Imagine walking through a narrow gorge, surrounded by towering cliffs, under a starry sky. As you approach the end of the gorge, you see a faint glow of candles in the distance. You hear a soft melody of a flute and a drum. You feel a sense of wonder and anticipation. You have arrived at Petra by Night, one of the most amazing and unforgettable experiences in Jordan.
Petra is an ancient city carved into the rock by the Nabataeans, a nomadic tribe that ruled the region more than 2,000 years ago. Petra was a thriving trade center and a cultural hub, until it was abandoned and forgotten for centuries. Today, Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, attracting millions of visitors every year.
Petra by Night is a special event that takes place at the Treasury, the most iconic and impressive monument of Petra. The Treasury is a massive facade with intricate carvings and columns, that was once used as a royal tomb and a temple. Petra by Night is a candle-lit show that illuminates the Treasury with more than 1,500 candles, creating a stunning and surreal scenery. The show also features a cultural and musical performance by local Bedouins, who share their stories and songs with the audience.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive and balanced guide to Petra by Night, covering everything from the history and facts, to the tips and tricks, to the pros and cons of the event. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, a family, or a group, you will find useful and relevant information that will help you decide whether to visit Petra by Night or not.
History and Facts of Petra by Night
Petra by Night started in 2007 as a way to showcase the cultural heritage and beauty of Petra in a different light and atmosphere. The event is organized by the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA), in cooperation with the local community and the private sector. The event aims to promote Petra as a sustainable and responsible tourism destination, and to support the local economy and the preservation of the site.
Here are some facts and details about Petra by Night that you should know before you go:
- Petra by Night takes place three times a week, on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, throughout the year, except for some religious and national holidays.
- Petra by Night starts at 8:30 pm and lasts for about two hours, including the walk to and from the Treasury, and the show itself.
- Petra by Night costs 17 JD (around 24 USD) per person, in addition to the entrance fee to Petra, which ranges from 50 to 90 JD (around 70 to 127 USD), depending on the duration and the nationality of the visitor.
- Petra by Night tickets can be purchased online, at the Petra Visitor Center, or at some hotels and tour operators in Petra and nearby towns. It is recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially during the high season, as the event has a limited capacity of 1,500 people per night.
- Petra by Night involves a walk of about 2 km (1.2 miles) from the Petra Visitor Center to the Treasury, through the Siq, the main entrance to Petra. The walk takes about 30 minutes, depending on your pace and the crowd. The walk is mostly flat and easy, but you should wear comfortable shoes and bring a flashlight, as the path is dark and uneven.
- Petra by Night features a show that consists of two parts: a musical performance and a storytelling session. The musical performance is performed by local Bedouins, who play traditional instruments such as the rababa (a stringed instrument), the shababa (a flute), and the tablah (a drum). The music is soothing and relaxing, creating a peaceful and mystical ambiance. The storytelling session is narrated by a local guide, who tells the audience about the history and culture of Petra, the Nabataeans, and the Bedouins. The stories are informative and entertaining, but they are not always audible and clear, due to the acoustics and the language barrier.
- Petra by Night ends with a walk back to the Petra Visitor Center, following the same path as before. The walk back takes about 20 minutes, as the crowd disperses and the pace quickens. The walk back is also a good opportunity to take some photos of the Treasury and the Siq, as they are still lit by the candles.
Tips and Tricks for Petra by Night
Petra by Night is a unique and memorable experience, but it also requires some planning and preparation. Here are some practical and useful tips and tricks for visitors who want to make the most of Petra by Night:
- Plan your visit to Petra by Night carefully, as it may affect your visit to Petra during the day. If you visit Petra by Night on the same day as you visit Petra during the day, you will have to pay the entrance fee to Petra only once, but you will also have a long and tiring day, as you will spend more than 10 hours at the site. If you visit Petra by Night on a different day than you visit Petra during the day, you will have to pay the entrance fee to Petra twice, but you will also have more time and energy to explore Petra at your own pace and leisure.
- Arrive at the Petra Visitor Center at least 15 minutes before the start of Petra by Night, as you will have to go through security checks and ticket verification. You will also have to wait in line to enter the Siq, as the organizers try to control the flow of the crowd. If you arrive late, you may miss the beginning of the show, or you may have to walk faster and catch up with the group.
