Coba ruins cancun

Author: m | 2025-04-24

Cancun To Coba Ruins. Visiting the Coba Ruins from Cancun will take you the longest. The drive from Cancun to Coba is about 135 km / 84 mi and takes approx. 2 hours by car. You will drive the paid Cuota Cancun – Valladolid Highway. At 2/3 of the way to Valladolid, you will take Highway 109 that leads to Tulum.

The Mayan Architecture Of Coba: The Coba Ruins - Cancun

Are several ancient pyramids close to Cancun with some of the closest ones like the San Miguelito and El Rey ruins located in the Cancun Hotel Zone. The most famous Mayan pyramid of Chichen Itza is about 125 miles (2.5 hours) away from Cancun. Can you climb any pyramids in Cancun?Yes, you can climb some of the Mayan pyramids near Cancun, although the number of scalable pyramids has decreased over time. One of the famous Mayan pyramids that’s still open to climbing near Cancun is the El Castillo at Ek Balam.However, please note that the preservation of these historical sites is crucial, and climbing just worsens the condition of these ancient pyramids. Please check with the authorities and respect the rules if they change. Can you see Mayan ruins in Cancun?Yes, you can see Mayan ruins in Cancun. The ruins of El Rey, San Miguelito, and Yamil Lu’um are located right within Cancun’s Hotel Zone. El Meco and Isla Mujeres are just 30 minutes away. Some of bigger and more popular ruins such as Chichen Itza, Coba, and Tulum are usually done as a full day tour from Cancun. What Mayan ruins are closest to Cancun?The Mayan ruins that are the closest to Cancun are El Rey, Yamil Lu’um, and San Miguelito. They are located within the Hotel Zone. Two other ruins that are also pretty close (30 minutes away) are El Meco and the Temple of Goddess Ixchel on Isla Mujeres. How far are the pyramids from Cancun?The famous pyramids of Chichen Itza and Coba are both more than 2 hours away from Cancun. The Mayan pyramids that are closest to Cancun are at El Rey and San Miguelito ruins, both located in the Cancun Hotel Zone. What ancient ruins are near Cancun?The ancient ruins that are closest to Cancun are the Mayan ruins of El Rey and San Miguelito. Located in the Cancun Hotel Zone, they make for an interesting getaway along with the Mayan Museum of Cancun. Another set of ruins that are also super close are those of El Meco and the Temple of Ixchel on

Coba Ruins Cultural Experience - Cancun

On this adventurous full-day tour of Tulum and Akumal from Cancun.This full-day archeology tour from Cancun takes you to the ruins of Tulum and Coba. It is one of Cancun’s most popular tours and appeals greatly to history enthusiasts.✦ Pro Tip: Visiting Tulum? Do not forget to check out our ultimate travel guide for the ruins of Tulum. Coba Image courtesy: Canva Pro Distance from Cancun: 83 miles (2hrs 10mins) Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 8am – 5pmAdmission: 90 pesosCoba is yet another iconic Mayan ruin that cannot be missed when in Cancun. It was a powerful Mayan center in the olden times and dominated the Yucatan Peninsula between 600 -900 CE. There was a time when more than 50,000 residents lived in this huge city. Coba’s might started weaning off when Chichen Itza rose to power in the Postclassic period. Research suggests that people started settling in Coba as early as 100 BCE. The city developed around five lakes which was a major reason it continued to grow.Did you know that Coba is actually the original Mayan name of this city? And that it literally translates to ruffled waters? What to see at Coba?One of the most interesting things that you will see in Coba is its collection of Sacbe or white stone and plaster roads. Since the city was a powerful center and literally the hub of all activity, people from smaller towns came to Coba for work and trade. That required roads or sacbe.There are more than 50 sacbeob (plural for sacbe) in Coba radiating in different directions. The longest one takes you as far as Yaxuna which is 80 miles to the west.Apart from the sacbe, other highlights at Coba include the tall Nohoch Mul Pyramid, a church, the Pyramid of the Painted Lintel, and several sculpted stelae that give us rich insights into life, rituals, dresses, and ceremonies at Coba. Mayan stela from Coba ruins on display at the Mayan Museum in Cancun Hotel Zone.Best Tours for Coba Mayan Ruins from CancunThe ruins of Coba and Tulum are just 30 miles apart. Hence, they are

