Petra by night is something special that you should not miss when you travel to Jordan. Seeing the ruins at night gave them a certain mystique that you do not get during the day. You really get the feeling that this is how the ancient spice caravan travelers must have seen it.
Visit Petra by Night
We walked through the Siq not knowing what to expect. We hadn't really done a lot of research on Petra before visiting the ruins, so it was all a complete surprise to us as we followed the crowd to the Treasury.
See also – Petra Jordan, the Lost City by Day
The Siq Leading to Petra is hand lit by candles all the way to our Final Destination over 1km later
We imagined that we had stepped back in time. The stones that we were walking upon were the original stones of Petra and we were completely in awe of our surroundings. As the twilight sun gave off a golden hugh, we could still make out the tops of the towering cliffs above.
People have walked this ancient path since 1000 BC
Candles placed in paper bags lit our path all the way through the siq of Petra. This 2 km walk is an experience you will never forget. It feels as if you will never reach the Treasury, the most famous site of Petra, but when you do, the walk is worth the wait. Each candle is hand lit to give an authentic experience transporting the visitor back centuries.
Also Read: Jerash, Welcome to Jordan's Roman City
candles light the way to the Petra Treasury
The ancient Nabatean City was the secret of Jordan and it wasn't discovered by the west until 1812. Bedouins had used this place for centuries, but it lay hidden to outsiders until 200 years ago.
Petra lay hidden and lost for centuries in the Mountains of Wadi Mousa. The Siq did it's job of hiding this New 7th Wonder of the World
Petra will be celebrating its 200th anniversary in 2012 and it is a spectacular ancient city that is not to be missed. Jordan tourism will be pulling out all the stops to make the event a special one. If you happen to go to Petra, make sure to witness it at night.
Imagine how Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burchard felt walking Petra's narrow walls approaching the Treasury
Once you reach the treasury, you are treated to people playing traditional Bedouin music. Men serve tea as you sit on matts. Get there early to get to the front for the best photo opportunities and make sure to stick around after the crowds leave to capture the Treasury free of heads and shadows.
We lingered after the crowd left to capture an empty Petra, Treasury and Siq making for a stunning photo opportunity.
Petra By Night – the Treasury Lit up by Candles
Petra by Night in Jordan is a truly magical experience. We captured these photos above by staying one step behind the crowd and one step ahead of the men taking down the candles. To be alone in Petra in complete silence and darkness was magical. But dress warm, once the sun goes down in the desert of Jordan, things turn cold quickly!
Read More:
Petra Jordan – Tips for Exploring the Lost City
10 Exiting Things to do in Jordan
Jerash – Welcome to the Ancient City of Jordan
Petra is the perfect destination for Romance, Check out Velvet Escape for your
By MightyTravels January 15, 2014 - 2:31 pm
Stunning photos! I saw Petra by night last year but forgot my camera (hell I did not even know these tours exists). I guess I have to come back!
By Arti November 28, 2013 - 9:31 am
Breathtaking captures!! Just superb, thanks for sharing. I wish I can witness this in person some day 🙂
By Miguel Sanchez September 23, 2013 - 11:39 am
I’am in love with this pictures, Petra is a mistery , like fantasy…
By Miguel Sanchez September 23, 2013 - 11:35 am
I love 100% this beautiful pictures. Petra is like fantasy…
By 3 Traumziele die ich bis zum Sommer 2014 gesehen haben will! | Pink CompassPink Compass August 30, 2013 - 3:40 pm
[…] dem Reiseblog eines kanadischen Päarchens ist vor einer Weile ein unglaublich schöner Fotoartikel über die Felsendom-Stadt Petra in Jordanien erschienen und wie so oft habe ich mich von diesen […]
By Karen Davis August 13, 2013 - 5:59 am
I'll be there later this fall — so excited!
By Megan McGeachin August 13, 2013 - 5:53 am
On my top five dream destinations!
By Karen Davis August 13, 2013 - 4:25 am
Petra, Jordan, by night… amazing!
By Mindy and Ligeia June 10, 2013 - 5:15 am
Fantastic pictures!!! Stunning!
We will be visiting Petra in early August so thank you for the suggestion to visit at night. We are convinced! 🙂
By debndave June 13, 2013 - 8:18 am
Have a great time and yes, make sure you go at night. It’s really special.
