When it comes to Jordan, most travelers have the ancient city of Petra on their radar. But did you know there’s a smaller, equally breathtaking site called Little Petra? This hidden treasure offers a unique experience because it attracts fewer tourists. Imagine having this stunning site almost to yourself! Embark on a 15-minute drive from Wadi Musa, a scenic route that promises stunning views at every turn. Once you reach Little Petra, prepare to be amazed! Walk among the ancient caves and Nabataean temples in complete silence. The site is so impressive that you will stop many times to capture its beauty with your camera lens. After reading my detailed guide on how to visit Little Petra, you’ll be excited to add this beautiful destination to your Jordan itinerary.
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A Comprehensive Guide On How to Visit Little Petra in Jordan
History of Little Petra
Built by the Nabataeans around the 1st century AD, Little Petra was a smaller version of Petra and a crucial outpost on the Silk Road, providing shelter and services to weary merchants. The buildings were intricately carved into the walls of sandstone canyons, a testament to the resourcefulness of its inhabitants.
Despite its size, Little Petra’s role was unique, and it was a thriving community for centuries. Unfortunately, with the decline of the Nabataeans, Petra and Little Petra were abandoned around the 8th century AD.
Excavated in the 1950s, Little Petra remains one of the oldest villages in the Middle East, a testament to human civilization’s early beginnings. Now, Petra and Little Petra are considered one of the modern seven wonders of the world.
Is Little Petra worth visiting?
For some, visiting the archaeological site Little Petra after the awe-inspiring Petra may seem unnecessary. However, I suggest a different perspective. Rather than comparing, witness them as a harmonious pair, each offering a unique experience.
Theatmosphere, a peaceful sanctuary,invites you to walk among the ancient caves and Nabataean temples in complete silence, a moment of serenity to treasure forever!
The landscape and mountain views are a serene backdrop, and the carved rocks are a testament to ancient artistry. At least, this is how I picture Little Petra!
Besides, if you’re already in the area, why not use this opportunity to mark another highlight of Jordan?
How to get to Little Petra
The easiest and most obvious option is to rent a car and discover Jordan on your own terms. Traffic is accessible outside the big cities, and you’ll drive through empty highways or scenic mountain drives. Sometimes, you’ll get on some bumpy roads, but nothing dramatic. Parking is easily accessible, and fuel is cheap. Check out the best rental deals in JordanHERE.
If you’re not driving in Jordan, the best way to visit Little Petra is to join a guided tour. Day trips to Petra often include Little Petra in their itinerary. I chose a great 3-day tour from Amman with great reviews and great value for money. It includes some of Jordan’s highlights: the rock-carved city of Petra and the small Little Petra, a night at a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum, a visit to Aqaba City and a float at sunset at the Dead Sea. Sounds fantastic, right?
Little Petra is only a short distance from the famous Petra, so if you haven’t joined a tour or rented a car but still want to visit Little Petra, don’t worry.While Little Petra has no public transport, your accommodation in Wadi Musa can easilyarrange private transportationforyou. Yes, it comes at extra costs, but the convenience is worth it.
For adventurous souls, an alternative route to Little Petra is a 6-kilometer hike from Monastery Ad Deir in Petra. However, be aware that this routeis not signposted, and you might need a guide to navigate it safely. But hey, the thrill of the unknown awaits you!
The best time to visit Little Petra
The besttimes to visit Little Petraare spring and fall. The temperatures are pleasant during the day, the chances of rain are low, and the days are longer, meaning there is enough time to explore.
The summer months are scorching, making even breathing difficult. Hiking under the burning sun is not a good idea, so avoid the summer.
It gets freezing during winter, and you might experience instant floods or snow. Hiking is not an option, and the best you can do is walk through the narrow dim, take some photos, and return. Worse, the site can be closed for a while, and visiting Little Petra might be hazardous. So make sure to avoid this season.
Is the terrain suitable for a wheelchair or the elderly?
Little Petra’s terrain is rough and difficult, and a regular wheelchair would have significant issues getting places. However, you can visit themagnificent RoyalTomb Facade 845 and pass the 400-meter narrow canyon Siq al Barid. From here on, the steep trail is unsuitable for a wheelchair or an elderly person.
How to visit Little Petra?
