The small town of Cobá lies deep in the jungle of Yucatán, on the shores of Lago Cobá and Lago Macanxoc, less than a 45-minute drive from Tulum. Still, it remains much less visited than the busy coastal areas, and that’s a shame. Cobá is the perfect base for exploring the impressive Maya temples, cenotes, and lakes that surround it. You’ll also find here one of the most beautiful boutique hotels in Yucatán, perfect for slowing down and unwinding. Curious? In this article, I’ll share the best things to do and see in and around Cobá Mexico and why this destination should be on your Yucatán itinerary.
In Cobá, surrounded by jungle, cenotes, and ancient ruins, you’ll experience the quiet, local rhythm of life in Yucatán in Mexico. From the town center, you can easily walk to the ruins, lakes, and viewpoints. You can also rent a bike and explore the surrounding cenotes at your own pace. In this travel guide, I’ll share my tips for visiting Cobá, Mexico, including the best things to do and see.
One of the main highlights and famous things to do in Cobá are the ruins of the ancient Maya city, once among the most powerful in the region. The Cobá site spans 80 km², though only a small part has been excavated, a fascinating thought as you wander through the ruins, where nature has slowly taken over the structures.
In Cobá, you can admire the Nohoch Mul pyramid, also known as El Castillo, which towers 42 meters high, the second-tallest pyramid in Yucatán (after Chichén Itzá). You’ll also find a ball court, observatory, various stelae, and traces of murals. The city’s former importance as a trade and transport hub is evident in the unique network of white limestone roads, known as sacbé, which once connected Cobá to other Maya cities, some stretching over 100 km long.
The site can be explored on foot, but the distances between the several archaeological areas, such as Nohoch Mul and the other temples, are quite large. If you’d rather not walk the entire way, you can rent a bicycle or hop on a bike taxi for a few pesos. In the latter case, you’ll also get interesting explanations from your bike driver, making sure the site comes even more to life.
Tips: Cobá receives far fewer visitors than Maya sites like Tulum and Chichén Itzá. Still, it’s a good idea to visit the temples as early as possible. That way, you’ll likely share the site with only a handful of people and can fully soak in the magical atmosphere. Curious about more Maya ruins in Mexico? In the next guide, I’ll share more about Mexico’s archaeological sites and ancient temples.
Around Cobá, you’ll find three cenotes: Tamcach-Ha, Multum-Ha, and Choo-Ha. They’re just a few minutes’ drive from the town and the perfect place to cool off after visiting the Coba archaeological site. Tamcach-Ha is a deep, cave-like cenote with two small jumping platforms. Multum-Ha is underground, with crystal-clear water and stalactites. Choo-Ha is shallower, with beautiful blue water and a magical, fairy-tale-like atmosphere. These cenotes are on the smaller side but less visited, so there’s a good chance you’ll have them almost to yourself.
One of the enjoyable things to do in Cobá, Mexico, is searching for crocodiles. Cobá is surrounded by two lakes, Lago Cobá and Lago Macanxoc, both known for their crocodile populations. At Lago Cobá, there’s even a dedicated crocodile viewing platform. But simply walking along the lake’s shores can already be enough. During my stay at Hotel Coqui Coqui, which I’ll discuss later, I managed to photograph several of them.
If you enjoy a bit of activity, one of the best things to do is to rent a bike in Cobá. Not only is the archaeological site of Cobá easily navigable by bicycle. The trails are with wide, well-maintained mostly shaded by trees. But the surrounding cenotes, such as Tamcach-Ha, Multum-Ha, and Choo-Ha, are also accessible by bike. Cycling around the lakes Macanxoc and Cobá offers a peaceful way to spot crocodiles. Biking provides the ultimate freedom to explore the jungle environment and small Maya villages around Cobá at your own pace.
This hotel is a reason on itself to visit Coba in Mexico. Coqui Coqui Papholchac Coba Residence & Spa is a stylish hotel located on the shores of Lake Cobá, within walking distance of the Maya ruins. The complex consists of two symmetrical limestone towers connected by a wooden bridge, housing seven suites, including the King Palapa Suites with thatched roofs and private terraces. The decor reflects a 1920s safari style, utilizing natural materials.
In the restaurant, you can enjoy delicious vegetarian dishes, and the pool offers a refreshing escape. Additionally, the hotel features the renowned Coqui Coqui perfumery, offering scents and design items inspired by Yucatán and French Polynesia. Coqui Coqui was founded by Nicolás Malleville and Francesca Bonato and is a perfumery hotel concept that you can find in several locations across Yucatán, such as Izamal, Mérida, and Valladolid. You won’t regret your stay.
Interested in staying at Coqui Coqui? Check the latest prices and availability here
Punta Laguna is a nature reserve located approximately 20 minutes from Cobá, Mexico, known for its population of spider monkeys, howler monkeys, and beautiful natural surroundings. The area around Coba offers activities and things to do such as hiking, monkey spotting, kayaking, ziplining, and rappelling into a cenote. Punta Laguna is managed by the local Maya community, the Najil Tucha cooperative, including 30 families, ensuring that all tours are guided by locals who share insights into their traditions and relationship with nature. Your visit will directly benefit the community. You can book your tour here.
Cobá is approximately a one-hour drive from Tulum, Mexico. You can reach it by public transportation; the ADO bus takes about 50 minutes to get to Cobá . Alternatively, you might opt for this day tour to explore Cobá. Some tours also combine visits to the ruins of Tulum, Cobá, and a cenote. Check out this tour or another one here.
From Playa del Carmen, Cobá is about a 1.5-hour drive by car or ADO bus ride. You can also choose to book this tour for example that includes both the Cobá ruins and those of Tulum.
Cobá is a 45-minute drive or ADO bus ride from Valladolid, Mexico
Personally, I find renting a car the best way to drive around to Coba and around Yucatan in Mexico and visit its many things to do and see. You can easily search for and book a car via rentalcars.
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Are you interested in the world? Do you want to learn more about a country and its culture? Let me take you on a journey with Passport the World.
As a travel reporter, producer and tour guide, I have been traveling around the world for the last 20 years, looking for the most scenic places and stories that are worth sharing. In Passport the World, I am guiding you along scenic and cultural places, cities, art, viewpoints, hiking trails and unique experiences. To help you get the most out of your travels or to just get to know a country and culture better!
Are you interested in the world? Do you want to learn more about a country and its culture? Let me take you on a journey with Passport the World.
As a travel reporter, producer and tour guide, I have been traveling around the world for the last 20 years, looking for the most scenic places and stories that are worth sharing. In Passport the World, I am guiding you along scenic and cultural places, cities, art, viewpoints, hiking trails and unique experiences. To help you get the most out of your travels or to just get to know a country and culture better!
