Why You Should Visit Little Petra Instead of Petra
As one of the world's most visited and renowned historical sites, Petra in Jordan attracts countless tourists every year. But what if we told you there is a lesser-known, equally impressive site just a short trek away? Little Petra, also known as Siq Albarid, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. While it may not have the same grandeur as its more famous counterpart, Little Petra offers a unique and authentic experience worth adding to your travel itinerary. In this post, we will explore why you should visit Little Petra instead of Petra and discover the wonders this off-the-beaten-path destination offers.
Less crowded atmosphere
If you plan to visit Jordan, you should consider exploring Little Petra instead of going to the popular Petra. Firstly, Little Petra has a less crowded atmosphere, allowing you to enjoy the ancient city without being disturbed by the hustle and bustle of too many tourists. In Petra, taking good photos or walking at your own pace can be challenging because of the crowds. However, Little Petra offers a more peaceful and laid-back vibe.
Additionally, walking around Little Petra is less demanding, making it perfect for those who may not be up for hiking for hours on end. If you don't want to travel far or push your body too hard, you can still experience a bit of Petra in Little Petra, where most points can be reached within only 30-45 minutes of walking. The main hiking path is way less demanding, and you don't have to worry about getting tired, sick or injured since its trek is short and sweet.
Furthermore, Little Petra offers an alternative and more thrilling way to enter Petra. With the help of an experienced guide, you can go on a trekking adventure of over 6km to get to Petra on foot, which people describe as a fantastic experience. If you choose to go to Petra from Little Petra, you'll be avoiding the main Petra pathway, the only entrance and exit point, which can become a bit of a hassle. Hence starting your trek from Little Petra is a better option.
Finally, Little Petra offers you the chance to enjoy Petra differently. With the relaxed and peaceful atmosphere, you can take in the Jordanian music and historic environment at your own pace without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. So, before you decide whether to visit Petra or not, it's worth considering Little Petra as an alternative for a different yet equally fascinating experience. [1][2]
Relaxed vibe
Little Petra is a historical site in Jordan that is worth visiting instead of Petra. One of the top reasons is the relaxed vibe and lack of crowds. Unlike Petra, Little Petra is not inundated with hundreds of tourists making noise, throwing rubbish, being disrespectful, and chaotic vendors trying to sell you stuff. You can enjoy Jordanian music at your own pace and appreciate the historical place without interruption. Little Petra is less demanding, making it an excellent option for those who don't like hiking for long hours or have limited energy levels, elderly people, and those travelling with young children.
One of the most exciting aspects of Little Petra is the ability to enter Petra through an alternative way. With the help of an experienced guide, you can hike through a 6 km long path described by visitors as a fantastic experience. This way, you can avoid walking through the main Petra pathway twice, making your trip more efficient. Additionally, Little Petra offers the same impressive structures carved into sandstone that you can appreciate without too much physical exertion.
Little Petra offers a unique way to learn about the Nabataean era, which built the historical site during the first century BCE. You can walk through a narrow path known as Siq Al-Bared, which means the cold canyon in Arabic due to the lack of sunlight through the narrow slits in the canyon walls. The buildings carved into the stone are not as dramatic in shape or colour as those in Petra but are equally impressive. Walking through the canyon, you can view remarkable structures such as the Temple above Cave Rooms, a triclinium, and banquet caves.
Your trip to Little Petra will also be an opportunity to support local Bedouin communities. You will come across Bedouin souvenir stalls where you can purchase authentic handicrafts made by locals. The Bedouins living around Little Petra are welcoming and friendly, happy to share their stories and way of life with visitors. You can listen to their tales of surviving during the pandemic when no tourists came to Petra, their relief at tourists returning, and their plans for the future.
Little Petra is the way to go if you're looking for a less crowded, demanding, relaxed experience with a unique way to enter Petra. You can appreciate the same impressive structures and learn about a different historical era. Your trip will also support local Bedouin communities and allow you to experience their way of life. [3][4]
Shorter and less demanding hiking path
If planning a trip to Jordan, consider visiting Little Petra instead of Petra! One of the main advantages of Little Petra is its shorter and less demanding hiking path. Unlike Petra, where you might need to hike for 5-6 hours to reach the Monastery and back, Little Petra's main points can only be reached within 30-45 minutes of walking. This makes it a great option for people who may not feel up to a strenuous hike or have limited time.
Another advantage of Little Petra is that there are no crowds here - at least not yet! So, you can enjoy a relaxed vibe and a peaceful atmosphere as you explore the ancient city. You won't find countless vendors trying to sell you stuff and souvenirs, rides, guidance etc. Though there are still vendors and guides, they're far less chaotic than in Petra. Little Petra attracts fewer tourists, so it's great if you want a more chill and laid-back experience.
If you're up for more adventure from Little Petra, you can reach Petra on foot through a 6km path. People who have done this route describe it as a fantastic experience. It's an alternative way to enter Petra and could be worth considering for those who don't want to walk through Petra's main pathway twice.
