Hot Springs

At the head of Wadi Zarqa Ma’in is the waterfall and hot spring called Hamamat Ma’in. It’s sited just under the Herodian fortress of Mukawir, and is believed to be one of the spots where Herod came to find a palliative for gout. It’s an impressive sight, and the start of an excellent but challenging hiking trail down Zarqa Ma’in to the Dead Sea–but the springs are part of the Six Senses Spa and Resort property, so admission is a bit pricey. If you’re looking for a luxurious out-of-the-way resort where you can pamper yourself with spa treatments and good service far from the crowds, this is the place to go.

Far more popular and less tourist-oriented is the Hamamat Afra hot springs. Locals from all parts of Jordan visit the springs seeking cures for a variety of ailments. At one time in the recent past, the area was plagued by reminders of litter-happy picnickers. These days, some efforts have been made to establish a clean and comfortable visitors’ center to permit people to enjoy the springs without battling their way through piles of hummus bowls and water bottles.