By Petra, Jordan | When We Get There May 23, 2013 - 4:43 am
[…] http://theplanetd.com/petra-by-night-in-photos-jordan/ […]
By Amazing Photos of Mystical Petra at Night | Wave Avenue Wave Avenue May 19, 2013 - 11:30 am
[…] [via theplanetd and nationalgeographic] […]
By Ian Ord - Where Sidewalks End January 17, 2013 - 11:21 pm
Wow! I’ve always wanted to visit Petra, but it looks hauntingly incredible by night! I’ve never seen shots like this – do they do this all the time, or was it something special because PlanetD was in town? 😉
By debndave January 17, 2013 - 11:42 pm
Haha, oh yes they opened Petra at night just for us
;-)No, I’m just kidding. They do this every night and it is a must. The entertainment is average at best, but the experience of walking though the siq by candlenight is second to none.By Magnificent Petra: A Photo Essay November 7, 2012 - 7:01 am
[…] a different perspective consider visiting Petra by Night which runs a few nights a […]
By Jenna September 5, 2012 - 4:32 pm
Stunning night photography! Great work Petra!
By debndave September 16, 2012 - 12:43 pm
Thanks Jenna, you can definitely do it if I can. It’s all the apps that make a huge difference.
By Petra by Night - Scary, Silly or Special? | Angie Away August 15, 2012 - 2:52 pm
[…] I’m obviously no good at taking photos in the dark, please click through to see Deb & Dave’s shots from their experience with Petra by Night. The photos will take your breath […]
By Steve August 2, 2012 - 8:48 pm
Awesome night photography guys! Love Petra but haven’t been there at night…
By debndave August 3, 2012 - 11:25 am
Thanks Steve, Petra was very special at night. We were the last ones out and it was almost eerie to be there with nobody around. I can see why it was such an empire at one point in history.
By Jonas Wynn July 20, 2012 - 7:10 am
Wow those are some mesmerizing pictures…definitely does look like an image from the past. How does 1km’s worth of candles stay lit!?
By debndave July 23, 2013 - 9:26 am
That’s a great question. They put the candles in paper bags filled with sand. I guess they have figured out over the years exactly how long the candles have to be and the bags protect the flame from the wind.
By Steve @ ImNotHome May 31, 2012 - 10:21 pm
Those pictures are amazing. Beautiful. We are heading there soon, and will definitely look at doing a tour by night. Looks magical in those photos.
By ecothreesixty.com April 10, 2012 - 6:40 pm
That is exactly what is meant by the term “a photo opportunity”. So glad you stuck around for the final shot of the treasury! Excellent!
By debndave April 10, 2012 - 8:53 pm
Thanks so much. You are right. You do have to make your own photo opportunities, they’re always there it just takes a little patience.
By Francesco Hildreth April 4, 2012 - 7:40 am
I don’t make it a habit to make comments on many articles, but this one deserves attention. I agree with the data you have written so eloquently here. Thank you.
By Great Places to Celebrate Earth Hour March 31, 2012 - 10:17 am
[…] more Petra by Night Photos here. #dd_ajax_float{ background:none repeat scroll 0 0 #FFFFFF; border:1px solid #DDDDDD; float:left; […]
By Family Travel Créme de la Créme | The Family Suitcase March 2, 2012 - 8:25 am
[…] Wow! Petra by night in Jordan would be a magical […]
By Mary @ Green Global Travel February 2, 2012 - 8:42 pm
Wow, amazing photographs. The way you use the light transforms the place into something other worldly.
By Maria Alexandra @latinAbroad January 17, 2012 - 5:09 pm
THANK YOU for taking me back there!!!!!!!!!! My point-and-shoot couldn’t do this…AMAZING!
By Cheap Flights to kuala lumpur December 28, 2011 - 10:26 am
These are really fascinating pictures. Especially the impact created by the lamp really fascinates a lot
By debndave July 23, 2013 - 9:20 am
The lamps make for an incredible view. It’s surreal to walk through it at night and something everyone should do if they go…at least we feel that way.
By Michael Leander December 18, 2011 - 5:52 pm
Outstanding pictures, Dave. The text complements the pictures so well, Deb.
By debndave December 19, 2011 - 5:53 am
Thanks Michael. We wanted to focus specifically on the pictures and keep text to a minimum for this one. Dave’s photos really speak for themselves. Beautiful!
By Octavia December 15, 2011 - 9:14 am
Incredible photos. Made me dream away.
By Heather December 15, 2011 - 9:07 am
This looks amazing. Such a stunning place. It’s on the top of my “must-see-SOON” list!
By Featured Destination: Jordan December 15, 2011 - 3:01 am
[…] in 2011 and it seems fitting to showcase this destination leading up to the 2012 anniversary of Petra. We all had different experiences and took part in different adventures and activities and have […]
By A perfect place to propose marriage | Velvet Escape December 14, 2011 - 8:56 am
[…] Petra by night is absolutely one of the most romantic things to do anywhere around. Hundreds of candles line the […]
By Mike On The Cheap Route December 13, 2011 - 8:11 pm
Petra is one of my favorite places on Earth, but I didn’t realize you can go at night, that looks amazing. Are you able to go all the way to the Monastery at night too?
