Climb the pyramid! This ancient Mayan archaeological site is a wonder! They don't let tourists climb the pyramid in Chtizinitza anymore (Thanks, Justin Bieber!) But you can climb this one! Plus, this one is taller! Arriving here, the parking is quite a ways from the ruins. But for a small charge, you can either rent a bike (it's flat) or pay some guy in a Mayan Limousine (rickshaw) to peddle you out there. We opted for the latter. The guy stopped along the way and pointed out fun facts and things that we'd have otherwise completely missed. Climbing the pyramid was wonderful! The stairs were all kinda helped along by the local authorities with handrails and wooden beams to help make things level and stable. There's some really cool rock carvings of their gods, and be sure to check out the ball court! Still, in the floor are the carvings of the skull and the jaguar! Whoa. These are some of the best preserved ruins I'd seen! Loved it! Watch out for snakes. There was a little tourist shop where you can get magnets, postcards and fun stuff to take home. It was low pressure shopping. read more

Cobá... this is the Mayan ruins that stands above and beyond all others I have visited including Chichén Itzá and Tulum; simple put, it's special. Within the ground/park, we had a guide for the beginning where we viewed various parts of the ruins including multiple pyramids and some ecological interests and some very interesting games that were played by the Mayans called Pok-ta-Pok; if what was described is true, then the games are interesting but also very disturbing as they sometimes sacrifice the captain of the loosing team (sacrifices are typically by beheading). To get to the highlight of the ruins, it is quite a hike but you can use the numerous tricycle taxis. Our first time back in 2016 we took advantage of the taxi and had a 15 year old kid named Wilbur bring us to Nohoch Mul Pyramid. The more recent visit, we took the longer walk/hike. This pyramid is the largest of the mayan ruins and up until 2021 you could climb to the top; or I should say, you can "TRY" to climb to the top. The pyramid appears to look like a stairway but let me tell you, it is NOT and it is challenging. Instead of a handrail, you have a thick, heavy rope clipped to the stairs, so you are hunched over like an ape to use it. Typical stairway in a home are 7 / 11 (each step is 7 inches high and 11 inches deep); the pyramid is not like this... all are much higher and some are considerably higher than others and they are not uniform so it's hard to get any kind of rhythm. About half way up, you must look into the distance and you'll be pleasantly surprised with a view of the top of the forest canopy. I never continued higher but at the top there is a level, open area to walk (or in some cases, a place to gain your composure and catch your breath as going down is definitely not easier). Coba is an amazing experience by stepping into the same footsteps as this ancient civilization. read more

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One of the oldest Mayans settlements still in existence and has the tallest pyramid in Latin America. Nohoch Mul sits way above the trees and given how flat Tulum is you can really see from miles making it an excellent guard post and temple for the ancients. In 2021, and earlier, it was possible to actually physically climb up this temple but now you can just view it, which was a bit disappointing. We visited the site with a tour so we did not pay the entry fee. It was part of our tour ticket. There is an area in the front that sells gifts, water, and food right near the large parking lot. At the entrance you can rent bikes or a two person rickshaw driven by a Mayan local, which is free, but we tipped them a lot for all of their hard work. The site is very large and spread out, so it really was nice to have wheels to get around otherwise it will be quite a walk. This site is much older than Chichen Itza and was most likely abandoned due to infighting, deforestation, and drought. You can see a few small scale Mayan ball court here, but obviously the largest version is over in Chichen Itza. It's really humbling to see how great of engineers and architects the ancient Mayans were and being able to physically walk on site is truly a memorable experience. I would definitely recommend bringing a hat, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and water. We did not deal with any insects during our visit, but it was about 95° out in Fahrenheit so it was extremely toasty given the humidity. Overall, this is a must visit site when in Tulum, especially if you have any interest in Mayan history. This was the oldest and first Mayan settlement, so it's very important to see where a civilization started to really understand it. I would recommend to anyone and feel that it is a great place to visit for people of all ages and fitness levels. read more

