Amman: Petra by Night Tour with Optional Day Visit

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Exploring Petra by Night Tour with Optional Day Visit: A Complete Guide

This review covers the Petra by Night experience in Jordan, a captivating way to see one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites illuminated by hundreds of flickering candles. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, the detailed insights from travelers, combined with the official tour details, paint a vivid picture of what to expect. This tour promises a unique blend of history, ambiance, and local culture, all wrapped into an evening outing.

What we love about this experience is the chance to enjoy Petra’s mystical charm under starry skies, the local Bedouin music that adds authenticity, and the convenience of private transportation from Amman. A possible downside? The “by night” tour is shorter than a full day in Petra—great for a quick, atmospheric visit but perhaps limiting for those craving a deeper exploration.

This experience suits travelers who want a taste of Petra’s magic without an entire day’s commitment, or those eager for a relaxed, culturally-rich evening. It’s especially ideal for those who appreciate scenic strolls, enchanting ambiance, and local music in a historic setting.

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Key Points

Unique ambiance: Candlelit paths and star-lit skies create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Convenient logistics: Private pickup, drop-off, and comfortable transport from Amman.
Authentic experience: Traditional Bedouin music enhances the cultural vibe.
Short but impactful: The 2-hour night tour offers a taste of Petra’s magic, perfect for a quick visit.
Additional options: Offers an optional full-day Petra visit for those wanting more.
Value for price: At $99 per person, it’s a reasonably priced way to experience Petra’s highlights in a different light.

Looking for more options in Petra? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

What Makes the Petra by Night Tour Special?

This tour is primarily about experiencing Petra’s iconic landscape in a way that few get to see during the day. Starting from Amman, your private transport whisks you to Petra, where the magic begins at 8:30 PM. The journey itself, with a climate-controlled vehicle and an English-speaking driver, ensures comfort and ease, especially after a day of travel.

Once you arrive, the highlight is walking along Al-Siq, the narrow gorge that serves as the main entrance to the city. During the tour, the pathway is lined with hundreds of candles—a sight that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a mystical world. The quiet, candlelit walk adds a sense of serenity and anticipation.

The Experience at Petra

Upon reaching the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), you’ll settle in while local Bedouins perform traditional Jordanian music—a captivating addition that makes the scene feel lively yet intimate. The flickering candles, the natural landscape, and the starry sky combine into an atmosphere that’s as much about ambiance as it is about the ruins themselves.

The professional guides and the knowledgeable driver—who many reviews praise—enhance the experience, making sure you get the most out of your evening. As one traveler noted, guides and drivers like Mahmoud Awad and Bardaghawi “showed us around and explained everything,” which adds depth to the visit.

Additional Elements and Festival Participation

Some tours include a Petra Light Show Festival—which amplifies the ambiance with even more lights and performances. While not every tour guarantees this, the inclusion of such events can make your night feel even more special.

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The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off with hotel pickup in Amman, usually in the late afternoon or early evening, depending on your schedule. The private transportation is a major plus, providing a stress-free start. The drive to Petra is comfortable and efficient, with some reviews mentioning engaging conversations with the driver about Jordanian life and history.

Once at Petra, you’re free to walk through the narrow Siq — the gorge that leads into the city—where candlelight guides your way, creating a magical tunnel of light. The walk from the entrance to the Treasury takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on your pace and stops.

At the Treasury, you’ll settle in for about 20-30 minutes of music and cultural performance. Many reviewers found this highlight to be incredibly atmospheric, with local Bedouins playing traditional instruments and adding an authentic touch to the scene.

After the show, you walk back along the candle-lit path, soaking in the peaceful, starry desert night, before heading back to Amman. The entire experience lasts roughly 2 hours, offering a condensed but memorable glimpse of Petra’s enchanting aura.

