Pyramids of Giza

These are three funerary constructions built under the orders of different pharaohs and at different times. Upon death, the rulers were mummified and rested inside the pyramids surrounded by their most precious objects and food, all placed expressly to accompany the deceased on his journey to the afterlife.

Although historians and archaeologists never agree on the exact date of its construction, it is estimated that the works began around 2500 BC, which places them as the oldest preserved monuments of the Egyptian world. 

There are many small and minor pyramids, but the three main and world-famous pyramids are those of Cheops, Chephren, Mykerinos and the Great Sphinx of Giza.

• Pyramid of Cheops. It is the largest of all, the one named after the Great Pyramid of Giza. It is 140 meters high and stands on a base of 230 meters, which represents a perimeter of almost 1 km. It was the tallest building on Earth for 3,800 years, until it was surpassed by the spire of Lincoln Cathedral in England in the 14th century.
• Pyramid of Kephren. It is the next in size, the second largest in Egypt at 136 meters high. It was built to house the remains of Pharaoh Chephren, son of Cheops. It is the only one of the three that still maintains a part of its old white limestone cladding at its upper end.
• Pyramid of Mycerinos. Son of Chephren and grandson of Cheops, Mycerinos has the smallest pyramid of the three, with 66 meters high. Like the others, it also consists of a central structure surrounded by a wall and a high temple, plus another low temple with auxiliary pyramids. But this pyramid will incorporate some novel architectural elements that will be applied in future Egyptian dynasties when building funerary temples.

What to do in the Pyramids of Giza

• Guided tour. Indispensable to enjoy your visit to the fullest. You can hire it in advance or take it once you arrive if you prefer to go on your own, but the most recommended is to hire a guided tour service in advance and include the transfer to your hotel in Cairo.
• Entering a pyramid. An option not suitable for claustrophobic people but undoubtedly a visit that will remain engraved in your mind for life. You’ve probably wondered what a pyramid will look like on the inside, well in Giza you can check it out by entering the secrets of the pyramids. But keep in mind that you enter through very narrow passages in which you will have to move by ducking through small dark chambers and in which many tourists pass through. If you are able to bear it, do not hesitate to hire this option.
• Camel ride. Around the Pyramids of Giza there are local people on camels who offer you a ride and take pictures for prices that are bargained and are of the most varied. They can be very insistent, so we recommend that if you are not interested in doing this do not even answer them because many times they understand that you do want to just by looking at them and are offended if you do not hire the service. But you can also get a good price for another unforgettable experience, it’s all a matter of putting your haggling skills to good use.
• Original photos. The particular light of the desert and the perspective of the plateau in relation to the triangular shape of the pyramids offer a very fertile field for you to put your creativity into practice and try out the most original poses in your photos.
• Dinner and night show with lights. If you prefer to enjoy the charm of the Pyramids of Giza at night, you can hire the night tour that includes a sound and light show and, in some cases, a dinner contemplating these wonders of the ancient world.

How to get to the Pyramids of Giza

The Pyramids of Giza are located on a plateau 18 km from Cairo. So all tours, vans, buses and minibuses, cabs or private cars depart from the Egyptian capital. It is best to hire a tour that will pick you up at the hotel, including a guided tour around the pyramids (once there you can hire the extras you want) and at the end, leave you back at your hotel.

Schedules

The entrance to the Giza site is from 7:00 am to 7:30 pm. If you want to visit the interior of the pyramids, visits start at 8:30 am and end at 4 pm.

Visit prices

• Entrance fee: 160 EGP for normal adult ticket, 80 EGP for accredited students.
• Entrance to the Pyramid of Cheops: adults 360 EGP, accredited students 180 EGP.
• Entrance to the Pyramid of Chephren: adults 100 EGP, accredited students 50 EGP.
• Entrance to the Pyramid of Mycerinos: adults 100 EGP, accredited students 50 EGP.
• Sound and light show: between 38 and 55 €, depending on whether it includes dinner service or other extras.