Horse Riding
One thing Wadi Musa has no shortage of is travel agencies, and each one offers a similar range of tour and excursions ranging from jeep safaris to guided treks. Horse riding is becoming an increasingly popular occupation with visitors who, accompanied by a guide, gallop out into the surrounding desert for a day trip or longer. It’s a great way to see Jordan, and for many a less alien alternative to doing the same thing by camel.
Be warned though, if you do go horse riding make sure to use a reputable, safety conscious provider, check you’re covered by your travel insurance, and always wear your helmet.
Little Petra
Al-Beidha or little Petra as it is more commonly nicknamed is home to some of the oldest ruins in the country. Similar in appearance to Petra proper prior to the Roman influence, the Neolithic homes and tombs that line the valley here are thought to be some 9000 years old.
The site is situated just north of Petra itself and can be reached on foot (2 hours) or by Taxi (7JDs/10$).
Jordanian Cooking Classes
Once you’ve had your fill of Arabian mezzes, you may decide to burn off the calories with a Jordanian cooking class at the Petra Kitchen. Situated just up the road from the entrance to Petra in Wadi Musa, aside from being a great place to eat, the Petra Kitchen restaurant runs a course that teaches you to cook all your favourite Jordanian snacks in just a few hours. From hummus and falafel, to foul and baba ganoush, and of course the Jordanian national dish, Mansaf.
Eat Ice Cream at the Movepick
One of the last buildings in Wadi Musa you’ll walk past before you reach the Petra entrance, and the first one you’ll come to when you leave is the Movenpick Hotel. Aside from being a five star hotel with a pleasant roof top shisha lounge, ornate ground floor bar, and overpriced buffet restaurant, the Movenpick also has the only ice cream bar in Wadi Musa. After a hard day’s trekking in Petra it’s a convenient and worthwhile stop off.
Kick Back By the Pool
Finally, if you want to do as little as possible, and simply make the most of the Jordanian sunshine you might consider hanging up your hiking boots and donning a pair a flip flops instead. There are several five star hotels in town each with their own outdoor swimming pool and sun loungers. If you’re not staying at one of them, you can use the facilities for a few dinars. Or just stroll in like you own the place, lay down your towel, plug in you MP3 and hope for the best.
For more alternative ideas for things to do in Petra and Wadi Musa click here
Or read about travelling from Jordan to Syria by Train
