If you’re planning a trip to Jordan, you’ve likely heard of Petra—but just a few kilometers away lies its lesser-known sister site, Little Petra (also known as Siq al-Barid). Though much smaller in scale, Little Petra offers a quieter, more intimate experience, complete with ancient carvings, Nabataean ruins, and far fewer crowds. In this guide, you’ll learn how to visit Little Petra, the best time to go, how to get there, what to expect, and why it’s absolutely worth adding to your itinerary—especially if you’re already in Wadi Musa or heading toward Petra.
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Table of Contents
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 more than just a smaller version of Petra—it was a key stop along the ancient Silk Road, where weary merchants would rest, trade, and take shelter. Its carved sandstone buildings, tucked into narrow canyons, are a reminder of just how skilled and resourceful the Nabataeans really were.
Even though it’s smaller in scale, Little Petra had a unique role and was once part of a thriving desert community. Like Petra, it was eventually abandoned sometime around the 8th century, as the Nabataean civilization declined.
Rediscovered and excavated in the 1950s, Little Petra is now considered one of the oldest inhabited villages in the region. Walking through it today feels like stepping back in time. Together with Petra, it forms part of one of the New Seven Wonders of the World—and it’s easy to see why.
Is Little Petra worth visiting?
For some, visiting Little Petra after the awe-inspiring grandeur of Petra might feel unnecessary—but I’d invite you to look at it differently. Instead of comparing the two, think of them as a harmonious pair, each offering its own story and atmosphere.
Little Petra feels like a peaceful sanctuary. Walking among its ancient caves and Nabataean temples in near silence is a moment of calm you don’t often find at the more crowded main site. It’s a place to slow down, breathe, and really feel the history around you.
The landscape is serene, the carved rock façades beautifully weathered, and the mountain views provide the perfect backdrop. This is how I imagine Little Petra—not as a second-best, but as a quiet complement to Petra’s bold drama.
And honestly, if you’re already in the area, why not take the opportunity to discover another highlight of Jordan? It’s a short trip with a big reward.
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 Jordan HERE.
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 for you. 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? 👉 Find out more about this tour HERE.
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 easily arrange private transportation for you. 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 route is 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 best times to visit Little Petra are 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 the magnificent Royal Tomb 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?
Wondering how to visit Little Petra? Here’s a tip: while many recommend seeing Little Petra before Petra, I suggest doing the opposite. After spending time exploring the vast wonders of Petra, visiting Little Petra feels like discovering a hidden treasure—a quieter, more intimate experience that complements everything you’ve already seen.
The atmosphere is calmer, the cooler temperatures are perfect for wandering, and the site invites you to climb stairs, trek through boulders, and explore every nook and cranny without the crowds. It adds a refreshing sense of adventure and discovery.
And here’s the bonus—no persistent donkey or camel ride offers here! Since 2019, rides have been prohibited inside the archaeological site, making for a more peaceful and respectful visit
Do you need a guide to visit Little Petra?
In short — no, you don’t need a guide to visit Little Petra. One of the best things about this place is how relaxed and open it feels. The 450-meter canyon leads you into a few spacious areas, and you’re free to wander at your own pace, take photos, and explore without anyone rushing you.
When we arrived, a guide approached us and offered his services. We politely said no, and that was it—no pressure. I’ve read that some people were told they had to hire a guide, but in our case, that definitely wasn’t true. You can absolutely enjoy Little Petra on your own terms, which makes the experience feel even more special.
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 you choose 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 is FREE 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 daily from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the summer and from 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the winter.
Do you need to buy the Jordan Pass to visit Little Petra?
No, you don’t need the Jordan Pass to visit Little Petra—entry is completely free.
That said, the Jordan Pass can still be a great investment if you’re staying in Jordan for at least three nights. It’s a package introduced by the Ministry of Tourism that waives your tourist visa fee and gives you access to 40+ attractions, including Petra, Wadi Rum, Jerash, Kerak Castle, and the Amman Citadel.
However, it’s good to know that the pass doesn’t cover certain popular spots like Mount Nebo, Wadi Mujib, or Petra by Night—so plan accordingly!
Where to stay when visiting Little Petra?
If you’re looking for a unique experience, the Little Petra Bedouin Camp is a fantastic option. You’ll find everything from rooms and traditional-style tents to a cozy restaurant with a lounge area and terrace. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and perfect for soaking up the desert vibes—especially in the evenings under the stars!
If you’d prefer something more budget-friendly or with a bit more variety, head to Wadi Musa, the closest town to both Petra and Little Petra. It offers a wide range of accommodations for every budget and style.
For those seeking luxury, the Mövenpick Petra Hotel is a top choice, boasting comfortable rooms, excellent facilities, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
If you prefer a more intimate experience, the Petra Boutique Hotel offers charming, personalized service just steps away from the entrance.
For our stay, we chose the Petra Plaza Hotel in central Wadi Musa—a cozy boutique hotel that put us right in the heart of town. It was the perfect base to explore local restaurants each evening and experience authentic Jordanian hospitality—because, full disclosure, I’m a bit of a foodie!
Can you hike from Little Petra to Petra?
