Top 10 Biggest Pyramids in the World
Humans are known to have constructed pyramids for at least 4,600 years. Though most commonly associated with Ancient Egyptian culture, these fascinating structures have been found in various continents, and continue to be built today! These marvels of human ingenuity, both old and new continue to captivate our imaginations and stand as testaments to the extraordinary capacity of humankind. Today with Civitatis, we’re going to take a look at the 10 biggest pyramids in the world today, from both ancient times and modern day!
Before we begin, it’s worth mentioning that while our list will focus on the tallest pyramids in the world today, it could be argued that the biggest pyramid is actually the Great Pyramid of Cholula. While this structure is the 11th tallest in the world, it is the largest in the world by volume, which is estimated to be 4.45 million cubic metres (157.1 million cubic feet)—making it deserving of a special mention on our list. You can see it as part of this day trip to Puebla and Cholula if you find yourself in the area!
Table of Contents
- 10. La Danta – 72 metres (236 ft)
- 9. Toniná Pyramid – 74 metres (243 ft)
- 8. Memphis Pyramid – 98 metres (321 ft)
- 7. Bent Pyramid – 104.7 metres (344 ft)
- 6. Red Pyramid – 105 metres (344 ft)
- 5. Luxor Pyramid – 107 metres (350 ft)
- 4. Borobudur – 118 metres (387 ft)
- 3. Pyramid of Khafre – 136.4 metres (448 feet)
- 2. Great Pyramid of Giza – 138.5 metres (454 feet)
- 1. Transamerica Pyramid – 260 metres (853 feet)
10. La Danta – 72 metres (236 ft)
Located in El Mirador (also known as the ‘lost city of the Maya‘) in Guatemala stands La Danta—considered by archaeologists to be one of the largest ancient structures in the world. Constructed around 300 BCE, this magnificent structure is calculated to have a staggering volume of 2,800,000 cubic metres (around 99,000,000 cubic feet).
Over time, La Danta has been partially consumed by the forest within which it was built. The large amount of trees and vegetation now growing out of this structure gives it the striking appearance it has today. To visit El Mirador and La Danta (as well as El Tintal), check out our 5-day tour package from Flores, Guatemala!
There’s plenty more archaeological sites to see if you’re in the Flores area. Check out our activities in Flores, Guatemala.
9. Toniná Pyramid – 74 metres (243 ft)
Our next entry brings us to the ancient city of Toniná, in modern Chiapas, Mexico. The so-called Toniná Pyramid is said to have been constructed in around 400 BCE, though it would not be fully excavated by French archaeologists until 1972. The city to which the pyramid owes its name is said to have been militant and ruthless, until it was occupied by outsiders around the year 1000, and eventually abandoned around 1250.
Today, the site is open year round to visitors. If you’re in San Cristobál de las Casas and would like to visit, check out our Private Day Trip to Toniná and El Corralito Waterfall.
8. Memphis Pyramid – 98 metres (321 ft)
The first modern pyramid on our list (built in 1991) measures in at just under 100 metres (328 feet) in height. Located in Memphis Tennessee, USA, the Memphis Pyramid was once known as the Pyramid Arena. Under this name, the pyramid was host to a number of incredible events—from Lennox Lewis vs Mike Tyson to the WWF to the Rolling Stones, Today, however, the building serves as a Bass Pro Shops.
7. Bent Pyramid – 104.7 metres (344 ft)
Our next entry brings us to the country with which pyramids are most closely associated: Egypt. Located at the royal necropolis of Dashur (just south of Cairo), the Bent Pyramid (2600 BCE) is thought to owe its unusal shape to structural issues which arose during its construction, forcing the builders to decrease the pyramid’s slope. As is visible in the photo below, the pyramid still retains much of its original casting stones at its base.
6. Red Pyramid – 105 metres (344 ft)
Despite its name, the Red Pyramid (2600 BCE) wasn’t always red. The reddish limestone which is now exposed would have once been covered with white Tura limestone, which is now only visible at the pyramid’s base. This incredible structure is just 1 kilometre (0.62 miles) from the previous entry, the Bent Pyramid. At the time of it’s construction, the Red Pyramid was in fact the tallest man-made structure in the world.
5. Luxor Pyramid – 107 metres (350 ft)
Another modern pyramid, the Luxor Pyramid (1993) can be found in Paradise, Nevada, USA. This casino hotel has become an iconic spot on the Las Vegas Strip. An interesting feature of the Luxor Pyramid is the Luxor Sky Beam—the most powerful mad-made light on the planet. On a clear night, this light is visible from up to 443 kilometres (275 miles) by aircraft at cruising altitude.
To see the Luxor Pyramid and the Sky Beam in all of its glory, check out our Las Vegas Strip Night Tour. Alternatively, if you want to experience this architectural marvel from the skies, why not try this Las Vegas Helicopter Tour?
4. Borobudur – 118 metres (387 ft)
Our next entry is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and our first and only entry in Indonesia. Borobudur (9th century CE), is a Buddhist monument located in central Java, just 42 kilometres (26 miles) northwest of Yogtakarta.
The site was buried by volcanic ash from around the year 1000, until it was rediscovered in 1814. The site would then undergo multiple restorations in 1907 and 1983.
Check out our tour of Borobudur, which also includes the Pramabanan. Or, if you’d prefer, take a look at our Borobudur & Dieng Plateau Private Day Trip!
3. Pyramid of Khafre – 136.4 metres (448 feet)
Coming back to Egypt, the Pyramid of Khafre (2570 BCE) is one of the three Ancient Egyptian Pyramids of Giza. A fascinating aspect of these ruins is the cladding which has been preserved on the upper part of the Pyramid. The Great Pyramid would once have been covered with a similar material.
Check out our activities at the Khafre pyramid!
2. Great Pyramid of Giza – 138.5 metres (454 feet)
The Great Pyramid of Giza (2570 BCE) is the largest ancient pyramid, the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the only one which still remains largely in tact. For over 4,500 years, the Great Pyramid was the tallest pyramid on the planet.
The Great Pyramid is estimated to be composed of 2.3 milloin large quarried blocks, weighing a total of 6 million tonnes (6.6 million tons). There are at least 3 chambers within the structure.
To enjoy the best experience of this unmissable historical site, check out Civitatis’ activities at the Great Pyramid of Giza.
1. Transamerica Pyramid – 260 metres (853 feet)
The tallest pyramid on our list by over 100 metres (328 feet) is the Transamerica Pyramid, which was constructed in 1972 in the Financial District in San Francisco. From the time that it was built until 2018, this pyramid was also the tallest building in San Francisco. The structure is a four-sided pyramid with two ‘wings’ coming up the two sides of the building, to accomodate the elevator shaft and a smoke tower.
See the world’s tallest pyramid along with many other of the city’s key landmarks on this Free Walking Tour of San Francisco.
That was our list of the 10 biggest pyramids in the world today. For millennia, these structures have captivated humankind, serving as a link to our ancestors through the enduring legacy of their construction. If you’re visiting any one of these architectural marvels, make sure to fill your trip with activities with Civitatis!
