Hotels near The Siq

The Siq is the 1.2 km natural canyon that serves as the main entrance to Petra - a narrow split in the sandstone cliffs created by tectonic forces and water erosion. The canyon walls reach 80 metres tall in places; the path is just 3-5 metres wide at its narrowest. Nabatean engineers carved 30-metre water channels along both walls to bring spring water into the city - parts of these channels and the original Roman-era stone pavement remain visible.

The walk takes 20-30 minutes. Carved niches along the walls held statues of gods; god blocks remain in several sections. The dramatic moment when the canyon opens to reveal the Treasury at the end is one of the great architectural reveals in world tourism. Horse-drawn carriages take the route at 25 JOD round-trip but you miss the slow build-up. Walking is recommended.

Pro Tip: Walk the Siq at 06:15 (just after sunrise opening) to see the morning light strike the Treasury through the slot - the most photographed moment in Petra. Carriage drivers tout aggressively at the entrance; walk past them confidently.