How to Visit the Coba Mayan Ruins

Tucked in the thick forests 45 minutes from Tulum, the Coba Mayan ruins are one of the few ruins where you can still feel like an early explorer discovering a relatively unexplored ancient site.

Located a short 45-minute drive inland from Tulum is an impressive and yet surprisingly unknown Mayan ruins: the Coba Mayan ruins. Tucked within the thick rainforest, this site receives far fewer tourists than Chichen Itza and has pyramids that have yet to be completely restored. Coba is also home to Nohoch Mul, the tallest pyramid in the entire state of Quintana Roo.

Only partially complete in its excavation, Coba remains a rugged structure that peaks above the emerald trees to reveal the true remoteness of its setting. Scientists believe that more than 90 percent of the Mayan ruins in the Yucatan remain hidden. It’s no longer allowed to climb the pyramids here, but the site is still worth visiting.

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Coba Mayan Ruins Facts

First settled around 100 BC, Coba was far more than a mere collection of pyramids and religious buildings. At its peak (600-800 AD), Coba was a bustling Mayan city-state, home to over 50,000 inhabitants, potentially even twice that number.

This powerful metropolis controlled much of the north-eastern Yucatán Peninsula, sprawling over 50 square kilometers with more than 6,000 structures. Like its contemporaries Chichen Itza and Mayapan, Coba was a significant cultural and political hub.

However, in the mid-800s AD, Coba’s power waned after losing a prolonged war with Chichen Itza, leading to its near abandonment. However, it experienced a brief resurgence in the 12th century. But by the time Spanish conquistadors arrived, Coba was once again deserted, its grandeur left to be reclaimed by the jungle.

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Best Time to Visit Coba Mayan Ruins

Overall, the best time to visit Tulum is during the dry season between December and April, when there is virtually no rain. It’s also the coolest time of the year in Tulum when temperatures average around 21 to 25°C (70 to 77°F). This is a great time to visit if you’re not used to the heat.

However, to truly immerse yourself in the splendor of the ruins, timing is everything. The site opens from 8 am to 5 pm. To avoid the sweltering midday heat, aim to arrive right before the gates open. 

Unlike Chichen Itza or the Tulum ruins, Coba Mayan ruins never gets too crowded due to its remote location within the jungle. On both times that we visited, we pretty much had the whole archaeological site to ourselves. 

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How to Get to Tulum

To get to the Coba ruins, you’ll first need to get to Tulum. If you’re staying in Cancun or Playa del Carmen, you’ll have to drive to Tulum and from there to Coba.

By Air

The new Tulum airport is now open, along with the Mayan Train. Currently only Aeromexico and Viva Aerobus fly there from other parts of Mexico; but in 2025 several international airlines will start running their services from the US to Tulum.

Cancun airport is the second closest airport to Tulum and it’s only a 1.5-hour hour drive away (or 73 miles/ 118 km away). Flying into Cancun from the US is really affordable. You can fly from New York to Cancun for as little as $300 return (4.5-hour flight). Flights from Los Angeles to Cancun are slightly more expensive around US$350 return (4.5-hour flight).

Flying from Europe to Mexico is also affordable, especially from London and Madrid. We took a direct, one-way flight from Madrid to Cancun on Iberojet for just $350. You can get really cheap deals off season.

Book Flights to Tulum

By Rental Car

If you want to explore Tulum and the nearby cenotes and ruins, it’s best to rent a car. Having a car allows you to explore freely at your own pace and do several day trips from Tulum.

Driving in Tulum is convenient and it’s relatively affordable; the average price ranges from 600-800 MXN (US$30-40) per day, including insurance and taxes. I always use DiscoverCars.com for car rentals worldwide, as they’ve consistently given me the cheaper rates and best services.

Search for car rentals in Tulum!

By Shuttle

Tulum is just a 1.5-hour drive from Cancun airport; read our guide on how to get from Cancun Airport to Tulum. I recommend booking a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportations. They are reliable, responsive, and provide door-to-door service. If you’re traveling with family or a group of friends, you can easily split the cost: US$110 one-way.

