Why Coba Is So Much More Than Just Another Archaeological Site

Planning a trip to Coba, Mexico? This guide covers everything you need to know before you go — from exploring the ancient Coba ruins and climbing the famous pyramid to discovering hidden gems nearby, practical tips, and the best ways to get there.

Coba is a quiet town surrounded by jungle and lagoons, best known for the impressive Maya archaeological site that shares its name. Most visitors come for the ruins, but there’s much more to see in the area — from scenic walks and local eateries to nearby cenotes and small Mayan villages.

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Where is Coba Located?

So, where exactly is Coba? You’ll find it about an hour inland from Tulum, making it one of the easiest day trips from the Riviera Maya. It’s also reachable from Playa del Carmen and Cancún, though the drive takes a bit longer.

If you’re on a Yucatán road trip, Coba definitely deserves a stop. The village sits beside a peaceful lagoon with a wooden boardwalk where you might even spot crocodiles basking in the sun — just bring a hat and water; it gets hot!

Coba LAgoon aerial view — Coba ruins and aerial view

Along the lagoon’s edge, you’ll find small local restaurants, handicraft shops, and cozy spots to relax before continuing your trip. It’s the perfect place to take a break, enjoy a cold drink, and soak in the peaceful views of Coba Lagoon.

One of my favorite stops is a small shop selling hand-painted t-shirts and tapestries created by local artists. Their designs are inspired by Mayan culture and symbols, and buying one is a wonderful way to support the community while taking home a truly unique souvenir.

Things to Do in Coba, Mexico

Explore the Coba Archaeological Site

Right in the heart of town, next to the lagoon and the ADO bus stop, you’ll find the entrance to the Coba Archaeological Zone—often referred to simply as the Coba ruins.

Entrance fee: 100 pesos (about $4 USD), with group discounts available at the ticket counter.
Opening hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (or until 7:30 PM for 220 pesos per person). Early access from 6:00 AM is also possible with advance booking for groups of at least five.
Guided tours: Certified guides are available at the entrance for around 500 pesos, offering fascinating insights into Mayan history and culture.
What to bring: water, good walking shoes (better if hiking shoes), mosquito repellent (ecological), sunscreen,

For a detailed walkthrough, you can refer to my comprehensive guide to visiting the Coba ruins, where I share additional tips on maximizing your visit.

Swim in the Nearby Coba Cenotes

Few visitors realize that just a few kilometers from the ruins are three stunning cenotes—Cenote Tankach-Ha, Cenote Choo-Ha, and Cenote Multun-Ha. Each offers a unique glimpse into the Mayan underworld, with crystal-clear water inside limestone caves.

They’re about 3 km from the archaeological site, easily reachable by car, taxi, or even a rented bike. Don’t miss them — these are some of the most magical cenotes near Tulum and a refreshing way to end your Coba adventure.

For more details, check out my guide to the Coba cenotes, where I cover directions, opening hours, and what to expect at each one.

What to do and where to stay in Coba - Boundless Roads

Check out the nearby Coba cenotes.

A few people know that in the vicinity of the archaeological site, you can take a plunge in three cenotes. They are all amazing: Cenote Tankach Ha, Cenote ChooHa, and Cenote Multun Ha, located about 3 km away.

They are very easy to reach, and it would be better if you had a car. If not you can either get a taxi o rent a bike.

Those are amazing examples of cave cenotes, the getaway to the underworld for the ancient Maya civilization. I wouldn’t miss them for the world.

Check out my detailed guide to the 3 incredible Coba cenotes, where I explain how to get there and more practical information.

Choo ha coba cenotes — Cenote Choo Ha – Coba

Visit Punta Laguna

This hidden treasure of the Yucatan is definitely a must if you love nature. The expert local guides will take you for a walk in the jungle to look for the spider monkey and if you are lucky, the howling monkeys. You can also check out a cenote and have a boat ride in the lagoon.

Please find out more about Punta Laguna in my detailed post.

How to get to Coba, Mexico

Getting to Cobà by car

I always suggest renting a car and driving around because you have the freedom to visit on your own terms, without the pressure of the tight schedules that groups normally have. I love to drive around a place and find new corners to discover, for as long as I want.

If you are new to driving in Mexico, I have written a useful post with tips and interesting information that might be useful as there are a couple of things you need to know and need to be careful about.

Nowadays with Google Maps or Maps.me, a map that you can use offline as well, it’s really easy to move around without getting lost.

Getting to Coba by bus from Tulum

From the ADO bust terminal, the first bus in the morning is the second-class company Mayab which leaves at 7:20 AM. (The ticket costs MXN 50)

There are later buses as well, but I suggest you get to Coba early. This way, you can visit both the Coba ruins and the Coba cenotes. However, it’s extremely hot later in the morning, and the archeological site would be overcrowded with groups. The ride to Coba village takes about an hour.

The return bus to Tulum leaves Coba at 3 PM (first-class bus ADO), and Mayab leaves at 5 PM.

Very Important to know that you can check the ADO schedule online but the Mayab schedule is not published so you need to ask the ticket office at the bus station. Please always double-check the time I gave you because they might change.

Where to stay in Cobà (with rates)

As I mentioned, Coba’ is an easy one-day tour from Tulum, but if you wish to take it even easier and explore the countryside, you may decide to stay here for a couple of nights. Below, I am including some options on where to stay in Coba

Top Luxury Hotel in Cobà

Coqui Coqui > 400$

This is an exquisite high-end property for the sophisticated traveler who is looking for elegance and tranquility. Located at the very end of the main road of Cobà, right on the lagoon.

I consider Coqui Coqui a retreat more than a hotel, a place to lose yourself and relax in the romantic and elegant hideaway, enjoying the stunning sunset views and being carried away by the soothing sight of the lagoon at your feet. The only risk is that you will never want to leave.

👉 Check prices on Booking.com I Hotels.com

Mid-range price hotel in Cobà

Aldea Coba > 140 $

If you love luxury and beauty but are not particularly interested in breaking the bank. This is the hotel for you.

A relatively new property (2017) boasts spacious and nicely decorated rooms in a spectacular jungle garden.

Hard to beat for that price. According to previous guests, service is also impeccable. Located on the main road on your way to Coba’.

👉 Check prices on Booking.com

Budget hotel option in Cobà

Hotel Itza Coba > 60 $

This is where I stayed. It’s a cute property for budget travelers who love the stylish decor and a clean room. It was perfect. The staff is also super friendly and warm.

👉 Check prices on Booking.com

Book a tour

If you prefer to join an organized tour, you can choose from many options. There are, in fact, many tours that combine different destinations, ranging from half-day to full-day excursions, depending on where you are coming from.

They almost always come with a guide, which I find useful when you are visiting a historic place, and in general, to know about the local culture and society. Here are some tour options: