12 Reasons the Jordan Trail Should Be at the Top of Your Travel Bucket List
The new cross-country trail weaves through some of the region’s most famous historic sites. On a recent trip with Experience Jordan, I hiked from Dana to Petra, the UNESCO World Heritage Center, and it was an incredible cultural immersion, physical challenge and peek into the past. Explore how to experience a hike along the Jordan Trail.
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Hike to Petra
The photos (and movies) you’ve seen of the Treasury in the ancient city of Petra aren’t even half of the experience: Barely 20 percent of the area has been excavated. Hire a local guide, or go with an outfitter like Experience Jordan, to make sure you always have someone near who can answer your hundreds of questions about ancient history and modern culture. Don’t skip the free visitors’ museum by the main entrance, which features detailed timelines paired with pottery, jewelry, tools and other artifacts thousands of years old to help you visualize what this cosmopolitan city looked like back in the Nabateans’ heyday of trading with cities throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa. Avoid riding the animals within the archaeological park—Petra has some animal welfare issues the government is working to resolve. Care for Petra has some tips for making sure you don’t further harm an already overworked animal.