The Splendid Journey to Al Siq Canyon: An Unforgettable Petra Adventure

Submerge yourself into a visual, educational, and adventurous odyssey as you traverse the enigmatic path to the Al Siq Canyon. This narrow, winding canyon is the main entrance to the ancient Nabataean city of Petra, which holds historical significance.

Fondly known as the 'Rose City' for its vibrant sandstone cliffs, Petra's most outstanding feature, the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), is adorned with an oversized pedestal or base on top, showing that the city was carved, not built. The Al Siq gorge, sculptured by tectonic forces, adds charm and intrigues every traveller who walks through its 1.2 km-long curvaceous paths.

In this guide, we will attempt to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about visiting the site, including:

What is the best time to visit? Why should I visit? How to get there? - more.

Unravelling the Mysteries of Petra and Al Siq Canyon

Petra, also known as the city of stone, is a geological marvel that the Nabataeans began constructing in the 4th century BC. The ancient mountain city, situated southwest of Jordan's capital, Amman, and north of the vibrant Aqaba, is renowned for its intricate rock-cut architecture. The Nabataeans, a captivating nomadic Arab group, carved Petra over centuries, transforming the natural landscape into a remarkable architectural masterpiece. A journey through this site evokes a sense of nostalgia akin to reading chapters from the history of civilizations long gone.

Al Siq, a term derived from the Arabic word "sīq" (سَيْق), which means "shaft" or "passage," is a significant part of Petra for its unique geomorphology. The canyon, often shrouded in warm colours from the towering 80m high sandstone cliffs on either side, is a narrow 1.2km walk that gradually opens up to reveal the most dramatic entrance to any city - Petra's Treasury. Besides being a natural defensive detail, it also preserves a Nabataean masterpiece of hydraulic engineering - a complex system of rock-cut channels and cisterns designed to channel water from Wadi Musa into the city.

The Majestic Sights and Attractions of the Al Siq and Petra

• A walk through the Siq reveals several awe-inspiring niches, tombs, and votive platforms. Each art piece, mostly representing gods, provides insight into Petra's religious theme, and every stone slab or carved wall speaks of the Nabataeans' artistic finesse. One begins their journey at the Siq entrance, winds through the Siq, and eventually reaches the Dam (built to protect Petra from floods) located upstream from the Siq. From there, the path continues towards magnificently sculpted tombs.
• The literal 'highlight of Petra' is the Al Khazneh (the Treasury), visible at the end of the Siq. It's an enduring masterpiece that stands as a testament to Nabataean craft, capturing the first glimpse of every pilgrim who walks the path.
• The journey through the Siq continues, revealing more colossal delights, including the stern-faced Bab Al Siq, the entrance leading to the city, and Petra's Royal Tombs. These are a collection of gigantic cliff facades, including the notable Urn and Silk tombs.

Every nook and cranny of the Siq Canyon has a story to tell, an archaeological or geological artefact to discover, and an adventure to thrill the history buff, the spiritual wanderer, or the adventure trailblazer within. Fuel your fascination and embrace the splendid journey to Al Siq, Petra - an unforgettable adventure.

Al Siq Canyon: A Lonely Planet Endorsed Wonder of the World

You're not the only one amazed by Petra's charm and the imposing beauty of Al Siq Canyon; the renowned travel publisher Lonely Planet has named the ancient city one of the 'wonders of the world.' For centuries, Petra has been shaped by geological forces, including tectonic forces, erosion, and weathering.

Flicking through the pages of Lonely Planet guides, you'll find glowing tributes to the enchanting canyon. Descriptions paint a picture of the narrow gorge with vertical walls reaching up to 80m high cliffs, which form a natural corridor and the entrance to Petra. Colourful highlights of Petra are recalled, from the terracotta pipes ingeniously built by the Nabateans to supply water to the votive niches that adorn the Siq, formerly housing statues of gods.

Five Primary Reasons to Visit Al Siq Canyon, Petra

1. Petra is more than an ancient city; the path traversing the Siq offers unparalleled scenery. Unfolding before your eyes, the journey to Petra is through the Siq, a narrow canyon sculpted by natural elements over millennia. From the visitor centre and the entrance, you'll be greeted with dramatic high cliffs, which showcase the grandeur of nature.
2. As you traverse the 1.2-kilometer-long Siq of Petra, history bursts from every crevice - a paradise for history enthusiasts. With centuries-old statues, an urn tomb, and a monumental arch, these aren't just attractive spectres of the past but encapsulate the life and culture of the ancient Nabatean city of Petra.
3. Geologists, prepare to be amazed! With Wadi Muthlim gradually eroding and terminating on its southern side, the Siq offers a captivating display of diverse geological formations, making it an ideal destination for those fascinated by the Earth's dynamic processes.
4. For spiritual wanderers, the Siq Canyon and its end, the Treasury, presents a journey towards self-discovery. Standing beneath the towering cliffs and the Valley of Moses, one can't help but feel a sense of profound awe and introspection.
5. With every step inside the Siq, a new frame pops up for photographers. Whether it's the vista of the ancient entrance to the city, the fig tree growing from cracks in the statuary, or the spectacle at the end of the Siq, Petra offers an abundance of Instagrammable locations.

