Coba is a massive and largely unexplored Mayan city from the Classic and Post Classic periods. It is set near two lagoons close to a modern Mayan village also called Coba.
Coba located 200km south of Cancun, 130 km from Playa del Carmen and 65km from Tulum.
Coba came under acheological scutiny only recently and lacks some of the facilities for the visitor found at sites like Chichen Itza. It is however a wonderful and inspiring site. Until the 1970's the site was almost untouched as it lay deep in the jungle , far away from any roads. As part of the tourist intitiative that started with the construction of the tourist hub in Cancun city, the Mexican government built a road to Coba and cleared the jungle from a section of the site for visitors. Due to the recency of access, Coba ruins is still under active and intensive investigation. At Coba you are essentially witnessing the leading edge of modern archeology.
Coba is less accessible than Chichen Itza, but because the visitors tend to be more considerate of the archeology, visitors are allowed more direct access to the Mayan ruins. At Coba visitors can still climb the great pyramid of Nohoch Mul, the highest Pyramid in the Quintana Roo. You also have virtually unrestricted access to many other smaller but equally impressive ruins.
At the top of Nohoch Mul you can view a panorama of dense jungle with other pyramids and buildings poking up through the lush green carpet in all directions. As you stand at the top of Nohoch Mul you will have a view similar to that offered to the Mayan Priests over 1500 years ago. Be aware the climb of Nohoch Mul is not a cake walk. There are 124 steps to get to the top. The pyramid rises at a significant angle, so if you have a weak heart or very young children with you the full climb is best avoided. A thick rope down the middle of the pyramid has been provided that can make the climb a little easier.
Admission:
Admission is 57 pesos for adults, free for children under 12. Parking is 12 pesos
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