Little Petra - Discovering Jordan

Travelling to Little Petra

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Little Petra, a pretty good destination in Jordan (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Little Petra and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Little Petra, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Jordan, here's everything to know about Little Petra for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Little Petra

Little Petra, also known as Siq al-Barid, is an archeological site located in Jordan, just a few kilometers away from the more famous ancient city of Petra. It was once a suburb of Petra and served as a trading stop along the incense and spice routes from Arabia to Egypt, Syria, Greece, and Rome. Little Petra features narrow canyons and rock-cut facades that house homes, temples, and storerooms. Despite being less known than Petra, Little Petra offers a unique and magnificent experience and is definitely worth a visit for those interested in history and ancient architecture.

What to visit in Little Petra

Sure, below are some of the popular tourist attractions in Little Petra along with their brief descriptions: 1. Siq al-Barid (Little Petra): It is a smaller version of Petra, which is less explored than the main site. It has several ancient ruins, rock-cut tombs, and caves.
2. Beidha: It is a prehistoric Neolithic village located near Little Petra. The site features several structures, including round houses, granaries, and a shrine. It is believed to be one of the earliest human settlements in the area.
3. Al-Beidha (White Mountain): It is a natural mountain located near Little Petra. The mountain is famous for its white sandstone formations, which can be viewed from a distance.
4. Jebel Haroun: It is the highest peak in the Petra region located near Little Petra. It is famous for its religious and historical significance, as it is believed to be the final resting place of Moses, according to the Bible.
5. Church of the Lions: It is a Byzantine church located near Little Petra, which features a unique design and intricate carvings. It is also known for its mosaic floors, which depict lions and other animals.
6. Petra Kitchen: It is a unique culinary experience in which visitors learn how to cook traditional Jordanian dishes from local chefs. The experience includes a guided tour of the local market, where visitors can buy fresh ingredients for cooking.
These are some of the popular tourist attractions in Little Petra, and each of them has its unique significance and history.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Jordan, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.

When to go on holiday to Little Petra

The best time to visit Little Petra is during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is mild and pleasant for outdoor activities. Between March and May, temperatures range from about 18°C to 25°C with occasional rain showers. From September to November, temperatures drop slightly to an average of 16°C to 23°C, and the weather remains dry and sunny. These months offer great conditions for hiking, exploring the rock formations and enjoying the desert scenery. However, it is important to note that Little Petra is located in a desert environment, so temperatures can be extreme during the summer months (June to August), with daytime temperatures hitting as high as 40°C. Winters (December to February) can also be cold, with daytime temperatures ranging between 10°C to 15°C and night temperatures dropping to around freezing point.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Little Petra

To get to Little Petra in Jordan, you can take a taxi or bus from the city of Petra. The journey should take around 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can hire a car or take a guided tour which may include transportation to Little Petra. It is recommended to check with your hotel or tour provider for the best transportation options available.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Little Petra, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Little Petra

Little Petra is a historic site located in Wadi Musa, Jordan. Being a popular tourist spot, there are a few excellent food options available in the surrounding area. Here are some typical foods of Little Petra along with a short description for each of them: 1. Mansaf: It is the national dish of Jordan, which is made of lamb cooked in a fermented yogurt sauce, served with rice and topped with almond and pine nuts.
2. Zarb: It is a Bedouin style barbecue, cooked underground in a pit, which contains meat, vegetables, and rice that are layered in a special way before being cooked to perfection.
3. Falafel: This is a popular Middle Eastern street food, made from ground chickpeas, fava beans, and spices, which are formed into balls and deep-fried. It is usually served with hummus and pita bread.
4. Shawarma: It is a Levantine meat sandwich, made with lamb or chicken that is marinated and then roasted on a spit. The meat is then shaved into thin slices and served in a pita or flatbread with vegetables and tahini sauce.
5. Maqluba: It is a traditional Jordanian dish, consisting of layers of rice, fried vegetables, and either chicken or lamb meat, cooked in a pot and then turned upside down onto a serving platter before being served.
These are some of the typical foods of Little Petra that are worth trying during your visit.
You can find general info about typical foods in Jordan here.

