Petra by Day, Petra by Night—Two Different Worlds

Petra by Day, Petra by Night—Two Different Worlds, One Timeless Wonder

World Curriculum/Cultural Experiences - by Ms. Mila Vasconcelos

One more of the Seven Wonders crossed from my bucket list!

It was June 2025, during the second Eid holiday across the Middle East, when I decided to explore Jordan, a trip I had dreamed of for years. As an IB Visual Arts teacher living in Bahrain, I often use my breaks to travel and reflect, drawing inspiration from cultural experiences.

The timing couldn’t have been better. Just as I landed in Amman, the country was filled with joy: the Jordanian national football team had secured its first-ever spot in the FIFA World Cup. I didn’t expect my Brazilian passport to make me so many friends that week, but it truly did. Everywhere I went, people smiled and said, “Brazil! Football!” followed by handshakes, chocolate gifts, and unexpected upgrades. Amman welcomed me with such open arms, it felt like I was being hosted by the entire city.

I stayed four days in the capital, eating lots of Jordanian food, design, and culture. The call to prayer echoing across the rooftops… the energy of the downtown souqs… the flavors of mansaf and knafeh still remain in my memory. I really appreciated the colorful streets of downtown, the nice coffee and tea houses, with every corner revealing new flavors and stories. But the highlight (the true reason for my visit) was a place I’d dreamed of since childhood: Petra.

The Road to Petra: A Journey Framed by the Dead Sea

The drive to Petra was long but beautiful, offering glimpses of the Dead Sea shimmering in the distance. The desert landscapes began to shift in color as we approached Petra, and by the time I arrived, the sun had just dipped behind the cliffs.

And that was the perfect time to arrive for the event, Petra by Night.

Petra by Night: Silence, Stars, and Projections on Stone

Walking into Petra at night is a dreamlike experience. The path through the Siq is lit only by candles, and the air is thick with stillness. I walked alone, unsure of each step in the dim light, filled with a mix of excitement, curiosity, and slight fear.

But then I looked up.

Above me, the moon cast a silver light, and stars glittered across the black sky. The rocks glowed in flickers from hundreds of lanterns. When I finally reached the Treasury, the sight was astonishing. Dozens of people sat in silence, watching as projections of traditional motifs and desert scenes danced across the ancient stone. Soft Jordanian music filled the air, causing a hypnotic, sacred, transcendent atmosphere.

You can learn more or book this magical event through the official site: Petra by Night – Visit Petra

In that moment, I felt an overwhelming gratitude. I was a visitor, yes—but I also felt like I had entered something eternal. It was a sensory and spiritual experience that no photo or video can truly capture.

Petra by Day: Flies, Donkeys, Dust — and Pure Beauty

The next morning, I returned to Petra, prepared for a full day of discovery. I had my camera, my sketchbook, and a Jordanian keffiyeh wrapped into a turban—expertly tied for me by a local Bedouin who lives within the Petra complex. He later helped guide me to the best view of Al-Khazneh (The Treasury)—my third Wonder of the World visited.

The daylight revealed Petra’s scale in full: glowing sandstone cliffs, hidden tombs, and dramatic carvings. I slowly made my way through the site, stopping for photos, notes, and a noticeable silence. The donkey rides were still there (and so were the flies), but I chose to walk, feeling every step as part of the experience.

Eventually, I reached The Monastery (Ad Deir), a climb that was both tiring and rewarding. There, I shared a peaceful lunch while being surrounded by a family of tiny kittens, who brought a playful contrast to the ancient stones. That unexpected encounter was my small moment of joy, while I recovered from the heat.

As the sun began to dip again, I took a 4x4 ride around the surrounding areas of Petra, circling back through canyons and cliffs before finally heading to the park’s exit.

Final Reflections: Petra’s Dual Spirit Petra by night is a spiritual ceremony. Petra by day is an epic adventure.

Together, they form a story that is physical, emotional, and artistic all at once. I left with sand in my shoes, stars in my mind, and a heart full of wonder. Exhausted? Yes. But absolutely fulfilled.

If you ever get the chance to visit Jordan, don’t skip Petra. And don’t choose between night or day. Do both. Let this timeless city show you its two souls, and you might just walk away a different person, like I did.

Ms. Mila Vasconcelos

Discovering the 7 Wonders of the World!