Most people see Petra in the harsh, midday sun—a spectacular but blistering experience of dust and crowds. But for the Your Travel Trailer community, the true magic of the Nabataean capital reveals itself only after the sun dips below the rugged canyons of the Wadi Musa.
Petra by Night is a sensory journey. Imagine walking through the Siq—a narrow, mile-long gorge with walls 200 meters high—guided only by the soft glow of 1,500 flickering candles. In 2026, with improved eco-lighting and a focus on traditional Bedouin storytelling, this experience has become the soul of Jordanian travel.
Best Time to Visit: The Desert Chill
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The Shoulder Seasons (March – May & September – November): These are the golden months. The nights are cool but not freezing (around 12-15°C), making the long walk through the Siq comfortable.
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The "Clear Sky" Winter (December – February): If you can handle the cold, the winter air is the clearest. The stars above the Treasury look like diamonds, but you’ll need a heavy down jacket once the sun goes down.
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The Summer Sizzle (June – August): The heat can linger in the stones of the canyon well into the night. It’s the least crowded time, but ensure you’re hydrated before the trek begins.
Top Things to Do: Candles, Flutes, and Hidden Highs
1. The Walk Through the Siq
The experience begins at the Visitor Center. You walk in silence through the Siq, the path lined with candles inside paper bags. The acoustics of the canyon amplify the sound of the wind and your own footsteps. It’s a meditative transition from the modern world into the ancient.
2. The Reveal of the Treasury (Al-Khazneh)
As you emerge from the narrowest part of the Siq, the Treasury appears, bathed in the light of hundreds of candles. In 2026, the ceremony includes traditional Rababa (a Bedouin string instrument) music and a storytelling session that explains the Nabataean legends of the "Spice Road."
3. The Monastery (Ad Deir) at Dawn
While Petra by Night is a must, the Your Travel Trailer tip is to stay at a nearby camp so you can be the first at the gates at 6:00 AM the next morning. The hike up the 800 steps to the Monastery is best done before the sun hits the trail.
4. Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
Just a short drive from the main site, Little Petra is often overlooked. In 2026, it has become a favorite for overlanders because it’s quieter, features rare 1st-century frescoes, and offers a more rugged look at how the Nabataeans lived.
Logistics: Rigs in the Rose-Red Desert
The "Trailer" Strategy
Jordan is one of the most RV-friendly countries in the Middle East, with a growing "Overland Culture" in 2026.
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Base Camp: For Your Travel Trailer readers, the Seven Wonders Bedouin Camp near Little Petra is the top choice. They offer dedicated space for campervans and trailers, allowing you to sleep under the same stars as the ancients while having access to a traditional zarb (underground BBQ) dinner.
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The Road: The Desert Highway and the King’s Highway are well-maintained. However, the road into Wadi Musa is steep and winding. Check your trailer brakes and cooling system before the descent.
The "Night" Logistics
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Schedule: Petra by Night typically runs every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
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Tickets: In 2026, you must have a valid daylight entry ticket (or Jordan Pass) to be eligible to buy a Petra by Night ticket. Buy them in advance at the Visitor Center—they do sell out.
Costs
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Petra by Night Ticket: ~ $25.00 USD (17 JOD).
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Two-Day Petra Pass: ~ $78.00 USD (55 JOD).
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Bedouin Coffee in the Siq: $2.00 USD.
Safety Tips & Desert Etiquette
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Respect the Silence: The power of Petra by Night comes from the quiet. Avoid using flash photography or loud talking during the walk through the Siq. Let the candles do the work.
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Flash Floods: Petra is a canyon system. In 2026, modern warning systems are in place, but if there is heavy rain in the forecast, the site will close. Never ignore a "Closed" sign at the Siq—flash floods here are deadly and fast.
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Animal Welfare: In 2026, Jordan has made great strides in animal rights. If you choose to use a horse or carriage, ensure the animal looks healthy and well-watered. Many travelers now opt to walk to support the "Animal Free" zones of the park.
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Stay on the Path: The sandstone is incredibly soft. Touching the carvings or climbing on the monuments causes irreparable damage.
Conclusion: The Light in the Dark
Petra is a city built on trade and ambition, but at night, it feels like a city built on dreams. Standing in front of the Treasury, with the scent of frankincense in the air and the flicker of a thousand candles, you realize that some things are timeless.
For the Your Travel Trailer family, Jordan is the ultimate "Grand Finale." It’s a place that rewards the long drive with a perspective that spans millennia.