There's plenty more to explore in Petra

What You’ll Miss

While the by night experience is beautiful, it’s naturally shorter than a full-day visit. As one traveler mentioned, the average visit duration in Petra during the day is around 5 hours, allowing for visits to places like the Royal Tombs, the Theatre, and Qasr Al Bint. If you’re craving a comprehensive exploration, consider combining this tour with a daytime visit or extending your Petra stay.

The Practicalities

The tour is priced at $99 per person, which balances cost and experience well. Included are hotel pickup and drop-off, private transport, admission to Petra Light Festival, water, Wi-Fi, and an English-speaking driver—making it a hassle-free experience.

What to bring? Pack comfortable shoes, clothes suitable for an evening outing, your passport or ID, and some cash for extras. The candlelit walk, often on uneven terrain, benefits from sturdy footwear, and layers are advisable as desert nights can be cool.

Timing is key—be sure to confirm the pickup time, as this influences how much you can enjoy once inside Petra. The tour starts at 8:30 PM, so plan your evening accordingly.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

Many reviews highlight the professionalism and friendliness of guides and drivers. For example, one reviewer praised the driver Yuoens for his kindness and safe driving, while another appreciated Mahmoud Awad for making the experience comfortable and enjoyable. Solo female travelers, in particular, felt safe thanks to the attentive service and knowledgeable guides, with one noting that guides like Mohammad showed her around Petra and explained everything clearly.

The stunning views, especially during the candlelit walk, are consistently emphasized. Several travelers described the scene as “magical,” with the candles casting a gentle glow on the stone facades and natural landscape, creating a scene that feels almost surreal.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a romantic, atmospheric introduction to Petra, especially if they’re short on time or prefer an evening outing. It’s an ideal choice for those interested in local culture—thanks to the Bedouin music—and for anyone who appreciates scenic, candlelit settings.

It also appeals to travelers seeking a stress-free logistics experience, with private transportation and a well-organized schedule. If you’re traveling solo, as some reviewers did, this tour offers a safe, guided way to see Petra’s highlights without the hassle of planning.

However, if you’re craving a comprehensive, full-day exploration of Petra, this tour might serve best as a complement rather than a replacement for a daytime visit.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes private transportation from your hotel in Amman and back, making the whole experience comfortable and convenient.

Do I need a Jordan Pass? If you are booking this tour independently, a Jordan Pass is required to cover entry costs for Petra Light Festival and Petra by Night.

What should I wear? Comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for an evening walk are recommended, as the candlelit pathways can be uneven and slightly cool, especially if weather changes.

Can I extend my visit in Petra? The tour lasts roughly 2 hours, but you’re free to stay longer on your own if you wish to explore more of Petra.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers? Absolutely. Many reviewers, including solo female travelers, felt safe and well-guided, thanks to friendly drivers and guides.

What are the main highlights? Walking through candlelit Siq, enjoying Bedouin music at the Treasury, and experiencing Petra’s magical atmosphere under the stars.

What time does the tour start? The experience begins at 8:30 PM from the visitor’s center, with pickup from your hotel in Amman included.

In The Sum Up

The Petra by Night Tour offers a beautifully atmospheric way to experience Jordan’s most iconic site. Its candlelit pathways, traditional music, and starry desert skies create a one-of-a-kind setting that sticks with you long after. It’s a fantastic option for travelers looking for an authentic cultural experience without committing to a full-day tour.

While it’s shorter than a daytime visit, the emotional impact and visual beauty of Petra in this setting deliver more than enough value for the price. The included private transport and local guides make it a stress-free way to enjoy Jordan’s historic marvels.

If you’re a traveler craving a romantic, scenic, and culturally immersive experience, this tour is an excellent choice. It’s best suited for those with limited time, a love of atmospheric settings, or simply wanting to see Petra from a different perspective.

Remember, this tour is about experiencing the mystical charm of Petra at night, and many past travelers have found it to be a highlight of their Jordan trip. Pack your sense of adventure, comfortable shoes, and an appreciation for history and local culture—and you’re set for an unforgettable evening.