Located deep in the hills between the Dead Sea and Madaba is Ma’in. The area is unique for its natural hot springs and waterfalls. Today, Ma’in Hot Springs (Hammamat Ma’in) is a wonderful place for wellness and relaxation.
In this article, I’ll show you all you need to know about Ma’in Hot Springs, written by a local expert.
Contents
What are Ma’in Hot Springs?
Ma’in Hot Springs, also known as Hammamat Ma’in (حمامات ماعين) in Arabic, is a valley of hot and cold springs and waterfalls. Winter rainwater from Jordan’s highlands seeps underground, where it is heated by underground lava fissures before emerging in the valley. Official Jordanian sources refers to 109 hot and cold springs, with water temperatures reaching up to 63°C (145°F).
The hot springs are located in the mountainous region between the city Madaba (about 45 minutes drive) and the Dead Sea (about 20 minutes drive).
Why Visit the Ma’in Hot Springs?
The hot springs of Ma’in are located amid a beautiful rocky landscape. Many people visit Ma in hot springs because of the thermal waters. For international travelers, the scenery is particularly interesting. With Jordan being famous for its desert landscapes, natural waterfalls are something that many travelers wouldn’t expect in Jordan.
Locations: Public vs. Private Springs
The valley is fed by 109 hot and cold springs. They vary in size and temperature, and the water can reach up to 63°C (145°F). Some springs are inaccessible or far too hot for bathing, so only use the designated bathing areas.
The springs aren’t the only thing you’ll love in Ma’in. The area is very mountainous, with waterfalls amid the picturesque landscape.
For visitors, there are two main ways to experience Hammamat Ma’in: a resort and a public bathing facility.
Ma’in Hot Springs Resort
Ma’in Hot Springs Resort is popular with overnight visitors. It’s a small resort with a very peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, mostly frequented by adults. It has a pool supplied with thermal spring water and a large waterfall amid the mountainous landscape. It’s a wonderful place to spend the night and relax.
The resort has restaurants and offers a range of spa treatments in the Cascade Spa. The large waterfall right behind the hotel can be seen from the pool, the restaurant and some of the rooms.
Public bathing facility
If you don’t want to stay overnight, you can visit the public bathing facility further uphill. It operates separately from the resort and has its own paid entrance, thermal pools and visitor facilities.
The area a little further uphill from the resort is a newer bathing facility. It has a large waterfall above a multi-level pool where visitors can enjoy the thermal water. There are showers, changing rooms and toilets on site, as well as a small restaurant where you can buy food and drinks. Parking is available on site. Admission is paid at the entrance barrier, so you cannot simply enter and use the pools for free.
Ma’in or Dead Sea?
Both the Dead Sea and Ma’in hot springs are popular destinations in Jordan.
The Dead Sea can easily get crowded, especially on weekends. Dead Sea resorts are usually livelier and offer a broader range of facilities. If you travel with small children, I would generally choose a Dead Sea resort because it tends to be the more practical option.
Ma’in is usually much less frequented. The atmosphere in the resort is peaceful and calm. Therefore, Ma’in Hot Springs is a great place for anyone seeking relaxation in a unique environment in Jordan. I would choose it for a quiet stay rather than a family trip with small children.
Are you traveling in Jordan and planning to visit Madaba, Mount Nebo and the Dead Sea? Even if you aren’t interested in staying the night, you can make a short stopover in Ma’in. The drive through the mountains is scenic. The waterfalls amid the landscape of Ma’in are something that you probably wouldn’t expect in a country like Jordan which is famous for sandstone buildings in Petra or the Wadi Rum desert.
Furthermore, Ma’in is close to Mukawir (Machaerus), the historical site traditionally associated with the imprisonment and execution of John the Baptist. You can combine Ma’in Hot Springs with Mukawir and other sights in this part of Jordan.
Travel Planning Information
Don’t come unprepared. Below I’ve compiled some useful information for you to plan your trip.
Best Time to Visit Ma’in
Ma’in can generally be visited year-round. My personal recommendation is to visit Ma’in between late autumn and early spring (November to March).
That’s because the thermal water is very warm. Temperatures vary, with official information indicating around 45 to 60°C (113 to 140°F) at the best-known springs and up to 63°C (145°F) elsewhere in the valley. Bathing is more pleasant when the air temperature is moderate.
By the way, if you’re visiting Ma’in as part of a road trip through Jordan, be sure to check my article on the best time to visit Jordan to get a complete picture.
How to Get to the Ma’in Hot Springs?
Ma’in is in a remote area. A rental car, taxi or private driver is the most practical way to get there, as there is no convenient regular public transport to the visitor area.
Approximate driving times:
- Amman to Main Hot Springs: 1.5 hours (via Madaba)
- Madaba to Main Hot Springs: 45 minutes
- Mount Nebo to Main Hot Springs: 45 minutes
- Dead Sea to Main Hot Springs: 20-30 minutes (from the resorts area)
- Wadi Mujib to Main Hot Springs: 30 minutes (from Wadi Mujib Adventure Center)
Things to Pack for Ma’in Hot Springs
Spending a day or a weekend at Ma’in hot springs? Here are some items you should bring along:
- Swimwear
- Slippers
- Towels (If using the public springs. If you’re staying at the resort, towels are provided.)
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen (optional)
- Water and snacks if you prefer, although the public bathing facility has a small restaurant where you can buy food and drinks.
- A book or some entertainment when spending time at the pool
If you stay overnight, don’t forget to pack fresh clothes for the following day, a toothbrush and toothpaste, any cosmetics you might need and your phone charger.
Where to Eat Near Ma’in Hot Springs
Ma’in hot springs is a very rural location, amid the hills. The food options in the greater area are very limited.
The resort has dining options for guests. The public bathing facility also has a small restaurant where you can buy food and drinks. If you would like to eat elsewhere, the restaurant at the Dead Sea Museum (about 10 minutes drive from the resort). The best part about this restaurant is the excellent panoramic view of the nearby Dead Sea.
Any Questions or Feedback?
Have you ever been to Ma’in or are you planning to visit soon? Share your experience and questions in the comments section down the page.
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Hi Kitty!
Does the public spring has opning and closing hours?
Hi Joana! As far as I know, the public spring can be accessed 24/7. However, you should visit during daylight for safety reasons. Bathing in the dark would be too dangerous. 🙂
Nice info! Now, have a clear idea about what to expect and how to enjoy the thermal springs.
Appreciate the post