Coba, Boca Paila
and Punta Allen
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spectacular view from the top
of Grand
Pyramid
climbing the Grand
Pyramid
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Coba,
("waters stirred by the wind"), is one of the most important
archaeological sites in the area. Built between two lakes during the
Classic Period (600-900 A.D.), it was at one time a very large city,
with nearly 50,000 inhabitants and an extension of over 80 square
kilometers. The main pyramid, Nohuch Mul, "large hill", is 42
meters tall (138 feet) and is the highest in the Yucatan peninsula.
Climbing the 120 stairs to the top of the Grand
Pyramid at Cobá is well worth the effort. Standing here one can see over
the jungle canopy for miles, unexcavated temple mounds peeking above the
trees.
The pyramid known as the
Iglesia, (Church), is second in height and from its summit visitors have
a spectacular view of lake Macanxoc.
The small town near the
site has hotels and restaurants for visitors who wish to stay over
night.
Further north is Punta Laguna, a large inland lake famous for the
abundance of howler and spider monkeys, which inhabit its shores.
How to Arrive (driving):
Coba is only 30 minutes from Tulum and 1hour 40minutes from Playa del
Carmen.
If you decide to drive to Coba take the highway direction to Tulum and
at the lights of the intersection turn right direction COBA (there is a
supermarket on your right SAN FRANCISCO)
On the drive to Coba, you will pass on the right side the Grand Cenote,
which presents an excellent opportunity to snorkel (you will find a
little shop inside that rents you the equipment).
What to bring when visiting Coba:
Your spirit of adventure, curiosity, comfortable walking shoes,
sunglasses and/or sun hat, a lightweight rain poncho or collapsible
umbrella (in tropical climates occasional showers can happen any time of
year), insect repellent, and water. You can buy cold bottled purified
water at the entrance to the ruins. You can also rent bicycles or human
powered tricycles if you prefer a faster way to explore this extensive
site or if you have mobility limitations.
TOURS about COBA
Coba
Mayan Encounter
| ADULT |
CHILD
>12 |
TRANSPORTATION |
| $125 Usd |
$115 Usd |
INCLUDED |
 INCLUDED:
Air-conditioned transportation, guide,
entrance fee to the sites, lunch,
non alcoholic drinks during
lunch and rappel equipment.
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encounter with Mayan culture, where you will visit
Coba
authentic Mayan community
fantastic zip line excursion over flying a gorgeous “cenote”
(natural sinkholes)
descending on rappel to one of them and taking a refreshing dip in its
crystal waters
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Boca
Paila and Punta Allen
The only tour we can offer you at this time is
Sian Ka'an "Tres Palmas" (with Transportation)
for details and price press on the link. |
Boca
Paila and Punta Allen are both on a small peninsula inside the Sian
Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a large protected area of 528,147 hectares and
more than 100 kilometers of the Great Maya Reef located in the center of
the state of Quintana Roo. The peninsula is the only part open to a very
limited tourist development and both private houses and hotels, mainly
fishing lodges, can be found here. The only access is through a well
kept dirt road. Electricity is produced through generators and solar
panels, and fresh water comes from wells. The eastern coast of the
peninsula looks out on the Caribbean whereas the east coast borders on a
series of intricate mangrove and Mayan canals.
The main attraction of Sian
Ka'an are its natural surroundings. There are many different ecosystem:
semi evergreen tropical forest, wet-lands, savanna and ocean, as well as
an abundance of animals such as the jaguar, puma, ocelot, margay, the
jaguarundi, howler monkeys, crocodiles and over 345 species of birds.
Many hotels offer tours and a civil association called Amigos de Sian
Ka'an also offers guided day trips for small groups with departures from
Tulum, Cancun or Playa del Carmen.
How to Arrive (driving):
At the intersection of Tulum if you go on your right you will arrive
to Coba, if you go straight you will arrive to Tulum Pueblo (the main
village of Tulum) if you go on your left you will arrive at the Beach -
Tulum hotel zone. At the end of this road you will see a lot of signs in
front of you. Turn right and drive safely on this road, full of holes,
until you will arrive to Punta Allen after a good 2 hours drives. |
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