Shared shuttle services to Tulum are a good option for solo travelers who don’t want to spend a lot yet seek a convenient service. You can pre-book your ride in a shared shuttle vehicle for 740 MXN (US$37) per person one-way. Whenever I travel alone, I always book a seat in a shared shuttle with Cancun Shuttles.

By Bus

Taking a bus is the cheapest option. ADO has regular departures from Cancun Airport to Tulum throughout the day. I’ve traveled in ADO buses many times and can safely say the bus company is top notch. Their buses are clean, safe, and air-conditioned. Book your bus tickets here for 340 MXN (US$17) each way.

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How to Get to Coba Ruins from Tulum

The Coba Mayan ruins are just a straightforward 45-minute drive inland from Tulum. There are a few options to get to Coba ruins from Tulum: driving, taking the bus, or booking a day tour.

By Bus

If you’re not renting a car, you can take the ADO bus from the city to Coba. The first bus out leaves at 7.20 am. The bus takes about an hour to arrive at the ruins. A one-way ticket costs about 50 MXN ($3). Unfortunately, these aren’t listed online which means you have to physically go to the ADO bus station to buy a ticket.

By Colectivo

Colectivos (shared taxis) are a budget-friendly alternative to buses, although with a few trade-offs. Colectivos tend to take longer as they wait until they are full before departing and make frequent stops along the way. To get a colectivo, head to the corner of Calle Osiris Norte and Avenida Tulum (the main highway) and look out for one with the sign ‘Coba’.

By Taxi

If you’re short on patience or time, getting a taxi from Tulum to the Coba Mayan Ruins is your best bet. While it’s a bit pricier than other options, the convenience can make it worth the extra pesos. The official rate is 480 MXN (US$29). If you’re traveling in a group of four, this could still be a good option. It means convenience, comfort, and swiftness for you and your entourage.

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Cost of Visiting Coba Ruins

With an entrance fee of just 120 MXN (US$7), Coba is one of the most affordable Mayan ruins to explore in Mexico. If you arrive by car, you’ll need to pay 50 MXN (US$3) for parking. All archaeological sites in Mexico are free to access for Mexicans and residents on Sundays, so if you can, plan your trip earlier in the week.

As the Coba ruins cover a huge area, we recommend either renting a bicycle to cycle around the archaeological site yourself or hiring a bicitaxi (tricycle) with a driver to bring you around. You’ll find both rental options within the archaeological site itself. The bicycle rental costs 40 MXN ($2) for an hour and the bicitaxi rental costs 120-190 MXN ($5-10) depending on route.

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Coba Mayan Ruins Hours

The ruins are open every day from 8 am to 5 pm, 365 days a year. The last entry is at 3.30 pm. The site staff usually don’t allow any leeway for this time, so plan your journey accordingly.

Always try to visit Mayan ruins in the early morning, as that’s when the temperature is most pleasant and there are least people.

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Coba Ruins Map

Here’s a map where you can see where the Coba ruins are located and how they’re laid out.

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How Much Time to Visit Coba Mayan Ruins?

Seeing the Coba Mayan Ruins can be comfortably completed in about two hours if you rent a bicycle at the entrance (40 MXN or US$2). For those who prefer a more leisurely pace or choose to walk, plan to spend at least 3 hours in the Coba ruins.

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How to Get Around Coba Ruins

On Foot

With the site sprawling over 80 square kilometers, getting around by foot means can be tiring. So, expect to walk about 4-5 kilometers to see every attraction.

The main pyramid is 2km (1.2 miles) from the entrance, which is a considerable distance. But each step offers glimpses into the fascinating history and architecture of the ancient Mayan civilization, making the journey well worth the effort. So, wear comfortable walking shoes and pack some water for this adventure.

By Bike

I highly recommend renting a bike (0 MXN or US$2) at the entrance. It’s a steal of a deal for the freedom it grants you to zip around the sprawling site at your own pace. You’ll also find designated areas near most pyramids where you can safely park your bike and walk.

By Bicitaxi

If you dread the walk and also don’t want to cycle, hiring a bicitaxi is the ideal solution. With room for up to three passengers up front, it’s an ideal choice for those who prefer to sit back and relax, or those with mobility issues. You will pay about 140 MXN for this experience.

