Coba: Mayan Ruins in the Jungle

If you are staying along the Riviera Maya in México such as in Playa del Carmen or Tulum, the ruins of Coba are nearby and easily accessible. While other Mayan sites such as Chichen Itza and Tulum are certainly worth visiting, unlike those places the ruins of Coba are not nearly as crowded. 

Set in the jungle, the ruins of Coba have a different feeling compared to the other sites. Here, the ruins have only been partially excavated and restored giving Coba the feeling of discovery. Coba means ‘waters stirred by the wind’ or ‘ruffled waters’ as the Mayan city is located on two lagoons; the Coba Lagoon, which can be seen as you drive up to the ruins entrance and Macamxoc Lagoon, which we were unable to see as the jungle hid it. These two lagoons were the key to the success of Coba as they provided water for irrigation and agriculture and surrounding villages.

The largest pyramid at Coba is called Ixmoja, part of the Nohoch Mul group of buildings. The pyramid is 42 meters (138 feet) tall and was the heart of the city.

At its height from 600 AD to 900 AD, it is estimated that Coba had an astounding 50,000 residents. Coba traded extensively with other Mayan areas as far away as Honduras. There is evidence that they borrowed architectural ideas from as far away as the Aztec site of Teotihuacan in Central México. Sometime around 900 or 1000 AD, Coba began a lengthy power struggle with Chichén Itzá. In the end, Chichen Itza won in this dispute and became the Yucatan’s power.

We were fortunate to be greeted by a beautiful Ocellated Turkey. The turkey was not shy despite all the tourists surrounding it taking pictures. 

In addition to the ruins, I was fascinated by the flora. There were all sorts of bromeliads growing in the trees, especially tillandsias.

We went on a tour, which was the easiest way to get there and I would recommend doing it. My only complaint would be that I would have liked to have more time to explore the area. Coba is definitely worth visiting!