Sandos Caracol Hotel Mexico: unique stay in the jungle
March 30, 2020
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Cobá is a magnificent ancient Mayan complex in the middle of the jungle of Mexico. It is located between the cities of Tulum and Valladolid in Quintana Roo. Unlike many other Mayan temples in Mexico (such as Chichén Itzá and Tulum), the temples at Cobá are among the few you are still allowed to climb. This therefore makes it all the more fun to visit the Mayan ruins of Cobá!
The Mayan ruins and temples in Cobá
Cobá has a special location on two large lakes: Lake Coba and Lake Macanxoc. The complex is still largely unexcavated and many of the structures are covered by jungle sprawl. Most of the ancient structures at Cobá were made in the period from 500 to 900 AD, with most dated hieroglyphic inscriptions from the 7th century. New temples were also built in subsequent periods, which were maintained (with repairs) until at least the 14th century.
Not everything in the Cobá complex has yet been discovered. Some archaeologists are convinced that Cobá must be one of the largest Mayan excavations on the Yucatán Peninsula. Consequently, they believe that more than 5,000 excavations have not yet been found! The mysterious park is therefore impressive to walk through.
Climbing the Nohoch Mul
The highlight (literally!) of the Cobá ruins is the pyramid of Nohoch Mul. At 42 meters high, the Nohoch Mul is among the tallest Mayan pyramids in the region. The Nohoch Mul is a pyramid in Cobá that you absolutely want to climb. Its 120 steps are mostly crumbling, making the climb quite a challenge. However, there is a rope hanging in the middle of the steps, which can help you climb (and descend). Once you reach the top, you will enjoy an impressive view of the ruins and the endless jungle.
Sacred Ball Game
In many places in Cobá you can find stone hoops made into the structures. These hoops are part of the ball field, something you can find almost in every Mayan ruin. The ball field; consisting of a narrow I-formation field, with stands and two stone iron rings, was used for the Sacred Ball Games. The hoops were the goal of the ancient game: throw a ball (weighing 4 pounds!) through the ring and you are the winner.
Scoring a point was incredibly difficult because the Maya were not allowed to use their hands. Instead, they mainly used their hips to move the ball forward. Often the game lasted hours and sometimes days. Consequently, it was not uncommon for participants to die during the games. Some historians believe the sport is as much as 3,000 years old.
How can you reach the Mayan ruins and temples of Cobá?
Cobá is located on the road between Tulum and Valladolid. Cobá is easiest to reach by rental car or if you join an organized tour to the ruins of Cobá. It is also possible to travel to Cobá by bus. From Tulum, it is about an hour's drive by public ADO.
Travel to Cobá with a rental car
Mexico has a modern road network and hire a car is reliable if you arrange it through a good car rental company. Through Sunny Cars, you can rent a car if you rent a car in Tulum or Playa del Carmen, for example.
Keep in mind that you have to pay tolls on some roads in the region. There are several roads in Mexico: highways (supercarreteras), four-lane roads (cuotas) and toll-free two-lane roads (libres). The roads are generally well-maintained, but you will sometimes encounter road gels that are less passable.
Join an organized tour
Prices for organized tours range from about €50 to as much as €200. On the more expensive tours, you often visit more sights in the area. You do not only visit the ruins of Cobá, but also a cenote. Also, the entrance fees are included in the price for the tour. Would you like to have only private transportation and explore the ruins on your own? Then you will soon pay about €50 for a cab (van).
On the site GetYourGuide you can find many different tours from different providers and in various price categories.
Taking public transportation to Cobá
The cheapest way to reach Cobá is by public transportation. Public transportation in the region is well regulated and is carried out mainly by ADO buses and colectivos. ADO buses are the large public buses and colectivos are small buses used as urban public transportation that also run a fixed route. A bus ticket from Tulum to Cobá costs around €5 for a one-way ticket. To plan your route and buy a bus ticket, go to Busbud.
Cost to visit the Mayan temples of Cobá
To visit the ruins of Cobá, you pay 75 pesos. This is equivalent to €3.50 per ticket. This ticket allows you to stay in the park until 5 p.m. Would you like to visit the park during sunset? Then you pay 225 pesos (€10,-). You can then visit the ruins and climb the Nohoch Mul from 5 pm to 7 pm. We had day tickets, but would definitely recommend the evening tickets. Not only do you have stunning views of the park during sunset as you climb the Nohoch Mul, it's also a lot quieter at the sites. During the day there are many organized tours to Cobá, which unfortunately makes it very crowded.
To see everything in the park, you have to walk several kilometers. The walk is doable, but it is also great fun to rent bicycles. At the entrance you can rent bikes for 50 pesos (€1.90) or rent a bicycle cab for 100 pesos (€3.80). The cost for parking a rental car is 50 pesos (€1.90).
Combine Cobá with a visit to a nearby cenote
Three famous cenotes near the ruins of Cobá are the cenotes Tamcach-Ha, Choo-Ha and Multum-Ha. A visit to Cobá can easily be combined with (one of) the cenotes. Especially after a hot, clammy day at the ruins, it is a relief to be able to take a dip in the natural pools of water.
Staying near the archaeological site of Cobá
Want to spend the night in an authentic Mayan village? Then you can spend the night in Cobá of the same name. In the immediate vicinity of the ruins you can find some fine accommodations and nice, typical Mexican restaurants. Recommended restaurants are El Cocodrilo and Pischán Restaurant. These restaurants also combine well with a visit to the ruins and cenotes during a day trip.
A very nice hotel in Cobá is Aldea Coba An Escape Boutique Experience. This luxury hotel is located in the middle of the jungle, two minutes from the ruins of Cobá. Prices start at €84 per night. Is this out of your budget? Then Hotel Mayahau also highly recommended (€37 per night). If you want more of the hustle and bustle, we recommend staying in the cozy Tulum to stay. This is about an hour's drive from the ruins of Cobá.
Explore the nearby Sian Ka'an nature reserve
In Quintana Roo, on the Yucatán peninsula, in addition to the Cobá ruins, you will find the UNESCO nature reserve Sian Ka'an. Do you have several days to explore the region? Then a visit to the impressive natural park is definitely recommended. Take a dip in the clear blue waters, discover the green landscapes and meet dolphins, turtles and colorful, singing birds.
Also read: The most beautiful places in the Sian Ka'an nature reserve
The mangroves, coral reefs, archaeological sites and wildlife you can spot here make Sian Ka'an a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful natural parks in the world.
Naomi van Hagen
Curious, creative and passionate about travel, I’m always on the lookout for unique destinations where culture, gastronomy and adventure come together. As a travel blogger, I share personal stories and insider tips from countries like Brazil, Greece, Indonesia, Thailand and Peru, from hidden gems and rich traditions to unforgettable culinary experiences. My blogs are based on real travel experiences and in-depth local knowledge. Ready to plan your own adventure? As a personal travel consultant, I’ll help you create a tailor-made trip that perfectly suits your travel dreams.
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