18-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Jordan
Jordan is often perceived as an expensive destination, but with a bit of savvy planning and a focus on local life, it is a backpacker's paradise. By utilizing the Jordan Pass to cover entry fees and focusing on the country’s incredible street food culture—think hummus, falafel, and manakish—you can keep your daily costs incredibly low while witnessing some of the world's most iconic landmarks.
This 18-day epic journey takes you from the northern Roman ruins to the southern shores of the Red Sea. You will travel like a local, using the network of white service taxis and minibuses, staying in social hostels, and exploring the vast landscapes of Dana and Wadi Rum on foot. Get ready for legendary hospitality and ancient history without the luxury price tag.
Day 1: Amman, Jordan - Arrival & The Rainbow Street Vibe
Queen Alia Airport Arrival
Touch down in Amman. Instead of a private taxi, take the yellow Sariyah airport shuttle bus to the North Bus Station or 7th Circle for just a few Dinars.
Hostel Check-in near Downtown
Drop your bags at a budget-friendly hostel in the downtown (Balad) area, which is the heart of cheap eats and local markets.
Stroll Down Rainbow Street
Walk up the hill to Jabal Amman. Rainbow Street offers great window shopping and views of the city without spending a dime.
Dinner at Al Quds
Grab a legendary falafel sandwich at Al Quds on Rainbow Street for less than $1. It is widely considered the best in the city.
Day 2: Amman, Jordan - Ancient History & Citadel Sunsets
The Amman Citadel
Explore the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace. Use your Jordan Pass for free entry and enjoy the 360-degree views of the capital.
Roman Theatre
Walk down the stairs from the Citadel to the 6,000-seat Roman Theatre. It's a perfect spot for people-watching and photography.
Hashem Restaurant
Eat like a local at this legendary open-air spot. Order the hummus, moutabal, and falafel for a shared feast that costs only a few dollars.
Downtown Souks
Wander through the Gold Souk and the Spice Market. The smells and sights are free, and it is the best place to observe daily Amman life.
Day 3: Amman, Jordan - Street Art & Coffee Culture
Jabal Al Lweibdeh Walk
Explore the bohemian neighborhood of Lweibdeh. It is famous for its street art, small galleries, and relaxed community atmosphere.
Lunch at a Bakery
Buy fresh Khubz (bread) or Manakish (za'atar pizza) from a hole-in-the-wall bakery for about $0.50.
Dar Al-Anda Art Gallery
Visit this free gallery located in one of the city's oldest villas, offering contemporary Arab art and a stunning terrace view.
Kunafeh at Habibah
Join the long queue in the alleyway downtown for a slice of warm, cheesy Kunafeh. It is the ultimate Jordanian dessert experience.
Day 4: Jerash, Jordan - The Pompeii of the East
Local Bus to Jerash
Head to the North Bus Station (Tarbarboor) and catch a local minibus to Jerash. It's cheap, frequent, and a great way to meet locals.
Jerash Archaeological Site
Spend hours walking through the Oval Plaza, the Cardo Maximus, and the stunning Hadrian's Arch. Entry is included in your Jordan Pass.
Local Market Exploration
Before heading back, walk through the modern Jerash town market to buy fresh fruit and snacks for the bus ride.
Back to Amman
Catch the return minibus. Spend your evening at a local cafe in Amman smoking shisha or drinking mint tea with the locals.
Day 5: Madaba, Jordan - The City of Mosaics
Minibus to Madaba
Take a direct minibus from Amman to Madaba. This town is smaller, walkable, and much more laid back than the capital.
St. George’s Church
See the famous 6th-century Mosaic Map of the Holy Land. It is a masterpiece of ancient cartography.
Madaba Archaeological Park
Wander through the ruins of several Byzantine churches and paved Roman streets. Most sites here are covered by the Jordan Pass.
Mount Nebo Sunset
Take a short taxi ride to the spot where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land. The sunset over the Dead Sea is breathtaking.
Day 6: Dead Sea, Jordan - Floating on a Budget
Public Beach Access
Avoid the $50 resort day passes. Take a local bus or share a taxi to the Amman Tourist Beach or find 'wild' spots further south (though be careful with fresh water).