Let megive you a hint if you’re wondering how to visit Little Petra. While many suggest visiting Little Petra before Petra, Isuggest the opposite: after fully immersing yourself in the wonders of Petra, head to Little Petra. The contrast and unique charm of this place will surely pique your interest. The cooler temperatures allow for more adventurous activities like climbing the stairs, trekking through boulders, and exploring every nook and cranny, adding a new layer of excitement to your visit.
And the best part is that no Bedouins are trying to convince you to get on a donkey, horse, or camel. As of 2019, no rides are allowed inside the archaeological site.
Do you need a guide to visit Little Petra?
Little Petrabeckonswith its open spaces andserene atmosphere, offering a delightful experience. The 450-meter canyon, a gateway tothree expansive areas,invites you to wander at your own pace.This freedom of exploration often makesa guide unnecessary for most visitors, empowering you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the site on your own terms.
Upon parking, a guide approached us, offering his services. We politely declined, so he left us alone. While we’ve heard tales of peoplebeing required to hire a guide, our experience was quite the opposite.
How much time do you need to visit Little Petra?
As the name suggests, Little Petra or Siq al Barid (the cold canyon) is an ancient city identical to the incredible Petra but only smaller in size. As a result, it is way less demanding, and you don’t need to wake up early to visit it.
Little Petra’s small size is a blessing for travelers. You can explore it without needing an extra day.In fact, one to two hours are sufficient to roam freely and admire the intricately carved structures.
Whether youchoose to visit Little Petra after exploring Petra or on your way to or from Aqaba or Wadi Rum, the choice is yours. And if you’re up for a hike, you can plan accordingly to spend more time in this historical gem.
Our experience exploring Little Petra on our way to Aqaba early in the morning was truly unique. We had the place to ourselves, with only a few merchandisers offering souvenirs. Despite this, we managed to see everything in about one and a half hours, even taking a leisurely half-hour break for tea at the panorama terrace.
Little Petra entrance fee and opening hours
The best part is that Little Petra isFREE to visit, so don’t fall into the trap of paying someone who asks you to. Instead, park the car in the designated area, take your belongings, and enter the site.
Little Petra is open dailyfrom 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in thesummer andfrom 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in thewinter.
Do you need to buy the Jordan Pass to visit Little Petra?
The short answer is NO; you do not need the Jordan pass to visit Little Petra.
The Jordan Pass is an approach by the Ministry of Tourism to make it easier for tourists to visit the country. However, you’ll only have access to the Jordan Pass if you stay at least three nights.The Jordan Pass is a sightseeing package that includes the cost of the tourist visa and the entrance to over 40 tourist attractions, such as Wadi Rum, Petra, Kerak Castle, the Citadel of Amman, and Jerash. However, the Jordan Pass does not include popular sites like Mount Nebo, Wadi Mujib, or Petra by Night.
Where to stay when visiting Little Petra?
For a unique experience, Little Petra Bedouin Camp is the best choice. It offers rooms, tents, and a restaurant with a lounge area and terrace, and the atmosphere is fantastic! You can check this placeHERE.
For a more affordable alternative, head to Wadi Musa, the closest city. There are many optionsto choose from, so there is no need to worry.
Can you walk from Little Petra to Petra?
Getting to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Petra from Little Petra is possible. Yes, you’ve heard this correctly. The hike from Little Petra to the Monastery in Petra is called theBack Door to Petra. The trek is 6 kilometers long, and some portions are quite demanding. Depending on your fitness level, I would recommend dressing properly and doing some research on Google Maps. If you’re not confident in your skills, a local guide can walk you all the way to Petra. (you will find one as soon as you reach Little Petra’s main entrance).
When you get to the Monastery, if you have extra time and your legs are still working, find the perfect spot to enjoy your packed lunch while admiring the Monastery. The walk from the Monastery to the main path is now easy, with no hiking involved. Once you are on the main trail, you’ll notice the highlights of Petra, like the Royal Tombs, the Street of Facades and the High Place of Sacrifice.
Once you’ve reached Wadi Musa, you can ask someone to drive you back to Little Petra if your rental is there. Hitchhiking isn’t an issue in Jordan, as the locals are friendly and always willing to help.
I imagine the trek from Little Petra to Petra might be the perfect day trip, and I’m sorry I didn’t havethe time to complete this trail.
