Cobá is one of the most fascinating Mayan archaeological sites on the Yucatán Peninsula. Unlike the famous Chichén Itzá or coastal Tulum, here you’ll be walking through dense tropical jungle, which gives the whole place a completely different atmosphere.

For centuries, the city was one of the most important centres of Mayan civilisation and, at the height of its prosperity, probably had a population of up to 50,000.

Dozens of temples, pyramids and stone causeways known as sacbé, which connected Cobá with other Mayan cities, have survived to this day.

Thanks to its location, less than an hour’s drive from Tulum, Cobá is one of the most popular day trips on the Riviera Maya.

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What to see in Cobá

The main attraction is Nohoch Mul, a 42-metre-high pyramid which is one of the tallest in the whole of Yucatán.

The archaeological site is considerably more extensive than, for example, Tulum. The individual groups of buildings are separated by forest paths hundreds of metres long, so a visit retains a pleasantly peaceful atmosphere.

As well as the main pyramid, don’t miss:

• several smaller temple complexes
• well-preserved Mayan ball courts
• stone stelae with relief carvings
• ancient sacbé roads, some of which stretched for more than 100 kilometres

How long does a visit take?

Allow approximately 2 to 3 hours for the tour.

If you want to walk around the whole site at a leisurely pace or take photos without rushing, it’s best to allow three hours.

On the other hand, if you’re in a hurry, you can manage the visit in as little as 1 hour.

On foot, by bike or by rickshaw?

Cobá is much larger than most archaeological sites in Mexico.

Once inside, you can choose between three options:

• a walking tour (you’ll walk about 4.5 km)
• bicycle hire
• a cycle rickshaw with a driver

For most visitors, the most enjoyable option is to hire a bike. You’ll save time and energy, and you can stop wherever you like.

Admission and opening hours

The archaeological site is open daily.

Opening hours are usually from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm, with last admission approximately one hour before closing time.

Admission for foreign tourists costs a total of 330 mxn.

The fee is payable in two parts: 210 mxn one part covers the ticket to the archaeological site and the other 120 mxn is a compulsory fee payable to the local community.

From December 2025, climbing the Nohoch Mul pyramid will once again be permitted. Climbs take place from 8.00 am to 3.30 pm in groups of no more than 15 people, and you may stay at the summit for a maximum of 15 minutes.

How do you get to Cobá?

Cobá is located approximately:

• 45 km from Tulum
• 60 km from Valladolid
• 110 km from Playa del Carmen

The most convenient way to travel is by hire car, as this makes it easy to combine your visit with trips to the surrounding cenotes or other stops.

There are also ADO buses and shared ‘colectivo’ minibuses running to Cobá from Tulum.

• 👉 How public transport works on the Riviera Maya
• 🚗 Compare car hire prices – Tulum Airport (TQO)
• 🚗 Compare car hire prices – Cancún Airport (CUN)

Practical tips

• Arrive as soon as possible after opening. There tend to be fewer visitors and lower temperatures in the morning
• Take plenty of water with you. Much of the tour takes place through open jungle
• Don’t forget your mosquito repellent
• If you’re travelling by car, you can combine your trip with a visit to one of the nearby cenotes

Is it worth visiting Cobá or Tulum?

Both archaeological sites offer a completely different experience.

Tulum attracts visitors with its unique location on the cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea and is one of the most photographed places in Mexico.

Cobá, on the other hand, offers a much more authentic atmosphere in the middle of the jungle, a larger site and significantly fewer people.

If you only have time for one Mayan site and want some iconic photos, choose Tulum.

If you’re more drawn to history and a quieter setting, Cobá is the better choice.

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Riviera Maya.