I cannot recommend this historical site enough!!! My jaw was on the floor the entire time! No exaggeration Tulum Ruins were absolutely awful compared to Cobá Ruins!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Getting inside was a breeze- no lines, not a lot of people After you pay for parking and the entrance fee, you enter the site and see a bunch of Mayan Taxis (tricycles driven by workers to take you around the 3 mile site)) TAKE THIS MAYAN TAXI WITHOUT HESITATION (150 pesos for 1.5 hours and the guide will tell you about the historical importance of the sites as you pass them) The entire archeological site is shaded!! It is such a relief The site is huge -- 3 miles round trip if you decide to walk (and everyone who did decide to do so looked miserable) It is broken into three complexes -- one when you first arrive, one halfway through that the Mayan Taxi will not be able to drive you to, and the Nohoch Mul large pyramid ((which you used to be able to climb! But since 2020, has been out of commission due to COVID and now repairs) I will say it again- my jaw was on the floor the entire time There is pure magic everywhere Two ball courts, so many structures that you can explore, numerous temples and pyramids.... The Mayans are an incredible people!!!! Coba is a hidden gem!!!!! No trash Nice, caring staff Affordable Easy to access from Tulum (45 minute drive!!!!!) No tourists!!!!!!!!!! Not sure what the other reviews are saying when they mention it being remote-- there are restaurants and gas stations everywhere... I had 4G LTE (great phone service), but then the clouds rolled in and I lost it - make sure you keep your map directions running if you don't want to be anxious about how to get back home The sites are impeccably preserved There are stone tablets (carvings / hieroglyphs) around each ruin, and these are in bad shape ((you can't really distinguish what the pictures/ Gods/ carvings are) There are no signs about the ruins, so you really have to just soak it all in without additional historical background ((or hire a guide, which I regretfully did not do-- but we still had a great time with our Mayan taxi "guide" who shared enough context to make it spectacular) Baby frogs, iguanas, monkeys, snakes, ants, quetxcal birds, Mayan bees (they don't sting!) everywhere Insanely awesome historical site!! I am still in awe!!!! Went 16 July 2024 9am-11:30am with my two year old son We had a blast I will always come back here whenever I visit Tulum The Tulum ruins are awful!!! The Coba ruins are magical!!!!!!!!!!! read more

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Amazing place to see Mayan ruins, take a ride through the tropical forest, and see some wildlife! The guides were very nice, knowledgeable, and hard working - we really enjoyed the tour. read more

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Exploring jungle ruins and learning about Mayan civilization was fascinating. The entrance fees were confusing - a 100-peso local tax per person before entering the parking lot and an additional 90 pesos for the ticket by the gate. The guides at the entrance asked for 1000 pesos for a 45-minute tour. We negotiated down to 600. We later hired a 150-peso tricycle inside the park, with an informative driver for an hour. If interested in history, I'd recommend learning about the history before visiting and opt for a tricycle or bike to explore. read more

Zona Arqueológica de Cobá - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Cobá, ROO

The best ruins there are! First...the fee is better than anywhere and so are the ruins. Go on all 3 three trails. We walked it all, and hubby climbed it. We were there hours. It is NOT as long of a walk as advertised! Ride a bike if you want or take a pedi-cab. It is best to go first thing in the morning. It is still hot, but shaded for the most part. The 3rd and longest is the best. It's a village with some amazing ruins to see. There are no bathrooms anywhere except at the entrance behind the ticket hut. The steps people climb are very slippery. We saw a lot of flip flops. No please wear good footwear. A guide near us said he has seen people fall to the bottom. Bring water and wear a hat. It is not the most famous, but is the best we've seen in the Yucatan! read more

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Lots of parking and shops out front to get food and drinks and snacks. Upon entry, there is a small map but it's a large property. We walked to the first ball court. We had a tour guide explaining everything to us. We explored around and took pictures. Then we got a bike ride up to the "pyramid". You can walk, but it's far. You can also rent a bike and bike yourself. We opted to sit in the tricycle and enjoy the scenery while a Mayan dude biked us up. We climbed Coba safely, and in record time. It was a bit busy which made it a little nerve wrecking. People everywhere. But we got some good photos from the top. It was a hot day so we grabbed some ice cream at the exit. I would recommend coming here. Lots to see but bring a guide. Many places are cash only - bring pesos. read more

We went here back in December of 2018. So glad we went when we did as I can't imagine what it is like when it is hot and humid. This was a cool trip and there is plenty that makes up the huge Cobá archaeological zone and famous Mayan ruins it contains. Even at this time of the year, we were sweaty making the climb up, so I can't image what it is like in the summer #deathclimb The decision to go to Cobá was last minute, so we didn't have time to do the entire site, but we did do the Mooch Mul Pyramid. Cobá is in the middle of a jungle, which I thought was very cool. There was a feeling that this site was left the way it was when it was first discovered. Not only is it the second tallest Mayan pyramid in the world (42 meters - 137 feet), but visitors are still allowed to climb the 120 steps to the top. I am surprised that they are still letting people climb on the pyramid. The climb going up was fine, even with me and The Queen wearing dresses and sandals, but next time we will dress appropriately. Because this was a last-minute trip after lunch, we didn't plan on going here to climb. We did not make it to the top, based on the time, but we did get about half up. The view from there was still impressive. Be warned, the climb up is fine. Coming down, the descent isn't easy because of the steep, uneven, and slippery steps. There is a rope to assist in the climb, but we had to come down the stairs moving sideways. There were some folks that were basically coming down on their butts. One woman literally did not come down...looked like she was terrified to move down. Someone went up to bring her down. The entire archaeological site is over 30+ square miles. You can rent bike or hire a "bike taxi". On another day with more time, we could have walked, but we were under the clock and rented the bike taxi. The next time we go there, I will still do the bike as it gives you more time to see the ruins. The bikers were great and stopped back on the way to the gate to let use view other ruins and take photos. I have heard that the ruins at Chichen Itza are very scenic, but you can't climb the pyramid because it is banned. I am glad we went to Cobá to get the full experience of the climb. read more

