Situated within the state of Quintana Roo and the Riviera Maya lays a large network of stone causeways in the ancient Mayan city of Coba. The Mayan Ruins of Coba are one of the most interesting and memorable Mayan cities in the world.
Also known as the city of white roads, the ruins of Coba are located just a short trip away from Playa del Carmen and Cancun and offer incredible day trips for all types of travelers. Are you ready to find out more about one of the greatest Mayan cities of all time?
The History of the Coba Ruins
Coba was known to be first inhabited in 100 AD and, at its peak, had a population of more than 50,000 people. Its unique remote location secluded itself from the world, and it still plays a role in the tourism industry today.
It is common to think that Chichen Itza or the ruins of Tulum were the most powerful cities in the region, but actually, the ruins of Coba were believed to be the most powerful. Incredible right? The city was known for its great farming, trading routes, and vital water sources.
Unfortunately, the ancient Mayan world was forever changed after Coba was abandoned when the Spanish conquered the peninsula around 1550. Due to its fantastic preservation, the Coba Ruins have many structures still standing and cenotes that offer a break from the sun after touring the sites.
Fun Facts about Coba
Despite its importance for farming, water, and trade, there are so many other things about Coba that make these ruins astounding. Across the ruins, there are:
- Many stone-carved monuments called stelae
- There are two preserved ball courts that were used of playing a traditional Mayan game called ōllamaliztli
- There are over 50 discovered “White Roads” on-site called Sacbes
- The largest pyramid at Coba, named Ixmoja, is 138 feet tall (42 meters)
Make sure to remember some of these facts to improve your knowledge of the ruins before your trip and even to impress your guide!
Climbing the Pyramid
If you have visited other Mayan Ruins such as Chichen Itza, there is a strict rule of no climbing the pyramids and ruins. That is one of the reasons that makes Coba so unique; you can climb the largest pyramid Ixmoja.
Though the pyramid is only 120 steps to the stop, it is a lot steeper than it looks! But don’t worry. Your trained guide will help you climb the pyramid, and the journey is going to be worth it. Once at the top it will seem like you are on the world overlooking the lush jungle of the Riviera Maya. Are you ready to climb the pyramid and overlook the great Mayan city of Coba?
A Day in the Ruins of Coba
It’s time for you to travel back in time and witness firsthand what it was like to live in the Mayan Civilization. These incredible ruins embody the technological advancements of the world before computers and electronics. So after booking a tour with our tour agency, Seek & Go, and a night of enjoying incredible performances at one of Sandos Hotels in the region, your adventure starts in the morning.
After meeting your guide in the morning, you will take a short drive across the Peninsula in an air-conditioned transportation vehicle with music and snacks. After a relaxing trip, you will arrive at the incredible Mayan City. Just make sure to pack some biodegradable sunscreen and some comfortable shoes!
After arrival, your guide will take you around the ruins, explaining to you what was taking place in certain buildings like religious temples, houses, markets, and so on. Your guide holds a lot of knowledge about the area so if you have any questions about the ruins, feel free to ask.
Alongside being able to climb the great pyramid, here are a few other things that you can do when visiting Coba:
Swimming In Cenotes
Cenotes are crystal clear fresh bodies of water that are now used for refreshing breaks from the hot sun, but they were also used for celebrations, ceremonies, and rituals in the era of the Mayans. Luckily, within minutes of the Coba Ruins, there are 3 unique cenotes that are ideal for cooling off.
- Cenote Choo-Ha is an underground cenote that boasts many stalagmites that hang from the ceiling.
- Cenote Tamcach-Ha is located in an underground cavern that provides tranquility and fun. With two platforms that you can jump from, make a splash during your trip to Coba!
- Cenote MuCenote Multun-Ha
- ltun-Ha is a semi-open cenote tucked away in the jungle. Here you can snorkel, gaze upon the beautiful fish that swim underneath.
The Ancient Ballgame
Ōllamaliztli, an ancient ballgame played by the Mayans, consisted of a traditional ball court and two teams trying to put a ball through stone rings only using their hips. During the Mayan civilization, the captain of the winning team was sometimes sacrificed to the gods.
A seeming mixture of basketball and soccer, tourists can see two teams playing for entertainment during their trip to the ruins. Make sure to ask your tour guide when you can see this incredible game.
The Best Tour Agency in the Riviera Maya
If you want to go and see the ruins of Coba, you are going to want the best tour agency in the Riviera Maya to take you on your journey. Seek & Go is a tour agency where you can book an endless amount of tours, including one to Coba, and the best thing? You can book directly with Sandos.
Do you want to travel back home and tell your friends you visited Coba, one of the greatest Mayan cities in Mexico? Then make sure to check out Coba tours with Seek & Go and book your next tour and excursion.
Accommodations
Before and After a day tour in Coba, you will need a place to lay your head, enjoy all-inclusive amenities, and participate in exciting activities. Situated close to the Coba ruins lay 3 all-inclusive Sandos Resorts:
- Sandos Cancun– Located in the heart of the Cancun Hotel Zone, focus on your well-being through the WellFit Experience. Indulge in infinity pools, a luxurious spa, a detailed activities program, and so much more.
- Sandos Playacar– Looking for a true beach getaway? Sandos Playacar is your place. Located on an endless white-sand beach, this is an incredible resort for families.
- Sandos Caracol- Tucked away in the lush jungle, Sandos Caracol offers an unforgettable nature retreat. Embracing Mayan culture throughout the resort, if you want a unique all-inclusive vacation, Sandos Caracol is your go-to resort.
Get ready for your next incredible experience at the Coba ruins with Sandos Hotels & Resorts!
