The archaeological site is located on the territory of the ancient city of Coba, lost in the jungle, the heart of the once flourishing and disappeared Mayan empire. Coba, the oldest city of the Mayan civilization in Mexico, is a group of monuments connected by labyrinths of paths and ancient Mayan roads in the jungle called "sakbe". In total, there are more than 40 sakbe, and they were built for religious purposes. The longest of these is 100 km, the longest road in the Mayan world. The construction of an extensive Sakbe network is still a mystery, because the Mayan civilization did not have wheeled vehicles and horses.
The city of Coba still possesses the aura of an ancient Mayan city, which it has finally lost. During the development of the Mayan civilization, Coba was one of the largest cities on the Yucatan Peninsula. During its heyday, the city had up to 50,000 inhabitants. Numerous white roads "sak be", various playgrounds for ball games, high pyramids of Koba - all this testifies to the great importance of the city.
The city of Coba played an important role in the development of the Mayan civilization. In its current form, Coba creates a unique sense of antiquity.
The city of Coba is impressive in its size, during its heyday it occupied an area of \u200b\u200bapproximately 50 square meters. km and was not only an important political and commercial center on the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, but also a place of great religious importance.
The ancient city of Koba is located next to lakes, which is quite unusual, because of the limestone structure of the land, there are almost no lakes in Yucatan. All the water goes underground, forming bizarre cave and cenote systems. Small crocodiles live in the waters of the lake, and if you're lucky, you can see them. For the same reason, swimming is prohibited, but you can relax and dine in one of the small restaurants overlooking the lake.
Traveling around Kobe is possible by bike or double rickshaw.
In the city of Coba, you will surely remember: labyrinths of paths in the jungle, desert monuments and the opportunity to climb the pyramids and observe the surrounding jungle alone. The absence of a large influx of tourists, a large number of amazing monuments of ancient civilization and nature "unspoiled" by man are the main advantages of the city of Koba.
The presence of a guide is a prerequisite for visiting Koba, it is more correct to order an individual excursion.
The Koba monuments are divided into three main groups: Grupo Coba, Grupo Nohuch Mul and Grupo las Pinturas.
Grupo Coba (Grupo Koba)
After walking 100 meters along the main road from the entrance, you reach Templo de la Iglesia, the second largest pyramid in Kobe. The pyramid is closed for climbing.
Among other monuments of the group, the ball field attracts attention. There are stone rings on the walls, into which Mayan athletes threw the ball with their hips. Although the field for ball games in the city of Koba is much smaller than in the city of Koba, from time to time games ended as well: human sacrifice. Most researchers believe that it was the team captain who sacrificed to the gods. – the winner for whom it was the highest award.
Between the ball field and the Nohuch Mul pyramid, there is a monument called Xaibe. The name of this semicircular pyramid means “Crossroads” as it is located at the intersection of four sak-be roads.
the city of Coba (Coba) in Mexico, excursion to Coba to the pyramid of Coba
Grupo Nohuch Mul
Nohoch Mul is a 15-minute walk from Grupo Coba (Grupo Koba). Nohoch Mul means “Big Mound”, but is better known as “Great Pyramid”. Nohoch mul – the second tallest Mayan pyramid in the Yucatan Peninsula, higher than El Castillo at Chichen Itza and the Pyramid of the Magician at Uxmal.
Climbing to the top of the Great Pyramid of Koba – Nohuch Mul is the most popular tourist activity. 120 narrow and steep steps lead up to the top. Considering the height of the pyramid (42 m), as well as the absence of any fences or railings at the top and on the sides, it is a little scary to climb, but from the top, mesmerizing landscapes of a continuous sea of \u200b\u200bgreen jungle open up. You can sit on ancient stones, think about the eternal, and then about the earthly - about the descent. Although going upstairs is physically difficult, going down, oddly enough, is much more difficult. The steps are narrow, steep and rather slippery. The feeling during the descent, as if you are descending from the edge of a high cliff, is a careless movement, and you can fly head over heels down. Many descend in a fearful but reliable way: they sit on the top step and slowly crawl on all fours, holding on to the rope.
Grupo Las Pinturas
The main attraction of this group is the Conjunto Las Pintura pyramid. Translated from Spanish, the word "pintura" means "paint". Once upon a time, the monument was completely covered with colored frescoes.
Coba Mexico: useful information
- The city of Coba (Mexico) is open 7 days a week, from 8 am to 5 pm;
- We recommend that you do not walk around Kobe, it is better to order a bicycle – rickshaw (tricycle with a driver). This will greatly save time and effort for the main thing. – visiting the pyramid. You can rent bicycles, but they are quite old, because they stand in the open air, we do not recommend it;
- Be sure to wear comfortable, non-slip sports shoes. The steps on the main pyramid of Koba are narrow with uneven edges, and it is especially difficult to descend;
- There are a lot of roads and walking paths in Koba. Some lead to the main pyramids of the city, others are lost in the jungle. It is very easy to lose orientation, it is better to come to Koba with a guide;
- Coba is located in the middle of the Yucatan jungle, a region with a very hot and humid climate and mosquitoes, don't forget to take a mosquito repellent.