By Pauline November 23, 2011 - 2:31 am
Wow! Those are really lovely photos! I was in Amman last month and I regret not finding a way to go to Petra. Thanks for showing me another side of Petra. Cheers!
By debndave November 23, 2011 - 3:15 pm
Hi Pauline, I am glad that you like it. At least now you have a reason to go back to Jordan, I always look at a missed opportunity as an excuse to re-visit the country:) Cheers.
By Natalie T. October 31, 2011 - 7:12 pm
Gorgeous!
By debndave November 1, 2011 - 2:16 pm
Thanks Natalie!
By How we Use StumbleUpon October 31, 2011 - 5:00 am
[…] discovered our own post Petra By Night (photo above) that received 88,000 Stumbles. The more you discover, the more authority you have on […]
By Wadi Rum a Bedouin Experience October 11, 2011 - 3:11 pm
[…] it had been everywhere in Jordan, the landscape of Wadi Rum was astounding. Our driver told us to rap on the truck’s roof […]
By Getting Down with Nature at Dana Nature Reserve October 11, 2011 - 1:17 pm
[…] Getting Down with Nature at Dana Nature Reserve Hello there! If you are new here, you might want to subscribe to the RSS feed for updates on this topic.Powered by WP Greet Box WordPress PluginDo you like a good eco-adventure? Believe it or not there is a lot more to Jordan than Petra. […]
By Batangas City Houses September 23, 2011 - 2:03 am
Is this Jordan?? I never thought that Jordan is this beautiful. i love the photos and it really looks amazing. Petra is really cool. You have the best photos that i have found. Thank you for posting this.
By debndave July 23, 2013 - 9:19 am
It is indeed Jordan, Thanks for the very nice compliment.
By Todd @ Todd's Wanderings September 4, 2011 - 4:51 am
Great pics as usual Dave. I was in Petra last year and loved it, but i do regret not having time for the evening walk. Either way the whole experience lived up to and passed my expectations.
By davendeb September 9, 2011 - 1:52 am
I’m glad that you enjoyed your time as well Todd. Petra is one of the few places in the world that does live up to the hype.
By My 7 Links - Marketingkonferenz: Around the World Adventure Couple July 2, 2011 - 9:00 am
[…] of the city. We felt that captured the beautiful moments of our time there.2. Most Popular Post -Petra by NightNot far behind Walking Amman for most beautiful post was Petra By Day and Petra by Night. (I see a […]
By ToddCo June 29, 2011 - 12:54 pm
great photos! I was just there as well – – enjoy!
By debndave July 23, 2013 - 9:15 am
Lucky you, it’s a great destination to visit isnt’ it.
By Anabela Salvador George June 24, 2011 - 6:57 pm
These are stunning, amazing images! Wow, wow, wow!!! Thank you for sharing!
By ciki June 22, 2011 - 9:57 pm
How awe inspiring! Will never tire of seeing this!
By debndave July 23, 2013 - 9:14 am
Glad you like! Thank you 🙂
By Sarah June 19, 2011 - 3:02 am
I basically can’t add anything else that hasn’t been said already.
I’ll be in Jordan in a little over four months. And if I wasn’t already excited, well these pictures just put me over the edge.
By debndave July 23, 2013 - 9:14 am
Hope you had a great time in Jordan!
By Petra By Night (a photo essay) — TravelBark June 19, 2011 - 12:04 am
[…] http://theplanetd.com/petra-by-night-in-photos-jordan archive: The PlanetD ← Should You Go On A RTW Trip? – how to know if long term travel is right for you Official Launch Date: July 1, 2011 Destinations […]
By Petra Jordan, The Lost City by Day - Marketingkonferenz: Around the World Adventure Couple June 7, 2011 - 5:11 pm
[…] that really does live up to the hype. We were first introduced to it the evening before during Petra by Night. While the actual performance was less than stellar, the walk through the candle lit Siq to view […]
By Brooks & Jeanie Goddard June 5, 2011 - 12:13 pm
In acknowledging the beauty of these photographs, let me add that they should be great stimulation for readers to indeed go to Petra and indeed to signup for Petra at Night. And if you are going to go to Jordan and Petra, you should definitely consider going to Syria once the troubles die down.
By debndave July 23, 2013 - 9:08 am
We have heard amazing things about Syria, I hope that the unrest settle soon for them.
