Tours to Abu Simbel

General Information about Abu Simbel

If you want an experience full of adventure and history, do not hesitate to travel to Abu Simbel. This tourist destination in Egypt is one of the most popular and for good reason.

Located on the banks of the Nile River, Abu Simbel is famous for its impressive temples carved into the rock, which were built during the reign of Ramses II in the 13th century BC.

The temples are a true work of architectural art, with spectacular sculptures and reliefs that recount the life and exploits of the famous pharaoh.

But Abu Simbel is not just for history buffs. In addition to the breathtaking views of the Nile River, the warm, dry climate is ideal for outdoor activities such as camel rides and boat excursions.

The region also boasts unique wildlife, including species such as the sacred ibis and the Nile lizard, allowing visitors to enjoy wildlife viewing around Abu Simbel.

All in all, traveling to Abu Simbel is a unique and exciting experience that will transport you to an ancient world full of culture and history. Don't miss the opportunity to explore this wonderful place.

What to See in Abu Simbel

Abu Simbel has different places of interest around it that you can not miss on your vacation to Egypt.

Temple of Ramses II

The Temple of Ramses II in Abu Simbel is a masterpiece of ancient Egyptian architecture and art. Built during the 13th century BC, it is considered one of the most impressive temples of the time.

The façade of the temple is carved into the rock and features four colossal statues of Ramses II, towering more than 20 meters high.

These statues are a sign of the power and importance that Ramses II had in ancient Egypt.

Inside the temple, visitors can admire magnificent sculptures and reliefs depicting the life and exploits of Ramses II, as well as Egyptian deities such as Amun, Ra and Ptah.

The inner chamber of the temple houses a statue of Ramses II seated on his throne, flanked by gods.

In addition, the temple of Ramesses II is aligned in such a way that twice a year, at the equinoxes, the first rays of the sun illuminate the inner sanctum of the temple.

This astronomical phenomenon is an example of the knowledge and skill of the ancient Egyptians in astronomy and temple construction.

Temple of Nefertari

The Temple of Queen Nefertari, located in Abu Simbel, Egypt, is an impressive monument built in honor of the wife of Pharaoh Ramses II. This temple is considered one of the most beautiful and best preserved temples of Ancient Egypt.

The façade of the temple is carved into the rock and has six colossal statues of Queen Nefertari, which rise more than 10 meters high. 

In addition, the entrance to the temple is guarded by two smaller statues of the queen and the pharaoh.

Inside the temple, visitors can admire magnificent sculptures and reliefs that narrate the life of Queen Nefertari and her relationship with the Egyptian gods. 

The inner chamber of the temple also features a statue of the queen seated on her throne, accompanied by deities such as Hathor, the goddess of music, dance and love.

The Temple of Queen Nefertari is a stunning example of Egyptian art and architecture, and a testament to the love and devotion of Pharaoh Ramses II for his wife. 

It is a must-see for those interested in Ancient Egyptian history and culture. If you travel to Abu Simbel, this temple is a must-see.

Nubia Museum

The Nubia Museum is one of the main cultural sites in Aswan, Egypt, located on Elephantine Island. It was inaugurated in 1997 in order to preserve the history and culture of the Nubia region, which was flooded by the construction of the Aswan Dam.

This museum exhibits an impressive collection of objects ranging from prehistoric to Islamic times. 

Among its highlights are statues of Egyptian gods, reliefs, ceramics and everyday objects of the Nubian culture.

In addition, the museum has a room that is dedicated to the exhibition of the construction of the Aswan Dam and its impact on the Nubian region. This room displays a series of photographs and objects related to the construction of the dam and its effect on the lives of the people of the area.

Valley of the Kings

The Theban Necropolis, known as the Valley of the Kings, is a major funerary complex located on the west bank of the Nile River in Luxor, Egypt. Built during the New Empire period, between 1550 and 1070 BC, it is considered a wonder of antiquity.

The Valley of the Kings has a large number of tombs of pharaohs and their families, famous for their murals and hieroglyphs that narrate their lives and reigns. Among the most outstanding are the tombs of Tutankhamun, Ramses III and Seti I.

The entrance to the Valley of the Kings is through a gateway guarded by colossal statues, which gives access to a series of subway corridors and chambers leading to the tombs of the pharaohs. Most of the tombs are decorated with murals and hieroglyphs that tell the story of the life and reign of the pharaohs, and contain valuable objects and funerary offerings.

Philae Temple

The Philae Sanctuary is an ancient Egyptian temple located on the island of Philae, in southern Egypt near Aswan. This temple was erected during the 3rd century BC, in the Ptolemaic era, and is dedicated to the goddess Isis, who was considered the protector and mother of the pharaohs.

The temple sits on a small island surrounded by the Nile River and is accessible by a short boat trip. Its ancient architectural design is impressive and houses numerous rooms and corridors adorned with reliefs and hieroglyphs that recount the life and myths of the goddess Isis.

One of the most remarkable features of the Philae Sanctuary is its location, amid water and vegetation, which gives it a magical and enigmatic aura. Also, the temple has a garden of palm trees and other trees that provide shade and coolness on the hottest summer days.

Cultural Aspects about Abu Simbel

Abu Simbel is a tourist destination with great cultural and spiritual value in Egypt. This wonder was built by Pharaoh Ramses II during the 13th century BC and is located in the region of Nubia, on the banks of the Nile River.

One of the most outstanding features of Abu Simbel is its monumental architecture and rich iconography. The temple has four impressive statues of Ramses II on the façade, representing the pharaoh as a god and symbolizing his military and religious power. In addition, inside are murals and reliefs that tell the story of Egyptian royalty and mythology.

Another important cultural aspect of Abu Simbel is its religious significance. 

The temple was dedicated to the gods Amun, Ra and Ptah and its construction was seen as an act of devotion and thanksgiving to them. 

In addition, it is believed that the temples of Abu Simbel were built to mark the beginning of the New Year and the winter solstice, events that were celebrated with great religious ceremonies.

Finally, another cultural highlight of Abu Simbel is its relationship to the Nubian region and its culture. This region was inhabited by the Nubians, a people with a rich history and a culture distinct from the Egyptian. 

Today, the people of Nubia still retain their traditions and customs, making them a major tourist attraction for visitors to Abu Simbel.

Take a look at Greca's travel guides and make the most of your vacation in Egypt.

Traditional Abu Simbel Food

The traditional food of Abu Simbel is a clear reflection of Egyptian gastronomy. Its cuisine is rich in flavors and aromas and is influenced by Arab and Mediterranean cuisine.

Koshari, is one of the most popular dishes and is made of rice, lentils, pasta, fried onion and tomato sauce, accompanied with a spicy sauce called "dakka".

Another popular dish is the "mahshi" which are vegetables stuffed with rice and minced meat accompanied with tomato sauce. 

The kebab is one of the dishes that we can find in terms of street food, and is a very economical and perfect dish to take away your hunger. 

You can also try the "shawarma", which are slices of meat attached inside a pita bread.

As for desserts, the "basbousa" is a semolina cake with almonds and sugar syrup that you can not miss on your visit to Abu Simbel.