TRAVEL TO EGYPT

EGYPT 

There are many places to visit in Egypt, the famous country of the pharaohs and one of the most important ancient civilizations in history. Egypt is undoubtedly a trip that marks all travelers and that is to see the Pyramids of Egypt and the Sphinx, get to the Temple of Abu Simbel, take a cruise on the Nile, look for the Tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of The Kings, crossing the desert or getting lost in the Kalili Bazaar in Cairo are just some of the moments you will never forget.

After a turbulent time of revolt and insecurity, we could say that it is a good time to travel to Egypt, especially avoiding the months of maximum summer heat, since time is an added value to this trip.
It is also worth knowing that although most tourists make the trip by agency, it is also possible to do it by free, or by taking local guides. If you decide to travel to Egypt with an agency, a cheaper and safer option, you can book some of the circuits best valued by travelers like this 8-day all-inclusive or this 11-day trip that also includes the Red Sea.
We have to confess that we have special affection for Egypt, since it was our first trip together and it is one of those destinations we have in mind to return soon.
Based on the experience of our trip to Egypt in 11 days we have made a list of what we believe are, the 10 essential places to see in Egypt.

1. The Pyramids of Giza

The Pyramids of Giza, the only one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World that is conserved, is one of the most impressive places to visit in Egypt and also in the world. Located less than 20 kilometers from Cairo, the 3 great pyramids with the tombs of the pharaohs Cheops, Khafre and Menkaure, stand out above the rest of the country's monuments and pyramids.

During its construction around 2500 a.C., its exterior was covered with large blocks of limestone forming white stone pyramids in which the sunlight reflected and through which the pharaohs believed they would achieve immortality.

Next to the Pyramids of Egypt is the ever vigilant Sphinx, with its more than 20 meters high, which together with the pyramids are one of the symbols of the country.

We recommend you whenever possible, visit them first thing (they open at 8 o'clock in the morning) since this way, besides avoiding organized groups you can get one of the few tickets to visit the inside of the Pyramid of Keops or Kefrén , which should be taken into account that it is not advisable to enter if you have claustrophobia.

You can arrive by taxi from Cairo, previously fixing a price, by minibus or bus. Another good option is to book this tour with a guide in Spanish that will be picked up at the hotel. In addition to the Pyramids, this tour includes the Step Pyramid of Zoser, the first that was built in Egypt and Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt, which include the statues of the Sphinx of Alabaster and the Colossus of Ramses II.

2. Abu Simbel

In Nubia, south of Egypt, there is a place that overshadows the Pyramids of Egypt, Abu Simbel, in beauty. This archaeological zone stands out for the two temples excavated in rock that the great pharaoh Ramses II ordered to build in the 13th century BC. C. to commemorate a war victory. These two incredible temples in honor of Pharaoh and his favorite wife, Nefertari, had to move in 1968 to a higher location, as a result of the construction of a dam on the Nile River, making them even more known to the world.

Like the Pyramids, we recommend you visit early, to avoid the hottest hours and more people, besides taking into account that it can be a good option to stay near the complex, to also enjoy the light show which is done at night.

To get to Abu Simbel you can do it by plane from Cairo in a day, or by bus or car, joining the convoys that depart from Aswan, where you will arrive after a journey of about 3 hours.

A good option from Aswan is also to book this tour with a guide in Spanish with which you will be picked up at the hotel.

Keep in mind that if you are going to spend the night, you can book this two-day tour in Spanish that includes tickets, light show and accommodation.

3. The Valley of the Kings

On the west bank of the Nile, 10 kilometers from Luxor, is the Valley of the Kings, one of the most essential places to visit in Egypt. This valley became the cemetery of most pharaohs, as well as queens and princes of the New Kingdom era and is composed of two valleys, East and West or Valley of the Queens, where more than 60 have been found tombs

Although for reasons of security, desecration and to avoid the theft of their most valuable objects, the tombs were dug in the limestone of the valley slopes, their entrance being hidden, as they were discovered, they saw that they had all been looted, except for the intact tomb of the child pharaoh, Tutankhamun who in 1922 was discovered by Howard Carter, a British archaeologist.

Buying the entrance to the Valley of the Kings, you can visit 3 tombs, we recommend the Tutmosis III, Setos I, Ramses IV, VI and IX, Tausert and Setnakt, taking into account that the Tutankhamun, you have to pay as an extra.

From Luxor you can get to the Valley of the Kings, which opens at 6 in the morning, by taxi. A good option is to book this tour with a Spanish guide in which besides the Valley of the Kings you will visit the Temple of Hatsepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.

4. Temple of Hatshepsut and The Colossi Memnon

The day of the excursion to the Valley of the Kings is also recommended to visit the Temple of Hatshepsut, one of the most impressive in Egypt, as well as stopping in front of the imposing Memnon Colossi.

The Hatshepsut Temple is unique in Egypt, not only because of its design, but also because it is dedicated to the only female pharaoh, Queen Hatshepsut. Built by the architect Senemut, it has a part excavated in the rock and another external part with three terraces that stand out over the rest of the country's monuments. The reliefs of the temple explain the story of the queen, although many of her mentions were destroyed by her stepson Tuthmosis III, for revenge for having snatched the reign.

Another place that is close to the Valley of the Kings and Luxor are the Colossi Memnon, which previously we advised you to visit also the same day. These two twin and huge stone figures represent the pharaoh Amenhotep III, who along with 4 other fallen colossus, presided over access to the eternal resting place of Amenhotep III.

5. Karnak, one of the best places to visit in Egypt

Karnak is a group of temples located in Thebes, the region that was for more than 1000 years the capital of ancient Egypt, in which during 2000 years more than 30 pharaohs were competing and building the best temples and statues in honor of the great god Amun .
This site, which is also made up of temples with chapels, obelisks, statues and a large sacred lake, is the second most touristic place in the country, behind the pyramids and another of the most essential places to visit in Egypt.
Among all the buildings, the Great Hypostyle Hall stands out, with its enormous columns covered with extraordinary reliefs and hieroglyphics, as well as the Avenue of the Sphinxes, which united the temples of Kanar and Luxor, with ram-headed sphinxes, some of which are still preserved. at the entrance and that is another of the best known places of this set of temples.
To visit the temples you can do it from Luxor, it is next to the Karnak temple and it is a regular stop for the Nile cruises. From the hotel you can take a taxi or book a visit with a guide in Spanish that includes the Temple of Luxor .