The Complete Guide to Visiting the Coba Ruins (Coba Archeological Site)
The Coba ruins, more properly named the Coba archaeological site, are one of the most interesting Prehispanic Mayan sites and one of the most popular near Tulum and Playa del Carmen. In this post, I will tell you all you need to know to visit this spectacular Mayan City.
One of the most visited sites in the Yucatan Peninsula besides Chichen Itza and Tulum, the Coba site is pretty awesome as it’s located at only a 1-hour drive from Tulum and right by two pretty lagoons where the sleepy town of Coba stretches out.
Like all the other Mayan ruins, Coba is completely immersed in the jungle. The temples are scattered around, which makes it a lot of fun to walk or bike to find them.
Walking down the jungle path is like entering the ancient Mayan world and going back in time. Although the ruins of Coba are quite a popular attraction to visit from Playa del Carmen, Canun, or Tulum, they are not even close to the crowds and vendors you would find in Chichen Itza.
Visiting Coba ruins is still very enjoyable whether alone or with friends or family. It’s one of the most kids-friendly among the archeological sites, both because of the shades offered by the thick jungle protecting you from the hot sun, and also because you can rent a bike or a cart to take you around.
Another reason to visit is the popular main pyramid, Nohoch Mul, which towers over a thick and overwhelming jungle.
It is very easy to find it, as it is situated right in the town of Cobà, a tiny village with so much to offer, as I explain in my guide.
As you drive along the lagoon, once you arrive in town, you find the site’s entrance right in front of you. You can leave the car in the parking lot (60 Mxn – 3 USD) and purchase the ticket at the counter inside (100 MXN – 5 USD).
How to visit the Cobà ruins?
As I mentioned before, the Coba ruins are quite spread out in a vast territory. From the entrance to the main tower, it is about 2 km. Therefore, you have a choice of transportation to get there.
Walking around the Coba ruins
This ancient Mayan site is spread out throughout the vast territory, and it is a bit of a walk. It’s pleasant and mainly in the shade of the beautiful secular trees, but it can still be tiring if you are not used to walking or the heat, especially with the humidity rate.
Also, keep in mind that it closes at 4:30 p.m., so if you get there in the afternoon, make sure you calculate the time well. The last time I was in Coba, I rented a bike because I only had one hour to explore everything. It was fun!
Exploring Coba ruins by bike
The good news is that if you don’t like walking, you have other options, one of which is renting a bike. The trails are wide and flat, so renting a bike is very easy and much faster than walking. Rental cost MXN 50 per person.
Get around Coba ruins by bici-taxi
It’s called bici-taxi, an even more comfortable way to get around the place. It’s a sort of cart with two seats in the front while the driver (who has to pedal) sits behind. The cart will only take you only to the main pyramid and back. Rental cost Mx 140 per cart.
This is your solution for families with small kids especially: kids won’t get tired and will have so much fun.
Should I hire a guide to visit the Coba ruins?
At the entrance, you can also hire a local guide, which I always recommend just to get the basic information on Mayan history from what little is known.
Just bear in mind that many pieces of information are just suppositions from different historians who sometimes make broad interpretations. This is at least what I have learned in all these years. Still, I find it enlightening to know the different versions.
If you don’t wish to have a guide, you will find a map with indications on where to go before you start your pleasant walk in the jungle.
You won’t get lost. There is one at every site.
What to see in the ruins of Coba
Nohoch Mul Pyramid
The main tower, 42mt tall (137ft), is without a doubt, the highlight of the Coba ruins and one of the few high pyramids left that you can still climb, although at your own risk.
There is a rope all along the stairs which you can hold on to to make you feel more comfortable. (during this pandemic time it’s not possible to climb it though, but only temporary)
If you have vertigo, like me, just don’t look down. Look straight at the next step and you will conquer it one at a time; once you reach the top it will make it all worth it.
I find this site very special for being so spread out and within a thick, lush jungle. Although it is very touristic and you will find quite a crowd visiting, it doesn´t take away the charm of the original ancient city.