Little Petra is worth a visit if you want to experience the history and beauty of Jordan without the crowds and long hikes of Petra. You can easily get to Little Petra from Wadi Musa by car, and guided tours are also available. So, if you're planning a trip to Jordan, add Little Petra to your itinerary! [5][6]
Alternative entry point to Petra
Are you planning a trip to Jordan and wondering whether to visit Little Petra or Petra? Here's why you should consider Little Petra instead! First, Little Petra has a relaxed vibe and no crowds (so far!). Unlike Petra, which can be super busy and overwhelming, Little Petra offers a more peaceful atmosphere with fewer tourists and vendors trying to sell you stuff. You can enjoy the Jordanian music at your own pace and truly soak up the historical place vibe.
Secondly, Little Petra is less demanding than Petra's main hiking path. While Petra's Monastery requires a 5-6 hour hike, Little Petra's main points can only be reached within 30-45 minutes. This makes it a perfect alternative for those who don't want to commit to a long and tiring hike but still want to experience a bit of Petra. Plus, if you're up for even more hiking, with the help of an experienced guide, you can reach Petra on foot through a 6km long and hard path starting from Little Petra.
What's more? Little Petra offers an alternative way to enter Petra. With its proximity to Petra, you can use Little Petra as an alternative entrance to Petra and avoid walking through the main Petra pathway twice (which happens when you visit Petra and then return to the visitors centre through the only pathway that serves as the entrance and the exit point at the same time).
Regarding attractions, while Little Petra is much smaller than Petra, it still offers impressive structures carved into the rock face and wonderful views of the mountainous landscape. Historians believe that Little Petra was built during the 1st century when the Nabatean city thrived and was some suburb, so you'll find the houses of rich citizens and travellers rather than tombs.
Lastly, Little Petra is free and not as well-known as Petra, making it a great option for those on a budget or looking for a unique experience. So, if you're wondering whether to visit Little Petra or Petra, we highly recommend giving Little Petra a chance! [7][8]
Impressive rock structures
Are you planning a trip to Jordan and wondering whether Little Petra is worth visiting instead of Petra? Here are some reasons why you should consider visiting Little Petra. Firstly, Little Petra has a relaxed vibe, and you won't encounter the crowds you would in Petra. You can enjoy the music and the historical atmosphere in peace without being bothered by numerous vendors trying to sell you their wares.
In addition to the relaxed vibe, the hiking path in Little Petra is less demanding and can be completed within 30-45 minutes. This is an excellent choice for individuals who cannot hike the 5-6 hours to Petra's Monastery back and forth for reasons such as health, fatigue, or young children's inability to trek for such a long time.
Little Petra is also an alternative entrance to Petra. With the help of an experienced guide, you can hike on a 6km long and hard path to Petra instead of using the main entrance. This will save you from walking through the same path twice. The structures carved in the rock face and the mountainous landscape views in Little Petra are equally impressive compared to those in Petra.
Lastly, Little Petra is free to visit and smaller than Petra. You will find structures carved into rock faces such as temples, triclinia, and even houses used by rich citizens and travellers for business during the Nabatean era. You shouldn't skip Little Petra just because it appears similar to Petra. You can visit Little Petra early in the morning before heading to Petra or after exploring Petra the previous day. [9][10]
Wonderful mountainous views
Considering visiting Little Petra instead of Petra during your trip to Jordan would be best. Even though Little Petra is smaller than Petra, it is still extremely impressive, with stunning views of the mountainous landscape. It is also less crowded than Petra, making it a more peaceful and enjoyable experience. Plus, Little Petra is free to visit. When planning your itinerary, consider visiting Little Petra either before or after Petra.
Little Petra, also known as Siq al-Barid, features houses used by rich citizens and travellers visiting Petra for business rather than tombs. The structures carved into the rock face are still remarkable, and the four triclinia serve as a notable meeting point for visitors and local merchants. The Siq is narrow but opens into wider areas featuring temples carved into the mountain, some of which still have visible stone stairs.
Little Petra is a great place to visit early in the morning before heading to Petra or the day after exploring Petra. The vendors slowly open their stalls, and locals may offer to guide you or sell souvenirs later in the day or during the high season. However, our visit was hassle-free, and a playful dog followed us. Don't forget to pack warm clothes as the narrow gorge, which leads to the temples of Little Petra, does not receive much sunlight.
If you're considering a trip to Jordan, you may have heard of Petra, but Little Petra is an equally worthwhile option. Although smaller, Little Petra boasts stunning scenery, impressive rock structures, and fewer crowds. Plus, it's free to visit! Plan your visit before or after Petra, and consider starting early in the morning. With 26 reasons to visit Petra already on your itinerary, you won't miss the opportunity to add Little Petra to your adventure. [11][12]
Not as packed with tourists
Are you planning a trip to Jordan and wondering whether to visit Petra or Little Petra? Here are some reasons why Little Petra may be a better option. First and foremost, Little Petra is not as packed with tourists as Petra, giving it a more relaxed vibe. You won't find countless vendors trying to sell you stuff and souvenirs or yelling and being disrespectful. Most local sellers are not pushy and will step back immediately if you are not interested in their services.
