Exploring Tulum and Cobá

Visitors to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico have the chance to reach into history at a variety of Mayan sites. The ruins at Chichen Itza are the most visited by tourists, but with a three hour drive each way from either Cancun or Playa del Carmen, you may want to consider a visit to one of the other ancient cities that dot the coast.

Dramatically perched on the cliffs towering over the Caribbean Sea, the ruins at Tulum are the second most visited in the Yucatan. Their location, only 90 minutes from Cancun and 50 minutes from Playa del Carmen, makes them an easy drive from your resort or a feasible shore excursion with your cruise ship. Tulum, meaning fence or wall in the Mayan language, was built to defend against invasion and also served as an important place for trade and worship during the Postclassical period from approximately 1200 to 1450 AD. The site is relatively compact compared with other Mayan cities, but it is also one of the best preserved.

Today the buses roll into Tulum on a regular basis. Near the entrance, a complex of shops, restaurants and performers reflects a theme park vibe for this ancient spectacle. Once inside the crumbling walls, you’ll hear a variety of languages as vacationers in beachwear dart about snapping photos of temples. Flip-flops are not a problem on the manicured trails that weave throughout the site. Signs in Spanish and English stand in front of important locations, making a self-tour both easy and informative. Once you’ve had your fill of the ruins, descend the staircase to one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Those that came prepared with swimsuits can dive into the aqua waves and gaze up at the picturesque cliffs and temples.

For a very different Mayan experience, head to the ruins at Cobá. Only 90 minutes from both Cancun and Playa del Carmen, this too is a perfect daytrip for resort guests and cruise ship passengers. The majority of buildings here were constructed during the mid to late Classic period, 600 to 900 AD, making the site much older than Tulum. Occupying a space of over four square miles, Cobá is estimated to have had 50,000-60,000 inhabitants and was the largest of all the Mayan cities. As many as 50 ancient roads lead into this city, indicating its importance at the center of Mayan culture.

Cobá is buried deep in the Mexican jungle so come equipped with good walking shoes and insect repellent. Contrasting the hustle and bustle of Tulum, Cobá is relatively quiet and peaceful as you explore the expansive grounds still being excavated. You can rent a bicycle near the entrance to cover more of the site and explore a variety of structures including two well-preserved ball courts. The most popular feature is Nohoc Mul, the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan and the only pyramid in the Yucatan tourists are still allowed to climb. The view of miles of jungle and temples peeking above the trees is worth every effort put into the steep ascent to the top.

We highly recommend adding adventure to your vacation by booking one of these or other many excursions available through tour operators at your hotel, or even ensure your spot and book your excursion right away when you book your Cancun vacation package.