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

Petra is the star here, but the overnight Bedouin camp gives this two-day trip its real shape. You get a guided look at the Nabataeans’ carved city, then trade stone corridors for open desert, a Jeep ride, and a night beneath the Wadi Rum sky. I like that the tour joins Jordan’s two biggest sights without making you arrange separate transport, tickets, and lodging.

I also like the hotel pickup from Eilat and the choice of a private bathroom tent. The main caution is cost and timing: the advertised $372 price does not include $140 in Jordan border fees, and one poor account describes delays that cut Petra time sharply. Confirm every detail before paying those fees.

Key points to know before booking

• Petra includes a three-hour guided visit, with time for the Treasury, temples, caves, mourning houses, and other Nabataean remains.
• Wadi Rum includes a roughly two-hour Jeep ride, with desert scenery and camp activities before your overnight stay.
• The total price can reach $512 per person before extra meals, drinks, and any tent upgrade, because the $140 border fee is separate.
• The basic tent has shared or outside bathroom facilities, while the upgrade adds a private shower and toilet.
• The trip requires walking and comfortable footwear, and it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.
• Timing at the border matters greatly, so confirm pickup, passports, and fees with the local partner before departure.

From Eilat to Jordan: an early start and a serious border crossing

Your day begins with pickup at 8:30 AM from your Eilat hotel. The supplied meeting address is Retamim St 133, but you should still confirm the exact pickup point with the local partner. That small step matters, especially when a border crossing is part of the day.

You cross through the Arava border and continue into Jordan toward Wadi Musa, the town beside Petra. This is not a quick city transfer. Border formalities, vehicle changes, and group arrangements can affect the schedule, so I would treat the published times as a plan rather than a guarantee.

The border fee is $140 per person and is not included in the $372 tour price. That puts the known total at $512 per person before drinks, extra food, or the upgraded tent. The fee is also non-refundable after payment, even if weather later cancels the tour. Ask for a clear explanation of the fee and payment process before you commit.

One past booking went badly at this point, with a late pickup, an unexpected wait, and confusion over the border payment. I would not ignore that warning. Confirm the pickup time, passport details, group arrangements, and exact border charge in writing if possible.

Petra’s Treasury is only the beginning

Petra was the center of Nabataean life, and the site contains more than the famous Treasury. Your guided visit is scheduled for three hours, with an English-speaking guide explaining the Nabataeans, their art, gods, buildings, and daily life.

The approach to the Treasury is part of the thrill. You move through a narrow sandstone passage before the carved façade comes into view. It is an excellent first look at Petra, but do not stop there. The tour description points to temples, mourning houses, caves, and more than 800 objects across the site.

Three hours is enough for a strong introduction. It is not enough to inspect every corner at a slow pace. You should wear shoes with a firm grip and expect substantial walking over uneven ground. Open-toed shoes are not allowed, and the experience is not designed for people with mobility impairments.

I like the fact that the guide gives context instead of leaving you to stare at stone façades without a clue about their purpose. Still, your time is limited, so listen closely and keep moving when asked. If Petra is your main reason for visiting Jordan, this schedule may feel rushed.

Lunch is included after the Petra visit. That makes the day easier, since you do not need to search for a meal while moving between major stops. Additional meals and drinks are not included, so bring your own drinking water for the journey and budget for anything beyond the supplied lunch and camp breakfast.

Wadi Rum brings a different kind of Jordan

After Petra, you transfer to Wadi Rum. Petra is about carved stone and human construction. Wadi Rum is about wind, sand, cliffs, and distance. The change is dramatic, even though both places are tied to the desert world of southern Jordan.

The included Jeep ride lasts about two hours. You travel through sandstone formations and canyons with a local guide, stopping to take in the desert setting. The supplied details do not promise a fixed list of stops, so I would not book this expecting a particular rock arch or named viewpoint.

This ride is the active part of the desert visit. It is also exposed. Wadi Rum can be intensely hot in summer and very cold in winter. Wear loose, comfortable clothes, bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat, and carry drinking water. For winter departures, pack warm clothes rather than assuming the desert stays hot after sunset.

The tour also includes camp activities and a night at a Bedouin camp. This is where the experience feels less like a quick sightseeing transfer and more like a stay in the desert. You have time to see how the camp operates and learn about Bedouin life from the guide and camp staff.

A highly praised account described a comfortable desert camp, a swimming pool, good food, and a sky full of stars. Those details may depend on the camp and the accommodation option available on your date, so I would confirm them rather than assume every booking includes the same facilities.

Choosing between the standard tent and the private-bathroom upgrade

The standard Bedouin tent is the simpler choice. Its shower and toilet are located outside the tent, which may suit you if you care more about the desert setting than hotel-style privacy.

The upgrade gives you a 4-star tent with a private shower and toilet. I would consider it carefully if you dislike shared facilities, are traveling as a couple, or want a more comfortable night after walking around Petra. The supplied information does not state the upgrade price, so ask for the exact supplement before booking.

Accommodation is arranged according to the number of people on the reservation. A solo booking receives single accommodation, while a booking for three receives three-person accommodation. If you are particular about bed arrangements, confirm the setup before departure.