The Mud Experience
Slather yourself in mineral-rich Dead Sea mud and float effortlessly in the hypersaline water. It is a natural spa treatment for free.
Wadi Mujib Siq Trail (Seasonal)
If visiting between April and October, stop at Wadi Mujib for a canyoning adventure. It’s an adrenaline rush like no other.
Return to Madaba
Sleep in Madaba again to save money on expensive Dead Sea hotels.
Day 7: Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jordan - Hiking the Highlands
Transport to Dana
Negotiate a shared taxi or take a combination of buses to Dana Village. The stone village perched on a cliff is incredibly atmospheric.
Dana Village Walk
Explore the semi-abandoned stone village and enjoy the silence. There are no entrance fees for the village itself.
Shaq al Reesh Trail
Embark on a self-guided hike on one of the shorter trails around the village for spectacular views of the valley.
Communal Dinner
Most budget stays in Dana offer communal dinners. It is the best way to fill up and meet fellow hikers.
Day 8: Wadi Musa, Jordan - Gateway to Petra
Local Bus to Wadi Musa
Take the daily morning bus from Dana to Wadi Musa (the town next to Petra). Make sure to tell your guesthouse host to reserve a seat.
Budget Lunch in Wadi Musa
Avoid the restaurants right next to the Petra gate. Walk uphill into the local town area for much cheaper shawarma and juices.
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
Take a cheap taxi or walk to Little Petra. It’s free to enter and offers a 'preview' of the Nabataean architecture without the crowds.
Sunset at the High Place
Find a spot overlooking the valley as the lights of Wadi Musa begin to twinkle.
Day 9: Petra, Jordan - The Treasury & Beyond
Early Bird Entry
Be at the gate when it opens at 6 AM. Walking through the Siq in the morning light before the crowds arrive is magical.
The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)
Take your time admiring the facade. Avoid paying 'guides' to take you to high viewpoints unless you've negotiated a very low price.
Street of Facades
Explore the Royal Tombs and the Roman Theatre. Bring your own water and snacks to avoid the inflated prices inside the site.
The Monastery (Ad Deir)
Hike the 800 steps to the Monastery. It's larger than the Treasury and the view from the top is unbeatable.
Day 10: Petra, Jordan - The High Place of Sacrifice
High Place of Sacrifice Hike
Take the steep climb up for ritual altars and incredible views. Descend through Wadi Farasa for a quieter, more scenic route.
The Great Temple
Visit the massive complex in the center of the city. It’s a great place to see archaeologists at work.
Garden Temple Complex
Find the hidden cisterns and carved lion fountains along the back trails that most tourists miss.
Petra by Night (Optional)
If you have extra cash, you can pay for the candlelit experience. If not, enjoy a cheap tea at a local hostel terrace.
Day 11: Petra, Jordan - The Back Entrance Trek
Wadi Ghwir to Petra
Use your third day on the Petra pass to enter via the 'back door' from Little Petra for a completely different perspective of the landscape.
Picnic at the Byzantine Church
Eat your packed lunch near the church mosaics, overlooking the colonnaded street.
Unayshu Tomb
Visit the tombs on the far side of the valley, which offer some of the best sunset photography spots in the park.
Last Night in Wadi Musa
Visit the local fruit market to stock up on supplies for the desert journey tomorrow.
Day 12: Wadi Rum, Jordan - Entering the Martian Desert
Bus to Wadi Rum
Take the early morning backpacker bus from Wadi Musa directly to the Wadi Rum Visitor Centre.
Wadi Rum Village
Meet your Bedouin hosts. For the ultimate budget experience, look for 'eco-camps' or traditional Bedouin tents.
Lawrence’s Spring
Start your desert tour with a stop at this natural spring mentioned in 'Seven Pillars of Wisdom'.
Zarb Dinner
Experience a traditional Bedouin barbecue cooked underground. It is usually included in your camp stay.
Day 13: Wadi Rum, Jordan - Red Sands & Starry Nights
Sand Dune Scrambling
Climb the massive red sand dunes for a workout and a view. Running down them is the best free fun you'll have.