Ancient city of Coba
Coba is the ruins of a mysterious city of an ancient civilization, Western scientists refer to the Mayan civilization. It is located 90 km east of the city of Chichen Itza and 40 km northeast of the Mayan city of Tulum. Another convenient landmark is that the city is located near two lakes - Koba and Makanhok.
Coba is the oldest city of the Mayan civilization in Mexico. It consists of 5 groups of monuments and structures, connected by labyrinths of paths, and ancient Mayan roads in the jungle, called "sac bae". In total, there are more than 40 sakbe, and they were built for religious purposes. The longest of them is 100 km long - the longest Mayan road in the world. The construction of an extensive Sakbe network is still a mystery, because the Mayan civilization did not have wheeled vehicles and horses.
Coba is also impressive in its size, during its heyday it occupied an area of \u200b\u200bapproximately 50 square kilometers and was not only an important political and commercial center on the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, but also a place of great religious significance.
During the development of the Mayan civilization, Coba was one of the largest cities on the Yucatan Peninsula. During its heyday, the city had up to 50,000 inhabitants. Numerous white roads "sak be", various playgrounds for ball games, high Koba pyramids - all this testifies to the great importance of the city.
The city of Coba played an important role in the development of the Mayan civilization. In its current form, Coba creates a unique sense of antiquity.
After walking 100 meters along the main road from the entrance, you reach Nohoch Mul, the second largest pyramid in Kobe. The pyramid is closed for climbing. Among the group's other monuments, the ball game attracts attention. Between the ball game field and the Nohoch Mukl pyramid, there is a monument called Khaibe. The name of this semicircular pyramid means “Crossroads” as it is located at the intersection of four sak-be roads. The Nohoch Mul group is a 15-minute walk from Grupo Coba. Nokhoch-Mul in translation means “Big mound”, but it is better known as “Great pyramid”. Nohoch Mul is the second tallest Mayan pyramid in the Yucatan Peninsula, higher than El Castillo at Chichen Itza and the Pyramid of the Magician at Uxmal.
Climbing to the top of the Great Pyramid of Koba - Nohuch Mul - is the most popular activity for tourists. 120 narrow and steep steps lead up to the top. Once upon a time, the monument was completely covered with colored frescoes.
There are many roads and walking paths in Kobe. Some lead to the main pyramids of the city, others are lost in the jungle. It is very easy to get disoriented, so guides are needed.
Coba is the ruins of an ancient Mexican city that belonged to the Mayan civilization. One of the main advantages of Koba is the absence of an influx of tourists, which makes it possible to take a break from the bustle of the city and enjoy from the heart the ancient civilization, because its spirit is present in our time.
Koba tourists are happy to hike along narrow tropical paths in order to see the ancient pyramids or other monuments, most of which have not been restored.
The city of Coba found its place among the lakes, which is quite unusual for Mayan settlements. The lake is home to merciless crocodiles, as evidenced by the inscription, which forbids swimming here.
All the ancient monuments of Koba are connected by narrow paths, which are known as sakbe, of which there are no less than 40. It is here that the longest road among the Mayan roads is located, which is as much as 100 km. Sakbe even in our time misleads scientists how and for what purpose they were erected. Most experts are of the opinion that the Sakbe pursued religious goals.
All the historical heritage of Koba is divided into three groups, which are known as Grupo Koba, Grupo Nooch Mul, Grupo las Pinturas.
The main attraction of Grupo Koba is presented in the form of a 20-meter high pyramid La Iglesia, the top of which is currently prohibited by the administration. The field for sports ball games, which is fenced with stone walls around the perimeter, has an interesting look. Scientists believe that ball games ended with the sacrifice of the winners. There is also a version that human life was paid for losing the game.
In fifteen minutes from this place you can get to Nooch Mul, which in translation sounds like "Big Kurgan". The height of this pyramid is 42 meters. Climbing to its top is the most fashionable activity among active vacationers in the area. 120 steps lead up to its top. It should be noted that climbing to the top is not easy, because the steps are narrow, and the pyramid is steep, but reaching the very top, a magnificent panorama opens up, which is made up of Mayan ruins, lush green jungle, as well as the sea distance.
The main attraction of Grupo las Pinturas is the Conjunto Las Pintura pyramid. This ancient monument was covered in bright red paint in the past, as evidenced by its remains.
There is a small settlement near Koba, whose inhabitants lead a lifestyle very similar to their ancestors. It will be interesting to look at their small huts with thatched roof, as well as to observe the living conditions and the main rituals.