By Traveling Ted June 5, 2011 - 11:56 am
I think you were wise not to write much here because as you say there is nothing else you can say. The gorgeous pictures of Petra tell it all. My night pictures always really stink, so I am impressed with how clear these are.
By debndave July 23, 2013 - 9:07 am
Thanks Ted, it’s always nice to let the photos do the talking. It was very long exposures and a tripod that helped to make everything so clear.
By Red June 4, 2011 - 3:41 pm
Great moody pictures….Jordan has bumped up on my must visit list!
By davendeb June 5, 2011 - 9:44 am
That’s a good idea Red. Jordan bumped up to one of our favourite countries we have visited so far and one of the few that we would go back to, to explore some more. Normally we say, “Ok we’ve seen it, let’s move on and see other countries. After Jordan we said, I can’t wait to return to really delve into the culture here.
By Christina S. May 31, 2011 - 10:49 am
In preparation for our upcoming trip to Jordan (and Petra) I’m reading about all my fellow travel bloggers experiences as much as possible. Petra at Night looks absolutely incredible! Can I ask a technical question? What were your camera settings for these photos? Did you schlep your tripod along? Thanks for any info you can pass along!
By davendeb May 31, 2011 - 10:56 am
Hi Christina. Yep, I schlepped the tripod along. I couldn’t have taken the shots without it. I 2 to 3 minute exposures. It was a long process as I stopped every couple of hundred meters to grab the entire feeling of the Siq. If you wait until all the people leave and are the last out, you can just get it done before the guys come along to pick up the candles. I used a Canon 5D Mk II, 16-35 2.8 mm lens and a cable release. Cheers and have a great time.
By Aisha May 29, 2011 - 9:48 am
Hope you had a great time in Jordan. I am in love with your pictures… You are pretty good at photography! May I know the camera you use? Thanks!
By debndave July 23, 2013 - 9:03 am
Hi Aisha, we use a Canon 5D Mark II with all Canon lenses.
By Walking Amman - Marketingkonferenz: Around the World Adventure Couple May 25, 2011 - 10:19 am
[…] country.We had amazing adventures in Jordan from Canyoning in Wadi Mujib, Swimming in the Dead Sea, Visiting Petra, A Safari in Wadi Rum and Hiking through the Dana River Biosphere Reserve, we felt that we got a […]
By Sophie May 22, 2011 - 1:13 pm
This place can really make you speechless, wonderful shots!
By debndave July 23, 2013 - 8:46 am
Thank you! Always nice to hear when you leave someone speechless. Cheer.s
By A Jewel of Petra: The Monastery - Marketingkonferenz: Around the World Adventure Couple May 22, 2011 - 8:10 am
[…] Blog, snapshots / A Jewel of Petra: The MonasteryA Jewel of Petra: The MonasteryYou loved our Petra By Night photographs, now Feast your Eyes on The Monastery!The always impressive Monastery in Petra, […]
By Cheryl Howard May 20, 2011 - 4:33 pm
These photos are absolutely stunning! Visiting this place is on my bucket list … and I wouldn’t have thought of seeing it at night.
By debndave July 23, 2013 - 8:41 am
Glad we gave you a new idea of how to see Petra, cheers!
By The value of blogger press trips: Interview with Jordan Tourism Board’s Nayef Al-Fayez May 18, 2011 - 3:56 pm
[…] describe the 2,000-year-old ruins as a “truly magical experience,” while Twitter users rave about its “cleansing” atmosphere. Searching for #Petra […]
By DTravelsRound May 16, 2011 - 11:59 pm
Beautiful!!!!
By debndave July 23, 2013 - 8:41 am
Thank you!
By Sunday Travel Reads for May 15, 2011 | |: Travel Via Words :| May 15, 2011 - 9:06 pm
[…] gorgeous photo gallery of Petra by Night at Marketingkonferenz. These are the types of images that make you want to go. While in Jordan, they […]
By Nancie May 15, 2011 - 6:56 pm
Brilliant! I’m on the next plane 🙂
By davendeb May 15, 2011 - 11:10 pm
I really hope that you are!
:-)By Sofia - As We Travel May 15, 2011 - 11:39 am
That looks so cool! The sky looks incredible.
By davendeb May 15, 2011 - 11:18 pm
Thanks Sofia. Yes, the sky was incredible. The light pollution from the city gave enough of a glow to really make the sky stand out.
