Summary
After our day traveling down to the Dead Sea in Jordan and visiting some of its most incredible historical sights along the way, we made it back to Petra just as the sun set.
An Evening at Petra
This was perfect timing because on this evening, we had already purchased tickets to visit the ancient lost city of Petra to see it all lit up at night.
There would also be a musical performance there, so we anticipated not just a visually stunning sight but an auditory treat as well.
It’s important to note that this event does not occur every day, so planning in advance is crucial if this is an experience you wish to enjoy while in Petra.
Purchasing tickets well in advance is highly recommended to guarantee your entry to this exquisite experience.
As I previously mentioned in my post about visiting Petra during the day, I must reiterate that the walk from the entry gate to the Treasury — where the performance takes place — is quite lengthy.
During the daytime, one could utilize horses and carriages to navigate, but at night, this option is not available, making walking the only feasible option.
Moreover, it is not particularly well-lit; lanterns are placed along the path, which provide a charming ambiance yet do not offer sufficient light to navigate the uneven terrain safely.
Our advice for those unsure on their feet is to take the walk slowly and carefully while wearing sturdy walking shoes.
Despite these precautions, we rushed ahead because we were eager to arrive first and capture photographs in peace before the crowd arrived.
Considering this, we arrived at the entry gates 30 minutes early, only to discover a massive queue awaiting us.
In response, we decided to briskly walk the entire path, and I felt the risk of tumbling numerous times along the way.
Fortunately, we managed to arrive early at the Treasury, which is why these photos exist.
As for the performance itself, I had been informed in advance that some individuals didn’t appreciate it (it received mixed reviews), but I genuinely thought it was fantastic.
This reinforces the importance of not arriving with overly high expectations but instead embracing the experience as it unfolds.
The entire area looked absolutely stunning during this captivating event.
The performers engaged the audience with their songs and instruments, creating an unforgettable ambiance.
Following our night at Petra, we opted for a leisurely morning and began our day a bit later. The past few days started at 5:30 AM or 6 AM, so starting at 9 AM felt like a much-deserved luxury.
We planned to return to Petra later in the afternoon to find a viewpoint we had seen numerous photos and videos of, yet we weren’t quite sure how to locate it.
We could hire a guide for this adventure, but beforehand, we heard about a wonderful site called Little Petra, prompting us to arrange for a taxi to take us there.
Little Petra, as the name implies, is like a miniature version of Petra, yet it remains just as impressive.
Although it does not draw nearly as many visitors, Little Petra offers an equally fascinating experience, and the best part is that it is free to enter.
Stopping by to say hello with the locals actually turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip.
Ultimately, our journey to discover Petra’s secrets showcased the stunning beauty of both Petra and Little Petra, providing insights that enhanced our overall experience of this incredible region.
The locals, alongside Little Petra’s unique charm, contributed massively to our overall enjoyment and connection with the region.