to visit during the day.

Try to stay two days (and three nights) in Wadi Rum to visit Petra.

Staying in the Rum (inside or outside the protected area) for the night, under the star, is a "highlight" but one full day (the same or two half-days and the night) is a perfect timing.

Michel

Where are you re-crossing back into Israel, if at all? If going back to Eilat, the best advice is to visit Petra first, then go to Wadi Rum, then onto Aqaba. Like number 1 says, it doesn't matter too much which way you do it, although if you're on a budget, you may like to consider the costs of transport. There may be one or two cheap, local minibuses a day heading to Wadi Rum from Aqaba or Ma'an, but finding them is hard. A taxi costs at least 20-25 euros from each place.

The easiest and cheapest way on your own is to take minibuses to Wadi Musa/Petra, stay there as long as you want to spend seeing the site, 1.5 - 2 days is best, and costs near the same. Then, ask your hotel/guesthouse for the Wadi Musa to Wadi Rum minibus to pick you up, usually very early like 5.30 - 6am, and costs about 6euros. Theres a tout on the bus who'll pester you trying to sell an expensive tour, but best to wait until you reach the visitor's centre, then call the guide of your choice. Take a recommendation from Thorn Tree or other travellers - meeting other solo travellers on the bus is recommnended for this.

I did it like this and paid 40% of what those who reserved ahead paid, for exactly the same tour. Booking from Israel will cost even more! Theres lots of camps with plenty of beds, so theres little danger of not finding something, and even if you booked ahead, they'll put you on the same bus anyway from Petra. If you did want to book, any travel agent anywhere could do it for you (taking a big commission, which is added to what you pay). The first day of the tour is seeing various canyons, dunes and desert formations, while the 2nd day you can go camel riding or leave - the same minibus can take you back to the desert highway for Aqaba, or to Wadi Musa, leaving at 8.30 - 9am. Hope that helps!

Thanks so much for the help guys, almondy23 your advice is great and will do what you recommend. Thanks again!