The Jordan Rift Valley is one of Jordan’s most scenic and historic routes because it combines dramatic elevation shifts, fertile farmland, and ancient landmarks all in one drive. As you descend below sea level, the landscape shifts from lush greenery near the Jordan River to the Gulf of Aqaba.
For Italian tourists, renting a car in Jordan is the best way to explore salt lakes, ancient towns, and biblical landscapes in one journey. Keep reading to know where to stop in Jordan Rift Valley without missing the highlights.
The Jordan Rift Valley is a major geological feature that forms part of the larger Great Rift Valley system, extending from Lebanon through Jordan and down to Mozambique. In Jordan, the rift valley stretches for about 400 kilometers, running from the Yarmouk River in the north to the Gulf of Aqaba in the south. This deep depression is the boundary between the Arabian and African tectonic plates.
The Jordan Valley is known for its rich biodiversity, fertile farmlands, and unique elevation. It includes many notable landmarks such as the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, and the Jordan River, which flows through its northern section. The landscape features lush agricultural zones, salt flats, and desert terrain.
Historically and biblically, the Jordan Rift Valley is also significant. It was the site of many ancient civilizations and important religious events. The Jordan River is where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, a major pilgrimage site for Christians. The Old Testament also mentions the valley where the Israelites crossed into the Promised Land. Towns like Jericho, one of the world’s oldest inhabited cities, also lie within the valley.
The Jordan Rift Valley is the only route in Jordan where you can drive through farmland, biblical sites, deep canyons, and desert all in one trip. The road connects major highlights like the Dead Sea, Wadi Mujib, Dana Reserve, Petra, and Wadi Rum without backtrack. That makes it ideal for travelers who want to see a lot in a short time. Unlike Amman or the eastern desert, this route offers more scenery variation, fewer traffic issues, and better access to hiking, nature, and rural towns. It’s the most efficient way to explore Jordan by car.
If you're planning a Jordan Rift Valley road trip, these nine stops reveal ancient ruins, canyon trails, and sacred viewpoints.
Visit the Jordan River at Bethany Beyond the Jordan, a sacred river flowing from the Sea of Galilee toward the Dead Sea. It's about 50 km from Amman, where most travelers pick up their rental car before starting the drive.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site marks the eastern bank where many believe Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. The river is narrow, around 5 to 10 meters wide, and has a gentle flow due to the region’s low elevation. Elevated paths lead to shaded trails, chapels, and baptism platforms built by various Christian denominations. Historically, this was a key pilgrimage stop on the route to Jerusalem, dating back to the Byzantine period.
Madaba is a historic town about 35 km from Bethany Beyond the Jordan, known as the "City of Mosaics." It is home to the Madaba Map, a 6th-century mosaic in St. George’s Church, depicting the Holy Land from Lebanon to Egypt. This map is the oldest surviving geographic floor mosaic in art history. Madaba also features mosaics from other Byzantine eras in churches and homes. Travelers often visit Madaba after exploring the Jordan River baptism site. Historically, Madaba was a key center during the Byzantine period, known for its churches and mosaic workshops.
Mount Nebo, located about 10 km from Madaba, is one of Jordan’s most important religious sites. Standing at 817 meters above sea level, it offers sweeping views of the Dead Sea, the Jordan Valley, and Jerusalem on a clear day.
You can explore the Memorial Church of Moses, built over a 4th-century Byzantine basilica. Inside, detailed mosaic floors show animals, hunting scenes, and everyday life from the Byzantine era. Outside the church stands the striking Brazen Serpent sculpture, created by Italian artist Giovanni Fantoni. It represents the serpent Moses raised in the desert and the crucifixion of Jesus.
The panoramic viewpoint has a stone platform with markers pointing toward key biblical locations. Nearby, the archaeological remains of early Christian buildings and a monastery give insight into the site's long spiritual role. If you are interested in more cultural context, the La Storia Tourism Complex nearby has exhibits on Jordan’s religious and artisan history.
The Dead Sea, located about 35 km from Mount Nebo, is the lowest point on Earth at approximately 430 meters below sea level. Its extremely high salt concentration allows you to float effortlessly.
Many visitors stay at nearby resorts like Mövenpick, Marriott, or Kempinski, which have private beaches, freshwater showers, and spa treatments using Dead Sea products. If you want more adventure, the nearby Wadi Mujib Siq Trail offers a canyon hike with waterfalls and pools, best visited from April to October.
You can also stop by the Dead Sea Panoramic Complex, which features four main sections: Origins, Ecosystem, Human Interaction, and Dead Sea in Danger. Historically, the Dead Sea has been referenced in biblical texts as a place of refuge and natural wonder.
Wadi Mujib, located about 25 km from the Dead Sea, is a dramatic canyon and nature reserve offering one of Jordan’s most thrilling outdoor experiences. The Siq Trail is the most popular route. This 2-kilometer adventure involves wading through water, climbing over rocks, and using ropes to ascend small waterfalls.
