Coba

Cobá is an archaeological site in Mexico based on the pre-Columbian Mayan culture; it is located in southwestern Mexico, more specifically, in the territory known as the state of Quintana Roo, about 90 kilometers east of Chichén Itzá and about 40 kilometers northwest of Tulum.

Coba Archaeological Zone

Likewise, this zone developed very close to five lagoons that were a crucial tool for the development and subsistence of this civilization. This city of ruins was communicated by long roads where stone was predominant, known in Mayan language as sacbé (white road), of changeable length and width.

During the last few years the importance of this tourist site has come to light; some archaeologists assure that, as time goes by, these ruins will prove to be one of the most extensive and demanded in the Yucatan peninsula. Cobá has more than five thousand points with possible clues that remain submerged in the jungle.

What does Coba mean?

It is believed that the name of this zone comes from some hieroglyphic images found in stelae and panels; the same ones that allow to prove that Coba was the proper name of the city. One of the probable meanings and the most acceptable, given its proximity to the lagoons, is that of “choppy water”.

How to get to Coba from Playa del Carmen?

To go to this tourist area, the bus is one of the means that travelers and locals prioritize. From the ADO terminal in Playa del Carmen you can take a bus to Coba, for which it is essential to make an intermediate stop in Tulum.

On the other hand, there are the colectivos, in these it is necessary to separate the trip into two routes; one that consists of the stop from Playa del Carmen to Tulum and the other that goes from Tulum to the archaeological zone.

How to get to Coba from Tulum?

If your departure is from Tulum, the ADO line guarantees a variety of bus services to and from Tulum to this tourist site. Schedules and costs can be looked up directly on the ADO website.

Likewise, the colectivo method leaves from the Tulum municipal palace to the archaeological area, but its availability depends on the transition of tourists. On the way back it is essential to be attentive to the passage of a colectivo, since they only stop at the entrance.

Activities you can do in Cobá

If you are wondering what to do in Coba and you still can’t find the solution, don’t despair, here we offer you the best activities; Coba Quintana Roo is an area that transmits a sensation of expedition, an area where you definitely can’t leave your imagination for granted. In addition, you will be able to guess how those small mountains composed of earth, flowers, plants and possibly ruins were like.

Visiting the archaeological site

The area of the archaeological site is large enough that the visit requires a certain amount of time; this ensures that you will recognize this valuable cultural heritage for yourself.

Tour of the highest pyramid in Yucatán

The Nohoch Mul pyramid has an elevation of 42 meters and is part of the highest temple in Yucatan; a point that you can only visit in this archaeological site, appreciating its sacred stairways.

This tour will undoubtedly be a mixture of vertigo and fascination. After climbing to the top, you will be able to admire the beautiful aerial view of the green expanse, an experience without limits.

Exploring the oldest network of stone roadways

If you are looking to delve into the Mayan world, do not hesitate to go through this network of stone roads; it is one of the oldest areas of this civilization, they are called sacbé or white roads. A fundamental tourist site to delve into the origins of American history.

Mayan stone stelae

Another activity to expand your knowledge is to visit the Mayan stone stelae, this tour can not miss on your list; it gives travelers a clear view of the hieroglyphs marked on rocks, messages that were intended to last until eternity. These images are only seen when touring the mysterious constructions of this archaeological site.

Journey to the jungle of ruins

With a trip to the jungle of ruins, not only will you enter the pre-Columbian past, but you will also have a great time with attractions that combine nature and physical activity.

Hiking

This archaeological zone is the most suitable for hiking, with guided tours, according to the ecological conditions of the area you choose and the services you desire.

Cycling

In Quinta Roo, the excursion to this archaeological site can be done on foot or by bicycle for those who prefer it; it is ideal if you are looking to practice some sport, clear your mind of worries and learn about the Mayan civilization.

Approximate costs

Entrance fees range from $80 to $100 Mexican pesos; which is equivalent to about 4 dollars. In addition, admission to Coba can even be free for Mexicans on weekends, specifically on Sundays.

Conclusion

Coba has to be one of those places to visit in the Riviera Maya and you can’t leave it out of your travel itinerary, so visit and enjoy Coba. Want to know what other places you can visit? Enter this post or this post.