Since I am not an expert in Mayan history, yet, I am not going to offer you any historical details about the Coba ruins here and I’ll leave it to you to discover through the expert guides at the site or specific books that can introduce you to this fascinating world, like for example Popul Vuh, considered a sacred book on the Mayan history and traditions, an interesting introduction to the Mayan mystery.
However, I would like to mention here for you a few highlights to keep in mind when visiting the Coba ruins:
The Coba group
A few constructions are situated at the entrance including the ball court, an important element in the Mayan religion, for the so much represented and talked about ceremonies.
Coba Stelae
Its hieroglyphics reveal a great amount of information about the life in Coba’, their dresses, ceremonies, and their society in general. An interesting source of information for archaeologists and historians.
Sac Be
The limestone white paved roads were built to connect the different settlements and cities for commercial purposes.
Having said that I would suggest you should do what I always do when I visit: just walk in, look up and look around you, breathe deep and let it all come to you. It’s magical.
Coba ruins entrance fee
The entry fee is 100 MXN per person
A guide costs around 500 pesos (USD ), for up to 4 people
Coba ruins facilities
There you will find clean toilets and restaurants where you can purchase your drinks; it is always recommended to bring water with you even though inside the site, by the main tower, you will find a small refreshment kiosk (but no bathrooms).
When to visit Coba’s ruins
The site Opening Hours are from 9 to 4.30 (the last entry is at 3 pm)
I highly recommend being there as soon as possible to beat crowds and heat, especially in the summer, it can be exhausting, especially in the summer.
What to pack when you visit the Coba ruins
- water, in such heat it’s essential to stay hydrated
- good walking shoes (better if hiking shoes)
- mosquito repellent(ecological)
- sunscreen (ecological)
- healthy snacks
How to get to the Coba ruins from Tulum (bus, car, tour)
You have many different options to get to Coba’.
Reach Coba from Tulum by bus
Take a second-class bus, Mayab, which leaves at 7:20 AM. from the ADO bus terminal. (The ticket costs MXN 50)
There are later buses as well, but I suggest you get to Coba early. This way, you can visit both the Coba ruins and the Coba cenotes. However, it’s extremely hot later in the morning, and the archeological site would be overcrowded with groups. The ride to Coba village takes about an hour.
The return bus to Tulum leaves Coba at 3 PM (first-class bus ADO), and Mayab leaves at 5 PM.
It is very important to know that you can check the ADO schedule online, but the Mayab schedule is not published, so you need to ask the ticket office at the bus station. Please always double-check the time I gave you because it might change.
Reach Coba’ by Colectivo from Tulum
The Colectivo is a minivan, the preferred means of transportation by locals who don’t have a car.
There are collectives (or combis), that take you from Tulum to Coba for 70MXN. However, be mindful that they leave only when they fill the van, so they don’t have a precise schedule.
If you want to try the experience you will find them waiting for passengers at the intersection of Tulum Avenue and Calle Osiris.
For the return, make sure you know the BUS scheduled in case you don’t find any colectivo available, especially if you are not planning to spend the night in Coba’.
Getting to Coba from Playa del Carmen
To get to Coba from Playa del Carmen, you will have to travel by bus from Playa del Carmen to Tulum, which is a one-hour bus ride. From there, you can choose from the above-mentioned options.
It is kind of a nightmare and I would either go by car or join a tour instead. This way you avoid wasting your time and will make the most of it, instead.
Getting to Coba from Cancun
If going to Coba from Playa del Carmen by bus is quite a trip, imagine from Cancun which is even farther away. Getting from Cancun to Tulum is easy but if you have to continue your trip to Coba, it’s a long way, Therefore, unless you are As I mentioned before a rental car would be ideal in this case.
And if you are worried about renting a car in Mexico, don’t. I have got you covered.
Book a tour
If you prefer to join an organized tour, you can choose among many options. In fact, many tours combine different destinations for half days or full days.