- Avoid the crowds and enjoy the scenery by staying at the back of the group, or by walking ahead of the group. If you stay at the back of the group, you will have more space and privacy, and you will be able to appreciate the beauty and the silence of the Siq and the Treasury. If you walk ahead of the group, you will have a better chance to take photos and videos of the Treasury and the Siq, without other people in the frame. However, you should also be respectful and considerate of other visitors, and not block their view or disturb their experience.
- Take photos and videos of Petra by Night, but also put your camera away and enjoy the moment. Petra by Night is a photogenic and Instagram-worthy event, but it is also a magical and spiritual experience that deserves your full attention and appreciation. Taking photos and videos of Petra by Night can be challenging, as the lighting is low and the movement is high. You will need a good camera, a tripod, and some skills to capture the best shots. However, you should also remember that Petra by Night is more than just a visual spectacle, it is also an auditory and emotional journey that you should not miss.
- Dress warmly and bring some snacks and drinks for Petra by Night, as the temperature can drop significantly at night, and the event can last for more than two hours. You should wear layers of clothing, a hat, a scarf, and gloves, as the desert can be cold and windy at night. You should also bring some snacks and drinks, such as water, juice, nuts, and chocolate, as there are no facilities or vendors at the site, and you may get hungry or thirsty during the event.
Pros and Cons of Petra by Night
Petra by Night is a popular and highly rated event, but it is not for everyone. Petra by Night has its pros and cons, and you should weigh them carefully before you decide whether to visit it or not. Here are some of the pros and cons of Petra by Night that you should consider:
Pros of Petra by Night
- Petra by Night is a stunning and surreal experience, that allows you to see Petra in a different way. Petra by Night transforms the Treasury and the Siq into a magical and mystical wonderland, that is illuminated by thousands of candles and stars. Petra by Night is a feast for the eyes and the soul, that will leave you speechless and amazed.
- Petra by Night is a cultural and musical experience, that introduces you to the local heritage and traditions. Petra by Night features a performance by local Bedouins, who share their music and stories with the audience. Petra by Night is a chance to learn more about the history and culture of Petra, the Nabataeans, and the Bedouins, and to appreciate their art and lifestyle.
- Petra by Night is an opportunity to support the local community and the preservation of the site. Petra by Night is a sustainable and responsible tourism initiative, that aims to promote Petra as a world-class destination, and to support the local economy and the conservation of the site. Petra by Night is a way to contribute to the development and the protection of Petra, and to respect its values and identity.
Cons of Petra by Night
- Petra by Night is a high and variable price, that may not match the quality and the value of the event. Petra by Night costs 17 JD (around 24 USD) per person, which is quite expensive, considering that it is only a two-hour event, and that it does not include the entrance fee to Petra, which is already pricey. Petra by Night also has a variable price, depending on the demand andSure, I will continue the article for you. Here is the rest of the article:
- Petra by Night also has a variable price, depending on the demand and the availability of the tickets. Petra by Night may not be worth the price, as the quality and the value of the event may not meet your expectations and standards.
- Petra by Night is a low and inconsistent quality, that may not match the hype and the reviews of the event. Petra by Night may not deliver what it promises, as the show and the performance may vary depending on the night, the weather, the crowd, and the mood. Petra by Night may not live up to your expectations, as the show and the performance may be boring, repetitive, or unprofessional.
- Petra by Night is a crowded and noisy environment, that may not match the atmosphere and the ambiance of the event. Petra by Night may not be a peaceful and relaxing experience, as the site and the show may be packed with people, who may be loud, rude, or disrespectful. Petra by Night may not be a magical and mystical experience, as the site and the show may be disturbed by flashes, phones, or chatter.
Conclusion
Petra by Night is a one-of-a-kind and unforgettable experience, that you should not miss if you visit Jordan. Petra by Night is a stunning and surreal experience, that allows you to see Petra in a different way. Petra by Night is a cultural and musical experience, that introduces you to the local heritage and traditions. Petra by Night is an opportunity to support the local community and the preservation of the site.
However, Petra by Night is not for everyone. Petra by Night is a high and variable price, that may not match the quality and the value of the event. Petra by Night is a low and inconsistent quality, that may not match the hype and the reviews of the event. Petra by Night is a crowded and noisy environment, that may not match the atmosphere and the ambiance of the event.
