The Pyramids of Giza are a must on any trip to Egypt. These monuments, more than 4,500 years old, hide history, culture and a lot of mystery. If you are organizing your trip to Egypt, you should take into account that you will need at least a full day to visit the pyramids.
In this post I tell you about everything you need to know about the pyramids of Giza, how to visit them, hours, prices, guided tours and free tours available, and some recommendations on what to see in Cairo and where to stay so that you have much more fun weather.
Let's start!
THE PYRAMIDS OF GIZA, EGYPT
The Pyramids of Giza are located about 18 kilometers from Cairo, the capital of Egypt. And it is one of the essential places to see in Egypt, without a doubt.
The moment of maximum splendor of the Pyramids was during the 4th dynasty, when the pyramids that we can visit today were built.
At the Giza site we can see 3 main pyramids; The pyramid of Jefu also known as Cheops, the pyramid of Jafra or Khafre and the pyramid of Menkaura also known as mycerin. To these three pyramids are added several more buildings such as other tombs, temples, pits, piers, the mastabas of the royal family of Egypt and the Great Sphinx of Giza.
The pyramids of Giza were funerary places where the bodies of the Egyptian pharaohs were mummified along with their personal belongings and in some cases, even their pets, also adding food to accompany them on their journey to eternal life.
To visit the Pyramids of Giza and the entire site, I recommend that you dedicate the entire morning, with about 4 hours you can visit it and then I will tell you about all the options you have to visit.
HOW TO VISIT THE GIZA PYRAMIDS
How to get to the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
If you are staying in the center of Cairo, you should keep in mind that, although it is only 18 kilometers away, the traffic in the country's capital is horrible and the average time to get there is 1 hour or 1:15 hours.
At the end of the post I talk to you about my recommendation to stay 1 day in Giza to be able to enjoy the views of the pyramids as soon as sunrise from your accommodation, and then stay as many days as you want in the center of Cairo, to get to know the capital . (I'll talk to you in more detail at the end of the post).
If your intention is to stay in Cairo throughout your stay in the area, you have 2 ways to get to the Giza pyramids:
Get to the pyramids of Giza for free
There are several combinations of metro and bus to get there, but it is quite chaotic, much more than the traffic itself. So I recommend you hire an Uber or Careem. They come to be taxis that usually cost between 90 and 100 Egyptian pounds. You can try to haggle, and I advise you to negotiate the price very well before getting into the taxi and make it clear. So that later they do not try to raise the previously agreed rate.
Reach the Giza Pyramids on an organized tour
Another very common alternative is to hire a tour that includes a visit to the pyramids of Giza with a guide and transportation.
The excursions are very complete, include tickets and the advantage of having a guide who will explain all the history, anecdotes and curious facts about ancient Egypt and the pyramids of Giza.
Free tour of the Pyramids of Giza
If you arrive to Giza on your own, you can book a free tour to visit the pyramids. Although it is true that a guide is not necessary to take the tour, without a guide you will not have the opportunity to discover the history that surrounds the pyramids, learn their secrets and anecdotes.
If you dare to do the free tour, remember to tip the guide at the end of the visit, which he surely deserves.
Entrance fees to the Pyramids of Giza and ticket offices
The prices of the entrance to the Pyramids of Giza are:
General admission costs 200 Egyptian pounds
Admission to the interior of the Pyramid of Cheops carries a supplement of 400 Egyptian pounds
Entrance to the interior of the Pyramid of Khafre or the Pyramid of Mycerinus carries a supplement of 100 Egyptian pounds
Admission to the Tomb of Meresankh III carries an additional fee of 100 Egyptian pounds.
If you intend to enter a pyramid you must previously buy the ticket at the ticket office, at the time you buy the ticket to the site, since then, once inside there is no other option to buy it and you would have to go back to the ticket office to Make the purchase. It is not possible to pay by credit card for entry to the Pyramids of Giza. They only accept cash.