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The Mayan ruins of Cobá are a huge complex of temples, pyramids, ball courts and more. The 3 main areas within Cobá cover about 80 square kilometers. To really see this site, you should expect to spend the better part of a day; otherwise, you'll have to pick and choose what you want to see. The tallest pyramid in the Nohoc Mul complex is 42 meters (138 feet) tall and the city is estimated to have had a population of about 50,000 at its height. Cobá was first settled about 50 BC and was occupied until about 1500 AD, but was abandoned before the Spaniards reached the area. You can rent a bicycle to get around, and they also have bicycle rickshaws that you can pay to have you get to or from one area or another. read more

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This was probably our least favorite site we visited. No one can climb any of these pyramids like you see on other photos for this site. It's a still a cool place to visit. read more

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I came here by way of shore excursion because instead of just seeing the ruins, I wanted to climb! This is one of the few places that let you do it. Once you enter the site, it was a short walk to the Coba Pyramid with several other ruins along the way. We had a guide who pointed out some highlights as we toured the jungle and followed the beaten path. There are also bikes for rent and "Mayan limousine" services aka bicycle pull-carts available ($5 one-way for a ride). While most opted to walk to the pyramid, riding the carts back was a popular choice. Going up the pyramid is physical, coming down is psychological. The pyramid is somewhat steep. Fortunately, there is a rope that you can grab onto for assistance. I was able to get to the top without using the rope, but I used my hands for additional grip on some steps. It's a straight shot to the top; some said they were able to get to the top in about five minutes. But it's not a contest, and it's challenge by choice :). Slow and steady wins the race. I loved the view. As you look down at the greenery, it's clear that it is the highest Mayan pyramid in the Yucatan. Unfortunately, you only have access to the front of the pyramid once you get to the top - you can't walk all the way around it. Taking a cautious approach, I used the rope to come down (I'm not prideful!). Since the rope is the route most traveled, some of the steps were slick and worn out. As other Yelpers have mentioned, many opted to scoot back down on their butt. Some walked back down the side of the pyramid just like a normal set of stairs - like I said, it's not a contest - so whatever works for you! This was a great and unique experience- so get climbing! read more

Zona Arqueológica de Cobá - Coba pyramid - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Cobá, ROO

One of the greatest thrills of my life! Humid jungle, sporadic rain, ancient wonders, friendly merchants and bike taxi's. Cobá is worth a visit, a climb and the adventure when visiting Tulum. Be sure to bring pesos for the best shopping experience & for tipping taxis! read more

Zona Arqueológica de Cobá - A look down from atop Cobá! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Cobá, ROO

Awesome place with great knowledgeable guides. Wonderful scenery etc. only down side was you have to pay for parking, pay to enter the market to get to the tour, pay for the entry to park and then pay for a guide. Typical Mexico but all in all a good time. Just frustrating paying over and over and over and..... read more

We visited Coba (1-2-20) driving via Tulum. Parking: Parking is easy but I believe the lot could fill up during busy times. Get there early! We drove ourselves in our rental car so we would have plenty of time to tour. Guide: We hired a guide so we could take our time and not be rushed. Ruperto was our guide and he was perfect! He gave us plenty of time to see everything. The guide will leave you after climbing the big Coba. If I had known this, I would have let him go so we could have spent more time at the top of Coba relaxing. And, then we would not have had to bike back. We could have taken our time going back and seeing everything again. Bikes: YES! Get a bike! I thought it would be a problem but everyone gets bikes and we never had trouble finding our bikes in the crowd of bikes at each stop. No need to bring locks. If you want to bring a bandanna to differentiate your bikes, that would probably be a great idea. They do look alike. The grounds are very vast and the trails go through the covered jungle so the bikes make travel easy and fast. You spend more time at the ruins and less time walking the trails to get to the ruins. OH, and our guide, Ruperto, got a bike too so it was easy! Be sure to ask about the Cenotes that are close by before you leave. The guard shack guys will have the information. They are close by so you might as well go see at least one while you are in the area! MOST SINCERELY! read more

Zona Arqueológica de Cobá - Bikes are a MUST! Notice how great the trails are for biking! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Cobá, ROO