Yes, you absolutely can! It’s possible to reach Petra from Little Petra by hiking the beautiful and lesser-known trail known as the Back Door to Petra.
This 6-kilometer trek leads you through the rugged landscape of the Petra region, eventually arriving at one of the site’s most iconic landmarks—the Monastery (Ad-Deir). While the trail isn’t technical, some sections can be physically demanding, so proper footwear, sun protection, and plenty of water are a must. I recommend checking the route on Google Maps or AllTrails in advance.
If you’re unsure about navigating it alone, you’ll likely find a local guide waiting at the entrance to Little Petra, and they can accompany you all the way to Petra.
Once you reach the Monastery, find a peaceful spot, enjoy your packed lunch, and take in the breathtaking view. From there, the rest of your visit to Petra is much easier—the trail continues downhill and connects to the main path, leading past famous highlights like the Royal Tombs, Street of Facades, and High Place of Sacrifice.
At the end of your adventure, once you arrive in Wadi Musa, you can either arrange a ride back to Little Petra (if your rental car is there) or even hitchhike—locals are generally friendly and often happy to help.
Honestly, this hike sounds like the perfect alternative day trip, and I regret not having had the time to do it myself!
How To Visit Little Petra. Our Experience
Arrival at Little Petra: A Quiet Start to the Day
After two incredible days exploring Petra, it was time to say goodbye to Wadi Musa. We headed to Aqaba for some well-deserved relaxation by the Red Sea, but there was one last stop we couldn’t miss—Little Petra. We arrived early in the morning, just as the heat was still mild compared to the blazing sun of 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.
First Impressions: Tomb Facade 845 and Siq al Barid
Before we even reached the Siq, our eyes were drawn to the magnificent Tomb 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 its own 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.
Discovering the Painted House: Ancient Frescoes Restored
One of the highlights of Little Petra for me was discovering the Painted House—a real gem that tells a story of the city’s rich past. These impressive frescoes, dating back some 2,000 years, were beautifully brought back to life after a major restoration in 2010. The stairs at the end of the Siq led straight up to the Painted House, and honestly, I couldn’t resist making a climb.
The Small Treasury and Surrounding Caves
As the Siq opened up, we found ourselves in a charming wide square with beautiful views of the small Treasury. Although we couldn’t go inside the Treasury itself, we enjoyed wandering through the caves on the ground floor. It just added a little adventure to the visit.
As we followed the path, we came across several temples that we could actually go inside and explore. Determined to see it all, we climbed countless steps to catch different views and perspectives.
The stone-carved structures, set against the stunning natural landscape, were a perfect reminder of human creativity meeting nature’s grandeur. Honestly, we felt so lucky to be there, fully immersed in such breathtaking beauty.
Only a few vendors tried to offer us their merchandise. At some point, a friendly dog became our companion, and an old Bedouin man, with his self-made instrument in hand, serenaded us as soon as he noticed our presence.
Challenging Terrain: Narrowing Canyon and Steep Rocks
As the canyon narrowed, the trail grew tougher. We had to carefully navigate steep rocks—a real test of our stamina and focus. It wasn’t exactly a leisurely stroll, but that challenge added an exciting edge to our adventure.
Tea Time on the Terrace: A Bedouin Welcome
But once we reached the top, we found a cozy, carpet-covered stall with a lovely terrace that looked out over the mountains.
We weren’t in any rush, so we settled in for some delicious tea with the Bedouin family who run the place, soaking in the views. It was the perfect spot to truly appreciate the beauty around us and have a friendly chat with the man in charge.
Ending at Al Beidha: Neolithic Ruins and Return
Following the stairs down, we arrived at the Neolithic ruins of Al Beidha, an ancient village full of history. After spending some time taking in the views from different spots, we decided it was time to head back.
We retraced our steps along the same path to the car park—so, in a way, we got to enjoy everything twice.
Summary for Visiting Little Petra
Best time to visit: Spring and fall for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Entry fee: FREE — no Jordan Pass needed!
Getting there: Rent a car, join a guided tour, or arrange private transport from Wadi Musa.
Guide needed? No, you can explore on your own comfortably.
How long to spend: 1 to 2 hours is enough to see the main highlights.
Terrain: Uneven and rocky—wear sturdy shoes and be cautious.
Hiking option: You can hike from Little Petra to Petra via the Back Door trail (6 km, moderate difficulty).
What to bring: Water, sunscreen, hat, comfortable shoes, and your camera!
Don’t miss: The Painted House frescoes and panoramic tea at the Bedouin terrace.
Jordan Travel Resources
Get an eSIM before the trip
Phones are our lifelines when traveling, so having data right away is essential. Instead of dealing with expensive roaming plans, tricky Wi-Fi, or hunting for local SIM cards, just get an e-SIM. Install it on your phone and activate it whenever you want. For me, being connected the moment I landed was a game changer—no lines, no waiting.
An e-SIM means no physical cards, no contracts, and easy top-ups through an app. Super convenient! You can get an e-sim card with AIRALO.
Do you need travel insurance to visit Jordan?
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that Jordan’s medical system is affordable. We never leave home without travel insurance designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong. If you’re still on the lookout for travel insurance for your trip to Jordan, I highly recommend HEYMONDO, 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
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