They almost always come with a guide, which I find useful when visiting a historic place and when learning about the local culture and society.
I would recommend a tour if you are not getting a car and coming from Playa del Carmen or Cancun. Here below some options:
Going to Coba by car
I always suggest renting a car and driving around because you can visit on your own terms, without the pressure of the tight schedules that groups normally have.
I love to drive around a place and discover new corners for as long as I want.
If you are new to driving in Mexico, I have written a useful post with tips and interesting information that might be useful. There are a couple of things you need to know and be careful about.
How to visit Coba’s cenotes
The small village of Coba is blessed with a strategic location and is rich with spectacular natural resources, including three cenotes that happen to be close to one another.
Cenotes are natural sinkholes and only in the Yucatan peninsula, there are around 6000 of them scattered around.
They offer a refreshing experience, especially after a long and exhausting walk in the humidity and heat of an archeological site.
If you want to know more about the origins of cenotes, please read my guide to the cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula.
How to get from the Coba Ruins to Coba Cenotes
Unless you travel around Mexico by rental car, which I always recommend, the only way how to get to Tamcach-Ha, Choo-Ha, and Multum-Ha cenote is either by bike or by taxi, as there is no public transportation.
You can find a couple of rental shops by the entrance to Coba Ruins; no reservation is required.
The road is safe and flat,, and there is no traffic. It’s only around 7 km to get there.
Cenote Tankach-Ha
The first Cenote is Tankach-Ha, 20m deep.
There is a platform with 5m and 8m jumps, from which you can test your courage.
Cenote Choo-Ha
Choo-Ha, the second one, closer to the entrance, has a different shape and a maximum depth of only 10m; you cannot jump from here as the ceiling is quite low, but it has a beautiful configuration with a stalagmite and stalactite sticking out in the middle of the water.
Cenote Multum – ha
The third one is Multun – ha, a bit further up the main road.
Just follow the signs, and don’t feel lost if it seems like you never get there.
It is a white gravel road in the jungle that leads you right to the entrance.
Among the Coba’ cenotes, this one is the deepest, at 32m/90 ft., though there is no high platform to jump off, since the ceiling is quite low here, too. The entrance looks like a well, and it feels a bit scary to think you are so deep down into the earth.
Coba Cenotes Opening Hours
The three cenotes of Coba open from 9 to 6, every day.
Coba’ cenotes entry fees
100 MXN (5USD approx) per person per each cenote
To know more about Coba’s cenotes, check out my full guide.
Where to stay in Cobà (with rates)
Top Luxury Hotel in Cobà
Coqui Coqui > 400$
An exquisite high-end property for the sophisticated traveler who is looking for elegance and tranquility. Located at the very end of the main road of Cobà right on the lagoon.
►Check prices on Hotel.com
Mid-range price hotel in Cobà
Aldea Coba > 140 $
If you love luxury and beauty but are not particularly interested in breaking the bank. This is the hotel for you. A relatively new property (2017) boasts spacious and nicely decorated rooms in a spectacular jungle garden. Hard to beat for that price. According to previous guests, service is also impeccable. Located on the main road on your way to Coba’.
► Check prices on Booking.com
Budget hotel option in Cobà
Hotel Itza Coba
This is where I stayed. It’s a cute property for budget travelers who love stylish decor and a clean room. It was perfect. The staff is also super friendly and warm.
► Check prices on Booking.com
Where to eat in Coba
There is not much choice for eating in Coba but during my 3 days stay I had great food and my favorite places were:
El Cocodrillo, at a few steps from the ruin, serving great local food and delicious refreshing natural juices
Chile Picante – local food on a terrace from where you can enjoy a lovely sunset ( watch for the mosquitos)
El Encanto – cute small cafe, recently opened with great coffee and delicious homemade fresh dishes. The managers Jesus and Maria will take good care of you.
Coqui Coqui – an upscale and uptight restaurant but not necessarily overpriced. Gourmet Mexican cuisine.