Tourists in Kobe can use bicycles that are available for rent. Here you can hire a guide who will be happy to accompany you throughout the tourist route and tell you a lot of new and interesting things. Travelers should take into account the fact that they will have to walk a lot, so it is necessary to wear comfortable shoes. It is very easy to go astray among the narrow paths of the jungle, so stay alert to avoid getting lost. The historical complex of Koba is open all week seven days a week from 8 to 17-00.
The ruins of Coba cannot be compared with the grandeur and perfection of the Chichen Itza archaeological complex. But the greatness of the Chichen Itza monuments is unlikely to erase the memories of visiting Koba: trails in the jungle, desert monuments, the opportunity to climb the pyramids and observe the surrounding jungle alone. The lack of a large influx of tourists is the main advantage of this place. Coba still possesses the aura of the ancient Mayan city, lost by Chichen Itza.
It is unlikely that the ruins of Koba will amaze with the sophistication of their architecture. There are no grandiose pyramids that amaze tourists in Chichen Itza or Uxmal. Despite all this, Koba is well worth a visit. This is one of the oldest and largest cities in the Yucatan, which played an important role in the formation of the Mayan civilization. In its current form, it creates a unique sense of antiquity. The overwhelming majority of the monuments have not been restored, which is why they look like real ruins. Groups of monuments are located in the middle of the jungle, connected by roads and paths. Tourists have to walk or pedal a lot along these paths, visiting one pyramid after another.
The ancient city of Koba is located next to lakes, which is quite unusual. But the unusual thing is not that the Mayans did not want to build their cities near the lakes, but that the Yucatan Peninsula has almost no lakes, and those that do exist are often swampy. Crocodiles are found in the waters of the lake, which is reminded by the warning inscription prohibiting swimming.
Koba consists of several groups of monuments connected by labyrinths of paths and ancient roads called "sakbe". There are more than 40 sakbe here. The longest of these is 100 km, the longest road in the Mayan world.
The construction of an extensive Sakbe network still remains a mystery and bewilderment. After all, the Mayan civilization did not have wheeled vehicles, the Indians had never even seen horses in their eyes. Apparently they were built for religious purposes.
At the height of their empire's power from the 3rd to the 10th century, the Maya ruled a vast territory from central Mexico to Honduras and El Salvador. The Spanish conquerors killed the priests, burned books, thus destroying most of the information about the history and culture of the Maya. Only ruins surrounded by legends remained. Many of Cob's secrets remain to be explored, hidden beneath the dense jungle. Only a small part of them have been cleared of forests and restored by archaeologists. Wandering around these ruins, it is hard to believe that more than 50,000 people lived in this jungle-covered area more than 1,300 years ago.
The Koba monuments are divided into three main groups: Grupo Coba, Grupo Nohuch Mul and Grupo las Pinturas.
Grupo Koba
After walking 100 meters along the main road from the entrance and turning right, you will reach La Iglesia (Church), the most famous pyramid of Grupo Coba, and the second highest in the complex. Unfortunately, climbing this huge pyramid with a height of 20 meters is currently prohibited.
Among other monuments of the group, the ball field attracts attention. The site consists of two stone walls and a field between them. There are stone rings on the walls, into which the Mayan athletes are believed to have thrown balls. Although their field of ball play is much smaller than in Chichen Itza, occasionally games ended with the same result: human sacrifice. Researchers disagree about whether the winners were sacrificed as an honor to go on a date with the gods, or whether the cost of losing is human life.
Grupo Nooch Mul
Nohoch Mul is a 15-minute walk from Grupo Koba. Nooch Mul in translation means "Big mound". Also known as "Great Pyramid", you see, it sounds much better than "Big Mound". At 42 m high, Nooch Mul is the second tallest Mayan pyramid in the Yucatan Peninsula, higher than El Castillo at Chichen Itza and the Pyramid of the Magician at Uxmal.
Climbing to the top of the Great Pyramid is the most popular tourist activity. 120 narrow and steep steps lead up to the top. Considering the height of the pyramid (42 m), as well as the absence of any fences or railings at the top and on the sides, it is a little scary to climb, but from the top, mesmerizing landscapes of a continuous sea of \u200b\u200bgreen jungle and protruding Mayan monuments open up.
Although going upstairs is physically difficult, going down, oddly enough, is much more difficult. The steps are narrow, steep and rather slippery. The feeling during the descent, as if you are descending from the edge of a high cliff, is a careless movement, and you can fly head over heels down. The fact that such a danger exists is warned by the inscriptions on the posters below. Many descend in a fearful but reliable way: they sit on the top step and slowly go down one step. It looks stupid, but when you visit the top, you will understand what it is. Wear comfortable shoes and hold on to the rope.
