Coba (Climbing an ancient Pyramid)

After visiting Chichen Itza, you’ll be thirsty for an adventure and wonder if you can add a historical twist to it?! You got what you asked for! What is more adventurous than climbing one of the ancient Mayan pyramids and have unforgettable views of the lush jungle from top!

Few people even know that there is a pyramid, only 1 pyramid, that they can climb all the way to the top “legally” without breaking any rules, and this pyramid is in Coba! Coba is off-the-beaten-path and no tour buses go there, so it is preserved for the adventurous spirits like us:) This means that going there On Your Own is a bit of a challenge, but totally doable via collectivos, of course:) Now, since you became familiar with the collective system in Mexico, take one of those fun local rides heading to Tulum. Although the collective will take you to the center of Tulum, Coba is still some 30-45 minute drive from there, and unfortunately no collectivos go there which leaves you with only 1 option: Taxi. In Tulum there is a designated stop for taxis heading to Coba so this should be your destination (click to request info). Expect to haggle the price a lot as the initial quoted price will be extremely high; and you can meet other adventurers and share the cost together. When I went there, there was only 1 American/British couple heading to Coba and we ended up sharing the ride and spending the entire day together…lots of fun!! For me this is the beauty of traveling On Your Own as you’ll be able to meet like-minded adventurers like you.

Arriving at Coba, you’ll instantly realize that you ventured to a place few people go to & it is an amazing feeling; so pay your entrance ticket & start your adventure! 

Coba is a site that houses a number of archeological monuments including pyramids, but only 1 can be climbed. The first thing you’ll see after entering the site is a perfectly-preserved pyramid with immaculate details that will amaze you 

Continue hiking inwards on the single trail and you’ll find a picturesque ancient hut which will take you back to the Mayan’s time

By now the adrenaline will be kicking as you want to climb to the top of the pyramids, but Coba, itself, is still 2km away. You can hike there, but to make your trip more fun, rent a bike and paddle your way instead! There is a bike rental kiosk just after the hut, so grab a bike and paddle your way to Coba. The path is flat and its all in the shade, so the ride is easy & fun.

Reaching Coba, you’ll find a perfectly-preserved tall pyramid towering above the trees and you’ll find few people who already started their climb.

The climb is steep and in the scorching sun, you’ll be sweating with every step you take, but it is fun & well worth it

Reaching the top is an unbelievable feeling! Not only will you be on top of a Mayan pyramid, but also on top of the dense green jungle with amazing views

& time for some fun-posing pictures:)

When ready, it’ll be time to go down. It is a bit steep, but there is a rope in the middle to which you can hang on, if needed. 

You’ve now achieved your goal and climbed an ancient Mayan pyramid that few people know it exists! So grab your bike and head back to the gate.

By now you might start realizing that there is no ride back waiting for you and after the excitement of your achievement fades, you’ll start wondering how will you go back?! But don’t worry, there is a bus that can take you back, but it only comes once/day, so make sure that you timed your exit right (click to request info).

One final tip: give yourself an hour before the bus arrives and enjoy a local beer by the picturesque lake at the entrance…Cheers!