Guide To Coba Archaeological Park

About Coba

Although this is one of the largest cities from the Mayan age, the majority of it is still lies largely unexcavated, and like other Mayan history - questions and mystery still surround this area.

Coba was thought to be an important trade centre between Chichen Itza and the Caribbean / modern-day Guatemala in ancient times.

From deep inside the dense jungle, towering pyramids and archaeological structures poke out through the trees and undergrowth.

An extensive network of ancient roads, named "sacbeob" are another big mystery of this area. The longest runs for about 45 miles, and connects Coba to Yaxuna, another Mayan settlement. This extensive network of roads all have Coba as their hub.

Even the architecture of Coba is a mystery - it is unlike that of Chichen Itza, and more like that of a different settlement, which lies several hundred miles away.

If you're looking for an archaeological site which holds big mysteries, and is more remote and less excavated and commercialised than the more popular and frequently visited major sites, Coba is worth a visit. It will only take you around 3-4 hours to see everything here; which is just as well because the heat is sweltering - see Practical Information, below.

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Key Attractions

The site is a maze of ancient roads and walkways. Some lead through the main areas of the site - others shoot off the side and into the jungle. It's not difficult to lose your bearings in here, so keep an eye on where you're going at all times!

Grupo Coba is a big pyramid, and you'll see this as you enter the site. Climbing to the top will give you excellent local views.

Nohoc Mul is the Great Pyramid of Coba. It measures over 130 feet in height, making it the tallest Mayan pyramid in Mexico's southeastern peninsula. Climb to the top to get a panoramic view of the site, with its structures sticking out from the jungle below. If you're going to climb this pyramid, be sure you're wearing good shoes fit for the purpose.

Guidebooks

For further details about the attractions at this archaeological site, consult one of the mainstream Guidebooks, available via the Mexperience Bookshelf, or consult the local tourist office (see Practical Information below).

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Getting There & Around

By Air - Cancun and Merida are the closest airports to Coba.

By Car - From Cancun, take Highway 180 South, turn right at Tulum, which will lead you into the village and archaeological site of Coba. Also see additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico's Toll Roads on Mexperience.

By Bus - Several buses make the journey from Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen to Coba daily.

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Practical Information

Opening Days & Times: Open 7 Days a week, 8 am to 5 pm.  Admission used to be free for everybody on Sundays, but this rule was changed in February 2003; now only Mexican citizens and foreign residents (with proof of residency) can enter free. All children under 13 and those over 60 can still enter free of charge.

Photography & Video: A permit is required if you want to use a tripod to take photographs at the archaeological site. A small fee is made for the use of hand-held video equipment. Read the section on Mexperience Travel Essentials about Video & Photography at archaeological sites in Mexico.

Ideal Clothing & Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes with a non-slip sole. You'll need to walk about 3-4 miles around the site to see the all of the main attractions. Take good climbing shoes if you want to climb the pyramids, especially the Great Pyramid. The weather here is extremely hot and humid, so dress accordingly. Take plenty of water with you. You will also need insect repellent to fend off the mosquitoes. Bring a hat, sun cream and sunglasses.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical cover and/or travel assistance cover when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Tourist Information Office: Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for details of the nearest Tourist Information office in nearby Cancun.

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Nearby Places & Attractions

Major Cities: Mexico City (closest)

Colonial Cities: Merida, Campeche, Villahermosa, Oaxaca

Nearest Beaches/ Resorts: Cancun, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen

Other Archaeological Sites: Chichen Itza, Tulum, Uxmal

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Local Climate

Coba is in the jungle and his extremely hot and humid. Dress in light clothes, and good walking / climbing shoes. Keep in mind that the local mosquito community is quite active here, so bring along a good insect repellent with you when visiting the area. If you can, visit the site in the morning before noon, or after 3 pm - times during the day when the sun is less fierce. Take with you and drink plenty of water.

Live Weather Report: (Valladolid)

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