From Eilat: 2-Day Petra & Wadi Rum Tour with Camp Stay

Petra rewards an early start. This two-day trip pairs Jordan’s great ancient site with a night in Wadi Rum, making it an appealing way to see two very different parts of the country without planning every transfer yourself. I like the three-hour guided visit in Petra and the chance to sleep in a real Bedouin camp rather than rushing back to Eilat after one long day. The main concern is cost: the $372 tour price does not include Jordan border fees, which add $140 per person.

The desert night is the other strong point. A two-hour Jeep ride, camp food, breakfast, and star-filled skies give Wadi Rum more space than a quick afternoon stop. Still, border procedures and timing can be uneven, so you should confirm every detail before departure and keep your expectations flexible.

Key things to know before booking

• The $140 border fee is extra: It is separate from the $372 tour price and is non-refundable once paid, even if bad weather cancels the trip.
• Petra gets a three-hour guided visit: You will see the Siq, Treasury, temples, caves, mourning houses, and other Nabataean remains, but the site is large enough that you will need good walking shoes.
• The Bedouin camp has two comfort levels: The standard tent places the bathroom and shower outside. The upgraded four-star tent has both privately inside.
• The Wadi Rum Jeep ride lasts about two hours: This is the main desert adventure, with sandstone formations, canyons, and camp activities.
• Pickup is from Eilat hotels at 8:30 AM: The listed pickup address is Retamim Street 133, but you should confirm the exact meeting point with the local partner.
• The trip is not suited to limited mobility: Petra and the desert camp involve walking over uneven ground, and the tour does not offer a mobility-friendly setup.

From Eilat to Jordan by way of the Arava border

Your day begins with pickup from your Eilat hotel at about 8:30 AM. The trip crosses the Arava border before continuing toward Wadi Musa, the Jordanian town beside Petra. Round-trip transportation is included, which removes the headache of arranging separate taxis, drivers, and border connections.

The border is the part that needs the most patience. Jordan border fees are listed at $140 per person, and the amount is not included in the tour price. You should also send the passport details for everyone in your party ahead of time and check visa rules if you hold a restricted nationality. Some nationalities must arrange visas through the relevant embassy.

I would bring water for the road, even though lunch and breakfast are included later. A passport or ID card, sun protection, sunglasses, and a hat are essential. Bring a light change of clothes too, since Jordan can be very hot by day and cold at night, particularly in winter.

The transfer is practical rather than scenic entertainment. A smooth border crossing leaves you more time at Petra, while delays can cut into the sightseeing hours. One poor experience involved a late pickup, a long wait near Aqaba, an expensive international-style restaurant, and an unexplained road stop. That does not define every departure, but it explains why I would confirm the pickup time, border arrangements, meal plan, and Petra start time before leaving Eilat.

Petra, where the Treasury is only the beginning

Petra was the capital of the Nabataeans, a trading people who carved buildings and tombs into the rose-colored sandstone. The famous Treasury is the image most people carry home, but it is just one part of a site containing more than 800 recorded objects, including temples, caves, mourning houses, and other carved structures.

The approach through the Siq gives Petra its memorable opening. The narrow rock passage leads you toward the Treasury, and the sudden view of the carved facade is one of the great reveals in ancient travel. Your English-speaking guide is scheduled to spend about three hours with you, explaining Nabataean art, gods, daily life, and the way the city functioned.

That guided time is valuable because Petra can otherwise look like a series of impressive walls without a clear story. The guide helps you understand why the Nabataeans built here and what you are seeing beyond the famous facade. You will also have time to look around independently, though three hours is not enough to inspect every corner of a site this large.

Wear closed, comfortable walking shoes. Open-toed shoes are not allowed, and the ground can be demanding. Comfortable clothing, sunscreen, and a hat matter just as much as your camera. This is not a passive sightseeing stop. You will walk, stand, and spend time outside in sun and dust.

The schedule deserves attention. One account of the trip had the vehicle leave late and arrive at Petra with only about two and a half hours remaining. Tickets were also handled at the last minute. I would not assume such delays will happen, but I would ask the operator to confirm that your Petra entrance ticket and guide are arranged before the day begins. Every lost hour matters here.

Lunch follows the Petra visit. It is included, which makes the day easier, but additional meals and drinks are not covered. The supplied information does not specify the lunch menu, so anyone with particular dietary needs should confirm what is available in advance.

Wadi Rum after the ancient city

After Petra, the route continues to Wadi Rum, a desert of red sand, dark rock, and carved sandstone formations. The change is dramatic. Petra is shaped by human hands and centuries of trade; Wadi Rum feels governed by sun, wind, distance, and stone.

The desert can be severe. Summer heat is intense, while winter nights can be freezing. That contrast is important when you pack. Light clothes and sunscreen help during the day, but warm layers are necessary for a winter overnight stay. Even in milder seasons, a long-sleeved layer can make the evening more comfortable.

The included Jeep ride is scheduled for two hours. This is the best part of the Wadi Rum visit for anyone who wants more than a camp transfer. You will see sandstone formations and desert scenery from an open vehicle, with stops along the way and explanations about the area and Bedouin life.

The ride is an adventure, not a luxury sightseeing bus. Expect a rougher road experience and exposure to dust and weather. One account described a ride of about an hour and a half with two stops, so the exact duration may depend on the day’s timing and local arrangements. I would treat two hours as the target, not a promise that every minute will be spent driving through the desert.