Between the ball court and the Nooch Mul pyramid there is a monument called Xaibe. The name of this semicircular pyramid means "Crossroads" as it is located at the intersection of four sakbe roads.
Grupo las Pinturas
The main attraction of this group is the Conjunto Las Pintura pyramid. Translated from Spanish, the word "pintura" means "paint", "paint". Once upon a time, the monument was completely covered with colored frescoes. The thatched roof protects the remnants of the original red paint on top.
Don't miss the Cho Ha Cenote, a short drive from the Koba Ruins. The depth of this underground cenote is over 20 meters. The cenote is fed by a clean underground river. 79 steps of a wooden spiral staircase lead to the very bottom of the cave, decorated with stalactites and stalagmites hundreds of years old. Usually, tourists are brought here for swimming.
Coba: useful information
Tourists have the option to rent a bike or use the services of a triciclo (tricycle with a driver) to save time and energy on visiting the pyramids. Local guides will tell and show everything on foot or by bike.
Please note that you will have to walk a lot in Koba, even if you rent a bike. Bicycles are not allowed near the ruins, so you will have to walk anyway. At a free pace in 3-4 hours you will walk 5-6 km on foot and visit the main groups of monuments. The area is flat, so it's not difficult to walk here.
There are a lot of roads and walking paths in Koba. Some lead to the main pyramids of the complex, others are lost in the jungle. It is very easy to get disoriented, so watch and remember where you are going.
The complex is open 7 days a week, from 8 am to 5 pm.
The ruins of Coba are located in the middle of the Yucatan jungle, a region with a very hot and humid climate. There are a lot of mosquitoes here, so take care of the mosquito repellent. Bring water, a hat and comfortable shoes with you.
Coba is located about 90 km east of Chichen Itza and about 44 km northwest of Tulum, with which it is connected by a modern road. Every morning ADO buses run to Coba from Cancun (3 hours), Playa del Carmen (2 hours) and Tulum. Buses stop outside El Bocadillo restaurant near the entrance to the complex, and return bus tickets can also be purchased here.
Coba videos
Known primarily for the archaeological site of the same name and the adjacent beach, one of the most picturesque on the Riviera Maya. From the Mayan language, the name "tulum" is translated as "wall" - apparently due to the fact that the city was surrounded on three sides by a wall seven meters thick.
Tulum is one of the few ancient Mayan cities that was not abandoned by its inhabitants until the arrival of the Spaniards. To this day, 13 buildings have survived in Tulum, but, in my opinion, the most impressive are not they as such, but their location - the main pyramid stands right above the sea, and under it is a beautiful little beach.
All together: ancient ruins, the colorful Caribbean Sea, the morning sun, the absence of tourists due to the early hour, lush nature and iguanas basking on the stones suggested that something like this paradise looks like ...
Parking in Tulum costs 70 pesos, a ticket to the archaeological area - 57 pesos. After examining the ruins, I highly recommend relaxing on the gorgeous beach located to the right of the archaeological zone (if you stand facing the sea) about 15 minutes on foot. This beach is just a delight: white sand, the purest and calm azure sea like a mirror, and almost no people.
True, due to the fact that it is very wide, it is too far to stomp to the nearest shade from the water, but in the morning it was not a problem for me.
Mexico, ancient Mayan cities: Coba
After Tulum, I drove to Coba, another ancient Mayan city in the Yucatan. It took about an hour to get there, parking in Kobe costs 40 pesos, a ticket to the archaeological area - 57 pesos. Opening hours: from 8 to 17, but the last visitors are allowed in before 5 pm, so there is no point in arriving at 5 o'clock.
Representative of the local fauna :
Scheme of the Koba Archaeological Park:
I highly recommend renting a bike at the entrance (35 pesos) or agreeing with a bicycle taxi - the territory of the archaeological zone is quite extensive and the ruins are far from each other. Without transport, you will not so much tire of climbing the pyramids as walking from one to the other.
Taking a bicycle, I traveled around the entire Koba area in an hour and a half, climbed the main pyramid (I counted 115 steps), took pictures and drove on to Chichen Itza.
Life hack: how I save on hotels and insurance
In addition to traditional and well-known tools such as Booking or Hotellook, new online services have recently appeared that greatly facilitate the traveler's life and pleasantly protect the thickness of his wallet. One of them - Roomguru - I constantly use it myself and recommend it to all my friends and acquaintances. This service compares prices for an object in 30 booking systems at once, and offers you the most interesting options. Plus, it keeps track of discounts and deals.
As for good working travel insurance, it was not easy to find it before, but now it has become even more difficult due to the constant jumps in the ruble exchange rate against world currencies. For the past few years, I have been arranging insurance for my travels through an online service - here you can compare the products of different insurers and choose what is best for you:
Wish you vivid impressions of the ancient Mayan cities!
Your Roman Mironenko