There is the possibility of purchasing the Cairo Pass card. You can purchase this card at the entrance to many emblematic places, such as at the ticket offices of the Giza pyramids themselves, at the ticket office of the Saladin Citadel or at the Egyptian museum. With it, you will have access to many museums in the city, including the Egyptian Museum, it also includes entry to the Pyramids of Giza, the Citadel of Saladin, among many other places. The card costs approximately 90 euros, but if you intend to enter all the emblematic places in the city, it is worth it, and it is also valid for 5 days.
Access to the Pyramids of Giza
The main access
The main entrance is in front of the Pyramid of Cheops. It is the most common option to access the venue since all taxis drop you off here, in addition to having a larger parking lot. This entrance has several services, including bathrooms.
Access in front of the Sphinx
Another entrance is located in front of the Sphinx. It does not have any services or bathrooms, but it is a good option if your intention is to visit the Sphinx first. Some tours start their journey here, to avoid the early morning crowds at the main gate. This ticket only sells you the ticket to enter the venue, but does not have the option of being able to sell you tickets to the interior of the pyramids. If you want to add this option, the only ticket office that offers it is the main one.
Hours to visit the Pyramids of Giza
The Pyramids of Giza are open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from April to September. From October to March they close 1 hour earlier. During the Ramadan season the hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. You can buy entry to the venue up to 1 hour before closing.
WHAT TO SEE IN THE PYRAMIDS OF GIZA
The interesting thing about the Pyramids of Giza is not to arrive and see them from the outside taking some pictures. For this reason, I recommend that you dedicate half a day to visit each corner, enter them and above all be attentive to the guide who will explain all the history and curiosities to you.
In the Giza necropolis there are 9 pyramids in total, several viewpoints and remains of ancient buildings. Take your time and enjoy.
The Pyramid of Cheops or the Great Pyramid
The Pyramid of Cheops, known as the Great Pyramid, is one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world and the only one that you can currently visit. It was built by order of Pharaoh Cheops, of the fourth dynasty of Ancient Egypt. The exact date of construction is not known, but it is estimated that it was just built in the year 2570 BC. approx.
The pyramid had an original height of 146.5 meters, although due to erosion it now measures 138.8 meters. The base measures 230.33 meters and is built with limestone blocks that weigh between 2.5 and 15 tons each. It is estimated that 2.3 million blockades were necessary.
Thousands of salaried people worked on the construction, which lasted around 20 years. They were not slaves. In fact, remains have been found in the premises that he thinks could be the kitchens where they cooked during their day and stopped to eat, in addition to a system engraved in stone that could correspond to the salaries received.
It is possible to visit the pyramid inside by paying an extra fee. If you are clear that you want to enter, when you buy the ticket for the venue you must also buy the entrance ticket to the pyramid you want to enter, whether it is this one, or the other two. Since once inside the venue, there is nowhere to buy access.
Inside it is a bit suffocating and has nothing of interest, the corridors are narrow and if you are claustrophobic, don't even think about it, don't enter.
The Krefen Pyramid
The Krefen Pyramid was built by order of Pharaoh Krefen of the fourth dynasty of Ancient Egypt. It had an original height of 135.4 meters, the pyramid due to erosion currently measures 134 meters high and has a base of 215 meters wide. It is built like the Great Pyramid, with limestone blocks. Because it is located on a slightly higher ground than the Cheops Pyramid, although it measures less, depending on where you look from it it may appear taller. This pyramid is in a better state of conservation and has the Valley Temple, the satellite pyramid, five solar boat moats and more than 100 rooms. The pyramid was used as a tomb for Pharaoh Krefen and his wife.
Menkaure's Pyramid
The Pyramid of Mycerinus is the smallest of these three Pyramids of Giza. It was built by order of Pharaoh Mycerinus, of the fourth dynasty of Ancient Egypt.
