Sure, this archaeological site doesn’t have the stunning beach of Tulum but the harrowing climb up Nohuch Mol delivers a breathtaking view from the top of the Maya world
While my sisters were in town, I wanted to be sure they had the opportunity to visit one of our many archaeological sites that are close to Playa. The Tulum site is a short drive from Playa and an idyllic spot, but it gets really hot and crowded. Chichen Itza is a bucket list location for sure, but it is a longer drive, and I had already dragged them all over the Peninsula. I needed a place that wasn’t too far away, didn´t have the blaring sun of Tulum, and appealed to my sister´s bird obsession.
Nestled in the jungle about an hour and 15 minutes from Playa del Carmen and about 30 minutes from Tulum, Coba is a beautiful site that offers a rich history of the Maya and, unlike Tulum, lots of shade!
The site hosts a number of different buildings that have been excavated, as well as buildings that have not. It has a much more ¨wild¨ feel than Chichen Itza, and you feel a bit like you are discovering these places yourself. The main pyramid, known as Nohuch Mol, is about 130 feet high and yes, you can climb it. It is a very steep climb and is definitely challenging for those who a bit out of shape. It was at the top that I discovered my father’s fear of heights recently manifested itself in my brain as I contemplated the long and incredibly steep climb down. Impeccable timing on my part.
How to Get There:
ADO has a bus that leaves from Playa del Carmen at 9:01 and you arrive in Coba at approximately 11:10. The return bus from Coba leaves at 3:10. The bus does not drop you off at the entrance but just a short walk up the road from the ruins. We recommend buying a round trip ticket.
A rental car is a great option for a day trip to Coba. Having your own transportation allows you to get to the ruins early before the tour buses arrive.
What to Do When you Arrive:
You have the option of hiring a guide to take you through the ruins. Although we chose not to the day we went, I have hired guides at other sites, and it really adds to the experience to hire a guide.
Recommendations:
- Get there early. The site opens at 8:00. If you get there early, you will feel like you have the site to yourself. We arrived around 9:00 and it still felt empty. By the time we left at 12:30, the parking lot was packed, and all the bikes were rented.
- Rent a bicycle and head to Nohuch Mol (the largest pyramid) first. Climb the pyramid early when there aren’t many people there. I climbed it once where it was crowded. It was not enjoyable.
- Bring water. Yes, there is shade but the jungle still gets very hot.
- Wear comfortable shoes. I know, that´s a little obvious but if you’re going to climb the pyramid, be smart about your footwear.
- Hire a guide. Get the most out of the experience. You will learn fascinating facts about the history and culture of the people whose land you are exploring.