Types of Travelers Who Will Relish a Visit to Al Siq Canyon, Petra

• History buffs, archaeologists, and anyone with a love for the rich past of humanity will find Al Siq Canyon irresistible. The entire walk towards the ancient city is filled with dramatic echoes from the past, with everything from the monumental arch built as…!
• Adventure trailblazers, this is not a detour but the fascinating journey you've longed for. Walking through the narrow canyon from the UNESCO-designated entrance to Petra to the end of the Siq is an experience that will ignite your wanderlust.
• Landscape photographers and nature lovers, prepare to fall for the Siq's undeniably photogenic appeal; whether it's the iconic 1.2 view from the entrance, the century AD water channel, or the parting shot of the idol, you will not be disappointed.
• Spirituality and meditation seekers heading to Petra and onto Al Siq Canyon can anticipate a journey that encourages introspection. The path through Al Siq is akin to the path within oneself.
• Geology students, earth science enthusiasts, and archaeologists stand a chance to appreciate the magnificence of the canyon carved over centuries. If you're fond of the wondrous product of elemental forces, you've found paradise, with pipes still in place and vertical walls sculpted by nature's hand.

Remember, the entrance to the splendours of Petra, the ancient city, begins with Al Siq Canyon. Brace yourself for a trip that encapsulates nature's magnificence, history's richness, and the spirituality permeating through the atmosphere here. Whether you're a history buff, a passionate geologist, an adventurous trailblazer, or a keen photographer, the journey through the Siq of Petra awaits to amaze you!

 Best Time of the Year to Visit Al Siq Canyon, Petra

There's no wrong time to drop in on the ancient city of Petra, but your experience in Al Siq Canyon may vary depending on several factors. Just like choosing the right detour on your journey, timing your visit perfectly would amplify your overall experience.

If it's your first time, you may seek detailed information to plan your adventure. Petra's weather is influenced by its location in Jordan, which swings between hot, dry summers and cool, damp winters. Your comfort level when exploring the Siq of Petra and the ancient city would significantly depend on the prevailing weather conditions during your visit.

The entrance to the Siq marks the beginning of your journey through the unique geological features of the region. In the winter months, from November to March, Petra experiences cooler temperatures, ranging from 8 to 16°C (46-61°F). While cooler temperatures can make trekking more comfortable, the winter also brings sporadic rainfall that can obstruct your visit due to the risks of flash flooding in the narrow canyon.

Conversely, between June and August, the mercury rises, with average highs around 29°C (84°F). While the warm temperatures may not be ideal for everyone, this is also the driest season in Petra. Remember to bring a hat and plenty of sunscreen, and stay hydrated during your visit.

Arguably, the best periods to visit Petra and the Al Siq Canyon are the shoulder seasons - Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September - November) when the weather is moderate: not too hot or cold. Less crowd also means you can better appreciate the highlights of the Nabatean City of Petra without jostling for space.

Travel Directions to get to Al Siq Canyon, Petra

Your unforgettable Petra adventure begins at the Visitor Centre and the entrance to the ancient city. Available by road and also accessible from other nearby regions, Petra is well connected and waiting to be explored.

If flying is your preferred mode of transport, the nearest airport to Petra is Aqaba King Hussein International Airport. Once you land, consider taking a taxi or a public bus to Wadi Musa, a town near Petra, which takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Alternatively, if you're coming overland from Amman, the journey can take around 3 hours by car or 4 hours by bus. Remember, buses to Wadi Musa usually depart early in the morning and don't typically operate in the afternoon.

Once at Wadi Musa, the entrance to Petra is about a 10-15 minute drive away. From the entrance, it's a roughly 1.2-kilometer walk through the Siq of Petra, a spectacular narrow gorge surrounded by high sandstone cliffs, limestone, and chert to reach the ancient city.

Remember, the Lonely Planet endorsed this beautiful route as one of the world's wonders, so make sure you have your camera ready to capture the awe-inspiring journey. Onward adventurer - Al Siq is waiting to welcome you!