winter of 2024
We arrived in Jordan by ferry from Taba Port in Egypt. There was no visa fee required thanks to the special economic zone regulations in Aqaba. The ferry ride itself was decent, but don't rely on the departure times—they're quite flexible here. People are very relaxed and tend to wait until the last traveler arrives at the port before setting off.
Compared to Cairo, I found Amman much more appealing. The traffic is lighter, and even the taxis are in better condition. The city's landscape is more captivating as well—Amman is built on multiple hills, which adds a sense of dimension and character to the city. On our way back from Krak, we stopped at a secluded spot and embarked on a short trekking tour guided by a local child. The trail was easy to navigate, though we occasionally had to jump across creeks, so beach shoes would have been a better choice.
The scenery was breathtaking—unlike anything I've ever seen before. Along the trail, there's a natural pool where you can dive in, though it was still winter during our visit, so we opted to stay dry and watch the locals enjoying the water. At the trail's end, there's a small waterfall—not particularly impressive on its own, but the entire experience was truly memorable.
We paid our guide $10 for leading us through the trail. Even though he didn't speak English, we managed to communicate effectively. The people here are incredibly friendly! Nice people!
If there's one thing you absolutely must see in Jordan, it's the canyon of Petra. We stayed in the nearby town of Wadi Musa, a compact but very touristy area filled with hotels, restaurants, and just about anything else you might need. Getting to Petra’s visitor center is simple—you can take a taxi or even walk there. Since we visited during the low season, there were no crowds at all. We were even able to hire a private guide for about $70 for a two-hour tour.
You can easily spend a full day exploring Petra. The area involves a lot of walking, so be prepared to stay active! To get the best views and photos, some light climbing is required, but it's neither challenging nor dangerous. If you don’t bring your own food or water, there are shops and restaurants available within the site. However, the park's signage can be a bit confusing, and we had to ask for directions a few times.
There are many locals offering donkey rides up the hills. While I can't say for sure if they're true Bedouins, be cautious if you choose to walk—watch out for donkey droppings! :D
