Maya Coba ruins tour with pyramid, ceremony and cenote swim
History & Heritage

Maya Coba ruins tour with pyramid, ceremony and cenote swim

4.6/5

Excellent
672 reviews
from
$159.00
Free cancellation
Language: German, Danish, English, Finnish, French, Dutch, Norwegian, Polish, Swedish
Mobile voucher accepted
Duration: more than 8 hours

Based on our commitment to sustainable tourism, all National Geographic Day Tours meet the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria, and a portion of the proceeds from these tours goes back to the National Geographic Society to fund research and sustainable programs around the world.

Why you’ll love this…
  • It's a full day digging into ancient ruins, stories and traditions of the Mayan city of Coba
  • You'll meet local villagers and see a traditional Mayan ceremony with music, dancing and blessings
  • The Great Nohoch Mul Pyramid, standing over 40-meters tall, is a sight you that'll leave you gawping
  • You'll take a dip in a nearby cenote, a kind of sacred freshwater sinkhole that's unique to Mexico
  • Your expert local guide will share their unrivalled knowledge of ancient Mayan culture with you
What to expect

Hidden deep in the Yucatan jungle lies the ancient Maya city of Coba. On this cultural trip, you'll tour its ruins and discover the enigmatic Maya heritage, see a great pyramid, meet local villagers and swim in a sacred cenote. Valentina, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Coba was once a huge city, home to about 50,000 people at its height. Coba means “ruffled waters” because the city was located on two breezy lagoons. It's not as well known as Chichen Itza, so it tends to be quieter and more intimate to move around.'

We arrive early at Coba so that you can explore the site in the cooler hours and avoid the crowds. It's one of the more recently excavated sites in the Yucatan and was once one of the Maya's most important cities. Highlights include the Great Nohoch Mul Pyramid, that stands at more than 40 metres high, and stelae that show the powerful female leaders of ancient Coba. Valentina adds, ‘Coba's main pyramid is the biggest in the region. It's the hub of ancient paved “white roads” that fan out through the site. There are more than 50 of these roads in and around Coba. They were used for trade and communication.'

Next up is a visit to a Maya community, where villagers still live without running water or electricity. You'll meet some of the locals and find out more about their lives and traditions. Experience a Maya ceremony before enjoying a traditional lunch in a nearby restaurant. Finish off the day with a refreshing swim in a nearby cenote.

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What's included
  • check Transport
  • check Guide
  • check Traditional lunch
  • check Cenote swim
What to remember
  • There is a MXP 100 fee for video camera use at the archaeological site
  • A contribution is made from each sale to a local sustainability project
  • Please note that climbing the pyramid is currently prohibited
  • Pick-ups are available from the following areas:- Cancun Hotel Zone- Costa Mujeres- Puerto Morelos- Playa del Carmen- Riviera Maya
    If you don't see the option to add a hotel for pick-up, please provide the details at checkout.
  • Bring insect repellent
  • Bring bathing gear and sunblock
  • Bring suitable footwear
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Provider
TUI MEXICANA SA DE CV
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 1 day before the experience begins.

What people say about this experience

Excellent

4.6 /5

Based on 672 reviews from verified customers


Review categories

Staff

4.7/5

Safety

4.7/5

Service

4.7/5

Value for money

4.5/5


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  • G

    Gareth Sheldrake

    Verified booking

    4.6

    December 24, 2025

    Traveled as a couple


    The cultural aspect of the tour and the Mayan ruins. The restaurant was really nice getting them all out today as well. I’ve never seen this film. and the swim at the end was really nice just to cool down.

  • C

    Claire

    Verified booking

    5

    December 17, 2025

    Traveled as a couple


    It's a great excursion, especially as you can now climb the Pyramid, and much safer than the last time I climbed it without the new stairs. Raul the tour guide was brilliant, he made the day.

  • G

    George McCutcheon

    Verified booking

    3.4

    December 13, 2025

    Traveled as a couple


    Raul was a poor leader. Our group was a mix of (mostly) English speakers and Spanish speakers - Raul seemed more comfortable when speaking to the Spanish speakers. His presentations were a confusing mix of English then Spanish back and forth - I found it difficult to focus on what was being said and got little out of the descriptions. Similarly, instructions when at the sites were unclear - and I was constantly unsure were I should be. The actual tour was good, the coach comfortable but spoilt.

  • A

    Andy martin

    Verified booking

    4.6

    December 11, 2025

    Traveled with a group of friends


    The guide Raul was very entertaining and he knew his stuff.i thought the afternoon meal was below average at best.but overall happy with the itinerary

  • M

    Marie

    Verified booking

    5

    December 11, 2025

    Traveled with a group of friends


    Raur was a fantastic guide

  • A

    Andrew parkinson

    Verified booking

    5

    December 11, 2025

    Traveled as a couple


    Brilliant experience

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free cancellation
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