Discover Jordan | A Once-in-a-Lifetime Ultra Marathon | Ultra X

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Discover Jordan: The Hidden Gem of the Middle East

From Ancient Wonders  to Endurance Adventures – Why Jordan Should be your Next Destination

When you hear the word Jordan, one image often comes to mind: the awe-inspiring façade of Petra, the legendary Lost City carved into sandstone cliffs over 2,000 years ago. But while Petra is a global icon and rightfully so, Jordan is so much more than a single wonder.

For adventurers and ultra marathon runners alike, Jordan is steeped in history. It’s a land of ancient kingdoms and wide-open spaces that feel untouched by time. From the Roman ruins of Jerash, to the biblical landscapes of Mount Nebo and ‘Bethany Beyond the Jordan’, this is a country where every trail has a story.

Through a special collaboration with the Jordan Tourism Board, we’re proud to showcase this extraordinary destination not just as a place to run/walk, but as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, where every landscape tells a story.

If you’re preparing to join us in Jordan, or simply curious about what awaits, here’s our Ultra X Jordan bucket list:

1. Wadi Rum – The Valley of the Moon

Welcome to another planet. Literally (well not LITERALLY)

The vast, silent desert of Wadi Rum has been the backdrop for films like The Martian and Dune – it’s easy to see why. Its rust-red dunes, towering sandstone formations, and endless horizons feel like something from another world.

For Ultra X runners/walkers, Wadi Rum is the ultimate test: a 220km multi-stage ultramarathon event across soft sand, rocky trails, and expansive open space. It’s challenging, wild, and utterly unforgettable. For travellers, it’s a place to disconnect from the modern world and sleep under the stars in traditional Bedouin camps.

This iconic desert is one of the standout destinations supported by the Jordan Tourism Board, offering a range of unforgettable experiences designed to immerse travellers in the heart of Bedouin culture and natural wonder:

● 4×4 desert safaris through towering sandstone canyons

● Camel trekking alongside local Bedouin guides

● Stargazing beneath crystal-clear, light-pollution-free skies

● Hot air balloon rides at sunrise, revealing Wadi Rum from above

2. Petra & the Ultra X Jordan Experience

No trip to Jordan is complete without a visit to Petra, the legendary “Lost City” carved into rose-red cliffs over two millennia ago. Once the thriving capital of the Nabataean Empire, Petra is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Visitors enter through the winding Siq, a narrow canyon that reveals the breathtaking Treasury (Al-Khazneh). But Petra stretches far beyond its famous façade. The vast site is filled with tombs, temples, and high mountain lookouts like the Monastery (Ad-Deir) – well worth the climb.

Though Ultra X runners don’t race through Petra itself, many participants choose to make the journey either side of the race.

3. Dana Biosphere Reserve – Jordan’s Best-Kept Secret

If you’re drawn to wild trails and untouched beauty, make time for the Dana Biosphere Reserve – one of Jordan’s most ecologically rich and visually stunning regions. A real hidden gem!

Covering steep canyons, limestone cliffs, and valleys spilling into the Rift Valley, Dana is a haven for hikers, trail runners, and eco-conscious travellers.

The Jordan Tourism Board has invested in sustainable tourism projects here, from eco-lodges to community-run guides, making it a model for responsible adventure travel. Ensure you don’t miss out on:

● Wadi Dana Trail — one of the country’s most scenic hikes

● Wildlife spotting (ibex, hyenas, over 200 bird species)

● Overnight stays in award-winning eco-accommodation

4. The Dead Sea – The World’s Lowest Point

After the physical demands of running an ultramarathon in Jordan, there’s no better place to recover than the Dead Sea. Float effortlessly in the hyper-saline waters, coat yourself in mineral-rich mud, soak in views across to the hills of Jerusalem.

Just a short drive from Amman, at 430 metres below sea level, the Dead Sea is one of the Earth’s most unique natural phenomena. A must for any Ultra X participant in recovery mode. The Jordan Tourism Board has some post-race activity recommendations:

● Try a Dead Sea salt scrub

● Enjoy a massage at one of the resort spas

● Float at sunset for total serenity

5. Amman & Beyond – Modern Culture Meets Ancient Roots

Amman, Jordan’s capital, is a city of contrast. Roman ruins rise above buzzing cafés and bustling souks stand beside sleek contemporary art galleries. For Ultra X

participants arriving early or staying after the race, it’s the ideal place to begin or end your journey.

Here are Jordan Tourism Board top three experiences to explore:

● Explore the Citadel and Roman Theatre

● Taste authentic dishes on Rainbow Street

● Take a guided day trip to Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world.

6. Jordanian Cuisine – Fuel for the Journey

Jordanian food is a highlight in itself. Whether you’re carb-loading before race day or recovering afterward, the local cuisine delivers on both flavour and nutrition.

Dishes to try:

● Mansaf – the national dish of lamb, rice, and fermented yogurt

● Magloubeh – upside-down spiced rice with chicken or lamb

● Mezze – a spread of hummus, falafel, baba ghanoush, and more

● Zarb – traditional Bedouin barbecue cooked underground

7. The Bedouin Spirit – Hospitality Like No Other

Ask anyone who’s visited Jordan what stood out most – and chances are, they’ll say the people. The Bedouin communities of the south, in particular, are known for their legendary hospitality.

Whether you’re offered sweet tea around a campfire or directions in a mountain village, the warmth is genuine and unforgettable. It’s not just a visit – it’s a welcome.

Make Jordan Your Next Adventure

Ultra X Jordan is more than just a race, it’s an invitation to experience a country that has quietly become one of the world’s most captivating adventure travel destinations – a place where culture, endurance, and hospitality meet.

Whether you’re here to race, explore, or simply connect with something bigger, Jordan welcomes you.

So, the question isn’t why Jordan.