The trail ends at a stunning waterfall, where you can rest before returning the same way. This self-guided trail takes about 2 to 3 hours and is open from April to October, between 8 AM and 3 PM. Visitors must be over 18 years old to access the wet trails.
For those seeking more challenging adventures, the Malaqi and Canyon Trails have longer routes, including rappelling down waterfalls, which requires a guide. These trails also start at the Mujib Adventure Center, where you can rent gear like waterproof shoes and dry bags. Wadi Mujib is part of a 212-square-kilometer biosphere reserve, home to diverse wildlife including the Nubian ibex and various bird species. The reserve's unique ecosystem is supported by seven tributaries that feed into the canyon.
The Dana Biosphere Reserve, located about 95 km south of Wadi Mujib, is Jordan’s largest nature reserve, covering over 300 square kilometers. It stretches across four biogeographical zones: Mediterranean, Irano-Turanian, Saharo-Arabian, and Sudanian.
Visitors can hike scenic trails like the Wadi Dana Trail, a 14-km descent from Dana Village to Feynan, or the Wadi Ghuweir Trail, known for its canyon walls and seasonal water pools. Shorter routes like the King Hussein Lookout Trail offer panoramic views without long distances. You can stay at Dana Guesthouse on a cliff, and the solar-powered Feynan Ecolodge if you want stargazing, Bedouin tea experiences, and eco-tours.
You can also wander through Dana Village, a 500-year-old stone town with Ottoman-stle architecture and terraced gardens. Historically, the area holds ruins from Paleolithic to Roman times, including ancient copper mines at Khirbet Feynan, once used during the Roman Empire.
Petra is located about 60 km south of Dana Biosphere Reserve and is one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world. Known as the "Rose City" due to the stone's color, Petra was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom in the 4th century BC. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Visitors enter Petra through the Siq, a narrow gorge that leads to the Treasury (Al-Khazneh). Beyond the Treasury, the site expands to include the Street of Facades, Royal Tombs, Colonnaded Street, and the Great Temple. A challenging hike of over 800 steps leads to the Monastery (Al-Deir), another monumental structure offering panoramic views of the area.
For a unique experience, consider attending Petra by Night, where candlelight illuminates the Siq and Treasury. Other activities include the Petra Kitchen Workshop, where you can learn to cook traditional Jordanian dishes, and the Traditional Bedouin Dinner and Stargazing. Historically, Petra was a thriving trade center, connecting the silk and spice routes of China, India, and southern Arabia with Egypt, Syria, Greece, and Rome.
Wadi Rum, located about 110 km south of Petra, is a vast desert valley in southern Jordan, renowned for its stunning red sand dunes and towering sandstone cliffs. You can embark on 4×4 jeep tours led by Bedouin guides if you want to explore landmarks such as the Seven Pillars of Wisdom, Khazali Canyon, and Lawrence's Spring.
For a more traditional experience, camel rides are a great way to explore the desert. If you are adventurous enough, you can opt for hot air balloon rides at sunrise. Sandboarding down the dunes adds a thrill for those seeking excitement.
Stay overnight in a desert camp if you want to experience Bedouin life. These camps often include traditional Bedouin dinners, stargazing sessions, and cultural performances. Historically, Wadi Rum has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with petroglyphs and inscriptions left by ancient civilizations adorning its rock faces.
Aqaba is about 65 km southwest of Wadi Rum, Jordan’s only coastal city. It is the southernmost point of the Jordan Rift Valley. Aqaba is renowned for its coral reefs and clear waters, making it a prime spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. The Aqaba Marine Reserve protects a diverse marine ecosystem, including over 500 fish species and 300 types of coral.
Popular dive sites include the Japanese Gardens, known for their colorful corals, and the Cedar Pride Wreck, a sunken ship teeming with marine life. Another unique site is the Tristar airplane wreck, intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef and now home to various sea creatures. If you don’t plan to swim or dive, you can still enjoy the Red Sea’s marine life on a glass-bottom boat tour. Afterward, head to Berenice Beach Club or other public beaches to unwind by the water.
Beyond the sea, Aqaba boasts historical sites such as the Aqaba Fortress, a 16th-century castle that played a role in the Arab Revolt, and the Aqaba Archaeological Museum, which houses Bronze Age and Islamic-era artifacts. Historically, Aqaba has been a significant port city, serving as a key point in trade routes and military campaigns due to its location at the crossroads of Asia and Africa.
A road trip through the Jordan Rift Valley lets Italian travelers experience Jordan’s most iconic places in one journey—from sacred baptism sites and mosaic-filled towns to desert trails and coral-rich coastlines. Want the freedom to explore each stop without rushing? Rent a car with Finalrentals in Amman and travel the valley at your own pace. It’s the easiest way to see more, stop where you want, and enjoy Jordan on your own terms.