Coba Ruins Tour from Cancun

Cancun pyramids were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They are slowly starting to open up. Please check on INAH, Google Reviews, and Tripadvisor before planning.Be sure to get a pair of sturdy walking/climbing shoes, sunglasses, water, and a hat. It can get supremely hot in the Yucatan!There are a few Mayan pyramids near Cancun such as the one at Ek Balam which you can still climb. But I wouldn’t recommend that because of the fragility of the structures. I did climb Ek Balam a few years but I do feel guilty when I recall that those stairs and walls have been badly damaged by years of climbing.If you are planning to see a couple of Mayan ruins, read our guide on how to visit Chichen Itza and Ek Balam on the same day.Refer to our Yucatan bucket list for more things to do in the area. Cancun Mayan Ruins Travel FAQWhere are the Mayan pyramids in Cancun?The Mayan pyramids in Cancun are located right within the Hotel Zone which means you don’t really have to travel far to explore Mayan history. Hotel zone ruins include the archaeological sites of El Rey, San Miguelito, and Yamil Lu’um as well as the well-curated Museo Maya de Cancun. Less than an hour away from Cancun are the ruins of El Meco and Isla Mujeres. Can you go to the Mayan ruins from Cancun?Yes, it is absolutely possible to go to the Mayan ruins from Cancun. Numerous guided tours are available that transport you from Cancun to various Mayan sites, including the famous Chichen Itza. You can also opt for car rental services or use the buses and collectivos (local vans) to get to these Mexican ruins. What is the name of the Aztec ruins close to Cancun?There are no Aztec ruins close to Cancun but you’ll find numerous Mayan ruins in Cancun and nearby. It’s important to note that the Aztecs and the Maya were different civilizations. The Aztec ruins are primarily found in and around Mexico City whereas all ruins near Cancun are Mayan. Are there pyramids close to Cancun?Yes, there. Cancun To Coba Ruins. Visiting the Coba Ruins from Cancun will take you the longest. The drive from Cancun to Coba is about 135 km / 84 mi and takes approx. 2 hours by car. You will drive the paid Cuota Cancun – Valladolid Highway. At 2/3 of the way to Valladolid, you will take Highway 109 that leads to Tulum.

Tulum Coba Tour - Mayan Ruins Tours in Cancun - Cancun

Last Updated on January 2, 2025 by SoumyaLooking for the best Mayan ruins near Cancun? Wondering where the best Cancun pyramids are? We have you covered because here is the best Cancun ruins guide for you.Cancun, one of the most visited places on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, is well-known for its white sand beaches and turquoise blue waters. But did you know that the city is a paradise for history seekers too? With an umpteen number of Mexican ruins and Mayan pyramids nearby, some right in the heart of the Hotel Zone, Cancun makes for the perfect historical getaway. Whether it is a longish day trip to the mighty Chichen Itza or a short one to the lesser-known El Rey ruins, Cancun presents us with a ton of opportunities. You have an option of checking out famous Mayan sites such as Tulum and Coba but you also have an option to visit hidden gems such as El Meco and San Miguelito. The best part is that some of these stunning Mayan ruins are located right next to your Cancun hotel. In this epic Cancun Mayan Ruins travel guide, I will show you how to visit the best Mayan temples near Cancun, check out stunning Mexican pyramids with intriguing history and picturesque locations, and (maybe) climb some of them.Please note: This post may contain affiliate links which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link on this post. This will be at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links help me keep this website up and running. Thanks for your support!Best Guided Tours for Cancun Mayan RuinsThe 3 most popular Mayan ruins in Cancun are Chichen Itza (for its World Wonder status), Tulum (for its picturesque location by the sea), and Coba (for its location within jungles and presence of carved stelae). Tours are a popular way to get to visit these ruins from Cancun. If you are looking to quickly book a tour, check out these amazing guided tours from Cancun with great reviews. This full-day tour from Cancun allows you to explore the

