[2024 Petra Attraction] Travel Guide for Little Petra (Updated Oct)

Take a stroll in Little Petra.

Little Petra is located 9 kilometers north of Petra, and it takes about 13 minutes to drive there from Petra. The Jordanians know it as Siq al-Barid, which translates to Cold Canyon. It's called this because Little Petra gets colder as you walk further inside, due to its very narrow entrance, which is only about 6-7 steps wide. Little Petra was built by the Nabataeans in the 1st century CE. There is ample parking, and entry is free without needing a Jordan pass.

Discover the Triclinium at Little Petra

Nestled in the arid, mountainous desert region of Jordan, just 8 kilometres north of Petra, lies the archaeological gem known as Little Petra. This Nabataean site, also known as Siq al-Barid, meaning “the cold canyon”, is a testament to the grandeur of ancient civilizations. One of the most intriguing features of Little Petra is the Triclinium. The term “Triclinium” translates to “three benches” in Latin. Contrary to popular belief, these chambers were not used for honouring the dead. Instead, they served as banquet halls for special guests and were the venues for ‘symposia’ meetings. The site is part of the Petra Archeological Park and is included in Petra’s inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is often visited by tourists in conjunction with Petra itself, since it is free and usually less crowded. #tripblazers

Explore the Area around Little Petra

After making an introduction to the uniquely carved into-stone Nabataean temples at Little Petra, it is definitely a good idea to follow the way out of the canyon, also known as Siq al-Barid, on the other side. After passing by the Painted Biclinium and following the steep stone staircase going up to the viewpoint, there are stairs leading down into the valley of beautiful sandstone mountains. Although the trail is not clearly recognisable, it is easy to follow the riverbed towards the west. The hike is easy and peaceful as many tourists are not curious enough to explore nature just outside the popular destination. Nearby you can find the Al Beidha archaeological site and the trail going to the “backdoor” of the Monastery. #tripblazers

Little Petra

Little Petra is exactly what it means. Short walk about 1h both ways. Small stone building nothing really as spectacular as the main Petra but on the other side less people and if you do not have time to go to Petra it can be substituted. Although do not expect the same feeling canyons buildings and the feel of real Petra. If you have been in main Petra then you can skip it.

Walking on the high slopes of Jordan, looking for the disappearing Nabat civilization, the city of roses [Petra] . The ancient city of Petra is the most long-awaited place I have come to Jordan. It is the location of "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and is one of Jordan's most prestigious monuments, along with the Great Wall and the Taj Mahal. Known as the Seven Wonders of the World. Because of the special geographical features of the ancient city, the rocks of the site have a coral-like reddish hue, and under the sunlight, natural reflections are dazzling. Since then, people have given it a very beautiful name, "City of Roses". The most famous in the ancient city is the "Kazni Temple" in Figure 5. In the first century BC, how did the Arab nomadic Nabateans build this majestic temple? The meaning of the patterns and words on the stone cliff is still a mystery. The general tour group is almost over before you bring everyone to the temple, but I want Amway to be a top secret private photo spot! From an ancient hiking trail behind the Royal tomb, climb all the way up, about two hours, you can reach the top of the mountain overlooking the temple, is also the ins network red punch card holy place! The walking process is desperate, but the result is definitely sweat back! When a wild travel blogger is not easy, I walked for 9 hours in the ancient city, jumping up and down with my hands and feet, crawling over the cliffs of the temple and sharing it with everyone!