20-Day Epic Jordan Budget Backpacking Itinerary
Jordan is often perceived as a luxury destination, but it is a paradise for the savvy backpacker who knows how to navigate local systems. By utilizing the Jordan Pass, eating like a local at falafel stands, and using the extensive network of public minibuses, you can experience the kingdom's majesty for a fraction of the usual cost.
This 20-day route takes you from the bustling hills of Amman to the serene shores of the Red Sea, ensuring you see both the world-famous landmarks and the quiet, off-the-beaten-path villages where hospitality reigns supreme.
Day 1: Amman - Arrival and Downtown Hustle
Airport Arrival
Touch down at Queen Alia International Airport. Take the Sariyah Airport Express Bus to downtown for a fraction of the taxi cost.
Check-in at Downtown Hostel
Drop your bags at a budget-friendly hostel near Al-Balad, the heart of the old city.
Walking the Souqs
Explore the Gold Souq and the Spice Market to soak in the local atmosphere for free.
Dinner at Hashem
Eat like a local at this legendary open-air eatery known for its cheap and delicious falafel and hummus.
Day 2: Amman - Roman Echoes
Roman Theatre
Climb the steep steps of this remarkably preserved 2nd-century theater for a great view of the city hills.
Odeon Theater
A smaller, more intimate theater right next to the main one, often overlooked by tourists.
Habiba Sweets
Grab a slice of Kunafa for under 1 JOD and stand on the sidewalk with the locals to enjoy it.
King Abdullah I Mosque
Visit this blue-domed landmark. Respectful attire is provided for free at the entrance.
Day 3: Amman - The High Ground
Amman Citadel
Head to the highest hill in Amman to see the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace ruins.
Jordan Museum
Learn about the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Ain Ghazal statues, some of the oldest in the world.
Rainbow Street Stroll
Walk this famous street for window shopping and people-watching without spending a dime.
Falafel Al-Quds
Enjoy a legendary falafel sandwich on Rainbow Street for a very low price.
Day 4: Amman - Northward to Jerash
Bus to Jerash
Catch a public minibus from the North Bus Station (Tabarbour) for a cheap 1-hour ride.
Jerash Archaeological Site
Explore the Pompeii of the East, including the Oval Plaza and the Cardo Maximus.
Hadrian's Arch
Marvel at this massive victory arch built to honor the Roman Emperor's visit.
Local Market Dinner
Buy fresh bread and fruit at the local Jerash market before heading back to Amman.
Day 5: Amman - The Castle of Ajloun
Minibus to Ajloun
Take another budget-friendly public bus through the rolling green hills of northern Jordan.
Ajloun Castle
Explore this 12th-century Muslim fortress built to defend against the Crusaders.
Olive Grove Hike
Enjoy a free walk through the surrounding olive groves, which are especially beautiful in spring.
Return to Amman
Catch the last bus back to the capital and enjoy street-side shawarma for dinner.
Day 6: As-Salt - Heritage and Harmony
Travel to As-Salt
Take a short 30-minute minibus ride to this UNESCO World Heritage city known for its yellow limestone architecture.
Harmony Trail
Follow this free self-guided walking trail that showcases the coexistence of Muslims and Christians.
Abu Jaber Museum
Learn about the Ottoman history of the region in this beautifully restored historic house.
Al-Hammam Street
Wander through the oldest commercial street in the city for authentic local snacks.
Day 7: Madaba - The City of Mosaics
Bus to Madaba
Depart Amman and head south to Madaba, a relaxed town famous for its ancient mosaics.
St. George’s Church
See the famous 6th-century Madaba Map, the oldest map of the Holy Land.
Madaba Archaeological Park
Walk through the ruins of several Byzantine churches and view intricate floor mosaics.
Hostel Dinner
Join a communal hostel dinner to save money and share stories with other travelers.
Day 8: Madaba - Views from Mount Nebo
Mount Nebo
Share a taxi with fellow hostel-mates to Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land.
Moses Memorial Church
View the stunning modern shelter protecting ancient mosaics on the summit.
La Storia Museum
A fun, budget-friendly stop to see dioramas of Jordan's history and religious heritage.
Mosaic Workshops
Visit a local workshop to see how the famous stones are cut and laid (browsing is free).
Day 9: The Dead Sea - Budget Floating
Travel to the Dead Sea
Take a public bus toward the South Ghor or share a ride to reach the lowest point on Earth.
Amman Public Beach
Avoid expensive resorts by using the public beach facilities for a small entry fee.
Dead Sea Floating
Experience the surreal sensation of floating in the hyper-saline waters.
Sunset over the Hills
Watch the sunset reflect off the salt flats before heading back to Madaba.
Day 10: Dana - The Nature Reserve
Bus to Dana
Take a minibus south toward the Dana Biosphere Reserve, one of Jordan's hidden gems.
Dana Village
Check into a simple stone-house hostel in this 15th-century village overlooking the canyon.
Village Loop Hike
Take a free, self-guided walk around the village perimeter for breathtaking valley views.
Traditional Bedouin Meal
Enjoy a simple, locally cooked meal at your guesthouse for a modest price.
Day 11: Dana - Into the Wadi
Wadi Dana Trail
Embark on a day hike down through the gorge. The scenery changes from limestone to red sandstone.
Picnic Lunch
Bring bread and cheese from the village for a cheap and scenic lunch in the wild.