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Best Coba Ruins Tours

If you’re the adventurous type who wants to squeeze Tulum ruins into your Tulum itinerary, then a day tour should do the trick. Most tours lead through the secrets of both towns as well as include hotel pickups and drop-offs. Here are the best Coba Ruins Tours from Tulum;

• Rio Secreto Underground River Tour – This 8-hour adventure takes you on an underground adventure through the massive cenote and cave at Rio Secreto. After that you will head to the Tulum Ruins and eventually the Coba Ruins. Your lunch and transport are included. Book the tour!
• Chichen Itza, Cenote Ik Kil and Coba Ruins tour – On this full-day adventure, you will visit the Chichen Itza, swim at Ik Kil, and finally explore the Coba Ruins. The tour organizers will provide breakfast and lunch. Book the tour here!

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Visiting Coba Ruins with Kids

Visiting the Coba Mayan Ruins with kids is a thrilling educational adventure where history comes alive. Your little explorers can see ancient Mayan history up close, learning about the day-to-day lives of the civilization. Coba is an expansive site, so keep a close eye on the kids to ensure they don’t wander off or hurt themselves.

If you’re traveling with babies or toddlers, carrying them in a sling or hiking carrier is strongly recommended for safety. Don’t forget to pack plenty of water, hats, and perhaps an umbrella to shield them from the sun, ensuring a fun and comfortable experience for all.

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Understanding the Structures at Coba Ruins

To explore the Coba ruins properly, I recommend starting your adventure at Nohoch Mul Group and finish at the Coba Group near the entrance.

Nohoch Mul Group 

Climbing the Ixmoja Pyramid used to be allowed, but sadly that changed in 2021. Standing at a towering 42 meters (138 feet) tall, this majestic structure is part of the Nohoch Mul group of buildings and is the largest of the lot.

Xaibé

On your way back from conquering the heights of Nohoch Mul, you’ll encounter Xaibé, a unique gem among Coba’s ruins. This pyramid-like structure, a rare sight in ancient Mayan cities, is at the intersection of four ancient sacbeob.

Hence its name, which means “crossroads” in Mayan. Its distinctive shape suggests it was a lookout tower, perhaps offering strategic views over the nearby intersections below.

Juego de Pelota

Further up the road from Xaibé lies Juego de Pelota, one of the two ball game courts at Coba. This is the larger court of the two. It was used for playing the ancient Mayan ball game Pok-ta-Pok, a ritualistic sport that you can find remnants of at nearly all Mayan sites.

Despite being a sizable court, it still pales in comparison to the one at Chichén Itzá. This size difference suggests that the games played at Coba likely held more of a ceremonial significance rather than being grand public spectacles.

Grupo de las Pinturas

A few steps from Xaibé stands the Grupo de las Pinturas, a fascinating collection of structures and pillars that showcase the artistic prowess of the ancient Maya. The crown jewel here is the Pyramid of the Frescoes. It is renowned for its vivid paintings at the top of the temple.

These frescoes, rich in color and detail, offer a glimpse into the ceremonial life and cosmology of the Maya. This makes your journey not just a physical ride through the jungle, but a captivating voyage back in time.

The Macanxoc Group

Just past the Nohuch Mul plaza, you will find the Macanxoc Group. It is quiet and rarely visited by tour groups. The only drawback here is that you can’t access the site on a bike as they are entirely prohibited.

Named after the lagoon near it, the Macanxoc Group has the largest collection of stelae in Coba. These stone slabs are covered with intricate writings and drawings. While here, you will uncover the stories of royal women believed to have hailed from Tikal, immortalized in the stone reliefs.

Despite centuries of weathering, many of these stelae remain remarkably well-preserved. The crown jewel here is Stela 1, renowned across the Yucatan for its extensive hieroglyphic text. It features 313 glyphs that chronicle dates from A.D. 653 to 672 on its front, back, and sides.

