Mayan Ruins of Coba (Zona Arqueológica de Cobá)

The Coba ruins are an easy day trip from Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, and the Riviera Maya. Visitors can stroll or bike past two ball courts and the roads that once linked major Maya cities, and climb 120 steep steps up Nohoch Mul (the tallest ancient pyramid on the Yucatan Peninsula) for panoramic views of the lush Mexican jungle. Take a small-group or private tour of the ruins to gain deep insights into ancient Maya culture, or beat the crowds with an archaeologist-led, early-access tour of both Coba and Chichen Itza. If you’re feeling adventurous, combine your visit with a cenote swim, a snorkeling excursion, or a visit to an authentic Maya village.

• The archaeological site is vast, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a fair amount of walking and at least a few hours of exploring.

• The top of Nohoch Mul is inaccessible to visitors with limited mobility, but pedicab services are available onsite for tours around the ruins. The Coba ruins are one of the more accessible Maya sites in the area.

• Restrooms can be found at the entrance to the ruins.

• Bring insect repellent, sunglasses, and a sun hat.

Coba is roughly 45 minutes by road from Tulum, traveling inland. If driving, take extra precaution at small villages that are known for their speed bumps. Several public buses also make the 3-hour journey each day, but you can save the hassle by taking a guided day trip, many of which include hotel pickup and drop-off.

The archaeological site is open year-round. High season (December through April) brings sunny weather along with lots of visitors; go early to avoid the crowds that start pouring in at about 11am. Visit during the rainy season (May through October) for lower prices and fewer crowds, but be prepared to change your plans according to the weather.

The Yucatan jungle surrounding the Coba ruins is worth exploring on its own. Try combining a tour of the ancient city with a trip to cool off in a cenote, a limestone sinkhole filled with clear water that’s great for swimming, tubing, or kayaking. You can also explore the nearby Tulum and Chichen Itza ruins, try your hand at ziplining in the forest, or visit the Xel-Ha aquatic park.

The ancient city of Cobá was home to about 50,000 people during its peak from the years 500 to 900. Today, the Mayan Ruins of Cobá (Zona Arqueológica de Cobá) include one of the largest known networks of Mayan stone walkways.

The Mayan Ruins of Cobá are located on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula in the jungles of Quintana Roo. The ancient Mayan site is spread out over a vast amount of space. It lies about 45 minutes by car from Tulum and about a 2-hour drive from Cancun.

No, the main pyramid of Nohoch Mul is now off-limits for climbing, but there is much to see at the 30-square-mile (80-square-kilometer) site, including two ball courts, carved stelae, and many other pyramids and buildings. A visit to the Mayan Ruins of Cobá means a lot of walking.

Yes. Although the site itself doesn’t offer tours, you can book a tour of the Mayan Ruins of Cobá in advance with a tour company. Many popular choices leave from Cancun, Tulum, or Playa del Carmen, and many even include visits to other Mayan sites or to a nearby cenote.

The Mayan Ruins of Cobá are open daily from about 8am to 5pm, but keep in mind the site usually doesn’t let anyone in after 4:30pm. Most visitors typically take two to three hours to fully explore the grounds and all it has to offer.

Yes, there is a small entrance fee to explore the Mayan Ruins of Cobá at your own pace, but it’s worth it to take in the views and the history of this ancient site. Some tours include this fee in the tour price, so ask at the time of booking.