Located deep in the jungle and surrounded by two crystal lagoons, the Coba Ruins are one of the most unique archaeological sites in the Yucatan Peninsula. Rich in history and environmental wonders, these Mayan ruins are one of our all-time favourite places to visit. Read on to find out our top reasons for adding this adventure to your bucket list!
1. An important part of Mayan history
Dating back to the Late Classic Period (around 500 to 900 AD), Coba is one of the most prominent and ancient Mayan sites in the Yucatan Peninsula. Controlling vast amounts of farmland and playing a crucial role in trading and expansion, the Mayan City of Coba was once considered the most powerful in the region. At its peak, Coba is estimated to have had a population of over 50,000, acting as the heart of a large metropolis composed of numerous cities within the Yucatan Peninsula.
As the least excavated and reconstructed of all the ruins in the area, Coba provides a rare glimpse into the real life and culture of the ancient Mayan people. For the full experience, a local private tour guide joins each of our Coba tours to share the amazing history of this ancient civilisation - perfect for all you history buffs out there!
2. Much to explore
Known as the city of the white roads, Coba’s unique design and purpose guarantees a different experience to others.
From enjoying shaded walkways known as ‘sacbe’ through the jungle, to admiring the many stone monuments (or stelae) documenting the ancient world, there are lots of fascinating treasures to uncover on this tour. You can even check out the ball courts that were used by the Mayan people – cause even ancient civilisations enjoyed a few sports games here and there!
Thanks to its remote location, the site is also not as popular amongst tourists, giving you more room to explore its historical wonders - whether that be by foot or, more commonly, bicycle (the popular choice in the heat). And if you’re lucky, you might even spot a few monkeys and tropical birds during journey through the jungle!
3. Climbing the pyramid
One of the most exciting things to do during your Coba visit is climb the central pyramid, called the Nohoch Mul.
Standing at 42 metres tall, this Mayan pyramid is the tallest in the Yucatan Peninsula, and unlike other Mayan sites, it is still open for visitors to climb. And let’s be honest, how often do you get to say that you’ve climbed an ancient pyramid? But be warned, those 120 steps are steeper than they look. To help you out, there’s a thick rope in the middle for safety. And just you wait until you reach the top, the breath-taking view of the jungle landscape will be well worth the effort.
4. Swimming in the Cenotes
Of course, no tour of Coba would be complete without a refreshing, post pyramid-climbing, dip in the local cenotes. With three different cenotes located near the site, a glorious swim in one of these underwater sinkholes is the perfect way to end your day.
So if you’re seeking an unforgettable adventure full of historical treasures, beautiful landscapes and a trip to the underworld, you can book a private tour of Coba with your own Tulum guide here.
Please note that due to the current situation surrounding Covid-19, a number of our tours are temporarily unavailable and will be reopening soon.
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