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Day Trips · Quintana Roo, Cancún

Coba

  • DistanceAbout 170 km southwest of Cancun
  • Travel timeAbout 2 hours each way by car or tour
  • TransportGuided day tour from Cancun or rental car via Highway 307 and the Tulum-Coba road; fares vary by operator and are confirmed at booking
  • DifficultyModerate - long walking distances
  • Rating★ 4.5
  • Best seasonNovember-March; arrive early for cooler weather

Coba was a large Maya city linked by the longest sacbe causeways in the region. Nohoch Mul pyramid rises about 42 m and was once climbable; current access rules should be checked. Paths through the jungle are long, and bicycle or tricycle rentals at the entrance make the site easier to explore. Entry fees increased in 2026, with sources reporting roughly MXN 209-330 (USD 12-19) for foreign adults including a community fee.

Jungle Maya site with Nohoch Mul, one of the tallest pyramids in the Yucatan, and a network of ancient sacbe roads.

Coba was a large Maya city linked by the longest sacbe causeways in the region. Nohoch Mul pyramid rises about 42 m and was once climbable; current access rules should be checked. Paths through the jungle are long, and bicycle or tricycle rentals at the entrance make the site easier to explore.

Entry fees increased in 2026, with sources reporting roughly MXN 209-330 (USD 12-19) for foreign adults including a community fee.

Practical information for Coba · Last updated September 2026
Distance About 170 km southwest of Cancun
Travel time About 2 hours each way by car or tour
Getting there Guided day tour from Cancun or rental car via Highway 307 and the Tulum-Coba road; fares vary by operator and are confirmed at booking
Difficulty Moderate - long walking distances
Address Carretera Coba-Tulum, 77793 Coba, Quintana Roo

How to get there

  • Rental car
  • Guided tour with hotel pickup
  • ADO coach to Tulum then taxi

Suggested itinerary

  1. Arrive at opening, rent a bike at the entrance, ride to Nohoch Mul, visit the lake and ball court, lunch in Coba village, return by afternoon

Location

Carretera Coba-Tulum, 77793 Coba, Quintana Roo

20.4944, -87.7364 View on map

Highlights

  • Nohoch Mul pyramid
  • Sacbe roads
  • Jungle paths
  • Coba lake

Tips for visiting

  • Arrive at opening for cooler temperatures and fewer groups
  • Rent a bicycle or tricycle at the entrance
  • Bring insect repellent and water
  • Confirm whether climbing Nohoch Mul is currently permitted

When to visit

Dry season mornings are best.

Accessibility

Long distances and uneven paths limit accessibility; tricycle taxis help.

Frequently asked questions

Can visitors climb the pyramid?

Climbing rules change; confirm at the entrance.

Is Coba combined with Tulum?

Yes; many tours pair Coba, a cenote and Tulum.