Exploring The Siq Al-Barid In Jordan

The Siq al-Barid, also known as Little Petra, is a smaller archaeological site than Petra to the South. It is near the town of Wadi Musa, and like Petra, it is a Nabataean archaeological site. Here you will find buildings and caves carved into the canyon walls made of sandstone. It is not too different from Petra, but smaller. The main section is like three wider open areas on a canyon that is over 1400 feet deep. Siq Al-Barid is often thought to be a suburb of Petra. 

The literal meaning of  Siq al-Barid is “the cold canyon.” This archaeological site is one of the most unique and amazing sites in all of the Middle East. Archaeologists have not yet discovered what each building was used for, however, the general consensus is that it was a place to accommodate traders traveling the Silk Road. 

As you leave Siq Al-Barid, also known as the cold canyon, you leave the area where no sun shines. Now you are coming into the town of Al-Beidha which is in the open.  

All through the Siq, there are carved nitches into the canyon. The canyon itself is magnificent with many different tones of sandstone. As you leave the Siq, you enter the beautiful Rift Valley, which also includes part of the Dead Sea. This is a Nabataean adventure that is perhaps the most interesting in the Middle East.

If you are ready for a Nabataean adventure, then Jordan is waiting to share the many secrets of it's canyons and ancient cities. Pack your bag and grab your passport, were heading for a first class Jordan adventure.