Another advantage of Little Petra is that it is less demanding than Petra. The main points of interest can be reached within 30-45 minutes, depending on your walking speed, making it more accessible for those not up for a 6-hour hike. Additionally, you can use Little Petra as an alternative entrance to Petra, avoiding walking through the main Petra pathway twice.
Little Petra is also a great alternative to Petra for those who want to experience a hint of adventure. With the help of an experienced guide, you can reach Petra on foot through a 6 km-long path. People who have done this route describe it as a fantastic experience, and it allows you to see Petra from a different perspective.
Lastly, Little Petra is free to enter, unlike Petra, which requires a ticket. The structures carved in the rock face are still impressive, and the views of the mountainous landscape are wonderful.
Suppose you want to experience a historical place with a relaxing atmosphere, a less demanding hiking path, an alternative way to enter Petra, and no crowds. In that case, Little Petra is worth a visit. [13][14]
Free entry
If you're planning a trip to Jordan and wondering whether you should visit Petra or Little Petra, we suggest you prioritize Little Petra. This smaller site offers a more relaxed vibe and is less crowded than Petra, making for a more pleasant and calm experience. Plus, entry to Little Petra is free, saving you some money.
Little Petra's structures are still quite impressive, and there are several temples that you can explore. Historians believe this place was built during the 1st century and served as a suburb for wealthy citizens or travellers arriving in Petra for business. You won't find any tombs here, but the houses and triclinia are still worth checking out. Little Petra opens every day at 6 AM, and we recommend visiting early in the morning before it gets too crowded.
One great thing about Little Petra is that it's way less demanding than hiking through Petra. The main points can be reached within 30-45 minutes, depending on your walking speed. This makes it a great option if you don't like walking for hours and prefer a more leisurely experience. If you're up for a bit more adventure, you can even enter Petra on foot through a 6 km long pathway with the help of an experienced guide.
Little Petra is a great alternative to Petra and offers a more relaxing and enjoyable experience. You won't find countless vendors trying to sell you things or dealing with the chaos that can come with larger tourist attractions. Most local sellers are not pushy, and the atmosphere is much more peaceful. Plus, you can still enjoy the stunning views of the mountainous landscape and get a taste of Jordanian culture. [15][16]
Great as a warm-up for Petra
Are you planning a trip to Jordan and thinking of visiting Petra? While Petra is undoubtedly a must-visit destination, we highly recommend adding Little Petra to your itinerary. Located just 9 km from Wadi Musa, Little Petra is a smaller, quieter site with a unique charm.
As a warm-up to Petra, Little Petra offers a chance to experience the same rock-cut buildings and ancient caves in relative stillness and calm. The Siq al-Barid, also known as the "cold canyon," is believed to date back to the 1st century AD and once served as an important base for long-distance trade.
While Little Petra is not a replacement for Petra, both complement each other very well. You can visit Little Petra before or after Petra, but we recommend visiting early in the morning to avoid crowds or as a day trip the day after exploring Petra.
Little Petra is free to enter, and you can explore it independently. While the site is not packed with attractions, the carved structures in the rock face and the views of the mountainous landscape are still impressive. Historians believe this site was built as a suburb during the Nabatean city's heyday, and visitors can still see the rich citizens' houses and triclinia.
We recommend bringing a jacket or shawl when visiting Little Petra, as the narrow Siq does not get much sunlight. The site opens every day at 6 AM and is relatively hassle-free. You may encounter locals offering to guide you or sell you a souvenir, but it is not necessary to have a guide.
Overall, Little Petra is a worthy add-on to any Jordan itinerary, and we recommend it as an alternative or warm-up to Petra. So, go ahead and add Little Petra to your travel plans and experience the calm and beauty of this lesser-known site. [17][18]
Well-preserved historical houses
Little Petra is worth considering if you're planning a trip to Jordan and wondering which historical site to visit. Unlike Petra, Little Petra attracts fewer tourists and has a more relaxed vibe. You won't find crowds of people jostling to take selfies or vendors aggressively selling you souvenirs. The peaceful atmosphere makes it an ideal destination for a leisurely outing.
The main hiking path in Little Petra is less demanding, which means you don't need to worry about hiking for several hours to reach Petra's Monastery. The main points of interest in Little Petra can be reached within 30-45 minutes on foot, making it an ideal destination for people with different physical abilities. Even if you prefer a more demanding hiking path, you can reach Petra on foot through a 6km long path, which is an alternative route.
Little Petra is an alternate way to enter Petra, and you can reach it with the help of an experienced guide. Starting from Little Petra to get to Petra is an excellent way to avoid walking through Petra's main pathway twice. As a result, you can enjoy Petra while preventing fatigue.
In addition to its historical significance, Little Petra contains other hidden gems worth exploring. The area's ancient ruins and monuments are fascinating to explore, but you can enjoy Jordanian music and relax in a peaceful atmosphere.
Visiting Little Petra instead of Petra is a great way to experience the history and culture of Jordan without the crowds and hustle that come with Petra. So, consider Little Petra a must-visit destination when planning your trip to Jordan. [19][20]