By Brooks & Jeanie Goddard May 14, 2011 - 12:15 pm
Greetings, we were your lunch mates at the Dana Guest House in Jordan in April and are thrilled to see your exquisite pix of Petra at Night which we found equally spellbinding. I hope all of your readers will avail themselves of seeing Petra in the not-too-distant future and plan to spend 2-3 nights so that they can soak up Petra on each day; the 3 day stay will also ensure them that they see Petra at Night. We encourage readers to consider visiting Syria which we found fantastic. We did not see any of the troubles reported in the press, but I gather the “movement” has gained steam since we were there (April 9-16, 2011). Even now I’m sure visitors can avoid the troubles, but certainly when it calms down. Great places and people to see and greater value for the money.
By davendeb May 14, 2011 - 7:48 pm
Brooks and Jeanie, thanks so much for stopping by. It was wonderful talking with you at lunch and you have reiterated to us that we have to go to Syria. We have only ever heard wonderful things about the country and we hope that the unrest dies down soon so that other people can visit it. We look forward to going back to the region to give Jordan more time and see the countries surrounding it.
By Sonya May 11, 2011 - 2:17 pm
Stunning photos. Petra is even more compelling by candlelight.
By davendeb May 11, 2011 - 6:41 pm
Thanks Sonya. Yes, seeing Petra by candlelight is completely different from seeing it by day.
By Maria May 11, 2011 - 10:10 am
THIS PHOTOS ARE BEAUTIFUL , CONGRATULATIONS
I JUST BEEN THERE 3 WEEKS AGO AND EXPERIENCED PETRA BY NIGHT, ITS A MAGIC SHOW I ENJOYED IT SO MUCH
By davendeb May 11, 2011 - 6:47 pm
Thanks Maria, I am so glad that you loved Petra by night as well.
By JD May 10, 2011 - 7:02 pm
Absolutely beautiful!
By davendeb May 11, 2011 - 6:53 pm
Thanks JD and Thanks for stopping by.
By Justin Hamlin May 10, 2011 - 12:06 pm
Awesome photos! Simply breathtaking….
By davendeb May 11, 2011 - 6:55 pm
Thank you Justin, we appreciate the compliment.
By Visiting Jordan May 10, 2011 - 9:47 am
Beautiful photos! You really did a great job with the low light. Not many photographers can pull that off. Great job!
By davendeb May 11, 2011 - 6:56 pm
Thanks so much Visiting Jordan, it means a lot to us to have the Jordan blog stop by.
By Kristin May 9, 2011 - 10:47 pm
Lovely pictures! I’ve only seen Petra during the day and these photos inspired me to go back and see it at night.
By Don Faust May 9, 2011 - 5:47 pm
Pretty cool! Did you have to tweak the color photos much? I like the orangy ski against the rocks.
By davendeb May 9, 2011 - 5:57 pm
Hey Don,
Thanks. No no colour tweaking. All around the outskirts of Petra the city gives off this Sodium vapour glow which reflects in the clouds resulting in the orangy sky.
By Tijmen May 9, 2011 - 5:16 pm
That must have been a very special experience seeing that place at night, would love to go there as well.
By Roy | cruisesurfingz May 9, 2011 - 2:58 pm
Wow, brilliant photos.
By The Dropout May 9, 2011 - 6:49 am
Amazing, amazing photos.
Petra’s been on my list for a long time and it’s hard not to race out to the airport right now so I can see it for myself. Thanks for using your talents to capture this beautiful and mysterious place – and then sharing it with the world.
By davendeb May 9, 2011 - 10:22 am
Thank you The Dropout. I know how you feel. I see photographs sometimes and want to get to that destination ASAP. I love the Internet for that, how it inspires us all to see new things. Glad that this made you want to see Petra even more so now.
By Craig Zabransky May 7, 2011 - 2:38 am
So impressive… especially the B&W. I look forward to walking among those candles one day soon…
stay adventurous, Craig
By davendeb May 8, 2011 - 11:24 am
Craig: I hope you get to walk along this path one day soon. It was walking along the path that was one of the most exciting parts of the evening. There is no need to rush to get to the show, arrive early (gates open 8:00 pm) and take your time walking to the Treasury. It is a 1.2 km walk through the Siq and it is one of the most incredible gorges we have ever seen. The show lasts for less than an hour. Wait for the crowd to dissipate and then you can get people free shots of the treasury too. Make sure to bring your tripod!
By The Friday Five: Awesome Travel Blog Posts: May 6, 2011 - Aaron's Worldwide AdventuresAaron's Worldwide Adventures May 7, 2011 - 2:37 am
[…] Petra By Night in Photos […]
By jade May 6, 2011 - 11:25 pm
Wow- totally agree- the picture evoke so many emotions! Almost spooky!
