Jordan Travel Guide - Introduction

Featuring the 2,500-year-old city of Petra and natural splendour of the desert cliffs of Wadi Rum, Jordan has plenty to offer tourists, who have in turn become an important part of the country’s economy despite the chaos that has engulfed neighbouring Israel/Palestine and Iraq.

Jordan’s landscape is typical of the region. Flat and dry in the most part, the country also borders the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aqaba and the lowest point on the earth, the Dead Sea. The north becomes alive with flowers and vegetation in the spring, defying the country’s reputation as a land of desert.

Jordan is considered to be an integral part of the holy lands, through the centre of which runs the sacred river Jordan, where Jesus Christ was baptized, along the border with Israel.

Nearby Mount Nebo is another revered spot in the Christian Bible, the place at which Moses is said to have viewed the Holy Lands, including Jericho and Jerusalem, and also where he is supposedly buried. The area has therefore become an integral part of any trip around the Holy Lands, which predominantly lie in nearby Israel.

Jordan do;es though produce its own very drinkable wine. Western influences also extend to the many fast food restaurants found throughout the biggest cities like Amman, Zarqa, Irbid and Aqaba.

Nevertheless, tasty Middle Eastern fare is still the staple in Jordan – lamb, chicken, flat breads and rice along with Mediterranean favourites like falafel and humus. All these delicious offerings can usually be found at very low prices at restaurants frequented by the locals.