Coba Pyramid Ruins — Attraction in Quintana Roo

Visiting the Coba Pyramid in Quintana Roo, Mexico, was an unforgettable experience! This majestic, ancient structure is not only a stunning historical site but also an opportunity to connect with the past in a way that most other ruins don’t allow. Coba, once a major Mayan city, has one of the tallest pyramids in the region, Nohoch Mul, standing at 42 meters (138 feet). It’s a remarkable feat of engineering, and standing at the top, you can’t help but marvel at the ingenuity of the ancient Maya civilization.

The history of Coba dates back to the 1st century AD, and the pyramid itself was an important ceremonial and astronomical center. What makes this pyramid so special, especially when compared to others like the one at Chichen Itza, is that it’s one of the few remaining pyramids you can still climb. It’s a rare privilege, and the climb is definitely a unique experience.

That being said, be prepared for a challenging ascent! The steps are very steep, and there are no safety rails, so you’ll need to be cautious as you make your way to the top. It’s a strenuous climb, and your legs will burn—seriously, if you’re not in shape, you’ll feel it! But the reward at the top is absolutely worth it: the panoramic views of the surrounding jungle are breathtaking, and it gives you a real sense of the scale of the Mayan world.

It’s important to note that the climb can be dangerous. There have been reports of accidents due to the steepness and lack of safety measures, so take your time, wear appropriate footwear, and stay aware of your surroundings. It's all part of the adventure, but safety should always be your priority.

If you’re comparing it to Chichen Itza, the differences are striking. While Chichen Itza may be more iconic, Coba offers a much more intimate experience with the ruins. You can get up close to the pyramid, and because it’s less crowded, the experience feels more personal and connected to the past.

Overall, I highly recommend a visit to the Coba Pyramid if you’re in the area. It’s a fantastic workout, an educational experience, and a chance to witness history firsthand. Don’t forget to bring water and a camera—trust me, you’ll want to capture the incredible views from the top! Also, don't forget to buy some gifts from the...

My family visited in June 2024 (less busy season). We arrived at 11:00am. And it was after a rain. The day was cloudy with a breeze and short stints of drizzle.

It made for a good time to be there as there is quite a bit of walking (which we like). Even with the rain, the majority of the paths were in good shape. Yes, there were some slippery areas. Wet or dry, wear exercise/trail shoes or hiking boots/shoes.

We were some of the first visitors of the day. It didn't start getting busy until 1:00pm.

We completed the experience in about 2.5 hours and captured several pictures.

Well worth the trip from Tulum to get there (45-60 minute drive).

What to expect 100 pesos per person for parking 95 pesos per person to enter can rent bikes or bike taxi within can rent a guide 1 to 3 kilometers between ruins

I recommend walking and enjoying the scenes. Doing so will help you get deeper context of the entire space and you will see some of the "layers" or walls that appear to have created separate areas. Riding a bike, you miss these details.

We did not get a guide and I don't think we missed anything as a result. We were able to view and experience at...

What a spectacular experience!!! You drive in pay the parking, and pay for the tour guide. I highly highly recommend you get the tour guide at the front. You get so much breath of information and history that it makes the entire experience to the next level.

As you walk around and experience the ruins, around mid way you get asked if you want to rent a bike or the tricycle.

We got the tricycle and wondered if we should've gotten the bicycle. GET THE TRICYCLE. Your experience now turns into a scene in k-drama where you get to relax and enjoy the view and they'll stop around multiple times for you to enjoy the view! It was quite affordable too! Be sure to tip the drive 200 pesos for working so hard and tip the tour guide around that amount as well.

Tallest ruin in the area, fantastic lore and history, and what a great experience : ) highly recommend! Many locals say this is better than Chichen Itza. I did both and I thoroughly enjoyed...