By davendeb May 8, 2011 - 11:19 am
Jade, You are right, it is almost spooky. Dave didn’t notice and I didn’t say anything, but being the last ones left made me feel a little uneasy. I will admit that I was happy when the guys gathering the candles came up behind us almost an hour later. We weren’t alone:) yay!
By Anita May 6, 2011 - 9:06 pm
HOLY COW!!!! These are incredible photos! And I’ve been looking at pics for a couple of hours now, and then these practically blinded me with their beauty.thank you so much for sharing- I’m going to pass this around. I so want to go to Petra!
By davendeb May 6, 2011 - 9:20 pm
Thank you Anita. We appreciate your kind words and the complement. Hopefully you will get to Petra soon. It was a very cool place.
By Jared @ Destination of the day May 6, 2011 - 1:36 pm
Great pics, never seen this at night before and I really like it.
By davendeb May 6, 2011 - 9:21 pm
We didn’t know about Petra at night until we went either. Glad you like them.
By ayngelina May 6, 2011 - 11:33 am
Wow Dave these are some of your best photos. I would have never thought to take night photos of a site like this.
By davendeb May 6, 2011 - 9:22 pm
Thanks Ayngelina. The candles really set the mood for wanting to take photos. I am really glad that I brought my tripod.
By Aaron May 6, 2011 - 4:45 am
Seriously beautiful pics guys! These are just stunning!
By Cam May 6, 2011 - 1:15 am
AWESOME PICS!!!
Serious, one of the best night collections I’ve seen.
By Mark Wiens May 5, 2011 - 8:42 pm
Amazing pictures Dave, with that soft orange light coming through from the lanterns. I would love to visit Petra some time!
By Merav | AllWays Car Rental NZ May 5, 2011 - 6:36 pm
Beautiful work, Dave (as always :-)). Just like many other people I also didn’t know you could visit Petra at night (a well kept secret?). I never visited Petra. For the better years of my life I couldn’t, only the rule-breakers and thrill seekers did that, and later when the border was open it wasn’t on my wish list for some reason. Perhaps in one of the visits to Israel I should go ahead and do it.
By Annie May 5, 2011 - 5:42 pm
Amazing! Petra looks so beautiful and I imagine even more breathtaking by night. I never knew much about Petra until I started reading travel blogs, now I’m interested!
By David @ MalaysiaAsia May 5, 2011 - 3:26 pm
Nice shots Dave! I’m sure you used a tripod to achieve them and the amount of settings involved to get the right mood too. Sometimes when I am free, I too would explore on night shots. Keep up the great work!
By davendeb May 5, 2011 - 3:34 pm
Hi David, yes I used a tripod and a very long exposure. 2 to 3 minutes. Luckily the mood was already set for me by being in Petra at night by candlelight. You will love exploring night photographs, it is my favorite.
By Leigh May 5, 2011 - 3:17 pm
Night photos are something I haven’t even starting exploring yet – a whole other level of complexity. Dave you’re becoming the master photographer and all these Jordan posts are making me want to go.Keep up the stunning work.
What kind of software do you use for your photos?
By davendeb May 5, 2011 - 3:22 pm
Thanks Leigh. I have been lucky enough to have the chance to visit some incredibly photogenic places that inspire me to take better pictures. You should go to Jordan, you will love it!
By Rob May 5, 2011 - 1:58 pm
Fantastic photos. I’m looking forward to going there in August.
By davendeb May 5, 2011 - 3:24 pm
Have a great time in August. We know a great guide if you happen to need one.
By Wai Tsui May 5, 2011 - 11:40 am
Great to know that you can visit the Indiana Jones place at night! Consider it bookmarked for my next destination. Thanks for sharing the gorgeous photos!
By davendeb May 5, 2011 - 3:27 pm
Haha, Wai Tsui, I love the Indiana Jones Reference. There was a woman walking through the Siq with her video camera going and singing the theme song. I thought it was awesome. I didn’t even know that the Last Crusade was filmed here until we arrived. Everywhere in Jordan reminded me of all 3 of the Indiana Jones films even though it was just the 3rd one shot here. So cool.
By John May 5, 2011 - 5:14 am
What a great idea to visit at night. Petra by day has had way too much exposure, every other blog seems to cover it these days.
By davendeb May 5, 2011 - 8:26 am
Thanks John, yes, there have certainly been a lot of Bloggers in Jordan recently and it isn’t slowing down any time soon with the Visit Jordan campaign. I am glad that we could come up with a different spin thanks to Dave’s patience.
By TheGourmetCoffeeGuy May 5, 2011 - 2:05 am
Absolutely beautiful photos. Really nice warm tones and hues, also liked the dimensional aspect of the photographs that conveyed the enormous size of this place. The black and white photograph is very impressive as well. Thank you for sharing.
