Ahlan Wa Sahlan! (Welcome) This is probably the first thing the locals will say to you when you arrive at the legendary Wadi Rum. Also known as the Valley of the Moon, this valley in southern Jordan is said to have been inhabitated since prehistoric times, dating back as early as 12,000 years ago. The area became an officially protected area in 1997, the Wadi Rum Protected Area, and now covers over 183,350 acres .

Tourism really began picking up in the Valley of the Moon after it appeared in the 1962 film Lawrence of Arabia. From the Mars-like desert picturesque scenery to its rocky-red mountainous canyons, Wadi Rum not only became a popular film set in Hollywood as it perfectly depicted the red planet, but also one of Jordan's biggest tourist attractions.

Explore the vast mystical sandy landscapes and discover the numerous archaeological sites that can be found throughout this charming place. With over 20,000 inscriptions and 25,000 petroglyphs (rock carvings), you can trace the early development of the alphabet and evolution of human thought. Many of the different activities available today are developed by the people of the Zalabieh tribe, who call Wadi Rum home. So if you are looking to ride on a camel, seek a hiking expedition in the Wadi's siqs (canyons), or get your fix of adrenaline by riding a 4x4 jumping over red-scorched desert dunes, then look no further.

Live and breathe the true essence of an Arabian night, sit back and relax while you enjoy a traditional desert camping experience. Have Mansaf (the national Jordanian dish) or Maqluba, drink chay or "gawha", and chat with the local Beduins around a cozy campfire. All this, under a blanket of crystal clear starry night skies.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the perfect destination for making a day trip as it's located 35 miles northeast of Aqaba, 60 miles south of Petra, and 185 miles south of Amman. It's best to plan a 2 or 3-day trip to Wadi Rum if you're starting in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv because the drive is five hours. Day trips and tours are provided round trip transportation.