Ma'an Governorate is Jordan's largest governorate by area, encompassing the legendary rose-red city of Petra, the dramatic desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, and the historic market town of Ma'an city. This southern region is home to some of the ancient world's most extraordinary monuments, carved by the Nabataean civilization over two millennia ago. From rugged desert canyons to Crusader-era castles, Ma'an offers an unparalleled journey through layers of human history set against spectacular natural scenery.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Wadi Rum Protected Area
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's most spectacular desert landscapes, Wadi Rum is a vast protected area of rose-red sandstone mountains, ancient Bedouin rock inscriptions, enormous sand dunes, and narrow siq canyons. Lawrence of Arabia filmed many scenes here. A half-day or full-day 4WD Jeep tour with a Bedouin guide covers the major sites.
Highlights: Lawrence's Spring · Khazali Canyon inscriptions · Al Hasany Sand Dunes · Burdah Rock Bridge · Sunset over the desert · Bedouin camp dinner under the stars
Aqaba — Red Sea Coast
Jordan's only sea access and a vibrant resort city at the northern tip of the Red Sea's Gulf of Aqaba. Aqaba offers world-class coral reef diving and snorkelling, free public beaches, water sports, excellent seafood restaurants, a historic Crusader castle, and duty-free shopping. A perfect contrast to Petra's ancient desert landscape.
Highlights: Red Sea coral reefs (snorkelling and diving) · Al-Aqaba Castle (Mamluk fortress) · Seafood restaurants on the corniche · Free public beaches · Water sports and boat trips
Shoubak Castle (Montreal)
A magnificent 12th-century Crusader fortress perched atop an isolated conical hill surrounded by pine forests. The castle was built in 1115 by King Baldwin I of Jerusalem, later captured by Saladin in 1189. The ruins include towers, a secret escape tunnel, underground cistern, Crusader church, and sweeping views over the Ma'an highlands.
Highlights: Crusader castle ruins and towers · Underground escape tunnel · Byzantine church remains · Pine forest hilltop setting · Panoramic valley views
Dana Biosphere Reserve
Jordan's largest nature reserve encompassing 308 km² from alpine highlands to desert floor. Dana village — a perfectly preserved Ottoman stone settlement — sits on the canyon rim with stunning views. Day hikes into the reserve, birdwatching (over 200 species), and visits to the RSCN nature shop are the main draws.
Highlights: Dana village Ottoman stone architecture · Canyon viewpoint sunrise/sunset · White Trail hiking loop (2.5km, 1.5h) · Dana Tower Hotel terrace views · RSCN nature shop with reserve-made products
Little Petra and Beidha
A free-admission miniature version of Petra in a narrow sandstone gorge, containing Nabataean carved dining rooms, temples, a painted ceiling, and the adjacent 9,000-year-old Beidha Neolithic village. An excellent half-day excursion that showcases the full scope of human habitation in this extraordinary landscape.
Highlights: Siq al-Barid narrow gorge · The Painted House with Nabataean frescoes · Beidha 9,000-year-old stone age village · Free admission · Almost no crowds compared to main Petra
King's Highway — Petra to Wadi Musa to Dana
One of the world's great ancient roads, the King's Highway winds through the highlands of southern Jordan past dramatic canyon viewpoints, pine forests, Crusader-era ruins, and the historic village of Dana. The stretch from Petra to Dana via Shoubak Castle is the most scenic section, offering multiple stop opportunities.
Highlights: Winding mountain road with canyon views · Shoubak Castle stop · Dana canyon overlook · Pine forests at altitude · Traditional Jordanian village life along the route
Wadi Musa to Ma'an City Half Day
An excursion to the regional capital of Ma'an city for a genuinely local Jordanian town experience away from the tourist bubble. Visit the Ma'an City Museum, explore the central souk, eat falafel and mansaf at local restaurants, and observe daily life in a working Jordanian provincial capital.
Highlights: Ma'an City Museum (Arab Revolt history) · Central souk and food market · Authentic local restaurant meals · Jordanian provincial town life · Friday mansaf tradition
Humayma Ancient Settlement
A fascinating and rarely visited archaeological site on the ancient Incense Road, combining Nabataean caravanserai ruins, a Roman fort, Byzantine church foundations, and the home of the Abbasid family who launched the revolution that transformed the Islamic world in 750 AD. Requires a 4WD in wet weather.
Highlights: Nabataean caravanserai remains · Roman fort walls · Byzantine church foundations · Abbasid family residence — origin of the dynasty · Complete solitude — very few visitors
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- Tours
- Organised day tours from Wadi Musa hotels from JOD 30-90 per person including transport and guide
- Private
- Private taxi hire for full-day excursions JOD 40-70 depending on destination
- Public
- Minibuses and service taxis serve Ma'an, Shoubak, and Aqaba from Wadi Musa and Ma'an city respectively
- Rental
- Rental car from JOD 25-40/day — best for King's Highway, Dana, and Humayma; essential for flexibility
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Start Wadi Rum day trips early (7-8 AM) to maximise time before afternoon heat
Little Petra is best visited before or after Petra to make full use of your Petra ticket day
The King's Highway to Dana is one of Jordan's most scenic drives — worth a rental car for the day
Combine Shoubak Castle with Little Petra for a comfortable full-day excursion without backtracking
Book Wadi Rum Jeep tours through Bedouin operators in Rum village — prices are better than Wadi Musa hotel packages
Aqaba makes an excellent overnight extension to the Ma'an trip — 2-3 days at the beach after Petra