Sacbeob

Coba has several ancient roads built at the same time as the surrounding structures. These roads are known as sacbeob (plural for sacbe) and were made of limestone and gleamed white. Sacbeob means “white road” in the Mayan language.

Now, eroded and covered with dirt and vegetation, it’s hard to imagine them in their pristine state. However, you’ll occasionally spot patches of white limestone peeking out from under the dirt. Coba has at least 45 sacbeob, more than any other Mayan site on the peninsula, connecting various parts of the site.

Some even appear to traverse parts of a lake, while others extend far beyond Coba to distant sites. The longest known sacbe on the peninsula starts here, leading west about 62 miles to the site of Yaxuna.

The Coba Group

Just next to the entrance of the archaeological site, you will find the Coba Group, a cluster of 50 structures. Among these, the formidable La Iglesia (the Church) reigns supreme. Its grandeur is evident even before you step foot into the heart of Coba.

Towering at 74 feet, it is the second tallest pyramid in the entire archaeological site. It has nine tiers, a testament to the enduring craftsmanship of the Late Classic Period. While climbing La Iglesia is prohibited due to erosion, its imposing presence evokes a sense of reverence.

While here, you will also find the second ball court. It is much smaller than the Juego de Pelota but the markers here are more detailed. If you are intrigued by Maya hieroglyphic text, head beyond the ball court where you’ll find a large stela that is encased.

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Things to Do Near the Coba Ruins

Swim at Nearby Cenotes

No visit to Coba would be complete without swimming in the refreshing cenotes nearby. Just a mere 10-minute journey from the ruins lie three exhilarating cenotes:

• Cenote Choo-Ha
• Cenote Tankach-Ha
• Cenote Multum-Ha

All three cenotes are cave cenotes, entirely enclosed caves with a ground-level entrance. The crystalline waters below teem with vibrant fish, while above, the echo of bat wings adds a touch of mystique. Entrance to any of these three wonders will only set you back 100 MXN, a small price to pay for a glimpse into Mayan lore.

See Spider Monkeys at Punta Laguna

After exploring the cenotes, the adventure continues just a 15-minute drive away at Punta Laguna. Punta Laguna is the gateway to the Otoch Ma’ax Yetel Kooh National Protected Area, home to spider monkeys, howler monkeys, and many other types of animals and plants.  Punta Laguna offers an array of ecotourism activities sure to captivate any nature enthusiast and adrenaline junkie.

The highlight here is the spider monkey reserve, where you can take a guided tour to observe these endangered creatures in their natural habitat. For thrill-seekers, Punta Laguna doesn’t disappoint, offering adrenaline-pumping activities like canoeing, rappelling, and zip-lining. To get to Coba, Punta Laguna and explore the cenotes, it’s best to book a day tour if you don’t have your own transport.

Watch Sunset at the Coba Lagoon

Finally, drive back to the main lagoon near the Coba ruins to watch the sunset. It may seem like a simple water body, but at sunset, the lagoon transforms into a breathtaking panorama that captures the essence of Coba’s beauty. The sky’s hues reflect off its tranquil waters, enveloping you in a mystical atmosphere that feels almost otherworldly.

For landscape photography buffs, this is the place to be just before sunset. Please fight the urge to swim here. There are several unconfirmed reports of crocodile sightings in the area.

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Where to Eat at Coba Ruins

Restaurante & Bar Ki Hanal

Dining at Ki Hanal is a delightful way to cap off a day of exploration at the Coba Mayan Ruins. Located just a five-minute walk from the archaeological site, Ki Hanal serves a variety of seafood and meats, explosive la carte dishes, and a buffet. Read reviews here.

Pischán Restaurant

Located only a 2.1 km drive from the ruins of Cobá, Pischán stands out for its fusion of Mayan cuisine and contemporary creations. Here you’ll find a diverse menu that includes traditional dishes, vegan, and gluten-free options. Read reviews here.

Mayan Deli

Right next to Pischán Restaurant, you’ll find Mayan Deli, that specializes in quick and delicious take-out options. Their menu is a delightful mix of hearty and fresh choices, including chicken baguettes, club sandwiches, chilaquiles, and smoothies. Check it out here.

