A secret back door into Petra waits here. This Dana to Petra trek turns a long-distance hike into real wilderness days plus a first arrival at Petra from a hidden trail. Two things I like: the day-after-day hiking rhythm and the way the team handles camp life and food. One drawback to plan around: you’ll hike 6–8 hours a day (moderate to challenging), so it’s not a casual stroll.

This is built for people who want scenery, silence, and comfort after work—waking up in wild spots, then walking 15–20 km through Wadi Dana, mountains, and Bedouin valleys. You’re in a small group (up to 15), guided in English, with daily luggage transfer so you only carry a daypack. And yes, the trip finishes with a full guided Petra visit and a Turkish bath after you arrive.

Key highlights worth marking in your notes

• Jordan Trail credit: a certified local guide leads a section of one of the world’s great long hikes
• Wild camps, not hotel nights: tents plus mattresses, with tea/coffee and meals included
• Back-trail entry feel: arrive at Little Petra first, then enter Petra from a hidden route
• Guides who know Bedouin life: Essa and Ahmed are repeatedly praised for culture and care
• Dana Biosphere Reserve included: national park/entry fees are covered for your Dana portion
• Real daily effort: about 84 km total, typically 6–8 hours hiking each day

Why this Dana to Petra trek feels like a hike-first adventure

This route is priced like a guided trek because that’s what it is: you’re doing an 84 km walk over about 4 days (often 4–5), not a sightseeing loop. The pace is steady. Each day is usually 15–20 km with roughly 6–8 hours of hiking time. That matters because you stop treating it like “just transportation between landmarks” and start experiencing it as your day’s work—then you’re rewarded at camp.

The logistics also support that hiking rhythm. Daily luggage transfer means you don’t haul your whole kit. You carry only a daypack while the team moves your main bag to the next camp/lodge area. In practice, that’s the difference between a trek that drains your body and one that lets you enjoy the views and still sleep well.

Group size is capped at 15, which is a sweet spot for a trek like this: small enough to feel personal, big enough that you don’t feel alone when trails get tricky.

Walking Wadi Dana and the road from green to desert

Your start point is Dana, and the trek follows part of the Jordan Trail through Wadi Dana. That’s important because Dana Biosphere Reserve is included, so your first days are not just “pretty walking,” they’re routed through a place with protected nature and real environmental variety.

What you’ll feel most day to day is contrast:

• you can get greener, cooler sections earlier on
• then the route shifts toward mountain paths and more remote Bedouin valleys
• the last approach is tied to the terrain around Little Petra and Petra

Even though the operator keeps the plan flexible enough to fit conditions, the character of each day stays consistent: you’re moving through different kinds of country, not repeating the same view from the same angle. And because you camp outside, you’re not just seeing landforms from a bus window—you’re watching how they change as the light fades.

One practical note: the difficulty is listed as moderate to challenging, recommended for travelers with good fitness. If your legs are okay but your pack weight habits are weak, you’ll still manage. If your stamina is shaky, the day-long hiking hours will matter more than you expect.

Camp under the stars: tents, tea, and food that actually keeps you going

Camping is not a vague promise here. The trip includes tents and mattresses, plus meals (3 per day) and drinking water. You also get tea and coffee. That combo matters because on a trek, your energy isn’t just fuel—it’s comfort and routine. You can handle tough walking better when dinner is reliable and breakfast isn’t a guessing game.

The food is a big part of the appeal, and the reviews back that up with one repeated detail: Ahmed cooks delicious traditional meals. That’s not just about flavor. Warm, filling food after hours on the trail changes your whole mood. You’re tired, you eat well, and you sleep.

Meal options are also thought through. Vegetarian and vegan choices are available, and they’re described as inspired by traditional Jordanian cuisine. If you eat vegetarian or vegan, you’ll still want to double-check preferences in advance, but the key point is: the trip isn’t built on a default menu that ignores you.

What to bring for camp is also clear:

• a sleeping bag (even with mattresses provided)
• a flashlight for evenings and early starts
• layers for cool nights (warm days, cooler evenings are typical)
• sun protection like sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen

Also, alcohol and drugs are not allowed. That’s a practical rule on a remote trek where safety and focus matter.

Little Petra first: why the hidden back trail changes Petra

Most people arrive at Petra through the main front door, where the first views are dramatic but the approach can feel crowded and scripted. This tour adds something different: you reach Little Petra first, then enter Petra via a hidden back trail for your first magical look.

That matters for two reasons:

1. you feel the arrival more because you earn it with walking and camp recovery
2. you experience Petra with a different emotional tempo—less rush, more awe

The final day includes a full guided visit to Petra, which helps you connect the dots once you’re inside the Nabataean city. And after the walking and the sights, you get a Turkish bath upon arrival in Petra. That’s the kind of included reset that feels almost unfair, in the best way.

Guides make (or break) a long trek: Essa and Ahmed’s style

On this route, you’ll be hiking with an English-speaking team led by a certified local guide. In the praise-heavy feedback, the guides are named: Essa as the main guide and Ahmed as the brother who supports logistics and cooking.

The most commonly praised strengths are practical and human:

• staying upbeat and friendly
• knowing nature, people, and history along the trail
• sharing Bedouin culture and hospitality in a genuine way
• making solo travelers feel looked after (especially mentioned by a young solo female traveler)

That “looked after” part is worth taking seriously. On a trek through remote areas, safety isn’t just about not getting lost. It’s also about confidence, communication, and how quickly someone can respond if you’re struggling.