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For my 100th Review for the Yelp 2017 Challenge, I'd like share a very special place in Mexico, if not in the entire world. I have been to 3 pyramids in Mexico: The Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon at Teotihuacan near Mexico City, and now Nohuch Mul (the pyramid at Cobá). Its about 1 1/2 hours from Playa del Carmen. The pyramid at Cobá is the only one in the Cancun/Playa del Carmen area that you can climb any longer. Guides are available at the entrance. However, I recommend the pedicab for two at 125 pesos (17.75 exch). The driver is available for 1 hour and 20 min, and will stop amongst the primary area of the grounds. Other options are to walk from the entrance to the pyramid, rent a bike, or take the longer tour w/ a pedicab for 250 pesos for 2 hours. ClImbing to the top wasn't that bad. I didn't stop, but I did find myself crawling near the top bc the steps are so narrow. The view from the top is amazing, and you wonder what the ancient Mayans were thinking when they stood atop the pyramid thousands of years ago. I don't like heights, so coming down was a challenge. However, I accomplished the downhill route on my okole to start, and sidestepping the remainder of the way. In addition, to the pyramid, there are other ruins on the grounds. It would be nice if there was some info you could read about each ruin so you can become more informed. Nonetheless, Cobá was a great experience. Pyramids have a special place in history, and the ones in the area (Chichen-Itza & Tulum), are a must visit when you are in the Cancun/Playa del Carmen area. read more

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My second time at this location and man did we get lucky! For whatever reason it was not very crowded. Six years ago we visited in a September and it was hot as hell and packed with tourists. This time we came in December rather early with some local friends and had a great experience. Around this time it is greener and a-lot cooler. Word of advice, don't purchase tickets online. For whatever reason they charge more. In person it's 100 pesos per person, which is nothing. Also adding many of the local vendor shops and restaurants take c/c's nowadays. At this location you will also find an exchange service. You don't get the best rate, but if you need some pesos they have the exchange service. For the ruins they are worth the money. Any archeological site that opens a window into humanity's past is always worth the time and effort. If you decide to walk the site like we did it will take you about two hours. It is not very complicated. If you can't do the walk they have two modes of very affordable transportation. You can pay one of the locals to bike you around in an adult tricycle or you can rent a bike. read more

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Tubular time. No need to pay for tour group with bus and everything. Just message Taxi Driver Alain: +52 984 235 2731 to take you or rent a moto out of Tulum from Moto Rental Luis: +52 984 134 7489. Lots of tour guides already directing tours that you can ease drop on. Lots of great cenotes nearby so recommend bringing a change of clothes. For more Tulum tips message me on insta @schmettgala. Selling multi-page travel guide for local experience. read more

Zona Arqueológica de Cobá - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Cobá, ROO

Cobá is cool ... and hot. Plan to sweat, climb, and revel in all that makes up the huge Cobá archaeological zone and famous Mayan ruins it contains. The most popular discovery at Cobá is the Nohoch Mul Pyramid. Not only is it the second tallest Mayan pyramid in the world (42 meters - 137 feet). but visitors are still allowed to climb the 120 steps to the top. The climb and descent aren't easy because of the steep, uneven, and sometimes smooth steps. If you do make it to the top, the views of the Yucatán and other areas of Cobá are remarkable. The entire archaeological site is over 30+ square miles. Plan to hit the highlights first. The pyramid is about a mile from the entrance where you'll find the Coba Group with an Iglesia and classic Mayan ball court. You can also rent a bike or hire a "bike taxi" here. I strongly recommend getting the taxi service in a tricycle peddled by a hardworking local for a reasonable fee. Cobá (translated as "waters stirred by wind") Is home to the Cobá Lagoon (visible as you approach the entrance) and Macamxoc Lagoon inside. It reached its peak between 600-900 AD, but Cobá has been inhabited since the 1st century and was nearly connected via a famous white road (sacbes) to Chichen Itza about 62 miles to the west (which eventually supplanted Coba as the power hub of the Yucatán). Over 700,000 visitors came to Cobá in 2017. I recommend you do, too. I visited 4 Mayan ruins over 2 days. I rank them in this order and recommend seeing them in reverse (Tulum first; Ek' Balam last). 1. Ek' Balam 2. Chichén Itzá 3. Cobá 4. Tulum As with all the Mayan sites, wear comfortable shoes, bug spray (optional), and sunscreen. Also, bring cash for the taxi and a soda to cool down. Plan to sweat, climb, and revel in all that makes up the huge Cobá archaeological zone and famous Mayan ruins it contains because Cobá is cool ... and hot. read more

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I waited 25 years and finally made it to Cobá. Thank goodness for our rental as we were able to leave early right after breakfast. It's a straight ride from the resort at Puerto Morelos and took only 2 hours. Due to its remote location, this site is not as popular with tourists as other ruins in Mexico. Cobá's claim to fame is the largest network of stone causeways in the ancient Mayan world called sacbes (white roads). There are over 50 of these roads that have been discovered at the site and 16 of them open to the public. One good reason to visit this site is that it isn't as excavated as other sites in Mexico. So you feel like you're wandering through a forest with many structures still covered in trees. Their prize possession of Cobá is called Ixmoja which is part of the Nohoch Mul (large hill) group of buildings. This pyramid is 42 meters (138 feet) tall and was the heart of the city. Unlike other Maya sites, you can still climb this one, if you dare! The 120 stone steps are much steeper than they look making the highest pyramid in the Yucatan Peninsula. This is why there's a thick rope in the middle for safety. The view from the top is totally worth the climb while gazing at the lush jungle landscape stretching out in all directions. We highly recommend it and visit during the week. read more

