Dana To Petra
A Sanctuary For Wildlife
One of the world’s best hikes according to National Geographic.
Dana to Petra is a journey located in the southern part of Jordan
taking you across spectacular scenery through four biosphere climates
immersing you in local culture and hospitality along the way with a grand finale in entering
Petra via the back route’s Monastery.
It's part of the Jordan Trail ( a long-distance hiking trail in Jordan ) connecting the length
of Jordan from the Roman ruins of Um Qais in the north to the Red Sea city of Aqaba
in the south.
-
Offering around 4 days of hiking over more than 75 kilometers of trail.
-
Traveling through Scenic valleys and canyons.
-
Ancient copper mines.
-
Majestic sandstone formations.
-
Vibrant Bedouin culture.
-
Hike through Dana's lush forests and olive groves.
-
Explore Feynan's ancient copper mines and village.
This route was recently named by National Geographic as one of the fifteen best hikes in the world.
It begins in Dana Village 1,250 m and drops 250 m into Araba Valley
before heading back up to finish in Petra.
Trust us
you won't regret it



The Nubian ibex
75 KM
Wadi Dana
Mountains View
Stage 1: Dana to Wadi Malaga:
-
Distance: 23.5 km.
-
Time: 7–8 hours.
-
Physical Challenge: Moderate.
-
Trail Challenge: Moderate.
Stage Description:
-
Start in Dana Village, a picturesque village perched on a cliff offering incredible views of the surrounding valleys.
-
The path follows a rocky, rough descent from Dana into Dana Biosphere Reserve, passing through wadi systems and desert-like terrain.
-
Wadi Malaga is a scenic and secluded area, often used as a base for exploring the Dana Biosphere's diverse ecosystems.
-
You’ll encounter rocky cliffs, wadi beds, and desert flora as you descend to the lush Wadi Malaga.
Stage 2: Wadi Malaga to Ras Al-Feid:
-
Distance: 13.7 km.
-
Time: 5 - 7 hours.
-
Physical Challenge: Difficult.
-
Trail Challenge: Difficult.
Stage Description:
-
Begin the trek from Wadi Malaga, leaving behind the riverbed and heading through desert terrain and dry wadi beds.
-
The ascent towards Ras Al-Feid will be gradual but steady, offering stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape and the Dead Sea to the west.
-
Ras Al-Feid is a high plateau, offering wide panoramic views over the southern desert region of Jordan, making it a peaceful and remote spot.
-
The trail will take you through a desert plateau, with rugged terrain and a mix of rocky paths and scrubby vegetation.
Stage 3: Ras Al-Feid to Little Petra:
-
Distance: 18–20 km (11–12.5 miles)
-
Duration: 6–7 hours
-
Elevation Change: Moderate descent from Ras Al-Feid (~1,100 meters) to Little Petra (~900 meters)
-
Terrain: Rocky paths, desert terrain, and some ascent before descending into Little Petra.
Trail Description:
-
Starting from Ras Al-Feid, you’ll continue your descent towards Little Petra
-
which is a smaller version of the famous Petra with ancient Nabataean structures carved into the rock.
-
The trail takes you through a combination of rocky paths, desert scrub, and wadi valleys before you begin to see signs of the Nabataean civilization.
-
As you approach Little Petra, you'll notice rock-carved tombs and structures, with tall cliffs surrounding the area, giving it an enchanting, timeless feel.
Stage 4: Little Petra to Petra:
-
Distance: 12–15 km (7.5–9.3 miles)
-
Duration: 4–5 hours
-
Elevation Change: Moderate descent from Little Petra (~900 meters) to Petra (~800 meters)
-
Terrain: Desert paths, narrow canyons, and rocky terrain.
Trail Description:
-
This is the final section of the trek. Starting from Little Petra, the trail leads to the famous Siq, a narrow gorge that leads directly to the heart of Petra.
-
The path through the Siq is one of the most iconic hiking experiences, as the narrow, winding canyon opens to reveal the Al-Khazneh (the Treasury), a magnificent structure carved into the sandstone cliffs.
-
