We took a trip to Cancun in February of 2017 and while there we visited the Coba Ruins in Mexico. We booked through our hotel and decided on these particular ruins because they are still being excavated, it is less touristy and you can climb the pyramid!
Location
The Coba Ruins are an ancient Mayan city and are located in the Yukatan Peninsula area of Mexico.
Information
The Mayans civilization lived here since 600 AD. Our guide told us that the Mayans were peaceful people. Sometime after 900 AD the Toltecs (an early Aztec civilization) invaded. The area became abandoned around the 14th or 15th century. The Toltecs were not as peaceful as the Mayans. Mayans never used human sacrifice whereas the Toltecs did.
Stone Causeways
The Coba Ruins are known for their extensive stone causeways which were raised roads called Sacbe. They connect to other ancient areas with one Sacbe being about 62 miles (100km) long. Used for trade, commerce and pilgrimages.
Coba is also known for its many Mayan hieroglyphic writings which contain information about Mayan life, customs, and rituals. Written on upright stones called stelae and they are located along the causeways.
The Ball Park
There are two ball parks in Coba. Here, the sides of the ball park are slanted, whereas in Chichen Itza they are straight. I don’t know the significance of that but I thought it was interesting. Our guide told us that the winner was sacrificed instead of the loser, just like at Chichen Itza, it was considered a great honor.
We followed as our guide pointed out more areas on our way to the pyramid, and once at the pyramid, he turned us loose to explore on our own. I loved the way the jungle grew around and even in the ruins. We did not see all of the Coba ruins as later in the day we were heading to the Tulum Ruins.
Nohoch Mul
The most dramatic ruin you will find in Coba is the 137ft (42m) tall pyramid. This pyramid is called the Nohoch Mul which means, great mound. It is the second tallest pyramid in the Mayan world. Even though Coba did not have many tourists at this time, there seemed to be plenty at this pyramid.
Climbing Up the Pyramid
There are 120 steps to the top of the pyramid. I was excited to start. A rope hangs down the center from the top for people to grab on to if needed. The steps are steep and have loose rock on them. The higher I climbed, the steeper the steps seemed.
As I got closer to the top I was climbing on all fours. My short legs were really stretching to get to the next step. About 10 steps from the top I stopped to take a picture of Steve. I noticed more loose rock on the steps and looked back to see the view. At that point, I instantly froze. I love adventure and heights usually don’t bother me, but I had a sudden fear of slipping and falling. Don’t know what got into me, but I was done. I hollered up to Steve and said I was turning around and told him to take pictures when he got to the top.
To the Top or Back Down?
So I had the dilemma of backing down or sitting on my bottom and bopping down. I took a couple steps down, and I didn’t like that. It was actually worse stepping down than stepping up. I decided this was crazy and I was going to the top. Slowly, I inched over to the rope and grabbed on with one hand and went up a couple steps. I still had that insane fear that I was going to fall. I looked up and saw Steve at the top smiling but I couldn’t do it.
Before I freaked 
After I freaked
Climbing Back Down
So there I was. More than anything, I wanted to go to the top, but I had an innane fear I never had before telling me to get the heck off that pyramid. I pondered it, took a couple steps down, then another step up. That was it. Feeling defeated, I bopped down.
View From the Top
Steve took some pictures from the top. He said the view of the jungle was beautiful and he also said there was a temple on top. Steve came down a short time after I did, of course he walked on down, no bottom bouncing for him, which of course added insult to injury to my now fragile ego.
So all in all, I was glad we toured the Coba Ruins in Mexico, but disappointed I did make it to the top. I truly believe when you have that unusual gut feeling you need to go with it so I am glad I went back down. Maybe with age comes some fear, I’m not sure. I have had riskier adventures since without an issue but for me, this was my no go.
We visited Tulum in the afternoon and I will write about that in next weeks post.
Where We Stayed
While in Cancun this trip we stayed at the all inclusive Hotel Riu Palace Peninsula. We had a nice time here. There were 5 restaurants on the premises, all of them good. The beach had both rocky and sandy areas which was nice.
Excellent ! Wonderful new series of posts. Never been to the places of your new posts. Thank you for the info and the pictures. The architecture is so interesting. I observe a few details in your pics and what amazes me is the architectural similarities with a few things i have in mind from some other places. Thank you, Lori.
Glad you liked it! It was a fun area to experience!!
I have been interested in Mexico as my next destination for a couple of years and this article leads me to realize the trip. Thank you for your exciting report.
Glad you liked it!!! Hope you get to Mexico soon and live it.
What an amazing place to explore, but I would most likely just admire the pyramids from afar because just looking at those steep steps makes my head spin! Can’t wait to read about your visit to Tulum. Together with Coba they make for such fantastic side trips from relaxation! Thanks for sharing and have a good day 😀 Aiva
It was amazing! I love the ancient pyramids! Thanks for reading and commenting.
Beautiful. Especially love that tunnel photo. Don’t beat yourself up over not making it to the top of the pyramid; count your blessings that you haven’t experienced that “fear of heights” before. I don’t think it’s fear – it’s physical! Even driving on Trail Ridge Road, across the top of Rocky Mountain National Park, snug and safe in the car, and I’m queasy!
Thanks! I am not sure what got into me but I am glad I turned around! I didn’t like that feeling! Trail Ridge Road in the Rockies can be a nail biter!!!
We just returned from visiting Mayan ruins in Belize. I think these ones in Mexico are more impressive. I can’t wait to see your blog from Tulum.
Thanks! I have not been to Belize but hopefully someday!
What a nice trip. And hey, there is no fault for vertigo. As a child I remember climbing some very high trees and never a second thought. On a pilgrimage trip with a local diocese a few years ago, climbed a smallish pyramid just outside Mexico City, and I could feel the hairs of my neck extend. And walking down became more than an exercise of skipping down the cobblestone as a songwriter so famously stated. Better safe than the rest of the stay in a hospital bed rather than sipping a drink in the hotel lobby. Just saying….. jerry
Exactly what I thought! Better to go with that gut feeling and be safe! Thanks for
your comments!
The world isn’t always set up for those of us of short stature. Those tall people don’t get it!! I’ve butt-slid my way down many a mountain – it’s all good! 🙂
I agree!!!
amazing views from your hotel room. and good decision on the pyramid – better safe than sorry. and you still got the experience of climbing it.
Thanks!! And I didn’t think of it that way!! But you are right!! I see get the experience of climbing!!
and you took a risk, which always feels good afterward!
Someone once told me they were pregnant hiking on these ruins. I cannot imagine!! I relate 100 % to your fear of falling!
I couldn’t imagine going up or down that ruin pregnant! Wow!!
It is always such an incredible feeling to be around structures built sooo long ago – this is an impressive site. Sorry you didn’t make it to the top but it doesn’t really matter. You were theret…you touched and saw it.
You are right! Very impressive site and getting to the top wasn’t as great as actually being there!! Thanks for your comments!
Very nice write-up! Sometimes I get a fear of heights and I find that being well hydrated helps. Maybe it will make a difference to you…
Thank you!! I will remember that!!!!