Wadi Rum desert tour: Golden valleys and petroglyphs

Stand in front of Wadi Rum's rock towers and ancient petroglyphs, with a local guide who knows where to find them.

A six to seven hour desert tour from Aqaba to Wadi Rum with hotel pickup, local guide and bottled water. You explore golden sand valleys, dramatic viewpoints and hidden canyons carved into the rock, stopping at the main sights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The guide drives and walks with you to each stop, giving you time to scramble up rocks and photograph the landscape and ancient wall inscriptions.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Wadi Rum Desert landmarks

• Travel from Aqaba to Wadi Rum
• Discover Wadi Rum Protected Area sights
• Explore golden sand valleys and viewpoints
• Visit hidden canyons with ancient inscriptions
• Take photographs and scramble rocks

The experience

The tour starts with pickup from your Aqaba hotel and a drive south into Wadi Rum Protected Area. Once you arrive, a local guide takes over as both driver and companion, navigating the desert by vehicle and on foot to show you the prominent landmarks and hidden corners most visitors miss. You'll see golden sand valleys, towering rock formations and the dramatic viewpoints that make the landscape recognizable from films shot here. The guide stops at each site long enough for you to explore, climb, and take photographs without feeling rushed.

Hidden canyons hold ancient wall inscriptions and petroglyphs carved into the rock face. The guide knows which ones are worth the scramble to reach them. You move between stops by vehicle, which means your legs get a break between the walking sections. Bottled water comes with you throughout the day, and the pace is built around a moderate level of physical fitness. The climbing and walking are optional at each stop, not mandatory.

Two options shape the day: a half-day tour with lunch included, or an afternoon departure timed to catch the sunset over the desert. Both include hotel pickup and drop-off from Aqaba city hotels. The Wadi Rum entrance fee (7 JD per adult, or free with the Jordan Pass) is paid separately at the Visitor Centre when you arrive.

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• local guide and driver for the full tour.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from Aqaba city hotels.

Options for this experience

2 options

Afternoon Sunset TourGuide in English · 13:45Private 4x4 tour lasting 6 hours, 5 to 6 hours in total, with Bedouin tea and a biscuit snack. The afternoon route covers Ain Abu Aineh (Spring), the Red Sand Dune, Khazali Canyon, Little Rock Bridge and Um Fruth Rock Bridge, with sunset in Um Sabatah. Pickup is included.

Half-day tour that includes lunchGuide in English · 08:30, 08:45 and 09:00Private 4x4 tour lasting 6 hours. Lunch includes a meal, Bedouin tea and bottled water. The morning route visits Ain Abu Aineh (Spring), the Red Sand Dune, Khazali Canyon and Little Rock Bridge. Pickup is included.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30, 08:45, 09:00 and 13:45

AgesAdult (15 to 90 years) · Child (5 to 14 years) · Infant (1 to 4 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 31 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Wadi Rum Desert Eyes

Is this one for you?Choose the half-day tour if you want to explore Wadi Rum and still have the afternoon free in Aqaba. Pick the sunset tour if you're staying longer and want to end the day watching the light fade over the desert.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 14 years); Infant (1 to 4 years).

What exactly are the petroglyphs and wall inscriptions I'll see in Wadi Rum?

Ancient rock carvings left by the Nabataean people and earlier inhabitants are scattered through hidden canyons in the protected area. Your guide knows which ones are accessible and will take you to them. They're carved directly into the canyon walls and date back centuries.

How much walking and climbing is involved in this tour?

You'll walk between the vehicle and each viewpoint and have the option to scramble up rocks at most stops, but climbing is not required. You can stay at ground level and still see the landscape. The tour suits moderate fitness. The guide adjusts the pace and stops if you need a break.

What's the difference between the half-day tour with lunch and the afternoon sunset tour?

The half-day tour runs in the morning or early afternoon and includes a meal. The sunset tour departs in the afternoon and ends as the light changes over the desert. Both are six to seven hours and visit the same main sights, so you choose based on which time of day suits your schedule in Aqaba.

Do I need to pay the Wadi Rum entrance fee in advance, or is it included?

The entrance fee is paid separately at the Visitor Centre when you arrive. It's not part of the tour price. Adults pay 7 JD, or entry is free if you hold a Jordan Pass.