The Candlelit Path to Wonder at Petra by Night

Imagine walking for two kilometers through a narrow, winding canyon, with only the soft glow of 2,000 real candles guiding your way. No electric lights. No screens. Just flickering flames, the sound of your footsteps, and the silent majesty of the ancient rocks rising around you.

This is the entrance to Petra by Night—a journey not only through space, but through history, mystery, and magic.

The Siq – Nature’s Gateway

The candlelit walk begins at the entrance to the Siq, Petra’s dramatic natural gorge carved over centuries by water and time. It’s the same path the Nabataeans once walked, the same route traders and travelers took on their way to the great city hidden in the cliffs.

But at night, under a blanket of stars and surrounded by the gentle glow of candlelight, the Siq becomes something entirely different—a passage to wonder.

2,000 Real Candles, One Magical Path

Every evening before the show, a dedicated team hand-places 2,000 real candles along the 2km stretch of the Siq and in front of the Treasury. These are not artificial lights or LED simulations. They are sustainable, real flames—part of our commitment to preserving the natural atmosphere while minimizing our environmental impact.

The candles are chosen carefully, with containers and placement designed to protect the rock and surrounding nature. It’s a slow, thoughtful process. One candle at a time. One moment of light added to the dark.

The result? A breathtaking pathway of flickering firelight that guides you gently through the canyon like a river of stars on the ground.

More Than Light—A Feeling

What makes this walk unforgettable isn’t just the beauty. It’s the feeling. A deep sense of peace. Of leaving behind the modern world and stepping into something sacred. You slow down. You breathe differently. You begin to listen—to the silence, to your thoughts, and to the presence of history surrounding you.

As you walk, the light reflects off the sandstone, changing its colors—sometimes soft pink, sometimes deep gold. Shadows dance on ancient walls, as if Petra itself is remembering its stories.

A Sustainable Ritual

At Petra by Night, we believe that experiences like these should not only be beautiful but also respectful of the environment. That’s why we use eco-friendly, sustainable candles, designed to burn cleanly and leave no waste behind.

Each candle is part of a greater ritual—honoring Petra’s past while preserving its future.

The Destination – A City in the Dark

And just when you think the walk itself is the main event, you arrive. The Siq opens to reveal the Treasury, glowing softly with hundreds more candles at its base. You’ve reached Petra’s heart—but the journey there has already transformed you.