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If you want more adventure, go here over Chichen Itza and Tulum. Coba is the lesser known one, but let's be honest, Mayan ruins are all the same. The advantage of Coba is that it's cheaper and you can actually climb up the tallest structure, which is quite the experience (There is a sign that says "Climb at your own risk."). Coba is about 40 minutes from Tulum. Once you get there, you pay 50 pesos for parking and another 64 pesos per person to get into the park. Keep in mind that's cheaper than the other nearby ruins. There are miles and miles of paths that take you through the jungle to see the Mayan ruins. It's quite magical to think that an entire city congregated around these ruins. You walk for more than a mile before you get to the biggest one. It's worth it to climb to the top. There's a rope for the weary. The view from the top is beautiful. Warning: If you can't take the heat like me (I grew up in Russia!), keep in mind it's VERY hot. I literally didn't stop sweating the entire time we were in the park. There are bikes you can rent and be sure to wear sunscreen AND bring your own water (They charge an arm and a leg once inside for something cold). read more

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Way more interesting and fun than the ruins in Tulum, only about an hour away from the city of Tulum. We had a car so we were able to come and go on our own terms. If you have to take a tour - go for it! Also see if you can include the cenotes near by! There are THREE - 3 - THREE underground cenotes a few k away from the ruins. Amazing and cheap. Cenote Multum Ha Cenote Tankach-Ha Cenote Choo-Ha Back to the coba review - Like LOTS of others have said - #1 Wear good shoes, not sandals if you want to climb the pyramid. #2 Fork over the couple of pesos to get the guy to drive you around on the bike. Their super nice and it will save you a LOT of walking. Fair distance between some of the ruins. One of the only places that you can still climb the pyramid in the area. And of course like everything in Mexico, climbing is easy going up, and coming down it gets interesting. Just set on your butt, take it a step at a time and use the rope to help you. Good times read more

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This place is AMAZING! Definitely worth the trip theres alot of walking involved so be prepared with water, but thoses that arent willing to walk so much they have bike rentals and also people that take you thru the area bike taxi. The walk thru the site is beautiful it self and tons of great picture opportunities. Coba is one of the ruins where they still let you climb the pyramid its an amazing view. Alot of things you can learn going and reading about each plaza. read more

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This is a tough review to post. Archeological gem but it's become such a tourist draw the enjoyment is gone. Think Disney-like masses, pushy people being carted around on horn honking bike taxis, and flip flop and dress shoe climbing idiots going to the top of a pyramid. Honestly, it ruined (pun intended) it for me! I did all I could to stay away from the main path but thousands of bikes and self-serving pleasure seekers overrun and terrorize you while trying to slow down and understand the magnificence of this location. The Stella aren't well preserved, access to the more important finds is roped off to keep wild humans at bay, and the ancient roads are there but not a highway for people with ADD. Good news, ropes keep the ignorant masses at bay and rumor has it the climbing of the pyramid ends on January 1, 2018. That's likely because the death toll has to be high, selfie sticks are everywhere and the people wielding them more dangerous than anything if you opted to climb to the top. MANY times I feared a domino of humans tumbling down the pyramid in a modern sacrificial death march. Glad I climbed to the top, wish more unexcavated ruins were in plans for restoration, and truly loved the ball courts. This is an impressive complex with many impressive sights and if slow enough the jungle still talks here. I'd say early morning is the only way to go. Anything else is a cattle call and the peak sun will get you too, especially at the main pyramid. read more

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If you are in the area, looking for some culture, you're gonna get it here. Overall, I think Chichen Itza is the more informative tour and visit. But Coba has the hands on fun on it's side! I visited with an excursion through Alltournative. After a quick historical rundown from our tour guide, we were turned loose. It is a bit of a hike to the main event, the Coba temple, but if the weather is nice and you have the time, the walk is lovely. You can also rent a bike for a time or even pay the pedi cab to take you there and then pay again for them to drive you back to the entrance. Once at the main temple, you can choose to climb to the top and back down. Like I said, hands on. Getting to the top was not a difficult as I expected! It was the getting down part that feels scary. The steps are so worn and slick! But there is no shame in booty-scooting down. Take your time and hang on to the rope. Honestly, if you aren't sure about climbing it, don't feel bad about passing it up. The view is jungle tops, and the top is not large and is crawling with people. You aren't missing much aside from being able to brag about having climbed a Mayan ruin. The hands-on-ness applies to much of the rest of the site. It was a less historical day than and climb around on history kind of day. Really cool, lots of fun, and quite the workout! read more

YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST GO!! First and foremost, if you climbed the Nohoch Mul Pyramid (The tallest in Quintana Roo) you're a BADASS!!! Bravo to you - honestly, I enjoyed my view looking at everyone climb the pyramid and slide down afterward. The view from the top of the pyramid is amazing! Quick tip: It's best to get here early in the morning or in the evening, as its extremely HOT at the Coba Ruins; bringing water, sunblock, bug spray, and a hat is a MUST. On my recent trip to Cancun, I decided to take an all-day tour to visit a lovely cenote, Tulum, and Coba to view the amazing pyramid and had an awesome time. The drive is pretty long but if you purchase a tour, you get to sleep along the way, Its about a 2-hour drive from Cancun. From Coba to Tulum is a 45-minute drive. It was a must for me to visit all (3) three of the archeological sites in the Yucatan - Chichen Itza and Tulum being the others. Coba was my favorite for the reason being that you are able to climb the ruins! Let me just warn you that the pyramid is STEEP! Too steep for me to even imagine walking up! I'm too afraid of heights and just couldn't get my mind to wrap around me walking up those steep steps. but I strongly encourage you to take that walk up to experience the amazing views, Trust me- every drop of sweat you drop going up the ruin would be extremely worth it! My tour guide stated 30 mins to get to the top and back down, it was about right. Some people took a little more than 15 minutes to get to the top because of the steepness of it all. It makes it a more challenging that some steps had loose gravel vs others. So many sure you don't slip is essential. Make sure y'all wear the right shoes, people! I was seeing people in sandals and heels; OMG! The entrance fee is about 70 pesos and they explain how to get to the pyramid; the distance from the entrance to the pyramid is about 3 miles. The tour guides encourage you to rent a bike for 50 pesos, take a bicycle taxi which you share with another person or you can walk through the jungle. I chose to take the bicycle taxi with the lovely Sebastian! Many people seem to prefer the ruins at Coba more than Chichen Itza because you are able to climb the pyramid which is not the case at Chichen Itza which is banned. Overall, I absolutely love Coba and would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Cancun. If you are scared of heights, like I am, this could be a little challenging. You don't have to go all the way up, but I certainly recommend giving it a try! read more

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$40 pesos to park. (~$3 US) $59 pesos per person to enter (~$5 US) $45 pesos for video camera fee (only have to pay if you are using one) Bathrooms - clean. Girl at door handing out TP if needed. Many including myself leaving her a tip $40 pesos per bike for rental (at your discretion) (~$3 US) $120 pesos for pedicab to Nohoc Mul (at your discretion) (~$10 US) $ negotiate price for tour guide at the gate if you would like one. There are several men offering their services. This is a nice site to see. The first time we went (2 years ago) it was not crowded. This time there was a larger crowd due to several tour companies but still not too bad. There are a few temples and pyramids right when you enter. Other ruins at the site are a bit farther away. As of May 2014 you can still climb the largest pyramid Nohoc Mul. The site is spread out and Nohoc Mul is a good walking distance. I would recommend renting either a bike or pedicab. I've done both as I've been here twice. The pedicab was fun because the driver gave us some info about the site and a Mayan vocabulary lesson. The bikes were also fun because we were able to take our time and explore a bit more. The pedicab sticks to the main route to Nohoc Mul while you are free to see other ruins when you bike it yourself. We climbed to the top of Nohoc Mul which was 118 steep steps. At the top is a platform with enough room for several people. There had to be 15-20 up there when we went. There is a rope that you can hold onto while climbing up and down. Really it doesn't take too long as long as you don't let fear paralyze you. I am afraid of heights but I just focused forward facing the pyramid and did not look to the side or down. It made it a lot easier. There is a snack stand at this pyramid offering drinks and small food items. A large water was $20 pesos (~1.50 US). We spent a total of 2 hours exploring the site & climbing the pyramid. If you walk to the pyramid that would easily add an hour - hour and a half to your trip. Really it's totally worth it to rent a bike or pedicab. There are several shops and restaurants nearby both in the parking lot and just outside the parking lot. A neat stop on the way back to Tulum is the honey shop for soaps, lotions, candies, etc made of local honey. Another stop on the way is the Gran Cenote. read more

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We wanted to do good old Chichen Itza but were told visitors were no longer allowed to climb it. We found out Coba was much taller than the other ruin and we could climb it!! We bought a package that included the trip to Coba, zip lining, a cenote trip and dinner with Mayan entertainment. The place is large and although you could walk, our package included biking (you could also do a rickshaw instead for extra money). We biked around visiting several archaeological sites. We were encouraged to run around a temple once for good luck. When we go to the large ruin we climbed 130ish steps. It was gorgeous, high and a little dangerous but you live once. The views are amazing. The trek down is a little more frightening. They do have a rope of you need help. Turns out we needed that good luck from earlier because when we all made it down, the skies let down a huge rain! I would not want to go down during pouring rain. We took a fun and rainy bike ride back to start. read more

