The ancient city of Petra, carved into rose-hued cliffs by the Nabataeans over 2,000 years ago, remains one of the most awe-inspiring archaeological sites in the world. Most visitors walk its dusty paths under the harsh sun of Jordan’s arid climate. But when the crowds disperse and the desert sky darkens, Petra transforms. A Petra night tour Jordan offers a distinct and unforgettable way to see this World Heritage Site—under the soft glow of candles, where silence reigns and every footstep echoes history.

This nighttime experience invites travelers into a quieter Petra, one where imagination fills the void left by the ancient city’s vanished inhabitants. It’s not just a tour; it’s a sensory journey through time, tradition, and timeless beauty.

What Is the Petra Night Experience?

The Petra night tour Jordan is a scheduled guided walk that takes place three times a week—typically on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. The tour begins around 8:30 PM and runs for about two hours. Visitors walk from the Petra Visitor Center through the narrow Siq to the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), all guided by candlelight.

This event offers an entirely different impression than a daytime visit. With no sunlight illuminating the rocks, the emphasis shifts from color and detail to shape, silence, and sound. The flickering of thousands of candles placed along the Siq path and at the Treasury casts long shadows and creates a mystical atmosphere unmatched by any daylight scene.

Preparing for the Tour

To attend the Petra night tour Jordan, you’ll need to purchase a separate ticket in addition to the general Petra day entry pass. These are available at the Visitor Center or through local travel agencies. It's important to confirm the tour schedule in advance, especially during off-seasons when weather or special events may affect availability.

Wear sturdy walking shoes—the route through the Siq is uneven in places and unlit aside from the candles. A flashlight can be useful, though many prefer to avoid using them to maintain the natural mood. Temperatures can drop sharply after dark, so a light jacket is often necessary, even in warmer months.

Walking Through the Siq by Candlelight

The Siq is a narrow gorge that stretches nearly a kilometer from the entrance to the heart of Petra. It’s a dramatic geological corridor with sheer sandstone walls rising up to 80 meters on either side. During the Petra night tour Jordan, this pathway is lined with candles in brown paper bags, spaced just enough to cast an ethereal path without overpowering the darkness.

The walk is mostly silent, with travelers treading slowly and respectfully. You begin to notice things you might miss during the day—the sound of your footsteps against stone, the rustle of wind between the canyon walls, and the sheer scale of the space surrounding you. It's easy to understand why the Nabataeans chose this hidden valley for their city; even in modern times, it feels like a world apart.

The Treasury Under the Stars

As the path opens up at the end of the Siq, the first glimpse of the Treasury under candlelight is unforgettable. Known as Al-Khazneh, this iconic structure, believed to have been a royal tomb, is Petra’s most photographed monument. By day, its rose-pink facade glows in the sun, revealing intricate Hellenistic architecture. But at night, lit from below by dozens of candles, the carvings are bathed in shadow, revealing deeper contrasts and mysterious depths.

During the Petra night tour Jordan, visitors are invited to sit on mats laid out before the Treasury. There, under the open sky and facing the glowing monument, a short cultural program unfolds. It typically begins with traditional Bedouin music played on instruments such as the rababa or oud. The haunting melodies echo against the cliff walls, lending a soulful soundtrack to the night.

Sometimes, a local guide recites poetry or shares stories about Petra’s history and significance. The atmosphere remains reverent and contemplative—there is no loud narration or bright lights, only the sounds and stories that carry Petra’s ancient legacy into the present.

Photography Etiquette and Expectations

Many visitors come eager to capture the magic of Petra by night on camera. However, photography during the Petra night tour Jordan requires sensitivity. Flash photography is strongly discouraged as it disrupts the ambiance and can be inconsiderate to others. Long exposure shots using tripods can capture the candlelit Treasury beautifully, but photographers should set up quietly and avoid blocking the view.

It’s also worth noting that the low light conditions are difficult for handheld cameras or smartphones, especially without prior experience. For many, the best approach is to experience the tour fully and leave the photography to the daytime.

The Cultural and Emotional Impact

Walking Petra at night is not just about sightseeing. It allows a moment of reflection in a place where civilizations have risen and faded. The Petra night tour Jordan reconnects visitors to the spiritual energy of the space. Without the distractions of the day—tour buses, crowds, and the scorching sun—you can listen more closely to the silence that this ancient city speaks.

Many who have experienced both daytime and nighttime tours say that the night walk lingers longer in memory. There’s something about the intimacy of the candlelight and the absence of chaos that deepens the connection to Petra’s history.

Practical Tips Before You Go

• Arrive early at the Visitor Center to ensure your spot. While it is not overcrowded, the event has limited capacity.

• Dress warmly in layers; nights in Petra can be cold regardless of season.

• Bring a scarf or cloth to sit on during the performance at the Treasury, especially in colder months.

• Keep voices low throughout the tour; silence is part of the experience.

• Avoid walking too close to the candle setups to maintain the aesthetics and safety of the event.

Should You Do Both Day and Night Tours?

The Petra night tour Jordan is not a substitute for exploring the full site during the day. Many of Petra’s architectural marvels—such as the Monastery, Royal Tombs, and High Place of Sacrifice—are not visible at night and require hiking or daylight navigation. Ideally, visitors should spend at least one full day exploring Petra in daylight and reserve the night tour as a complementary experience.

The two perspectives offer contrasting but equally enriching views of the site. Daytime reveals the scope and scale of Nabataean architecture, while nighttime evokes the mystery and reverence of the city’s history.

Conclusion: A Memory Lit by Flame

For travelers who appreciate cultural immersion and quiet wonder, the Petra night tour Jordan delivers a rare gift. It’s not only a way to see an iconic site in a new light but also a chance to connect with the land, people, and heritage in a deeply personal way. The slow walk through the Siq, the soft glow of candles, and the stillness of the Treasury under the stars create a setting that feels timeless—both ancient and immediate.

If Petra is a place that stirs the imagination, then Petra by night is the moment when imagination takes over completely.