As you reach Petra, the trail will take you through various ancient ruins, including the Roman Theater, Royal Tombs, and other monuments carved into the cliffs by the Nabataeans.
-
End of Trek: Enjoy your arrival at Petra, exploring the ancient city and its wonders, including the Monastery, Street of Facades, and Great Temple.
Dana to Petra Trek Plan:
Dana Biosphere Reserve
A Journey through Time
Dana Village located in southern Jordan, has a rich and diverse history spanning thousands of years.
Ancient History (5000 BCE - 636 CE)
Neolithic period b: First settlements emerged around 5000 BCE
Copper Age : Dana became a significant copper production center (3000-1200 BCE)
Nabataean period : Dana thrived as a trade hub (312 BCE - 636 CE)
Islamic Era (636 - 1517)
Arab conquest : Islam spread throughout the region (636 CE).
Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates : Dana remained an important
trade center.
Ottoman Empire conquered Jordan (1517- 1918).
Dana Village expanded, with new buildings and infrastructure
Modern Era (1918 - present)
British Mandate : Jordan became a British protectorate (1921-1946).
Jordanian independence : Dana Village continued to grow and develop
Location :
Dana Village is located in southern Jordan, within the Tafilah Governorate.
30 km north of Aqaba and 120 km south of Amman and 20 km west of Tafilah.
The village lies in the Wadi Dana valley, surrounded by the Rummana Mountains to the east and the Wadi Araba valley to the west.
The Wildlife :
Dana Biosphere Reserve, surrounding Dana Village, is home to diverse wildlife due to its unique geography and climate.
Here are some animals found in the area:
Arabian Ibex (Capra ibex)
Also known as the " Al Wabar " or " Wadi Rum Ibex ", this majestic creature is:
Endemic to the Arabian Peninsula
Iconic symbol of Jordan's natural heritage
Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List
Why is the Arabian Ibex special?
Unique adaptation: Ibex have adapted to Dana's harsh desert environment, surviving extreme temperatures and scarce water.
Distinctive horns: Ibex horns curve majestically, growing up to 1.2 meters (4 feet) long.
Cultural significance: Ibex appear in ancient rock art and are revered by local communities.
Highlight :
Feynan Valley : Feynan Valley has been inhabited since ancient times, with evidence of human presence dating back to the Neolithic period ( around 8,000 years ago ). The valley was an important center for copper mining during the Nabataean and Roman periods.
Breathtaking scenery : Towering sandstone cliffs, narrow gorges, and vast desert landscapes.
Ancient copper mines : Feynan Valley has been mined for copper since ancient times, with evidence of Nabataean and Roman mining activities.
Unique geology : The valley features distinctive rock formations, canyons, and water springs.
Rich biodiversity : Home to various flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species.
Little Petra :
Little Petra, also known as Al-Beidha was built by the Nabataeans in the 1st century BC.
It served as a royal tomb and ceremonial site, showcasing the Nabataeans' advanced engineering and architectural skills.
Nabataean Era (1st century BC - 4th century AD)
1. Built as a royal tomb and ceremonial site for the Nabataean kings.
2. Featured elaborate facades, temples, and altars.
3. Utilized advanced water management systems.
Roman Era (4th century - 7th century AD)
1. Annexed by the Roman Empire.
2. Converted into a Roman temple complex.
3. Continued to thrive as a center of trade and culture.
Byzantine Era (7th century - 8th century AD)
1. Became a Christian pilgrimage site.
2. Chapel built within the main tomb.
3. Featured intricate mosaics and frescoes.
Islamic Era (8th century - 16th century AD)
1. Islamic influence on architecture and art.
2. Decline of Little Petra's importance.
3. Eventual abandonment.




Arabian Ibex
Arabian Ibex
Little Petra Ruin


.jpg)





