Wadi Rum

Aptly dubbed ‘The Valley of the Moon’, this desert area in Southern Jordan, set east of Aqaba, features an other-worldly landscape. Scenes of massive razor-toothed mountains, undulating dunes, and rocks sculpted by the forces of nature into incredible bridges, towering canyons, bulbous domes, and a variety of other impressive formations take center stage. With very little modern development, Wadi Rum makes for an astonishing, unspoiled destination. While more adventurous travelers can plan an overnight stay in a traditional tented Bedouin camp and can explore the extraordinary topography on horseback, those seeking a bit of luxury can stay in one of the modern villages in the surrounding area and explore the area on a guided four-wheel drive tour. However you choose to do it, Wadi Rum is a major highlight and an essential component of any tour of Jordan.