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Coba is absolutely incredible. Not too far from Tulum, so we made a fun day trip out of the both in January. Weather was mid70s and sunny that day. Fortunately there is a lot of shade that minimizes heat and sun exposure. When you first arrive, there is easy and cheap parking. We paid just a couple American dollars worth to park for the day. Surrounding parking are restaurants and shops as well as a zip line above. Entrance was easy to locate. They only took pesos in cash form, but there was an ATM available. We easily found the bike rental and 100 pesos for the day for two people. Make life easier and bring pesos with you! They let us choose our own bikes, so take your time making sure you get one that isn't too beat up! The sites were just incredible. It's sad to see how worn they've become over the years, but still a beautiful site. We climbed the large ruin and the view from the top is just breathtaking. We're both pretty active people and took no shame booty scooting our way down! There were a couple girls crying assuming from fear, so I advise if you really can't handle heights, take a deep breath! You won't regret it; hold the rope and don't look down :) We spent a few hours there and really enjoyed taking it all in. The bike trails were peaceful and much cooler than the direct sun when we climbed. Many picture opportunities, but don't forget to put the phone down and just enjoy! We stopped by a restaurant near our parked car before leaving. It's a drive heading back to Cancun, definitely make sure to grab a bite. Prices are surprisingly cheap for how touristy the area is. Definitely recommend read more

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I think this was a cherry on top for my trip!!! I honestly forgot how much it was but it was less than 20 u.s. dollars. Literally its a jungle. As you walk for about 2 mins you will see a bike station because the pyramid is about 1 mile away. Since the park was closing within a matter of minutes we chose to rent the bikes for $7 u.s. dollars. We were in a big group so it was fun as we all raced to the pyramid through the jungle. Hot and humid we around in about 5 minutes, excited to run up the pyramid. We did some exploring at other places an this was the only one where you can actually climb, the others are being preserved. once you are at the top you can see as far as 5 miles out nothing but greenery. its amazing, breathing, beautiful!!!! read more

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I didn't get to go to Chichen Itza but by all accounts and because we got to experience these pyramids of Coba, it looks like I don't have to anymore. Beyond all the cool cenotes, resorts, and food, there's a rich history and culture to Tulum and Playa Del Carmen. One of the best ways to experience it first hand is through archeological sites and ruins. A lot of people flock to the vastly more popular Chichen Itza but I'd venture to say the ruins at Coba are better. If you like crowds, lines, and paying for cable then I think Chichen Itza is where you'll be happy. For us, we wanted to experience without swimming through a mass of people. You can explore here on foot or rent their bikes to tour in style. We walked and even though there was some rain it wasn't all too bad. Along the way to the famed pyramid you'll see various ruins worth taking a quick photo. The pyramid is pretty amazing. For those wary shot the physicality needed to climb the pyramid, it isn't that bad though it looks very steep. There were people of all ages able to trek up the steps. Plus there's a rope in the center to keep you upright. I made the mistake of wearing sandals but it was still manageable. I did have to get on all fours at the very top. But it is worth it to get that view. Just huff and puff a little and bring out your selfie stick to get an unforgettable shot. We saw one tourist couple where the husband stubbornly stayed put on the ground while his wife made the climb. She remarked at the top "boy is he missing out, I'm going to show everyone on Facebook what a big wuss he was!" So you can kinda get a sense of how cool this pyramid is and also witness marital strife up close and personal. Salacious! read more

Climbing those stairs left me super sore for days! But it was good times for sure. I really enjoyed going up, seeing the view and going down while holding onto the rope for dear life (wearing a dress and flip flops made it a bit tricky but hey, mad props to the lady carrying a baby on her back, up and down these stairs!). Respect. Other than that, this place is huge, so you can walk around (or bike) for hours, and check out the various ruins. Good times. read more

Since you can no longer climb the beautiful pyramids of Chichen Itza, this is your 2nd best choice. Not saying it's bad but man, it would've been awesome to see the inside of Chichen. Anyway, you get to climb the highest pyramid in the area at Coba. It is a workout to get to and to climb as well so wear comfortable shoes. Why would dumb tourists wear heels and summer dresses, like really, why? There are a lot of mosquitoes so wear repellent and wear sunscreen too. Once on top of the tallest pyramid, the sight is beautiful. Seat on the steps and enjoy the infinity of the jungle in the horizon. Truly, breathtaking. I can't believe places like this only charge about $5 for their entrance, beats me. Another of the pyramids had buzzards atop extending their wings like saying this is my area, can't go past this point. You can rent a bike or someone to drive you to the different ruin areas. Don't be lazy. Walk! Hiking is fun. read more

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This is a great place to see Mayan ruins (duh). What I mean is, Coba has a good mix of excavated ruins and still covered. It give you an idea of Maya life and what the jungle can quickly take away. I really recommend renting a bike in the park (they are inexpensive to the park) or have giude peddle you around. I personally liked the self guided tour because I controlled the time I was at each site without worrying about the guides time. Climb to the top of the pyramid. The view is worth it if you can see past the empty jungle and appreciate the vastness. read more

