Visiting the Coba Ruins: 6 Most FAQs

Visiting the Coba Ruins in Mexico is a must when visiting the Riviera Maya, but finding updated visitors’ information can be difficult.

Like most travel-related things, the pandemic has created some confusion about what’s open and available to be visited as countries and attractions open back up.

While many places around the world are still not accepting visitors, the area around Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum is doing its best to welcome back tourists.

There are lots of great day trip options within the general vicinity, and Coba is up there with Isla Mujeres and Cozumel.

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For those looking for recent details regarding the Mayan Ruins of Coba (Zona Arqueológica de Cobá), I hope this post provides you with some much-needed answers.

Do note that things are always changing, whether it’s costs or access, so please take all of this information more as a general reference when planning your adventure!

Can You Still Climb the Coba Ruins in 2022?

Let’s get the big bummer out of the way.

Unfortunately, you can no longer climb Nohoch Mul, the main pyramid of the Coba Ruins.

When I visited in 2018, it was rumored that access up the pyramid would be closing soon.

This didn’t happen until 2020, and for good reason as it’s pretty difficult to socially distance from other visitors on the historical structure.

How Do I Get to the Coba Ruins?

There are two main options to getting to Coba: renting a car and driving or taking public transport.

Public transportation is the cheapest option, but there is no direct bus to Coba from Cancun or Playa del Carmen.

You’ll need to either take a colectivo (shared taxi van) or an ADO bus (coach bus) to Tulum first, and then take another ADO bus or taxi to Coba.

When I went from Playa del Carmen to Coba, I took the cheapest route possible: a colectivo to Tulum for about 45 MXN and then an ADO bus from Tulum to the Ruins for 55 MXN.

How Much Time Is Needed to Visit the Coba Ruins?

The ruins can be seen comfortably in about two hours if you rent a bicycle (50 MXN). If you plan to walk, budget for an extra hour to get around the site.

How Much Does it Cost to Visit the Coba Ruins?

The entrance fee for foreigners is 100 MXN.

When is the Best Time to Visit the Coba Ruins?

Because there is free entrance on Sundays for national residents, it’s best to avoid visiting on this day as it may be more crowded than usual.

The temperatures at Coba can get very hot, especially when the sun is out, so it’s better to plan your trip within the first few hours of operation in the morning (the Ruins open at 9 a.m. daily).

What Should I Wear to the Coba Ruins?

Shoes

You’ll want to wear comfortable shoes that you can walk through dirt paths with and ones you don’t mind getting a little dusty.

Light Clothing

Especially if you’re going on a particularly hot day or later in the day, moisture-wicking clothing can be helpful as you will get sweaty.

If you burn easily, think about going for a t-shirt or sun protection shirt instead of a tank top as your shoulders might end up pretty red (like me).

Hat

Something with a full and wide brim will be more helpful than just a baseball cap, but either is better than nothing.

Sunscreen

Give yourself a good dunk of SPF before you head into the site; trust me.

I hope this guide helps you find some answers to help you plan for your trip.

I also hope not too much changes too quickly regarding prices or transportation options or what have you, but you never know! Feel free to let me know if you come across any updated details.

Additional Guides

• The Best 15 Day Trips from Playa del Carmen
• The Best Restaurants in Playa del Carmen Locals Love
• 10 Tips for Visiting Isla Mujeres on a Budget [2021]
• Visiting Chichén Itzá on Your Own in 2021: Top FAQs
• How to Get a COVID Antigen Test in Playa del Carmen from Farmacias del Ahorro

Pin for Future Adventures!