Cancun to Mayan Ruins, Tulum, Coba, Cenote

For the stunning views of the sea it offers.El Meco Mayan Pyramid in Cancun Image courtesy: Canva Pro Distance from Downtown Cancun: 6 miles (15 mins)Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 8am – 5pmAdmission: 55 pesosLocated just 20 minutes north of downtown Cancun, the Mayan ruins of El Meco are an absolute hidden gem. El Meco is home to the tallest Mayan pyramid in the Cancun area and the one of the largest in Yucatan. Yet, it remains hidden behind large trees, shy iguanas, and a general lack of awareness. Chances are high that you will find this Yucatan pyramid in Cancun completely to yourself when you visit.Iguanas abound at all Mayan ruins near Cancun or anywhere in the Yucatan.What to see at El Meco Mayan Ruins?The pyramid here is called El Castillo and is dedicated to Mayan Rain God, Chaac. You can climb up to some stunning views of the city of Cancun, the beach, and the peninsula. When El Meco started off as a fishing village in the 600 – 900 CE (Late Classic Period), Coba had a strong influence on it. As Chichen Itza went on to become more powerful in the Postclassic era, the effect of Coba waned off. This is probably why we see a strong influence of Chichen Itza in the monuments of El Meco. Between 1200 and 1500 CE, El Meco became a powerful port in the Yucatan peninsula because it controlled access to the nearby sanctuaries on Isla Mujeres.Devotees had to pass through El Meco to get to the sacred Temple of Ixchel. This, no doubt, made this once-small fishing town highly influential.Best Tour of El Meco Ruins in CancunHere’s a great tour of the El Meco ruins that allows you to see in the remarkable archeological site of El Meco near Cancun in just a few hours.Bonus: Mayan Museum of CancunThe Mayan Museum in Cancun holds many treasures that tell us a lot about Mayan pyramids and the culture of people who built them.If you’re planning to visit the Mayan ruins in Cancun and nearby, I highly recommend checking out the displays

How far are the Coba Ruins from Cancun?

Quite unusual among the other Mayan ruins in the region. Its size and history make it a must-visit attraction in Mexico.Another highlight is the Governor’s Palace, a long low building with a stunningly detailed façade, which is a prime example of Puuc architecture.Further, Uxmal is also an integral part of Ruta Puuc or the Puuc Route, a 60-km stretch that takes you through other Mayan sites depicting this unique architectural form.If you love history and ancient ruins, then you’ll enjoy visiting other remarkable ancient sites such as Kabah, Xlapak, and Labna on the Puuc Route.Muyil Mayan Ruins near Cancun Image courtesy: Canva Pro Distance from Cancun: 96 miles (2hr 10mins) Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 9:00am – 3:00pmAdmission: 70 pesos Muyil archaeological zone, also known as Muyil-Chunyaxché ruins, gets its current name from a lagoon located nearby. Once upon a time, Muyil was a thriving Mayan city in the Yucatan Peninsula. It was also one of the earliest.Settlers began arriving in Muyil as early as 300 BCE long before the grand cities of Chichen Itza, Tulum, and Uxmal came into existence. In the early Classic period (200 – 600 CE), many Peten-style buildings were built here. To give you some context, this style was common in the ancient Mayan cities of Belize and Guatemala. Quite possibly, Muyil had strong trade and cultural relations with the rest of Mesoamerica. The best thing about Muyil ruins is that it is located right next to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. It is also a few minutes away from the ruins of Tulum which means you can easily combine both of them together on a day trip from Cancun.Best Tour of Muyil Ruins from CancunThis private tour from Cancun combines three amazing Mayan ruins together – Muyil, Tulum, and Coba. If you love ancient Mayan history, then this tour is for you.San GervasioImage courtesy: Canva ProDistance from Cancun: 71 miles (2hr 45mins)Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 9:00am – 3:30pmAdmission: 90 pesosAs Chichen Itza rose to power between 1000 – 1500 CE, San Gervasio rose to prominence not just because of its coastal location but