Is Little Petra an expensive destination for tourists?

Compared to other destinations, Little Petra in Jordan can be considered quite affordable for tourists. The cost of accommodation, food, and transportation is relatively low compared to many other popular tourist destinations in the region. However, the cost of tours, guides, and entrance fees to the Petra Archaeological Park can add up and become expensive if you are not careful. It is best to plan ahead and research the costs of tours and other activities to ensure you stay within your budget.

Where to find accomodation in Little Petra

The best areas to find accommodation to visit Little Petra in Jordan are Wadi Musa and Petra. Wadi Musa is the town closest to Petra, and it offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget, from budget hotels and hostels to luxurious resorts. You can find hotels and guesthouses within walking distance of the Petra Visitor Center. Petra itself has a few accommodations as well, and staying there gives you the chance to enjoy Petra at various times of the day (even at night). However, it can be a bit more expensive than Wadi Musa. Both locations are easily accessible by taxi or on foot.
You can check hotel prices at Little Petra here:
Booking.com

Is Little Petra a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Little Petra in Jordan is generally considered a safe place for tourists. Jordan, in general, is a safe country with a low crime rate and a stable political climate. However, as with any travel destination, it's always a good idea to take basic safety precautions such as avoiding isolated areas at night and being aware of your surroundings. It's also recommended to follow the advice of local authorities and to keep up-to-date with the latest safety information.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Jordan here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Little Petra.

What type of travelers will enjoy Little Petra the most?

Little Petra is a great travel destination for all types of travelers, including couples, young people, and families. However, it may be more appealing for history and culture enthusiasts, as it is an archaeological wonderland with ancient rock-cut structures and centuries-old monuments. It is an excellent place for families who want to educate their children about history and introduce them to different cultures around the world. Couples can enjoy the romantic atmosphere of the place and explore the narrow alleys hand in hand, while young people can engage in hiking the surrounding areas and having adventures in the desert.

How to get around Little Petra

The best way to move around Little Petra is by walking, as the site is relatively small and easy to navigate on foot. However, if you prefer not to walk, you can also hire a local guide or a taxi to take you around. Additionally, tour groups often include transportation as part of the package.

What to see around Little Petra

Sure, here are some nice places to visit in a day trip from Little Petra in Jordan: 1. Petra Archaeological Park: Petra is just a short distance from Little Petra, and it's one of the most famous attractions in Jordan. This ancient city is filled with impressive ruins and structures carved into rock, such as the Treasury, Monastery, and Amphitheatre.
2. Wadi Rum: Located about an hour and a half from Little Petra, Wadi Rum is a stunning desert landscape known for its soaring sandstone cliffs, natural arches, and vast expanses of red sand. Visitors can take a 4x4 tour, camel ride or even a hot air balloon to explore the area.
3. Dana Nature Reserve: This nature reserve is located around 2 hours from Little Petra and offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking trails, nature walks, bird watching, and stargazing at night.
4. Shobak Castle: Over 900 years old, this Crusader castle is located around an hour and a half from Little Petra. It was built to protect the trade routes between Damascus and Egypt, and visitors can explore its ruins and learn about its fascinating history.
5. Dead Sea: The Dead Sea is around 2.5 hours from Little Petra. Visitors can float in its salty waters, apply mud masks, and immerse themselves in its unique healing properties. These are just some of the great places to visit in a day trip from Little Petra in Jordan.
For every travel information about Jordan you can click here.

Wild Trips is the Wikipedia of travel and this page was partly created with the help of AI: in the unfortunate case you find an error, please write to us to correct it... Thank you!
Follow us on Facebook if you like wild trips around the world and beautiful itineraries in Italy: https://www.facebook.com/wildtrips.