Do you like to see treasures off the beaten path while traveling? Have you already spent days mesmerized by Petra but want a little bit more? In this post, we’ll talk about Little Petra – Jordan’s hidden secret and a place not as frequently visited.
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I think you’ll agree with me when I say the experiences you have while traveling to the less frequented places can sometimes be the best ones! Little Petra is just as lovely as Petra but with fewer crowds and much less walking.
If you want to have the best possible time visiting archeological sites in Jordan, you won’t want to miss this one. It’s so close to Petra and completely worth the visit.
If you’re curious about visiting Little Petra and wondering if it’s worth your time, I’ve got you covered. Here is all the information you’ll need to know to visit this lesser-known but just as unique site. Let’s get started!
Why you should visit Little Petra
First things first, if you’re going to travel all the way to a foreign country don’t you want to get the most out of your visit? For some people that means seeing and experiencing as much as possible.
Not only is Little Petra so close to ‘Big’ Petra but it’s a much smaller area and way less crowded. This means you’ll get to see similar facades on the blush-pink mountains but pretty much all to yourself.
I saved the best reason for last – Little Petra is completely free! So you have nothing to lose by visiting and may as well take advantage of viewing as much as possible, especially because Petra tickets can be expensive.
How far is Little Petra from Petra?
Little Petra is located just outside of Wadi Musa and only a 15-minute drive northwest. Its proximity is another reason why you should visit. It’s so close and doesn’t require too much time to explore the whole area.
You can even squeeze it in the morning the day after Petra just before you leave Wadi Musa – just like I did. That way you’re well rested from the day before and can drop by after you check out of your accommodation for the day.
An alternative to driving there is hiking the four-mile trail from Petra. However, the trail isn’t always clear at times so it’s recommended to hike with a guide so you don’t get lost.
It’s also four miles one way, on top of the walking necessary to enter Petra to start the hike. I wouldn’t recommend it but maybe if you’re a serious hiker, it could be right up your alley!
Visiting Little Petra – Everything You Need to Know
This site, originally known as Siq Al-Barid, is definitely worth the visit if you are already in Wadi Musa. Although a quieter and smaller spot, it may still surprise you.
It is believed that this area was a suburb of Petra and was a place for visiting merchants to stay while on the trade route.
It’s a different experience walking through these ruins all by yourself and in a silent environment. It makes it more serene and easier to imagine how life was back when this suburb would have been bustling.
Opening Times
This site is open every day from 6 am to 6 pm year round except for in winter where it closes at 4:30 pm. I visited around 10 am or so and there was only one other family there who was leaving just as we arrived.
Entrance Fees
As mentioned, the best part about visiting this site is that it’s completely free! It’s important to note this because there are locals at the entrance that may ask you to pay or make a donation. You do not have to unless you want to.
The same thing goes for parking. We had a young man come up to us and basically ask for money to watch our car. This is also unnecessary as there was no one else really there and a large car park.
Just be mindful of this so you don’t get scammed into paying. Once again, if you have the money and want to ‘donate’ then of course feel free to but it’s not mandatory to enter.
How Much Time Should You Spend
Because this site is much smaller in comparison to it’s larger counterpart, you can see the best parts in no time at all. You should only need to spend one to two hours walking around this location to get the full experience.
Once you pass through the narrow canyon, you can choose to continue hiking up the mountain to get a better view of the valley which will take longer. However, all of the main attractions in this small suburb, such as The Triclinium and The Painted House will be before the canyon.
I personally hiked about half way up the mountain where I got to see a bunch of goats from a distance. This was enough for me to get a great view of the area. I believe there were signs for a small cafe with a panaromic view once you reached the top, in case that sounds interesting to you!
Little Petra VS Petra
The choice is yours when you would like to visit Little Petra. Some say it’s better to visit before Petra since it’s smaller and less impressive. However, I visited after and was just as content. It was a completely different experience as it was less crowded and less chaotic.
I just want to mention that you shouldn’t expect Little Petra to compare to ‘Big’ Petra. Of course, it has it’s own beauty and calmness which pales in comparison to the busyness of Petra – after all, it is a wonder of the world for a reason.
Because this site is smaller in size, the pathways are narrower and so is the walkway through the canyon. However, there tends to be more shade in this area because of the towering enclosed mountains.
There are still merchants and little stores selling souviners here but way less than in Petra. So just keep that in mind if you wanted to buy a parting gift.
Friendly stray cats are all over Jordan and inside Petra as well but I noticed there were more kittens here at least when I visited in 2022. They are so kind and cute and will follow you everywhere. Below is one that befriended us after it woke up from it’s nap on a merchant’s table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth going to Little Petra?
Considering it is only a 15-minute drive from Petra and the entry is free, it is definitely worth a visit to Little Petra. It’s a smaller area compared to its predecessor but with much smaller crowds so you won’t need to spend too much time of your day here.
Can you walk from Petra to Little Petra?
Yes you can – however, it is about four miles one way and a guide is generally recommended as the trail may not always be clearly marked. Because of this it’s best to just drive to Little Petra rather than walk. Of course, if you’re an avid hiker, you may up for the challenge but otherwise, it’s not usually recommended.
How long a walk is Little Petra?
The area is much smaller than Petra, about a fraction of the size. You shouldn’t need more than two hours to explore and visit all of the lesser-known but just as unique archeological site.
For more Jordan information, you may also like:
- The Best & Complete Jordan Road Trip Itinerary (with map)
- Stunning Wadi Rum Glamping: Memories Aicha Luxury Camp
- 3 Reasons Why It’s Safe & Wonderful To Travel To Jordan As A Woman (2023)