Coba - Mayan Ruins - Riviera Maya - Hidden Cancun

Famous pyramid of Chichen Itza, refresh yourself in Cenote Samaal, and then end the day with a quick trip to Valladolid. With over 13,000 5-star reviews, this tour is one of the most popular Chichen Itza tours in the market.On this Chichen Itza early-access tour, you will discover the ruins with a private archaeologist. Highly recommended for history enthusiasts.This full-day tour from Cancun will take you to two famous Mayan sites, Tulum and Coba. Also includes a cenote swim.Note that most tours don’t include entrance fees to the archeological sites in their basic package. Be sure to check that when you book your tour. Famous Mayan Ruins to Visit Near CancunChichen ItzaTulum Mayan RuinsCobaBest Mayan Ruins in Cancun Hotel Zone & CityEl Rey Mayan Ruins in CancunSan Miguelito Archaeological SiteYamil Lu’um Cancun RuinsEl Meco Mayan Pyramid in CancunBonus: Mayan Museum of CancunOther Mayan Ruins near Cancun, MexicoIsla Mujeres Mayan RuinsUxmal Archeological SiteMuyil Mayan Ruins near CancunSan GervasioXcaret Archaeological ParkEk BalamMap of Mayan Ruins in CancunPractical information for visiting Mexican ruins in CancunCancun Mayan Ruins Travel FAQLoved our Cancun Mayan ruins guide? Pin it for later!Famous Mayan Ruins to Visit Near CancunChichen ItzaThe Chichen Itza Pyramid is one of the most impressive Mayan pyramids near Cancun Mexico.Distance from Cancun: 123 miles (2hrs 45mins)Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 8am – 4pmAdmission: 614 pesos (~$36) (foreigners)/ 272 pesos (Mexican citizens)There is nothing that beats the thrill of visiting Chichen Itza, a World Wonder, and one of Mexico’s most visited UNESCO heritage sites. Even if it is a little crowded and a longish day trip from Cancun. The name Chichen Itza literally translates to “the edge of the well where the wise men of the Itza group live”. Itza were people of the ancient Mayan civilization who became powerful in the Postclassic period, coinciding with the time of rise of Chichen Itza. And of course, the well refers to the sacred cenote at Chichen Itza that you can still see.What to see at Chichen Itza?The most important structure at Chichen Itza is the Temple of Kukulcan, a 4-sided pyramid with a shrine on the. Cancun To Coba Ruins. Visiting the Coba Ruins from Cancun will take you the longest. The drive from Cancun to Coba is about 135 km / 84 mi and takes approx. 2 hours by car. You will drive the paid Cuota Cancun – Valladolid Highway. At 2/3 of the way to Valladolid, you will take Highway 109 that leads to Tulum. Favorite of the Best Mayan Ruins Near Cancun: Coba Archaeological Site. After visiting El Rey in Cancun and then the National Park in Tulum, I was really excited to visit the Mayan ruins at Coba. I’d heard that they

Maya Adventure from Cancun: Coba Ruins, Cenote

COBA ADVENTURE Discover the fantastic jungle of Coba, plunge into the culture that this site has to offer you, visit the second tallest pyramid of the Mayan Empire and visit the stadium where they play the Poc-Ta-Pok game. Start your day with adventure! Drive an ATV in the middle of the jungle, dare yourself in the zip-lines and rappelling and purify your soul in a Mayan ceremony. Visit the infraworld cenote to discover stalactites or stalagmites. Enjoy a typical regional lunch to get energy to learn and walk around the archeological zone. Duration: Full DayDeparture Days & Time Every morning from Riviera Maya and Cancun, depending on the location of your hotel the schedule could change. Includes – Roundtrip transportation– Entrance fees to the archaeological site– Guide– Small group– Lifejacket– Snorkeling equipment (mask and tube)– Water on board– Equipment for all the activities– Lunch Not Included – Camcorder tax ($50 pesos) – Bike or Tricycle in Coba – Drinks at the restaurant Tips – Swimming suite – Towel – Change of clothes – Comfortable shoes and clothes – Biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent – Extra cash for tips (optional) and souvenirs – Cap or hat – Sunglasses Important – Minimum recommended age: 4 – Children rate from 4 to 10 years old – Minimum age to ride ATVs: 15 (test ride required) – Maximum Weight Zip-lines 130kg (286 lbs.) – Maximum Weight Rappel 115kg (253 lbs.) – It is not recommended for pregnant women ▶︎ Activity Preview coba-ruins-mexico-cancun coba-jungle coba-atv