By davendeb May 5, 2011 - 8:27 am
Thanks GourmetCoffeeGuy. We appreciate the feedback and so glad that you like it.
By Laur @ The Mad to Live May 5, 2011 - 12:54 am
I feel like having gotten to see these today was Gift they are so beautiful. I love the earth we live on… so much to explore, history to learn, and places to step our feet onto and LIVE!
Thanks for sharing these truly breathtaking photos!
– Laur 🙂
By davendeb May 5, 2011 - 8:28 am
Laur your comment is so beautifully written it adds beauty in words to this post. Thank you for sharing.
By Sarah Wu May 4, 2011 - 10:44 pm
Really beautiful and stunning shot, especially I was never good at taking pictures at night. You’re so good.
By davendeb May 5, 2011 - 8:30 am
Thanks Sarah, It was the best decision I made this year deciding to travel with a good tripod. It adds more weight to my bags, but my night photographs have been some of the most fulfilling to take.
By Carambolede May 4, 2011 - 9:11 pm
WOW, stunning photos! Thank you for sharing!
By davendeb May 5, 2011 - 8:31 am
Carambolede, Thank you for stopping by
By Merav | AllWays Car Rental NZ May 4, 2011 - 8:27 pm
Amazing work as always, Dave 🙂 An Israeli for 34 years and never visited Petra (well, to my defense for the better part of my life I couldn’t have even if I wanted to). Petra have always been a destination for rule-breaking and thrill seekers back in those days. Afterwards, it was just another tourist destination and lost its charm. These photos show how amazing the place can be!
By my. May 4, 2011 - 8:05 pm
Incredible photos! What an amazing experience it must have been! For some reason, Jordan was never on my Must Go To List, but I may now have to reconsider it. 🙂 — Michelle
By davendeb May 5, 2011 - 8:33 am
Hi my. I am happy to hear that Jordan may now be on your list. It is one of those places that definitely lives up to the hype. The setting in the mountains and gorges adds to its impressiveness.
By Christy @ Ordinary Traveler May 4, 2011 - 7:23 pm
Beautiful photos! This makes me want to go!
By craig May 4, 2011 - 6:46 pm
wow, those photos are incredible! If I had to pick just one, that third photo is WOW.
By davendeb May 5, 2011 - 8:34 am
Thanks Craig, Deb here, I agree…I love the third photo too.
By Vi May 4, 2011 - 6:27 pm
wow! It looks fantastic!
By Abby May 4, 2011 - 5:34 pm
Wow!! Admittedly, I just started hearing about Petra this year. I never knew much about that part of the world. Someday!
By davendeb May 5, 2011 - 8:36 am
Same with us Abby, this is only our second time in the Middle East (Egypt being our other trip) and we didn’t know much about Jordan other than Petra. While visiting this country we were amazed every day by the generosity of the people, the beauty of the landscape and the incredible history. I am looking forward to going back to this part of the world in the near future.
By Sarah Lee May 4, 2011 - 5:19 pm
Wow, what incredible photos. This looks like a fantastic tour, offering a completely different perspective on Petra. Thanks for sharing!
By Christine May 4, 2011 - 4:03 pm
Outstanding photos! This is an experience I’m just itching to have now! What a magical, mysterious place.
By davendeb May 4, 2011 - 4:50 pm
You will love it Christine. Like someone else said previously, the show isn’t the greatest, but walking in the Siq by candle light and seeing the Treasury lit with nothing more than hundreds of candles is pretty magical.
By Cailin May 4, 2011 - 1:39 pm
these photos gave me shivers down my spine!!!
Its so beautiful and I have been wanting to visit there forever!
Are there always lights lit like that on the ground at night time? really awesome!
By davendeb May 4, 2011 - 4:48 pm
Yes, Cailin. They light candles and put them in paper bags every night that Jordan by Night is open which I think is all the time. Walking along the path is a pretty incredible experience. Make sure to bring your tripod and sit at the front on the mats.
By Debbie Beardsley May 4, 2011 - 1:29 pm
Stunning pictures that speak volumes! Thanks for sharing.
By davendeb May 4, 2011 - 1:39 pm
Thanks Debbie. That is what I felt too and why I didn’t write much. I decided I can give all the information about Petra when I write about Petra by day. This post needed as little of writing as possible in my opinion:)
By Global Basecamps May 4, 2011 - 12:45 pm
These pictures are incredible! Petra looks amazing! Thanks for sharing.
By davendeb May 4, 2011 - 1:38 pm
Thanks. It’s Dave’s favourite form of photography. Taking photos at night.
