Exploring the Mayan ruins of Coba offers a unique experience compared to its more famous neighbors, Chichen Itza or Tulum. At Coba, you can climb the tallest pyramid and take in stunning views of the surrounding rainforest. Nature plays a significant role here, with the ruins set deep in the jungle, where you can see enormous ceiba trees, sunbathing iguanas, and a variety of tropical birds. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a spider monkey or an ocelot.
The site is vast, with different clusters of pyramids and temples connected by long paths through dense foliage. You can rent a bicycle to explore, making the visit more dynamic and engaging. Coba was one of the first Mayan archaeological sites I visited over a decade ago, and it remains one of my favorites, particularly because you can ride a bike through an ancient city overtaken by nature.
Coba has a rich history. It was first settled between 100 and 300 CE and grew into an important political and economic center from 300 to 600 CE. The city peaked between 800 and 1100 CE and once had the largest population in the ancient Mayan world. However, it eventually lost prominence due to power struggles with Chichen Itza and the rise of coastal cities like Tulum.
By the early 16th century, when the Spanish arrived, Coba was abandoned and overgrown. One of its standout features is the elevated stone roads, called sacbeob, which connected different parts of the city. The longest of these roads extends over 100 kilometers to the ruins of Yaxuna near Chichen Itza.
Coba also boasts numerous steles—sculpted stone monuments that depict significant events in the lives of the ruling class. Other notable structures include Nohoch Mul, one of the tallest pyramids in the Yucatan Peninsula, an astronomical observatory, ball courts, and various temples.
The site is divided into several groups, including the Coba Group near the entrance, the Pinturas Group, the D Group, the Nohoch Mul Group, and the Macanxoc Group. Each group has its own unique structures and features, such as the Coba Group’s ball court and Iglesia pyramid, and the Nohoch Mul Group’s towering pyramid and astronomical observatory.
You have three main options for exploring Coba: walking, renting a bicycle, or hiring a tricycle guide. The site covers over 70 square kilometers, so cycling can be both fun and practical. It generally takes at least two hours to explore, even by bike. Bicycle rentals are affordable, costing around 50 pesos ($2.5 USD), while tricycles range from 125 to 200 pesos ($6 to $10 USD), depending on how far you want to go.
After visiting the ruins, you can explore the nearby town with its restaurants, souvenir shops, and a viewing platform at Coba Lake, home to crocodiles. For an adrenaline rush, try the zipline tower in town or visit one of the nearby cenotes like Cenote Choo Ha, Cenote Tankach Ha, or Cenote Multun Ha.
Coba is located about 50 kilometers northwest of Tulum, and you can reach it by car in about 45 minutes or by public bus in about an hour. Consider joining a tour if you’re coming from Playa del Carmen or Cancun, as it can be more convenient and often includes additional stops at other archaeological sites or cenotes.
The Yucatan Peninsula enjoys beautiful, sunny weather year-round, though the rainy season lasts from late spring to fall, and it gets hotter in the summer. The ruins can get crowded during peak travel seasons and Mexican holidays, so aim to arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds and heat.
Entrance to the Coba ruins costs 80 pesos ($4 USD), and the site is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entry at 3:00 PM. Currently, due to COVID-19 restrictions, climbing the pyramids isn’t allowed, but this may change in the future.
For your visit, bring mosquito repellent, sunscreen, snacks, and plenty of water. Make sure to carry Mexican pesos for your expenses and plan to arrive early to enjoy a quieter and cooler experience. If you love nature and prefer less crowded sites, Coba might be even more enjoyable for you than Chichen Itza or Tulum. Additionally, the chance to ride a bike through this expansive site makes a trip to Coba a compelling adventure and one of the best activities in the Mayan Riviera.