Coba Mayan Ruins Tours - My Cancun Tours

Mayan temple in El Meco Archaeological ZoneDid you know that there are archaeological sites in the Cancun area? One of them is the El Meco archaeological zone. It is a small Mayan ruin site a 10-minute drive away from Cancun downtown.This archaeological site dates back to the 4th-7th centuries when it was a small Mayan fishing village but it was gradually abandoned during the next couple of centuries as people moved to live in other areas. The highest structure in this archaeological zone is a beautiful temple that measures 12.5 meters high (40 ft). It does resemble a pyramid if you ask me. We arrived at the El Meco Archaeological Zone by taxi from Cancun downtown. The site is full of curious iguanas and will take about 30 minutes to explore. Not many people visit this site as it can’t compete with Chichen Itza or Coba but I liked it. It all felt like a little secret when walking around there all alone. If you have extra time before your flight, this is a cool spot to squeeze into your itinerary!Location: El Meco Archaeological Zone19. El Rey Archaeological ZoneNot many tourists know that there is a place to experience the history of ancient Mayans right in the heart of the Cancun Hotel Zone and it is the El Rey archaeological zone. This Mayan village dates back almost 2000 years.However, most of the structures you see today were built between the 14th and 16th centuries. It is said that most of the Mayan people in this village worked in salt extraction and as fishermen.The name of this place – El Rey – means ‘the King’ and comes from a sculpture that was found on this site and resembled a monarch. There are 47 structures in these Mayan ruins with some temples (but no pyramids). El Rey archaeological zone is one of the smaller ones and will only take about 30 minutes to explore. If you are in nearby Cancun and have free time, this is a nice place to explore and see how the Mayans lived centuries ago.Location: El Rey Archaeological. Cancun To Coba Ruins. Visiting the Coba Ruins from Cancun will take you the longest. The drive from Cancun to Coba is about 135 km / 84 mi and takes approx. 2 hours by car. You will drive the paid Cuota Cancun – Valladolid Highway. At 2/3 of the way to Valladolid, you will take Highway 109 that leads to Tulum.

Climbing Coba Ruins: A Perfect Cancun Day Trip

Easily combined on a full-day archeology tour like this one from Cancun. ✦ Pro Tip: Do you love Mexican ruins and pyramids? Be sure to check out our post on the 20 most fascinating pyramids in Mexico.Best Mayan Ruins in Cancun Hotel Zone & CityEl Rey Mayan Ruins in Cancun Image courtesy: Canva Pro Distance from Cancun Hotel Zone: 0Distance from Downtown Cancun: 13 miles (30 mins)Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 9:00am – 4:30pmAdmission: 70 pesosIf you wish to see some ancient Mayan ruins in Cancun and do not want to spend an entire day heading to Chichen Itza and back, then consider the El Rey Archaeological Site. It is located right here in the middle of the Cancun hotel zone.El Rey literally translates to “The King”. The place was named so after the statue of a king (or a royal character) was discovered here. El Rey started as a small Mayan settlement around 200 CE and went on to become prominent in the 1200s when it became the hub of maritime trade and fishing along with San Miguelito. There are theories that suggest that during this time, many people also migrated from the interior of the Yucatan Peninsula. This is also when many of the structures that you see today were constructed. It takes about an hour to explore the ruins of platforms, walls, and columns of El Rey. What to see at El Rey Mayan Ruins in Cancun?The most important building is Building #2 which has a pyramid base and a temple on top. Buildings #1 and #4 are palaces that once had large audience halls supported by tall colonnades. You can also visit Museo Maya de Cancun which is just a couple of miles away for a richer insight into the history of this area. By the way, if you love iguanas, you will find a lot of them here. San Miguelito Archaeological SiteThe pyramid of San Miguelito Mayan ruins in Cancun Hotel Zone.Distance from Cancun Hotel Zone: 0Distance from Downtown Cancun: 11 miles (25 mins)Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 9:00am – 5:30pmAdmission: 90 pesos San Miguelito