Cobá, Cenote & Tulum

Coba and Tulum: Pyramid, Cenote and Caribbean Views in One Day

The Coba and Tulum tour connects two Maya sites that could hardly be more different. Coba lies deep in the jungle, while Tulum sits on a cliff above the Caribbean Sea. This day trip combines both of them in one day. In between there is a swim in a cenote and an authentic Mexican lunch. Throughout the day, an English-speaking guide stays with you.

Coba: Maya ruins between jungle and rainforest

First we head to Coba, once one of the largest Maya cities in the region and and today it sits in the middle of the rainforest. The site is wide, so you explore it slowly on foot or by bicycle taxi along ancient paths between the ruins. At its centre stands the Nohoch Mul pyramid, one of the few in Mexico that you can still climb. From the top, the view reaches across a green sea of treetops. If you would rather spend more time in the jungle, our Coba and Punta Laguna tour is the better fit. The Mexican heritage authority publishes background on the archaeological site: the Instituto Nacional de Antropologia e Historia.

Cenote near Coba and Tulum: a break in fresh water

After a morning among the ruins, the jump into cool water follows. The water in these natural freshwater sinkholes is crystal clear and pleasantly fresh. Therefore this break makes the difference between an exhausting day and a thoroughly good one.

Eating authentic Mexican food

At lunchtime we therefore stop at a locally run restaurant. Instead of standard tourist fare, real Mexican cooking comes to the table, the kind locals appreciate. From fresh tacos to regional specialities and the matching salsas, everything is there. This break rounds off the day and gives an honest insight into the food culture of the region.

Tulum: the only Maya city by the sea

In the afternoon, the Coba and Tulum tour continues to the coast. Tulum is namely the only known Maya city right on the sea. The ruins sit on a cliff above the Caribbean, which shimmers here in a strong turquoise. Unlike most Maya sites deep inland, Tulum links history and coastline in a unique way. Between the well-preserved temples and walls, the view opens onto the water again and again. However, if you prefer to combine Tulum with two cenotes instead, take a look at our Tulum ruins and cenotes tour.

Conclusion: is the Coba and Tulum tour worth it?

If your time is limited, you get both faces of the Maya world in a single day: the jungle and the sea. In addition, there is a cenote and a lunch away from the tourist restaurants. The price covers all entrance fees, the hotel pickup and the English-speaking guided tour, so you do not have to worry about anything else.

Frequently asked questions about the Coba and Tulum tour