By Randy May 4, 2011 - 11:48 am
Fantastic work! I’m dying to do this tour. When we make it, I’ll definitely try to work it so we can see Petra at night and then the next morning.
By davendeb May 4, 2011 - 12:15 pm
Fantastic. Petra at night is very reasonable. Be sure to dress warm, when the sun goes down it is very cold. Looking forward to your photos too!
By Andi of My Beautiful Adventures May 4, 2011 - 10:58 am
OMG beyond amazing…I have goosebumps!
By davendeb May 4, 2011 - 11:01 am
Thanks Andi. It was an amazing way to be introduced to Petra. To see it at night and then go in the morning the next day is an excellent way to do your tour. It was completely different in the daytime. Just as impressive though.
By Donna Hull May 4, 2011 - 10:04 am
I would not have thought about visiting Petra at night. What a beautiful and different experience. The photos are wonderful.
By davendeb May 4, 2011 - 11:04 am
It was definitely a different experience than in the day. If you go the night before your tour in the morning, it is recommended. We didn’t know what to expect. Just the walk through the Siq is magical. It is also a long walk and they light every candle by hand each evening.
By Norbert May 4, 2011 - 10:02 am
Wow, those pictures are gorgeous! I didn’t know you could visit Petra by night!
By davendeb May 4, 2011 - 11:04 am
You can and it is reasonable too. Only 12 JD, Thanks for the clarification Ali, that is what I meant to put. 12 JD, about $16.
By Ali Abu dayeh May 4, 2011 - 2:40 pm
Sorry friends it’s 12 JD not 12 $
By Melvin May 4, 2011 - 9:54 am
Wow! These are awesome pics! I’ll be there in November & I’m looking forward to it!
By davendeb May 4, 2011 - 11:05 am
You will love Jordan. I am looking forward to hearing about your trip!
By Sherry Ott May 4, 2011 - 9:48 am
Did the tourist board hold off all of the tourists for you or provide some sort of special access early/late?! Great shots Dave. I skipped the night thing as I had the 2 day pass and had planned a lot of daytime exploring!
By davendeb May 4, 2011 - 11:07 am
Not for the nighttime photos. We waited until everyone left and pulled up the rear walking back. The guy that were cleaning up and picking up the candles eventually caught us and told us we had to leave. We had just enough time to shoot the entrance before they picked up the final candle. If you go to Petra at night, just wait for the crowd to disperse. People leave quickly after the show.
By aladyinlondon May 4, 2011 - 9:40 am
Great photos! I just did the Petra by Night tour a few weeks ago, and loved it!
By Leslie (Downtown Traveler) May 4, 2011 - 9:23 am
AMAZING photos! You really captured the mystery of Petra. I’d love to return at night and experience this.
By davendeb May 4, 2011 - 9:42 am
Thanks Leslie. The great thing about Petra by night is that it is only $12 JD
By Patricia GW May 4, 2011 - 9:17 am
Absolutely gorgeous, your photos of Petra are excellent.
By davendeb May 4, 2011 - 9:21 am
Thanks Patricia. Staying right until the very end is key. Wait for everyone to leave and then take really long exposures. It took a while, but I was happy with the way they turned out.
By Angela May 4, 2011 - 9:05 am
What a wonder, I can’t wait to make it to Petra myself. Beautiful shots.
By davendeb May 4, 2011 - 9:20 am
It is a wonder and well deserving of being voted in as one of the new 7 Wonders of the World. Let us know when you go and how you like it.
By Gillian @OneGiantStep May 4, 2011 - 8:35 am
Stunning! Petra was one of the highlights of our year away. One of those special times when seeing a sight brought tears to my eyes. Jordan was an unexpected stop for us and I couldn’t be happier that we did. Can’t wait to see more from your view! Cheers!
By davendeb May 4, 2011 - 8:51 am
Hi Gillian, I am glad that you loved Petra as well. Many times ancient ruins can be a little bit of a let down, but Petra was definitely anything but. The setting, the landscape, the surroundings….it is simply a beautiful location and experience. Visiting the Monastery is well worth it too. But that is coming up in another post on Petra,
By jill- Jack and JIll Travel May 4, 2011 - 8:20 am
Gorgoeus, gorgeous pics. Thx for sharing, guys. Petra looks amazing!
By davendeb May 4, 2011 - 8:52 am
Hey Jack and Jill, you will love Petra when you go there. We were happy to see that we enjoyed it as much as we expected.
By Venice June 22, 2011 - 3:17 am
Cant wait to visit the AMAZING – PETRA..be there on Mid- December..:)
By davendeb June 22, 2011 - 8:51 am
Wicked, have a great time!