Siq al-Barid
Petra’s small back door
Little Petra, known in Arabic as Siq al-Barid (“the cold canyon”), is a narrow sandstone canyon lined with Nabataean facades, rock-cut rooms, cisterns and stairways. It is thought to have served as a suburb and caravan stop where traders were received on their way to Petra.
It is much smaller and usually far quieter than Petra, and there is no entry fee. Our camp in Albida is its close neighbour, about seven minutes away by car.
What to see
Inside the cold canyon
The canyon
Walk the short, shaded siq and its open courtyards, with carvings on every side.
Carved facades
Temples, dining halls and houses cut into the rock, smaller in scale than Petra’s but beautifully detailed.
The Painted House
A dining hall whose ceiling keeps a rare Nabataean painting of vines, flowers and birds, nearly 2,000 years old.
Beidha Neolithic village
Just beside Little Petra are the excavated remains of Beidha, a farming village occupied roughly 9,000 years ago. It is one of the oldest known settlements in the region.
The trail to the Monastery
A hiking route leads from the Little Petra area towards Petra’s Monastery. You need a valid Petra ticket, and a local guide is recommended.
Visiting tips
- Entry is free, and no ticket is needed
- Wear shoes with good grip on the sandstone
- Late afternoon light is beautiful here, and camp is minutes away for sunset
Drive times are Google Maps estimates and vary with traffic and road conditions.
Plan your stay
Stay Near Petra. Experience Jordan Differently.
Tell us your dates and we will confirm availability and price directly with you. WhatsApp is the quickest way to reach our team.