Do not expect the camp stay to remove the desert’s basic realities. Temperatures can drop sharply in winter, while summer heat can be severe. Bring a change of clothes and dress for the season. The tent upgrade improves bathroom privacy, but it does not change the outdoor setting.

The next morning: desert sightseeing, then the return trip

The second day continues in Wadi Rum with guided sightseeing before you return toward Eilat. Breakfast at the camp is included. The exact order of the morning activities may vary, so keep your schedule open and do not plan a tight evening appointment back in Eilat.

The return journey involves the border again. That means the trip can feel longer than its two-day label suggests. A previous booking had a late departure toward Petra and long waits on the road, leaving only about two and a half hours at the site. That account also described an unplanned stop in Aqaba and confusion over guide arrangements.

I would use that as a planning warning, not proof that every departure runs that way. Ask the local partner how long the Petra visit is expected to last, when the Jeep ride begins, and where lunch takes place. You are paying for a packed two-day experience, so clear communication is part of the value.

What the $372 price really includes

At $372 per person, the package covers a lot: round-trip transportation, one-day Petra admission, a three-hour Petra tour in English, lunch, the transfer to Wadi Rum, the camp night, breakfast, and the Jeep ride.

The price becomes less simple once you add the $140 border fee. Your known cost is then $512 per person. Drinks, extra meals, and the private-bathroom tent upgrade cost more.

I see the value mainly in the logistics. You do not need to arrange a Jordanian vehicle, Petra tickets, desert transport, a guide, or camp accommodation separately. For a short visit from Eilat, that can save time and reduce the risk of missing a connection.

The tradeoff is control. A package trip keeps you moving with the group, and delays at the border or on the road affect everyone. If you want a slow Petra visit or a carefully timed private trip, this may not be the best format. If you want the main sights in two days without building the route yourself, the price can make sense.

Who will get the most from this trip

I would recommend this tour to an active visitor staying in Eilat who wants both Petra and Wadi Rum in a short window. You should be comfortable with long transfers, border procedures, walking, changing vehicles, and a desert night.

It suits solo visitors particularly well because transport, guiding, and accommodation are bundled together. One positive account described the experience as a safe option for a solo visitor and praised the camp, food, and night sky.

It is less suitable if you have limited mobility, need a relaxed pace, dislike uncertain border timing, or require guaranteed private facilities without paying for the upgrade. Families should also confirm the accommodation setup and passport requirements for every person before booking.

English is the stated tour language. No guide names are provided, so you should not book this expecting a particular guide. The local partner should confirm the current pickup and guide details before departure.

Practical packing for Petra and Wadi Rum

Use comfortable, closed shoes. Petra involves walking, and open-toed shoes are not permitted. Add sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and a change of clothes.

Bring a passport or ID card and your own drinking water. The tour provider also asks for passport details from all participants, so send accurate information before the trip.

Season matters more here than on many short sightseeing tours. Summer can be very hot in Wadi Rum. Winter can be cold, especially at night, so take warm clothing even if Eilat feels mild when you leave.

The tour can be canceled because of bad weather. Since border fees are non-refundable after payment, that risk deserves attention. You can cancel the tour up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund under the stated policy, and you can reserve now and pay later, but that does not remove the separate border-fee rules.

Should you book this Petra and Wadi Rum tour?

I would book it if you want a packed, practical introduction to southern Jordan from Eilat and you value having transport, guides, tickets, food, and camp accommodation handled together. The combination of Petra’s carved city and Wadi Rum’s Jeep ride gives you two very different sides of Jordan in two days.

I would hesitate if Petra deserves a full day in your plans. The three-hour guided visit is useful, but border delays can reduce it. Before booking, confirm the pickup time, border fee, expected Petra hours, Jeep duration, camp facilities, and private-bathroom upgrade price.

At $372 plus the $140 border fee, this is not a cheap add-on. Its value depends on how much you value convenience. If you accept a busy schedule and prepare for border delays, it offers a strong short visit. If you want time, flexibility, and a slower look at Petra, arrange a longer stay instead.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

Pickup is provided from hotels in Eilat. The supplied pickup address is Retamim St 133, but you should confirm your exact location with the local partner.

What time does pickup begin?

The stated pickup time is 8:30 AM.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts two days.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Round-trip transportation, the transfer to Wadi Rum, and transport connected with the Jordan portion are included.

Is a Petra entrance ticket included?

Yes. One day of entrance to Petra is included.

How long is the Petra guided tour?

The guided Petra visit is scheduled for three hours and is conducted in English.

Is lunch included?

Lunch in Petra is included. Additional meals and drinks are not included.

How long is the Wadi Rum Jeep ride?

The included Jeep tour lasts about two hours.

Does the standard tent have a private bathroom?

No. The standard tent has the shower and toilet outside the tent. A 4-star tent upgrade with a private shower and toilet is available.

Are border fees included in the tour price?

No. Jordan border fees are $140 per person. They are non-refundable after payment, including if weather causes a cancellation.