Little Petra, also known as Siq al-Barid (meaning "cold canyon" in Arabic), is a fascinating archaeological site in Jordan, located about 9 kilometers north of the famous Petra. It is believed to be a suburb of Petra, where the Nabateans, an ancient Arab civilization, used to entertain and accommodate their guests, especially the traders who came along the Silk Road.
Little Petra is similar to Petra in terms of its rock-cut architecture and history, but it is smaller and less crowded, making it a more authentic and intimate experience. It also has some unique features, such as the Painted House, a room with rare and well-preserved frescoes from the Nabatean period.
If you are planning to visit Jordan, you should not miss the opportunity to explore Little Petra, a hidden gem in the desert. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Little Petra, such as how to get there, what to see and do, where to stay, and tips for visiting. We will also introduce you to the nearby Neolithic village of Beidha, one of the oldest settlements in the world, dating back to 7200 BC.
How to Get to Little Petra
Little Petra is located about 15 minutes by car from Petra, and about 1.5 hours by car from Wadi Rum, another popular destination in Jordan. You can easily reach Little Petra by different transportation options, depending on your budget and preference.
Car: If you have your own car or a rental car, you can drive to Little Petra following the signs from Petra or Wadi Rum. There is a parking lot near the entrance of Little Petra, where you can leave your car for free.
Bus: There is a local bus that runs between Petra and Little Petra, which costs 1 JOD per person. The bus leaves from the Petra Visitor Center every hour from 6 am to 6 pm, and takes about 20 minutes to reach Little Petra. You can also take the bus back from Little Petra to Petra, but make sure to check the schedule and availability with the driver.
Taxi: You can also take a taxi from Petra or Wadi Rum to Little Petra, which is more convenient and faster, but also more expensive. A taxi from Petra to Little Petra should cost around 10 JOD, and a taxi from Wadi Rum to Little Petra should cost around 40 JOD. You can negotiate the price with the driver before you get in, and ask them to wait for you at Little Petra or come back later to pick you up.
Tour: Another option is to join a tour that includes Little Petra in its itinerary, such as a full-day or half-day tour from Petra or Wadi Rum. This way, you don't have to worry about the transportation, the entrance fee, or the guide, as everything is included in the tour price. You can also learn more about the history and culture of Little Petra from the tour guide, and meet other travelers who share your interest.
The entrance fee to Little Petra is free if you have the Jordan Pass, which is a tourist pass that gives you access to over 40 attractions in Jordan, including Petra and Wadi Rum. If you don't have the Jordan Pass, you have to pay 1 JOD per person to enter Little Petra.
What to See and Do in Little Petra
Little Petra is a small site that can be explored in an hour or two, depending on how much time you want to spend at each attraction. The main attractions in Little Petra are:
Siq al-Barid: The Siq al-Barid is the narrow canyon that leads to Little Petra, similar to the Siq in Petra, but shorter and cooler. The name Siq al-Barid means "cold canyon" in Arabic, because it is shaded from the sun by the high cliffs. As you walk through the Siq al-Barid, you will see many carved facades on both sides of the canyon, which were the entrances to the Nabatean buildings, such as temples, tombs, and houses. Some of the facades have inscriptions in Nabatean, Greek, or Latin, indicating the names and titles of the owners or the dedications to the gods.
Painted House: The Painted House is one of the most unique and impressive attractions in Little Petra, as it is the only place in Jordan where you can see the original Nabatean paintings. The Painted House is a small room with a vaulted ceiling, located at the end of a narrow staircase on the left side of the Siq al-Barid. The room was probably used for religious ceremonies or banquets, as it has a stone altar and a niche in the wall. The ceiling and the walls of the room are decorated with frescoes that depict floral and animal motifs, such as vines, grapes, birds, and lions. The frescoes are dated to the 1st century AD, and are remarkably well-preserved, thanks to the dry climate and the protection of the room. The Painted House is a must-see for anyone who appreciates art and history, as it shows the skill and sophistication of the Nabatean painters, and their influence from the Roman and Hellenistic cultures.
Dining Hall: The Dining Hall is another interesting attraction in Little Petra, located on the right side of the Siq al-Barid, opposite the Painted House. The Dining Hall is a large chamber with a stone table and benches, which could accommodate up to 300 people. The Dining Hall was probably used for hosting the guests and the traders who came to Little Petra, as it has a kitchen and a fireplace in the back, and a water channel and a cistern in the front. The Dining Hall also has some carved decorations on the walls, such as niches, columns, and capitals, as well as some graffiti from the visitors who left their names and messages over the centuries.
Views: The Views are the scenic spots in Little Petra, where you can enjoy the panoramic views of the desert and the mountains. There are two main viewpoints in Little Petra, one at the end of the Siq al-Barid, and one at the top of the stairs near the Painted House. From the first viewpoint, you can see the entrance of the Siq al-Barid, and the surrounding cliffs and hills. From the second viewpoint, you can see the whole site of Little Petra, and the valley and the village of Beidha. The views are especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset, when the colors of the rocks change with the light.
Where to Stay in Little Petra
If you want to extend your visit to Little Petra, and experience the desert culture and hospitality, you can stay overnight in a Bedouin camp near Little Petra. There are several camps to choose from, depending on your budget and preference, such as:
Seven Wonders Bedouin Camp: This is a cozy and comfortable camp, located about 15 minutes by car from Little Petra. The camp offers private tents with bedding, bathroom, and electricity, as well as a communal tent with a fireplace, a dining area, and a WiFi connection. The camp also provides traditional meals, such as dinner and breakfast, as well as tea and water throughout the day. The camp also organizes activities, such as music, dancing, and stargazing, as well as tours to Petra, Wadi Rum, and other attractions. You can book the camp online on their website, or on platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb. The price for a tent is around 30 JOD per person, including the meals and the water.
