
Hegra: Saudi Arabia's most famous archaeological site is located in the northwestern part of the country and is at least 2,000 years old. Click through to explore more.

The basics: Also called Mada'in Saleh and al-Hijr, this was Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage site.

Sand and stone: This is a necropolis of the Nabatean people, who also built Petra in Jordan.

What to see: The more than 100 tombs are carved with inscriptions and images of animals like eagles and lions.

A peek inside: One tomb at a time is opened to visitors. These are rotated so that none suffer too much damage.

Sunrise, sunset: The best times to explore the sprawling complex is early in the day or around sunset.

Up close: Inscriptions give a peek at what life might have been like for the people entombed here, with professions and names of family members commonly listed.

Elephant Rock: Nearby Elephant Rock, named for its resemblance to the pachyderm, is a popular spot for film screenings and light shows.

Rock tomb: A section where enormous blocks of sandstone create a canyon is another popular place for photo ops.

Light in the darkness: Due to the weather, Saudi tourism officials have come up with nighttime activities around Hegra, such as this illumination event.

How to get around: The most popular option for exploring Hegra is via retro Land Rover.

Underneath it all: To learn more, check out the exhibits in the Hegra visitor's center and take a go at carving your name into a heavy piece of stone.

Keep going: Two other smaller but interesting architectural sites, Dadan and Jabal Ikmah, are worth adding to a Hegra visit.