Zona Arqueológica de Cobá - Ball Court - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Cobá, ROO

Currently the least crowded of the accessible ruins from Cancun. Coba is only partially excavated in many areas. Limestone roads of ancient origin lead to three major groupings of structures. There are two very large pyramids here, one of which is the largest in the entire region and is currently still available climb. It will eventually close to climbing to prevent damage. This is a special place that one should visit before about 2021-22. With the growth happening in Tulum it will eventually become too crowded here and will become like Chichen Itza... ruined ruins. Get here while you can and enjoy this special place. The bike rentals allow you to get around the ruins in about two hours. By foot it's 3-4 hours. There are bicycle taxis scattered around the ruins, so you can also mix walking and taxi. read more

Zona Arqueológica de Cobá - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Cobá, ROO

Very nice and small. You come here to climb a pyramid! You won't believe how they built it and the way up and down. The main event is about 1.3 miles (2 km) from first two structures. The first pyramid is pretty awesome site on its own and is part of a small plaza like area. You can climb on plaza and see codex stones. The ball court is cool but smaller if you have been to Chitzen Itza. The best part is bike rental or a Mayan taxi ride. The Mayan taxi ride is $12 round trip to big pyramid, takes minutes not half hour to walk, saves your legs for pyramid. The guy will wait for you! They will fill in other items about the place. The breeze on ride is worth every penny. Once up the pyramid, you can see for miles. If you go to side of temple, you are treated to a cool breeze and view of how a jungle can hide one of these things. The back is still covered in vegetation. Take you selfie and catch your breathe. read more

Zona Arqueológica de Cobá - This is way down. It's a lot easier than getting here. This is where a $12 Mayan taxi ride is best money spent on vacation . - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Cobá, ROO

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Cobá is the archeological site of a large ruined city of the Pre-Columbian Maya civilization, located in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. It is located about 90 kilometres (56 mi) east of the Mayan site of Chichen Itza, 44 km (27 mi) northwest of the Tulum archeological site, with which it is connected by a modern road. The modern village of Coba reported a population of 1,278 persons in the 2010 Mexican federal census. When I was a kid, I read the Hardy Boys: Mystery of the Aztec Warrior. I decided it would be really cool to see some ruins in Mexico and climb a real pyramid. I was right -it is cool. Mystical ruins in the jungle of Mexico. I made it, yay, and I was happy to bring my son who probably hasn't heard of the Hardy Boys since they never made a funny You Tube video. Coba is pretty spread out, but you can hire a driver to cart you around, which is recommended. In many ways Coba is better than Chichen Itza because not many tour buses come here. No pesky sellers or crowds to bother you. If you want to buy a souvenir, there are low key gift stores at the entrance. AND you can climb the big pyramid!!! They have a cool handball court - if you lose you might get executed. We expected to see a modern city, but the place is ruined. haha It's amazing to me that most of the ruins are still buried in the jungle. I hear the Mexicans plan to unearth the rest of the ruins manana (just a joke!) read more

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The perfect place for a ride threw the rain forest. Excellent views, beautiful Mayan structures, and vivid wild life sightings

We were told that the Coba ruins were much more interesting than the Maya ruins and were worth the 45 minute cab ride from our hotel. When you arrive, the guides and ticket vendors will try to sell you on tour guide services and bike rentals, and while I'm sure a narration of the history would be interesting, you don't need to purchase either to have a good time walking through this area and seeing the old ball courts, stone artwork, and pyramids. You can climb the 135 steps to the top of one pyramid. I didn't because it looked crazy steep (note the rope they provide to help people crawl down), but my friends did and said the view was awesome. read more

Zona Arqueológica de Cobá - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Cobá, ROO

Cobá ruins were absolutely the highlight of our trip to the Yucatán Penninsula! The plentiful ruins are dotted throughout a beautiful jungle with wide, meandering gravel and limestone pathways. Lots of shade! You can rent bikes at the entrance, which I highly recommend -- it was inexpensive and made the miles easy. We did not hire a guide, nor a pedicab, but both are available at the entrance. Aside from the main pyramid, park was relatively uncrowded which was a WONDERFUL antidote to the tourist-drenched Cancun (and surrounding areas). Unlike Chichen Itza, you can freely climb & explore much of the ruins here, including the tallest - Ixmoja - which is the highest in he Yucatán Penninsula. The view from the top is spectacular! Outside of the ruins are clean bathrooms, shops, taqueria, and a small hotel. Highly recommended! NOTE: The only downside of this trip was the stray dogs - which are plentiful and hungry. This is typical of rural Mexico, but seems even more pronounced here. Word to the wise: Keep a close watch on your young children! read more

Zona Arqueológica de Cobá - One of the many beautiful ruins throughout the site that were empty of people. Peaceful! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Cobá, ROO

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