Petra Harmony Bedouin Camp: This is a simple and authentic camp, located about 10 minutes by car from Little Petra. The camp offers basic tents with mattresses, blankets, and pillows, as well as shared bathrooms with showers and toilets. The camp also provides home-cooked meals, such as dinner and breakfast, as well as tea and water throughout the day. The camp also organizes activities, such as music, dancing, and stargazing, as well as tours to Petra, Wadi Rum, and other attractions. You can book the camp online on their website, or on platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb. The price for a tent is around 15 JOD per person, including the meals and the water.
Little Petra Bedouin Camp: This is a luxurious and elegant camp, located about 5 minutes by car from Little Petra. The camp offers spacious and stylish tents with bedding, bathroom, and electricity, as well as a lounge area with a fireplace, a dining area, and a WiFi connection. The camp also provides gourmet meals, such as dinner and breakfast, as well as tea and water throughout the day. The camp also organizes activities, such as music, dancing, and stargazing, as well as tours to Petra, Wadi Rum, and other attractions. You can book the camp online on their website, or on platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb. The price for a tent is around 50 JOD per person, including the meals and the water.
Staying in a Bedouin camp near Little Petra is a great way to experience the desert culture and hospitality, as well as to enjoy the peace and beauty of the nature. You will have the chance to interact with the local Bedouin people, who will welcome you with their warm and friendly attitude, and share with you their stories and traditions. You will also have the opportunity to witness the amazing night sky, full of stars and constellations, and feel the magic of the desert.
Tips for Visiting Little Petra
Little Petra is a wonderful place to visit, but there are some things you should know before you go, to make your visit more enjoyable and safe. Here are some tips for visiting Little Petra:
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Little Petra is in spring or autumn, when the weather is mild and pleasant, and there are fewer tourists. The summer months (June to August) are very hot and dry, and the winter months (December to February) are very cold and rainy, which can make your visit uncomfortable and risky. The peak season for tourism in Jordan is from March to May and from September to November, so you may encounter more crowds and higher prices during these months.
What to Wear: You should dress modestly and comfortably when visiting Little Petra, as it is a religious and cultural site, and as it is located in a desert environment. You should wear long pants, long sleeves, a hat, and sunglasses, to protect yourself from the sun and the dust. You should also wear sturdy shoes, such as hiking boots or sneakers, to walk on the uneven and rocky terrain. You should avoid wearing shorts, skirts, tank tops, or sandals, as they may be inappropriate or impractical.
What to Bring: You should bring water, snacks, camera, and cash when visiting Little Petra, as there are no facilities or services inside the site. You should drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, as the desert climate can be dehydrating and exhausting. You should also bring some snacks, such as nuts, dried fruits, or granola bars, to keep your energy level up, as there are no restaurants or shops inside the site. You should also bring a camera, to capture the beauty and the history of Little Petra, and to create some unforgettable memories. You should also bring some cash, to pay for the entrance fee, the transportation, or the tips, as there are no ATMs or credit card machines inside the site.
How to Avoid the Crowds: You should avoid the crowds when visiting Little Petra, to have a more peaceful and authentic experience. You should go early or late, preferably before 10 am or after 4 pm, to avoid the peak hours, when most of the tourists and the tour groups arrive. You should also visit on a weekday, preferably on a Tuesday or a Wednesday, to avoid the weekend, when most of the locals and the domestic visitors come. You should also explore the less visited areas, such as the Neolithic village of Beidha, or the viewpoints, to escape the main attractions, where most of the people gather.
The Neolithic Village of Beidha
The Neolithic village of Beidha is another interesting attraction near Little Petra, which is worth visiting if you are interested in the ancient history and culture of Jordan. The Neolithic village of Beidha is one of the oldest settlements in the world, dating back to 7200 BC, and it is considered to be the first example of a planned and organized village.
The Neolithic village of Beidha is located about 2 kilometers south of Little Petra, and it can be reached by car, by bus, by taxi, or by foot. The entrance fee to the Neolithic village of Beidha is free, and there is no guide or tour available, so you can explore the site at your own pace and curiosity.
The Neolithic village of Beidha consists of several circular houses, built with stones and mud, and arranged around courtyards and storage rooms. The houses had fireplaces, windows, and doors, and some of them had decorations, such as paintings or carvings. The inhabitants of the village were farmers, hunters, and traders, who cultivated crops, such as wheat and barley, raised animals, such as sheep and goats, hunted wild animals, such as gazelles and ibexes, and traded with other regions, such as Egypt and Mesopotamia.
The Neolithic village of Beidha was inhabited for about 1000 years, until it was abandoned around 6200 BC, due to unknown reasons. The village was rediscovered in the 1950s, and excavated by several archaeologists, who revealed its secrets and mysteries. The village is now preserved and protected by the Jordanian authorities, and it is open to the public for visitation.
The Neolithic village of Beidha is a remarkable and fascinating site, that shows the early stages of human civilization and development. It is a rare and valuable opportunity to see and learn about the life and the culture of the people who lived in this region thousands of years ago, and to appreciate their achievements and challenges.
Conclusion
Little Petra is a hidden gem in Jordan's desert, that offers a unique and memorable experience to its visitors. It is a place where you can admire the stunning architecture, history, and views of the Nabatean civilization, and where you can enjoy the desert culture and hospitality of the Bedouin people. It is also a place where you can discover the ancient village of Beidha, one of the oldest settlements in the world, and where you can witness the dawn of human society and progress.
If you are looking for a place to visit in Jordan, that is different and special, you should definitely consider Little Petra, a smaller and less crowded version of Petra, but with its own charm and beauty. You will not regret it, and you will have a wonderful time.