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.

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Getting There & Around

By Air - Cancun is the closest airport to Coba. For detailed information about flights and flying, see the Mexperience guide to Air Travel in Mexico.

Airport Shuttles: If you're arriving in Mexico by airplane, you can book your airport transfer in advance. Shuttle services are available from all of Mexico's key airports and offer the choice of either a Standard or VIP service level. Standard shuttles will transport up to ten people and their baggage in a modern and comfortable surburban van to/from local hotels; the VIP service provides transportation exclusively for your party, taking you and your belongings directly to/from your local hotel. Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for details and to reserve your Airport Shuttle in Mexico.

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.

Car Rental: To explore the local area around the Yucatan peninsula, consider renting a car locally. Having your own car will give you more flexibility than using public transport options and, in some cases, offer you access to places which are otherwise difficult to visit without the use of a car. Read our guide to Car Rental in Mexico to learn what you need to know about car rental in Mexico and connect to the Mexperience Travel Center to reserve your Rental Car.

By Bus - Several buses make the journey from Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen to Coba daily. For detailed information about bus transportation read the Mexperience guide to Bus Travel in Mexico.

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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.

Local Tours: Mexperience offers access to local tours and activities in the Yucatan region of Mexico. Tours and activities are organized and run by well-established, professional and fully-insured operators. You can search for tours by location or category and make reservations online or by telephone. Buying tours in advance is more convenient and secure, and your spaces on the tour are guranteed. Connect to the Mexperience Travel center to browse and reserve Local Tours 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 insurance and/or travel assistance insurance when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

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Nearby Places & Attractions

Colonial Cities: Merida, Campeche, Villahermosa, Oaxaca

Nearest Beaches and 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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