Only one hour away from Tulum is the archaeological site of Coba.
There are many Maya lost cities in Mexico and each one is different.
Coba is no exception. It is a relatively large site, settled among a lush jungle. What makes Coba a little bit more special, is that it is the only archaeological site in Mexico where you can still climb up to the main pyramid.
Only for this, Coba is worth visiting. The climb up can be a little intimidating especially for the ones with a low tolerance of heights (like me).
Well, I did it! Very proud of myself for that. Twice. Both times I visited Coba (at a distance of 6 years apart one visit from the next), I managed to climb all the way to the top.
The trick is, do not look behind you or down otherwise it is over. Once you are at the top, the view is priceless. It will make your effort totally worth it, plus you will have a great feeling of accomplishment. You will be on top of the world… well, at least on top of the jungle.
Savour the view. Breath in the clean air. Free your mind from your thoughts and get ready for the climb down.
On the way down it is a totally different story. I did the whole descent with my bum! Yes and I am not ashamed of saying so.
You can visit the whole site in about a couple hours. The site can be explored by walking around or alternative can rent bicycles or hire a private tricycle taxi. The choice is yours.
Dom and I decided to walk around. You can encounter many little (and not so little) creatures along the way.
Special Tips
– Bring water
– Bring mosquito repellent
– Bring a hat
– Bring extra cash
If you are an independent traveler and do not wish to book one of the many touristy tours, you can easily go by yourself (like Dom and I did).
How to get there
From Tulum: catch the ADO bus from the bus terminal in town. There is only one bus to get there in the morning at approximately 10 am and there is one bus to come back at approximately 3 pm.
Journey time is approximately 1 hour each way.
From Playa Del Carmen: catch the ADO bus from the bus terminal in town. There is only one bus to get there in the morning at approximately 9 am (it is the same bus that will stop in Tulum) and there is one bus to come back at approximately 3 pm.
Journey time is approximately 2 hours each way.
You can check ADO bus timetable here on the ADO website
The bus will leave you at the ADO stop in the village. From the village is approximately a 10 minutes walk to get to the archaeological site. The walk is pleasant, you will walk by a lagoon where sometimes you can spot crocodiles.
To take the bus back, you need to go back to the bus stop in the village.
Entrance fee to the archaeological site approximately 65 pesos per person (not including guide). Guides are available for an extra fee.
If you drive, there is a paying car park – cost approximately 65 pesos.