Bird Watching
Keep an eye out for the rare Syrian Serin and other migratory birds in the reserve.
Stargazing
With no light pollution, the night sky in Dana is free and spectacular entertainment.
Day 12: Wadi Musa - Gateway to Petra
Bus to Wadi Musa
Catch the daily morning bus connecting Dana to the town of Wadi Musa, next to Petra.
Cheap Eats in Wadi Musa
Find the local bakeries and shawarma shops uphill away from the tourist entrance.
Petra Museum
Visit the modern museum at the entrance for free to get context before your hike tomorrow.
Early Night
Rest up for a massive walking day tomorrow. Buy water and snacks at a local supermarket.
Day 13: Petra - The Rose City
The Siq
Enter early to walk through the narrow canyon alone before the crowds and heat arrive.
The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)
Witness the most famous monument in Jordan as it emerges from the shadows of the Siq.
High Place of Sacrifice
Take the steep climb for a bird's eye view of the city center without paying for a guide.
Royal Tombs
Explore the massive facades carved into the rock face as the afternoon sun turns them red.
Day 14: Petra - The Monastery Hike
The Monastery (Ad Deir)
Climb the 800 steps early to reach Petra's largest monument before the sun hits the trail.
Colonnaded Street
Walk the Roman heart of Petra and see the Great Temple ruins.
Petra Kitchen (Budget version)
Find a quiet spot for your packed lunch and enjoy the silence of the peripheral trails.
Exit via the Back Trail
If you have energy, hike out toward Little Petra for a different perspective of the landscape.
Day 15: Little Petra and Beidha
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
Visit this free site which served as a prehistoric 'suburb' and trading post for Petra.
Neolithic Village of Beidha
Walk to the nearby ruins of one of the oldest settled villages in the world.
Tea with Bedouins
Often, locals will invite you for tea. It's polite to accept and offer a small tip or conversation.
Wadi Musa Sunset
Find a spot on the hills above Wadi Musa for a free and stunning sunset view.
Day 16: Wadi Rum - The Martian Desert
Bus to Wadi Rum
Take the early morning bus from Wadi Musa directly to the Wadi Rum Visitor Center.
Jeep Tour (Shared)
Join a shared jeep tour to visit Lawrence's Spring and the red sand dunes to keep costs low.
Khazali Canyon
Walk through this narrow cleft to see ancient Thamudic inscriptions and petroglyphs.
Zarb Dinner
Enjoy a traditional Bedouin dinner cooked underground at a desert camp.
Day 17: Wadi Rum - Desert Trekking
Free Desert Hike
Walk from your camp to a nearby rock arch like Um Frouth for a self-guided adventure.
Lawrence of Arabia's House
Visit the ruins where the famous officer allegedly stayed during the Arab Revolt.
Sandboarding
Many camps offer boards for free. Try sliding down the soft red dunes.
Bedouin Storytelling
Spend the night around the fire learning about the desert way of life from your hosts.
Day 18: Aqaba - Red Sea Relaxation
Travel to Aqaba
Take a minibus or a pre-arranged transfer from Wadi Rum to the coastal city of Aqaba.
Aqaba Fortress
Visit the Mamluk Castle near the waterfront, which played a key role in WWI history.
Aqaba Public Beach
Join the locals for a swim in the warm waters of the Red Sea for free.
Fresh Fish Dinner
Visit the local fish market where you can buy fresh catch and have it grilled cheaply nearby.
Day 19: Aqaba - Snorkeling and Souqs
South Beach Snorkeling
Take a local bus to South Beach. Rent a mask for a few JOD and swim to the Japanese Garden reef.
Cedar Pride Wreck
Strong swimmers can see the outline of this famous sunken ship from the surface.
Tax-Free Shopping
Aqaba is a special economic zone. Stock up on nuts and spices at lower prices than Amman.
Shisha on the Beach
Enjoy the evening breeze at a budget beach cafe before your journey back north.
Day 20: Amman - The Full Circle
JETT Bus to Amman
Take the reliable and air-conditioned JETT bus for the long drive back to the capital.
Last Minute Souvenirs
Head back to the downtown markets to spend your remaining JOD on Dead Sea mud products.
Duke's Diwan
Visit one of the oldest heritage buildings in Amman for a small fee and enjoy its colonial charm.
Farewell Hummus
One last meal at Hashem to celebrate a successful 20-day journey through the kingdom.
Best Time to Visit Jordan
The ideal times to visit Jordan are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these periods, the weather is mild enough for long days of hiking in Petra and Dana. Summer can be punishingly hot, especially in the desert and the Jordan Valley, while winter can bring surprisingly cold temperatures and even snow to the highlands of Amman and Petra.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). Jordan is a cash-heavy society, especially for the budget traveler using minibuses and eating at local stands. ATMs are widely available in cities, but ensure you have enough cash before heading to remote areas like Dana or Wadi Rum. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in small eateries; rounding up the bill is common practice.
Getting Around Jordan
For the budget traveler, the local 'service' taxis (white cars) and minibuses are the lifeblood of transport. They don't have set schedules and depart when full, so patience is required. For longer, more reliable intercity connections (like Aqaba to Amman), the JETT bus company offers comfortable, scheduled coaches. Domestic flights exist between Amman and Aqaba but are rarely necessary given the country's manageable size.