Khazali Canyon
Walk through this narrow fissure to see ancient Petroglyphs (Thamudic inscriptions) on the walls.
Burdah Rock Bridge
Hike up to one of the highest natural arches in the world. It requires a bit of scrambling but is worth the effort.
Stargazing
Wadi Rum has some of the darkest skies on earth. Lay back on the sand and enjoy the Milky Way for free.
Day 14: Wadi Rum, Jordan - Desert Silence
Guided Desert Walk
Instead of a jeep, spend the morning walking between rock formations to truly appreciate the scale of the desert.
Tea with Bedouins
Stop at a remote Bedouin tent for sweet sage tea. Hospitality is a way of life here.
Um Frouth Rock Arch
A smaller, very photogenic arch that is easy to climb for that perfect 'Mars' photo.
Bedouin Storytelling
Spend your last night in the desert listening to stories and music around the campfire.
Day 15: Aqaba, Jordan - Red Sea Relaxation
Transfer to Aqaba
Take a shared taxi or the morning bus from Wadi Rum village to Aqaba, Jordan's only coastal city.
South Beach Snorkeling
Don’t pay for boat trips. Take a local bus to the South Beach, rent a mask for $3, and swim out to see the Coral Garden.
Aqaba Fort
Visit the Mamluk Castle near the waterfront. It’s small but historically significant and usually very cheap to enter.
Fish Dinner at the Port
Eat fresh fish at one of the local stalls near the port area for much less than the tourist restaurants.
Day 16: Aqaba, Jordan - Markets & Marine Life
Duty-Free Shopping
Aqaba is a duty-free zone. It’s the cheapest place in Jordan to buy nuts, coffee, and spices to take home.
Sayadieh Lunch
Try the local specialty, Sayadieh (spiced fish and rice), at a local eatery away from the main beach strip.
Glass Bottom Boat
If you don't want to get wet, negotiate a short ride on a glass-bottom boat to see the famous sunken tank and plane.
Ayla Square Stroll
Walk around the new Ayla Marina area for some window shopping and a modern contrast to the old town.
Day 17: Aqaba to Amman - The Long Road North
JETT Bus to Amman
Book your JETT bus ticket a day in advance for a comfortable 4-hour ride back to the capital.
Final Souvenir Shopping
Back in Amman, head to the Al-Balad markets for any last-minute gifts like Dead Sea products or scarves.
Duke's Diwan
Visit one of the oldest heritage buildings in Amman. It’s a quiet respite from the city chaos and has a very small entry fee.
Farewell Mansaf
You can't leave Jordan without trying the national dish, Mansaf. Look for a local spot where they serve it on large platters.
Day 18: Amman, Jordan - Departure
Breakfast at Abu Jbara
Have one last epic Jordanian breakfast with world-class hummus and fouteh.
Darat al Funun
Visit this beautiful complex of historic buildings and gardens dedicated to contemporary Arab art before you leave.
Sariyah Airport Bus
Catch the airport shuttle from North Station for your final low-cost transfer.
Departure
End of your 18-day Jordanian adventure.
Best Time to Visit Jordan
The best time to visit Jordan is during the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). During these months, temperatures are mild enough for hiking in Dana and Petra, and the desert nights in Wadi Rum aren't too freezing. Summer can be brutally hot, especially in the desert and the Dead Sea, while winter can see snow in Amman and Petra, making some trails inaccessible.
Currency & Money
The currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). It is pegged to the US Dollar, making it a very stable but relatively strong currency. While credit cards are accepted in major hotels and upscale restaurants in Amman, Jordan remains a cash-heavy society. You will need cash for minibuses, street food, and smaller guesthouses. Tipping (around 10%) is appreciated in restaurants but not mandatory for taxis.
Getting Around Jordan
For budget travelers, the white 'service' taxis and minibuses are the way to go. They don't have set timetables and leave when full, so a bit of patience is required. For longer distances, like Amman to Aqaba or the Dead Sea, the JETT Bus company offers reliable, air-conditioned coaches at fixed prices. There are no passenger trains in Jordan, and domestic flights are generally too expensive for a budget itinerary.