Now for the balance. One review wasn’t positive. The hiker felt guiding was disengaged and transactional, and described moments where Essa walked ahead and was on the phone speaking Arabic. That’s a reminder that guide engagement can vary by situation and personality, and that long treks can sometimes feel less like a classroom and more like organized movement.

My advice if you care deeply about explanations: say what you want on day one. Ask for the kind of context you enjoy—plant stories, geology, local customs, trail tips. If you want constant interpretation, communicate it early. If you’re the type who prefers quiet walking, you’ll probably be fine with a more low-key style. This trip can suit either, but you should line expectations up quickly.

Price and value: what $499 covers (and why that matters on a trek)

At $499 per person for 4–5 days, the real question isn’t just “is it expensive?” It’s “what are you buying?”

Here’s what’s included based on the details provided:

• expert local guide
• accommodation in Dana and Little Petra
• meals: 3 per day, plus vegetarian/vegan options
• drinking water, tea & coffee
• tents and mattresses
• luggage transfer daily
• first aid kit
• welcome gift
• a Turkish bath upon arrival in Petra
• national park and entry fees for Dana Biosphere Reserve
• Petra entry and a full guided visit on the final day

What isn’t included: international flights, travel insurance, personal expenses, trail snacks.

When you add those up, the price makes sense for the kind of work involved: guiding, organizing camps, moving luggage, feeding people in the field, and handling entry/park logistics. If you tried to DIY this route, you’d quickly spend money and time on guide services, permits/entry coordination, and the “camp infrastructure” side (tents, mattresses, food planning, safety coverage).

So I’d call the pricing fair for what you get—especially if you value not thinking about the logistics every day. If you’re the type who enjoys planning every detail yourself, you might find a DIY option tempting. But you’d still likely end up paying for local expertise somewhere.

What to pack for a moderate-to-challenging trek in Jordan

The tour gives a simple list, but don’t treat it like a suggestion list. For a 6–8 hour day, the right items matter.

Bring:

• sunglasses and a hat
• sunscreen
• sleeping bag (even with mattresses provided)
• flashlight
• comfortable hiking shoes
• layered clothing (warm days, cool nights)
• a reusable water bottle (water is provided, but having your own bottle helps)

Quick packing mindset: think “daypack comforts, night-time warmth.” Your sleeping setup depends on a real bag, and your daytime comfort depends on sun protection.

And remember the rule: no alcohol and drugs. If you want a celebratory drink, save it for after the trek.

Who should choose this trek—and who should skip it

This trek is for active travelers with good fitness. If you can handle long walking days and don’t mind moderate to challenging trails, you’ll likely enjoy it a lot.

It’s not suitable for:

• children under 10
• babies under 1 year
• people with mobility issues
• people over 95 years

Solo travelers? One review specifically highlighted feeling safe and looked after as a young solo female traveler. Still, this is a group hike with camp life, so choose based on how you feel in small-group outdoor settings—not based only on the idea of being independent.

If you love nature and you’re excited by the idea of walking into Petra via an unexpected route, this fits well. If your goal is maximum comfort with minimal effort, consider a more city-based itinerary instead.

Quick notes on timing and how hard each day really is

Each day is typically 6–8 hours of hiking time and covers about 15–20 km. Over 4 days, the total distance is around 84 km.

Weather is variable. Think sun and heat during the day, cooler conditions at night. That’s why layers and a warm sleep setup matter.

The tour is in English with a live guide, and it runs with a small group (up to 15). Meeting point can vary depending on the option you book, so confirm details when you reserve.

If you like flexibility, the booking options include free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve-now-pay-later approach.

Should you book Jordan Trail: Dana to Petra?

Book it if you want:

• a serious hike with real daily effort
• camp life under stars with included gear and reliable meals
• an arrival into Petra that feels earned, not packaged
• a local Bedouin guide team (Essa and Ahmed are repeatedly praised for care and culture)

Consider skipping or choosing a different format if:

• long hiking days wear you out quickly
• you need constant, detailed commentary from a guide all day
• you’re not comfortable with remote camping setups (you still get tents and mattresses, but this isn’t a hotel trek)

If you’re a fit, curious traveler who likes walking into places the hard way, this is exactly the kind of trip that sticks in your memory—because it’s not just Petra. It’s the road you take to get there, one day at a time.

FAQ

How long is the Jordan Trail Dana to Petra trek?

It’s listed as 4–5 days. The total distance is approximately 84 km over 4 days.

About how far will I hike each day?

Expect 15–20 kilometers per day, with about 6–8 hours of hiking time each day.

Is luggage carried for me?

Yes. The tour provides daily luggage transfer, and you carry only a daypack while hiking.

What meals and drinks are included?

Meals are included (3 per day). Drinking water is provided, and tea and coffee are included. Vegetarian and vegan options are available on request.

What’s included when the trek reaches Petra?

The final day includes entry to Petra and a full guided visit. A Turkish bath is also included upon arrival in Petra.

Is the trek suitable for kids or people with mobility issues?

No. It’s not suitable for children under 10, and it is also not suitable for travelers with mobility issues. People over 95 years are also not suitable.

You Might Also Enjoy

6-Day Kilimanjaro Machame Route – A Stunning Trek to Uhuru PeakAnnapurna Ghorepani Poonhill TrekkingQuad Bike Self-drive & Camel Trekking Experience In Red Dunes DesertEverest Base Camp Trek