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Where to Stay near Coba Ruins

Most people visit Coba just for the day, but if you’d like to extend your adventure, there are several hotels in town. Also, spending the night in Coba allows you to arrive at the ruins just when they open so as to beat the crowds. This strategy worked exceptionally well for me, as I had the entire place to myself for a while.

Here are the top hotels near Coba Ruins;

Budget: Hotel Itza Coba

Just a stone’s throw from the ancient wonders of Coba, the 3-star Hotel Itza Coba is the ideal spot for budget travelers. This charming hotel has 10 rooms with stunning lake views, providing a tranquil backdrop for your stay. Check the rates here.

Mid-Range: Hotel Jungla y Estrellas

This small property has beautiful palapas and a serene swimming pool surrounded by plenty of seating. Located just a 20-minute walk from the entrance to the Coba ruins, the hotel is an ideal base for your adventures. Check the rates here.

Luxury: Coqui Coqui Papholchac Coba Residence & Spa

Just an 18-minute walk from the Coba Pyramid, this 4-star hotel offers a luxurious escape steeped in history and tranquility. After a day of exploration, unwind in the serene swimming pool or indulge in the resort’s plunge pool and treatment room. The spa at Coqui Coqui is a haven of relaxation, drawing on traditional healing methods and offering an extensive list of holistic treatments. Check the rates here.

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What to Pack for Coba Ruins

The Coba ruins are located in the jungle, and the thick foliage provide plenty of shade. That said, it can get very humid at Coba Ruins, especially in the wet season. I highly recommend bringing at least a couple of water bottles to keep dehydration and heat stroke at bay.

Also, I recommend you wear sturdy, comfortable shoes if you plan to walk across the site. Here is what I packed for my trip to Coba ruins;

• Teva sandals 
• Hiking t-shirt
• Hiking shorts
• Lightweight daypack
• Power bank
• Sunscreen – SFP50+ if possible
• Wide-rimmed hat 
• Sunglasses
• Water bottle (2 liters)
• Camera

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Rules at Coba Mayan Ruins

Coba ruins are timeless monuments to an ancient civilization’s ingenuity and grandeur. Each stone bears the weight of history, telling stories of gods and kings, triumphs and tribulations. To keep these timeless open museums in tip-top shape requires adhering to rules while at the site.

Here are some rules to follow at Coba Ruins;

• Alcohol and food are strictly prohibited.
• It is no longer allowed to climb the pyramids.
• Smoking is not allowed within the park.
• Picking or cutting down any of the vegetation are not allowed within park premises.
• Stay within the designated areas and entering the restricted areas is not allowed.
• Do not litter in the park.
• Do not graffiti, touch, lean or sit on any archaeological monument.

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Final Tips for Visiting Coba Ruins

• Arrive just as gates open at 8 am to avoid the crowds.
• Hire the Bicitaxi if you’re traveling with kids; they’ll usually allow you kids to sit on your lap.
• Take plenty of water with you. If you do buy water from the vendor in the archaeological site, make sure the bottled drinks are sealed before opening them.
• Wear sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes – it gets hot!
• You will need cash for the entrance fees, so make sure to bring some Mexican Pesos with you.
• If you only have a day to spend in Coba, take the day tour to the ruins, cenotes and Punta Laguna. You won’t have to worry about transportation and you’ll get to see the best of what Coba has to offer.

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Enjoy Your Trip to Coba Ruins

Thank you for reading this far. If you have any questions on Coba ruins, please leave them in the comments below and I will be happy to reply to any questions you have.

Read my articles on Tulum and other parts of Mexico below:

• 15 Best Mayan Ruins in Mexico
• My Guide to Tulum Mayan Ruins
• My Guide to Muyil Ruins
• Free Things to Do in Tulum
• My Guide to Ek Balam Ruins
• 20 Day Trips from Tulum
• Best Time to Visit Tulum
• Where to Stay in Tulum
• Monte Alban: My Guide to the Oaxaca Pyramids
• Visiting Teotihuacan: Mexico City Pyramids

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. if you book a stay through one of my links, I get a small commission at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thank you for your support!

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