The pyramid originally measured 65.5 meters, although it currently measures 61. It has a base of 108.5 meters and is built following the same style and materials as the previous ones. It is estimated that it took 10 years to build it and you can also access its interior to visit it.
The Great Sphinx of Giza
The Great Sphinx of Giza is one of the most important monuments to see in the Pyramids of Giza. It is a huge statue that represents a lion with the head of a pharaoh. It measures 24 meters long, 23 meters wide and another 20 meters high. This monument was built during the fourth dynasty of Ancient Egypt. It has been the subject of speculation throughout history since historians do not really know the reason for its construction and what it meant. Some believe it represents an Egyptian god or goddess, although others believe it represents the union between humans and animals. Not all of the sculpture is found here, as some parts of the Sphinx are in museums, as is the case with the sculpture's beard that can be seen in the British Museum in London.
The Valley Temple of Khafre
Finally, you should not miss the temple of the Valley of Kefren, located next to the Sphinx. It draws attention for its beautiful walls covered with Aswan pink granite. In it, the purification rites of the mummy of Pharaoh Kefren were performed, and later it was taken in procession to the pyramid.
Viewpoints of the Pyramids of Giza
Contemplating the pyramids from a certain perspective is wonderful. You have the option of seeing them from several viewpoints or even if you stay in one of the nearby hotels, you can even do it from your room. Search Google maps for the names of the viewpoints that I indicate and you will get the exact location.
The viewpoint of the Pyramids
It is the most popular viewpoint and to which all the tours go. It is located right in front of the Menkaure Pyramid. The image is postcard, although you will have to be fighting to make room and be able to take a perfect photograph.
The viewpoint of the Pyramids of Giza
This is another of the viewpoints that will leave you speechless. The panorama from here is beautiful. This viewpoint is located between the viewpoint of the pyramids and The panorama of the Pyramids (which I will tell you about below). In this area, there are quite a few people who will offer you camel or horse rides. I do not like this type of business with animals and therefore I will not explain rates, routes... but if it still fits your style of travel, this is a good point from which to take the tour.
The Panorama of the Pyramids or the Panorama viewpoint
This is my favorite viewpoint. I think it has the best view of all. You will be able to see the Queens Pyramids in front of the 3 main pyramids of Giza. The panorama is perfect. To get there you will have to walk about 20 minutes from the previous viewpoint.
The Grand Egyptian Museum of Giza
The Grand Egyptian Museum of Giza was inaugurated in November 2022 and is located right next to the pyramid complex. There is an extensive exhibition where you can learn more about Ancient Egypt and a large collection of objects. Thanks to international treaties, Egypt is receiving back objects that were stolen from it in ancient times, both from national museums, international museums and private collections. Little by little, the Great Museum of Giza is filling its rooms with a huge collection of Egyptian art that you cannot miss.
Sound and light show at the Pyramids of Giza
One of the best things to do when night falls in Giza is to enjoy the light and sound show that they do daily on the esplanade next to the Great Sphinx. During the show they tell the history of the pyramids, how they were built and many details of the country's history through lights, sounds, music... it is beautiful. The show is performed daily, 2 times a day. Depending on the time of year, the first show is at 7 p.m. or 7:30 p.m., and the second at 8 p.m. or 8:30 p.m.
WHERE TO STAY IN GIZA, EGYPT
A very good option to visit the pyramids of Giza is to stay in the city of Giza itself. Many accommodations have the advantage of having panoramic views of the pyramids. You can enjoy the sunrise or breakfast with unbeatable views.
If you plan to spend two or more nights in Cairo, I recommend that you spend one of the nights in Giza, in a hotel with views of the pyramids, and the rest of the nights that you spend in the capital, you stay in the center from Cairo.
Some great accommodation options with views of the Pyramids of Giza:
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PLAN YOUR TRIP STEP BY STEP
I hope you enjoy your trip to Egypt a lot and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue reading many more related articles on the blog.
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A hug and see you soon!