On my recent trip to Egypt, I had the chance to channel my inner Indiana Jones and climb into the depths of a pyramid to explore its burial chamber. Though the incredible pyramids at Giza stand out in the mind of every tourist visiting Egypt, the Red Pyramid at Dahshur, nestled on the huge necropolis of Saqqara, is one of the oldest and is among the largest and best-preserved pyramids in Egypt. I spent a hot, sunny morning exploring and learning about this area, located a 30-minute drive south of the Giza pyramids through rural areas lined with date trees, fruit and vegetable stands, dozens of carpet schools and lush greenery. My group and I had the grounds to ourselves, free to take in this monumental sight without anyone hassling us to buy souvenirs and go on camel rides. Set on the edge of the Sahara Desert, Saqqara served as the necropolis for the ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis across the Nile. The area features numerous pyramids and monuments in various stages of preservation, including Pharaoh Sneferu’s Bent and Red pyramids, constructed around 2600 BC. Tourists have the chance to enjoy a hands-on encounter with the ancient world by stepping inside the 4,600-year-old Red Pyramid. I climbed halfway up this ancient architectural marvel and entered into the heart of the structure via a small tunnel. Climbing down was an eerie experience, with very little lighting available; but emerging into its center, I was amazed at the pyramid’s craftsmanship. The rooms inside were perfectly polished and precisely measured, allowing the Red Pyramid to stand the test of time and stay intact. While everyone usually flocks to Giza to explore the country’s incredible pyramids, Saqqara sits quietly in the south but with just as much to offer in a different way. — Monique Barrett, eFlyer editor/associate editor