Best of Little Petra

The archeological site officially known as Siq Al Barid (meaning “Cold Canyon”) attracts fewer visitors than nearby Petra though it does not lack for drama. Carved into the rocks are ancient tombs, cisterns, temples and water channels, while age-old frescoes adorn the walls of the so-called Painted House. The collection of 9000-year-old neolithic ruins of Al Beidha offer a glimpse far into the past: this is one of the oldest archeological sites in the Middle East. 

You can get off the beaten track by taking a back trail to the monastery (Al Deir) inside Petra. This scenic route follows a Nabataean path out of the valley, where you can refresh in a Bedouin café before walking down the steps leading into the main site of Petra. You can also experience a more local side of Little Petra by taking a bread-baking class with a native family, going olive harvesting, or simply preparing and sharing a meal.