Coba, Tulum & Cenote Tour — Two Maya Archaeological Sites in One Day

Start with the Caribbean at your feet as you explore Tulum's seaside ruins. Then head into the jungle at Coba, where ancient pathways lead to the impressive Nohoch Mul pyramid. Two remarkable Maya cities, each with its own story, brought to life by your certified guide.

After exploring, trade your walking shoes for a swimsuit and refresh in a semi-open cenote. Discover the traditions of melipona honey and cacao, take part in a Maya ceremony led by a shaman, and enjoy a regional buffet lunch. A full day of discovery—with a little adventure and a taste of the Yucatan along the way.

Coba is one of the most underrated archaeological sites in Mexico. Located 40 kilometers inland from Tulum in the middle of the Yucatan jungle, the ancient city is built around a series of lakes and connected by a network of raised stone roads called sacbes that radiate outward for over 100 kilometers -- the most extensive road network of any Maya city.

At the center of Coba stands Nohoch Mul, at 42 meters the tallest climbable pyramid in the Yucatan Peninsula. Chichen Itza's El Castillo (30 meters) has been closed to climbing since 2006. Nohoch Mul remains open. The climb involves 120 stone steps with a rope along the center for assistance. From the summit, the view is an unbroken jungle canopy stretching to the horizon -- the same view Maya rulers had when this city was home to an estimated 50,000 people at its peak.

To reach the main pyramid at Coba, you travel through the site on a bicycle or a tuk-tuk style pedicab. The 1.5-kilometer jungle path is one of the most scenic approaches to any archaeological site in Mexico. Bicycle rental at Coba is an optional extra cost. Our guide leads the way regardless of which option you choose.

After Coba, you drive 40 kilometers to Tulum on the Caribbean coast. By the time you arrive, the most crowded morning wave of tour buses has passed. Your guide leads a focused tour of El Castillo, the Temple of the Frescoes with its preserved interior murals, the Temple of the Descending God, and the cliff edge lookout over the turquoise sea. Free exploration time follows the guided section.

After Tulum, you swim in a cenote near the ruins and enjoy a regional buffet lunch at a local restaurant. The lunch includes traditional Yucatecan dishes and a regional product tasting -- mezcal, Yucatan chocolate, and local honey -- giving you an authentic taste of the food culture of the peninsula. Non-alcoholic options are available for all product tastings.