Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, is located in southern Jordan near the Saudi Arabian border, approximately 60 km east of Aqaba. Spanning 720 square kilometers, it is Jordan's largest wadi, characterized by dramatic sandstone and granite formations. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2011, the area preserves prehistoric petroglyphs and ruins. It serves as a premier destination for travelers seeking immersive desert experiences, offering guided tours, hiking, and rock climbing amidst its iconic red landscapes.
🕐 Asia/Amman · 💱 JOD
Guillaume Baviere from Uppsala, Sweden, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Base your stay within the Wadi Rum Protected Area. Accommodations range from traditional Bedouin camps to modern boutique hotels, all offering direct access to the desert landscape. Staying on-site allows for easy morning sunrise views and serves as a convenient hub for exploring nearby petroglyphs and canyon trails without long commutes.
The nearest major city is Aqaba, located about 60 km to the west. Travelers typically drive or take a taxi from Aqaba to reach the protected area. Within Wadi Rum, public transport is non-existent; visitors rely on hotel-arranged 4x4 jeep tours or camel treks to navigate the vast terrain and visit key historical and natural sites.
Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures for hiking and rock climbing. Summer days can be extremely hot, while winter nights drop significantly, though both seasons provide excellent stargazing opportunities due to the clear skies. The area is accessible year-round, but planning around temperature extremes ensures the best experience for outdoor activities.
valley in southern Jordan
mountain in Jordan
Attraction data from Wikidata (CC0) and open sources, ranked by notability and distance — for reference.
Off-site flight search (affiliate link — no in-app checkout, no price shown).
Search flights to Wadi RumRanked by verified records and coverage depth — never by price, never by commission.