Coba Ruins – A historically rich Mayan city

The Coba Treasures excursion invites you to explore what is one of the most interesting Mayan cities in the Yucatan. Coba is significantly older than the ruins of Tulum, dating from 200 BC-1450 AD. This important trading hub is believed to have supported up to 55,000 people during its peak and contains around 6,500 structures, most of which are still hidden in the wild, overgrown depths of the jungle. Coba is the forgotten ruin in the Yucatan, with roads leading to this destination much later than other more well-known archeological sites in the Yucatan. Today, Coba and the Mayan ruins that surrounds this small Mayan town, are still off the radar for many visitors but one of our favorite places to experience and visit.

The early bird gets the Coba Ruins site to themselves

Our early jump on the day means our group is usually one of the first to arrive to this archeological site. We allow enough time at the Coba ruins site to truly enjoy it – no rush. We are joined by INAH-certified local guides of Coba, all of whom are of Mayan decent and native to the area. Understandably, these guides are quite proud of their heritage, offering you an incomparable insight into Mayan history, tradition, and ways of life as you leisurely stroll through shaded jungle paths.

Throughout your Coba Ruin experience, you will explore and learn about many culturally significant buildings; pyramids, temples, roads, watch towers and ball courts. But your tour is not limited to just the buildings. Exotic birds and butterflies are commonly seen and heard. Guides reference and explain indigenous trees and vegetation that remain important to the Mayas; environmentally, medicinally and spiritually. What makes this Mayan site a jaw dropping experience is seeing the countless unexcavated ruins covered with tropical vegetation. This will leave you intrigued but most of all captured by the size of this ancient Mayan treasure.

For many people, the pinnacle of the Coba Ruin portion of our tour is climbing Nohoch Mul, the tallest Mayan pyramid on the Yucatan Peninsula. This 42 meter/138 feet climb is rewarded by breathtaking views of the jungle and lakes which surround Coba.

Lunch furthers your Yucatan Coba experience

Our lunch is as unique as the Coba Ruins. We take you to a typical family-run Yucatecan restaurant located on the shore of Lake Coba. Part of the Coba experience is a great meal that utilizes ancient recipes passed down from generation to generation. Choose from a number of tasty traditional dishes, Poc Chuc or Pork Pibil being a favorite dish by many, served with homemade corn tortillas. Homemade, hand-made corn tortillas are hard to find so this is a special treat! If you are looking for a great photo opportunity during lunch, keeps your eyes open for the resident crocodile that cruises in Coba Lake.

Going from the Mayan sky to the underworld

If you have never seen a cenote, it’s almost wrong to take you to Cho-Ha. Cho-Ha is so spectacular it seems unfair to the other cenotes. Whether you have seen a cenotes before or not, this natural sinkhole will surely blow you away. Your jaw is bound to drop further and further with each step you take down the sturdy staircase leading to this amazing cavern. Photos cannot do this natural wonder any justice, you just have to see and experience it for yourself! We’ll go for a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters and have leave you time to explore.

Mayan villages on the Coba Road

Heading back to Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya, we stop in one of the Mayan villages located on this inland road. First, we visit the Honey Co-op distribution center where they produce and sell various products make from organic Yucatecan honey. Second, we visit a Mayan family-owned handicraft store that is located in their home. The family is happy to share their experiences of what life is like in the Yucatan countryside. Their kids are adorable, their gardens beautiful, and their ranch of small animals including ‘Pancho the Spider Monkey’ provide great photo opportunities and a good chuckle.