The world`s oldest tourist attraction, these are one of the reasons we all travel to Egypt. They`re more than 4500 years old and they still baffle archeologists as to exactly why they were built. They were already considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World in ancient times and are the only one to survive.
The three pyramids are the Great Pyramid of Cheops, the first one that you come to along Pyramid Road, the Pyramid Complex of Chephren, and the Pyramid Complex of Mycerinus.
I would suggest going first thing in the morning before it gets too hot. You'll want to take the opportunity to go inside the pyramids and they are quite hot and stuffy in there.
If you want to take pictures inside you'll have to buy a camera pass and flash photography is not allowed, so bring high speed film. If you're claustrophic you might want to reconsider, it does get quite narrow at one portion of the Great Pyramid of Cheops.
The best place to take pictures of all the pyramids is from the plateau. Your tour guide or taxi driver will know where to go.
To enter the Giza Plateau it's 20LE and an additional 20LE for each pyramid you wish to enter. The Solar Barque Museum is another 20LE plus camera permit.
There are lots of camel men and vendors in this area so be prepared to be hassled by them.
The Sphinx is included in the price you pay for the pyramids. It's known in Arabic as Abu au-Hol (Father of Terror) and it is a mystery in itself. Was it built by Chephren having his likeness carved on its face? Or was it built by a lost civilization over 2600 years before Chephren? We will probably never know.
There is a Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids and if you wish to attend you should check to see when the show is being done in your language, as it's done in two shows in different languages every night.
Most people envision the Pyramids as being out in the desert, which they were at one time. Now you will be surprised to see how close the city of Cairo has encroached upon them, the Sphinx actually looks across to a fast food restaurant.
by hayward68 on January 16, 2002
Pyramid of Cheops (Khufu)
Giza Pyramids Plateau Cairo, Egypt
+20 2 383 8823