The Siq

mariapiquet's picture

Location

Petra
Jordan
30° 19' 22.8288" N, 35° 27' 22.266" E
JO
General info: 

The Siq a dramatic and awe-inspiring natural rock formation that works as the main entrance to the ancient Nabatean city of Petra. Also known as Siqit, the main entrance in Petra is a dim, narrow gorge (in some points no more than 3 metres wide) winds its way approximately 1.2 kilometres and ends at Petra's most elaborate ruin, Al Khazneh (the Treasury). A wide valley outside leading to the Siq is known as the Bab as-Sīq (Gateway to the Siq).

Unlike slot canyons like Antelope Canyon, which are directly shaped by water, the Siq is a natural geological fault split apart by tectonic forces; only later was it worn smooth by water. The walls that enclose the Siq stand between 91–182 metres (299–597 ft) in height.

At the beginning of the Siq, one can still view the remains of the city’s gate. On both sides of the Siq, there are channels to draw water from Wadi Musa (the Valley of Moses), from outside the city to the inside.

Getting there: 

You can take a taxi to the Petra visitor center, from where you can either walk or ride on horseback to the beginning of Siq.

Costs: 

Visitors that overnight in Jordania pay 50 JD (=70 USD) for 1 day's access to Petra.

If you are coming from Israel or Egypt for one day (without night in Jordan) the price is 90 JD (=127 USD)

You might be interested in

The rising mist of Victoria Falls can be seen more than 20 km away. Getting closer, you will hear the thunder of the falling water.

Gullfoss is an iconic waterfall in South Iceland offering a spectacular view of the forces and beauty of untouched nature. The waterfall is incredibly powerful with the highest flood measured at 2000 m³/s.

An unstoppable flow of rushing water surges over the edge with thunderous force. The mist rises for hundreds of meters as the waters collide.

The picturesque scene of the Jökulsárlón lagoon and the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier have been part of the James Bond films A View to a Kill (1985) and Die Another Day (2002).

Seljalandsfoss is a highly picturesque waterfall on the south coast of Iceland. The waterfall has ended up in many books and postcards about Iceland and it has become one of the most famous waterfalls in the country.

Gocta is perhaps the most interesting of the waterfalls we know today. Most of the biggest waterfalls of the world have been in general awareness for centuries already. Gocta however was known only by local villagers until 2005.