How To Visit Little Petra. Our Experience
After two gorgeous days exploring Petra, it was time to say goodbye to Wadi Musa. We drove to Aqaba for a well-deserved leisure time at the Red Sea, but we couldn’t leave without visiting Little Petra. We reached the site early in the morning when it was not as hot as the previous days.
As we left our rental car in the designated area, several souvenir and snack stalls welcomed us, adding a touch of local flavor to the experience. A local guy approached us, willing to offer his services as a guide, but we said no, and he just left.
Before we even reached the Siq, our eyeswere drawn to the magnificentTomb Facade 845, a masterpiece crafted sometime in the first century A.D. Though the tomb’s grandeur was never fully realized, it still stands as a testament to the skill and artistry of its creators and offers breathtaking photo opportunities.
Our journey led us to a small gorge reminiscent of Petra. However, Siq al Barid, the path leading to the Treasury, has itsown distinct charm. Unlike Petra’s siq, it is narrower and shorter, measuring a mere 400 meters.
Siq al Barid, which translates to ‘cold canyon,’ offers a unique experience distinct from Petra. The chill in the air is significantly more pronounced here due to the sun’s inability to penetrate the Siq’s narrow confines, thanks to the towering cliffs that flank it.
Among the many wonders of Little Petra, we discoveredthe Painted House, a testament to the city’s rich history. This treasure, dating back 2,000 years, is an exhibition of impressive paintings that came to life after a massive restoration project in 2010. The stairs at the end of the siq led to the Painted House, so I couldn’t say no to a morning climb.
The Siq opens to a beautiful wide square with gorgeous views over the small Treasury. While the Treasury is inaccessible, we could enter the caves on the ground floor.
Following the path, we saw different temples and could even go inside and explore. Since we wanted to see everything, we climbed many steps to catch a different perspective.
The stone-carved structures andthe landscape, a testament to human ingenuity andthe grandeur of nature, left us in awe. We were so satisfied to be here, immersed in this breathtaking beauty.
Only a few vendors tried to offer us their merchandise. At some point, afriendlydogbecame our companion, and an old Bedouin man, withhis self-made instrumentin hand, serenaded usas soon as he noticedour presence.
As the canyon narrowed down, our path became more challenging. We had to navigate steep rocks, a test of our physical determination. This part was not so leisurely, but it added a thrilling element to our journey.
But once we reached the top, we discovereda very neat carpeted stall with a lovely terrace offering beautiful views over the mountains. Again, weweren’t in a hurry, so we enjoyed a delicious tea at the Bedouin family running this place while admiring the views. It was the perfect place to embrace the beauty of the place and chat with the man in charge of the place.
Following the stairs leading down, we reached the neolithic ruins of Al Beidha, a Neolithic village. After some time enjoying the views from several viewpoints, we decided to return.
From here, we walked back along the same path to the car park, meaning we saw everything twice.
Jordan Travel Resources
Get an eSIM before the trip
Because phones have become our most important devices, it’s necessary to have a data connection as soon as you step foot in a different country. Your home data plan might only work if you paid for a much more expensive package, finding wifi connections in airports or train stations might be tricky, and seeking a local store to buy a SIM card might be exhausting. Forget all of that!
You just purchase an e-SIM, install it on your phone, and activate the plan when you’re ready to use it. Getting out of the plane and instantly connecting to data was a game changer for me. I didn’t have to waste time standing in line to get a local SIM card or finding a wifi connection to book a taxi to reach my hotel.
If you ask me, getting an e-SIM is a quintessential part of traveling. There is no physical installation and no long-term commitments. And the best part is that you can always top up or purchase a new plan through the app. Pretty convenient, right? You can get an e-sim card withAIRALO.
Do you need travel insurance to visit Jordan?
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that Jordan’s medical system is affordable. Wenever leave homewithout travel insurance designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong. If you’re stillon the lookout for travel insurance for your trip to Jordan, I highly recommendHEYMONDO, a trusted insurance provider for leisure and business trips, backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads. Their travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations,and much more.
Final Thoughts
I hope I have answered all your questions on how to visit Little Petra in Jordan. If you weren’t aware of it at all, make sure to add this place to your must-visit list!
Related Posts
If this is your first time in Jordan and you want to gather more information about this incredible country, check out my articles:
A COMPLETE GUIDE TO VISITING PETRA ON YOUR OWN
THE BEST TIPS FOR SWIMMING IN THE DEAD SEA
USEFUL THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING JORDAN
