by Amy Olmsted·  Curated Travel  ·  BajaTraveler.com

Most people arrive knowing about Petra. Some picture vast desert landscapes or the Dead Sea. What many don’t expect is how quickly it draws you in. By the end of the trip, I found myself talking just as much about the food, the warmth of the people, and the atmosphere of the country as I did the landmarks themselves.

And yet, Petra still manages to live up to every expectation.
Arriving there feels intentionally dramatic. The walk through the Siq naturally slows your pace, winding through towering walls of sandstone that twist just enough to keep what’s ahead hidden from view. Then suddenly, the Treasury appears through the narrow opening in the canyon—far larger and more intricate than photos ever prepare you for.

Standing there, I couldn’t help but laugh a little because, yes, it absolutely triggered my inner Indiana Jones moment. But unlike a movie set, Petra feels deeply real. The scale, the color of the stone changing throughout the day, the silence once you move farther beyond the Treasury—it all feels far more immersive in person than I expected.

And Petra is enormous.
Most visitors don’t realize how much of the ancient city extends beyond that first iconic view. Tombs carved into cliffsides, staircases leading to panoramic overlooks, hidden corners that become quieter the farther you walk. The deeper we explored, the more the crowds faded away, and the experience shifted from sightseeing into something far more atmospheric.

Jordan changes completely again once you leave Petra and head toward Wadi Rum.
The landscape there feels almost surreal—massive sandstone mountains rising directly from the desert floor, endless stretches of red sand, and a sense of openness that’s difficult to describe until you see it yourself. It’s no surprise that filmmakers have been drawn there for decades.

Of course, Lawrence of Arabia is the classic reference, but scenes from films like The Martian, Dune, Star Wars: Rogue One, and Prometheus were also filmed there. And honestly, once you arrive, it makes perfect sense. Wadi Rum genuinely feels otherworldly at times, as though you’ve landed somewhere beyond Earth rather than just a few hours from Amman.

One afternoon, driving through the desert, I remember looking out across the landscape, thinking it barely looked real. The scale of it all changes your perspective. There are stretches where the silence feels almost complete, interrupted only occasionally by wind moving across the sand or the sound of tires crossing the desert floor.

As the light shifted later in the day, the colors of the desert softened, and the pace of everything around us seemed to slow naturally. It’s the kind of place that quietly pulls you into the present without trying too hard.

Jordan also delivered one of the biggest culinary surprises I’ve experienced while traveling.
The food was exceptional—honestly, some of the best we’ve had anywhere. Here we were, in the middle of the desert, and yet, the fruits and vegetables were incredibly flavorful, among the best I’ve had. Meal after meal arrived overflowing with fresh mezze, smoky grilled meats, vibrant herbs, warm pita, olive oil, mint tea, and desserts layered with pistachio and honey. Dining here feels generous in every sense of the word. Nothing is rushed, and every table somehow seems to encourage conversation lingering a little longer than planned. Dinner at Fakhreldin in Amman stood out especially, while Sufra offered a more traditional atmosphere that felt deeply rooted in Jordanian hospitality.

And Amman itself deserves far more attention than it often receives.
The city blends ancient history with modern energy in a way that feels surprisingly effortless. Roman ruins overlook busy streets filled with cafés, bakeries, galleries, and contemporary restaurants. It’s lively without feeling overwhelming and polished without losing its authenticity.

Floating in the Dead Sea added yet another completely different experience to the trip.
At first, it feels slightly ridiculous—in the best possible way. The water lifts you immediately, and no matter how much you try, sinking simply isn’t an option. But beyond the novelty, there’s also something strangely relaxing about it. The landscape surrounding the sea feels stark and peaceful, especially later in the day as the light softens over the hills.

Where you stay significantly shapes the rhythm of Jordan.
The Four Seasons Amman offers a beautiful balance of comfort and location for exploring the city. At the same time, the Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea provides a completely different atmosphere focused on slowing down and settling into the landscape. Both feel distinctly connected to their surroundings rather than interchangeable luxury hotels.

Jordan feels adventurous without being difficult. Historic without feeling frozen in time and welcoming in a way that feels genuine rather than polished for tourists.
And long after you leave, you realize it wasn’t just Petra or Wadi Rum that made the trip memorable—it was the feeling of discovering a destination far richer and more layered than you expected.

If this kind of journey is calling your name, it’s absolutely worth doing well—preferably without having to figure out every detail yourself.

Amy Olmsted from Ultimate Travels is our Expert Luxury Travel Advisor