Southwest of Cairo, on the desert plateau of Giza, are the pyramid tombs of three fourth-dynasty pharaohs: Khufu (Cheops), Khafre (Chephren) and Menkaure (Mycerinus). The Great Pyramid of Khufu, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was built over the course of 20 years using more than 2 million blocks of stone. The second pyramid has two entrances on the northern side and seems almost as large as the Great Pyramid, mainly because it's on slightly higher ground, but its interior is less interesting. The third pyramid is the smallest but is distinguished by its red granite lower courses and its well-preserved chambers. Several underground tombs, which once contained lesser nobles, have been opened on the site as well. The climb inside is hot and tiring, and it's not recommended for people who suffer from claustrophobia. Most visitors opt to enter only one pyramid.
Mercifully, regulations have limited the number of vendors, who attempt to sell you everything from fake papyrus and fake alabaster to overpriced stone scarabs and camel rides. If you decide to rent a camel and driver to tour the area, be sure to agree on a price first (bargain until the price is £E 15-£E 20 per hour). And don't be fooled by unscrupulous camel drivers who offer free rides. It might not cost you to mount the camel, but the driver will ask for payment before you dismount. Have members of your party take turns riding camels—this reduces the likelihood that the camel owner will try some scam on you. The entrance fee for the entire pyramids complex is £E 50, which allows you unlimited exterior viewing. If you want to visit any of the interiors, you'll have to pay an additional fee (£E 30-£E 100, depending on the pyramid). Usually only one of the smaller pyramids is open at a time. Tickets to enter the Great Pyramid (£E 100) are limited, so you'll need to arrive early to get one. Two blocks of 150 tickets go on sale at 8 am and 1 pm. Because tour agencies try to get their customers to Giza in the morning, you'll have a better chance of getting inside the Great Pyramid, and staying there longer, in the afternoon.