The camp gives the trip its human side. You are not simply looking at the desert from a vehicle. You spend the night in a place connected to Bedouin traditions and learn about the people who live in this demanding environment. Camp activities are included, although the exact activities are not specified, so ask your guide what is planned on arrival.

Choosing between the two Bedouin tent options

The standard accommodation is a Bedouin tent with the bathroom and shower outside. That arrangement may suit you if an authentic, simple camp experience matters more than private facilities. It also keeps the cost lower, though the shared bathroom setup can be inconvenient at night or in cold weather.

The upgrade provides a four-star tent with a private shower and toilet inside. I would consider it worthwhile for couples, older visitors, or anyone who wants the desert setting without giving up basic privacy. It is especially attractive in winter, when walking outside to use the bathroom is less pleasant.

The supplied information does not give the upgrade price, so check the final total before paying. It does specify that single bookings receive single accommodation, while three-person bookings receive three-person accommodation. If you want a particular sleeping arrangement, confirm it rather than assuming the camp will adjust it on arrival.

Food is another practical point. Breakfast at the camp is included, but dinner is not specifically listed among the included services. The information describes good food at the camp, yet I would still ask whether dinner is included in your package or needs to be paid for separately. Drinks and additional meals are also excluded.

One especially appealing feature is the night sky. Wadi Rum’s remote desert setting can offer spectacular stars, and one highly positive account praised the camp’s swimming pool, food, and million-star night. The pool is not listed as a standard feature for every booking, so you should not make it the main reason to book, but it may be available at the camp used for your departure.

The return journey and the value of two days

The second day includes breakfast, more time in Wadi Rum, and the drive back toward Eilat. The exact timing is not provided, so you should expect a full travel day rather than a relaxed morning followed by a short ride home.

At $372 per person, the tour includes a lot: round-trip transportation, Petra admission for one day, a three-hour English-speaking guide, lunch in Petra, the Wadi Rum transfer, overnight camp accommodation, breakfast, and the Jeep ride. If you had to arrange all of those pieces yourself, the planning would take time, especially across a border.

The extra $140 border fee changes the real price to at least $512 per person before extra drinks, meals, or a tent upgrade. That is a substantial amount for two days. The value is strongest if you want convenience and a guided introduction to Jordan, and weaker if you are comfortable arranging your own transport and staying longer in Petra.

A two-day format also has a clear tradeoff. You get both Petra and Wadi Rum, but neither receives the leisurely time of a dedicated multi-day visit. Petra alone can absorb a full day or more, while Wadi Rum has far more desert than a two-hour Jeep ride can cover. This tour works best as a first taste of Jordan, not as a slow exploration of either place.

The overall rating is 4.2 from 45 ratings, which fits the experience’s mixed picture. The most praised elements are the camp atmosphere, safety for a solo visitor, food, swimming pool, and stars at night. The sharpest complaints concern late pickups, unclear border payments, long roadside waits, expensive food stops, and too little time at Petra. Those are not small details. They are the difference between a well-paced tour and a tiring transfer with sightseeing squeezed in.

Who will enjoy this Jordan tour most

I would recommend it to you if you are based in Eilat, have only two days, and want someone else to handle the major transport links. It is also a good fit for a solo visitor who wants a structured and supported way to see Petra and Wadi Rum.

The tour suits people who enjoy walking, outdoor conditions, and a simple camp night. You should be comfortable with sun, dust, uneven surfaces, changing temperatures, and a schedule that depends partly on border operations. Petra and the camp are not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

It is less suitable if you dislike long drives or need precise timing. It is also a poor choice if your main goal is a thorough Petra visit, since delays can reduce your time inside the site. In that case, a longer Petra stay would give you more breathing room.

Before booking, I would ask five direct questions:

• Is the $140 border fee paid in an official, receipted way?
• What exact pickup time and hotel meeting point apply?
• Is dinner at Wadi Rum included?
• How long will the Petra visit last from entry to departure?
• Is the private-bathroom tent available, and what does it cost?

Clear answers will tell you a great deal about how smoothly the trip is likely to run.

Should you book this Petra and Wadi Rum experience?

Book it if you value convenience, want both headline Jordan sights, and like the idea of sleeping under desert stars. The combination of a guided Petra visit, a Jeep ride, and a Bedouin camp is appealing, and the camp is the part most likely to turn a standard sightseeing trip into a memorable one.

Think twice if the final price feels high, if you need dependable timing, or if you want a long, careful visit to Petra. The tour is best viewed as a compact introduction, with real benefits and real logistical risks. Confirm the border fee, transport schedule, dinner arrangements, and tent type first. If those details are clear, this can be a practical two-day taste of Jordan from Eilat.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The experience lasts two days, including Petra sightseeing, the Wadi Rum Jeep ride, and one overnight stay at a Bedouin camp.

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup is included from hotels in Eilat. The listed pickup location is Retamim Street 133, and you should confirm the exact meeting point with the local partner.

What time does pickup begin?

The stated pickup time is 8:30 AM.

Is the Jordan border fee included in the tour price?

No. The border fee is listed as $140 per person and is not included in the $372 tour price.

How much time is spent at Petra?

The planned guided tour at Petra lasts three hours. The actual time at the site can be affected by border and road delays.

Is lunch included?

Lunch in Petra is included. Additional meals and drinks are not included, and dinner at the camp should be confirmed before departure.

Does the Bedouin tent have a private bathroom?

The standard tent has the shower and toilet outside. A four-star tent upgrade is available with a private shower and toilet inside the tent.

Is the tour suitable for someone with limited mobility?

No. The experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Comfortable closed-toe shoes are required, and open-toed shoes are not allowed.