Can You Climb the Coba Ruins in Quintana Roo, Mexico?

Can you climb the Maya ruins at Coba? Yes, you can climb the main Coba Ruins pyramid again! This important cultural site is a must for your Mexico vacation.

We stopped in Mexico on our Caribbean cruise, and the main thing I wanted to do was climb an ancient Maya pyramid. Unlike at Chichén Itzá or the Tulum ruins, you can climb the pyramid at Coba, and they have recently reopened it for climbing with safer precautions.

Here’s what you need to know about visiting the Maya ruins in Coba.

Nohoch Mul Pyramid at the Coba Maya Ruins in Quintana Roo, Mexico, a large stone pyramid, rises from a forest clearing, surrounded by tall green trees. Steep staircases run up the face of the pyramid, with small groups of visitors climbing toward the top. In the foreground, a few people walk across the dirt clearing at the base, emphasizing the scale of the ancient structure.

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What is Coba?

The Zona Arqueológica de Cobá is an archaeological site at the ancient city of Coba.

Coba was an important city for the Maya people. It’s unique in that it was an urban hub of different settlements laid out in one area, connected by 50 sacbes, or “white roads,” made of stone that connected the different communities to the center of the site and the surrounding lagoons. These are the paths visitors take to tour the site, either by walking, biking, or riding in a bicycle taxi.

Coba doesn’t see as much tourism as Chichén Itzá because it is in such a remote location and because it’s not as picturesque.

But at Coba, you are still allowed to climb the main Nohoch Mul Pyramid, and that’s what really cinched the deal for us.

A smiling Kevin and Paige take a selfie in front of the Nohoch Mul Pyramid of the Coba Maya Ruins in Quintana Roo, Mexico with a large, steep stone pyramid surrounded by trees in the background. Kevin wears a hat, sunglasses, and a backpack, while the Paige wears round sunglasses and a blue shirt. Behind them, visitors climb the narrow staircase up the face of the ancient pyramid, highlighting its height and scale.

Exploring the Ancient City of Coba

Near the entrance of the site are the ruins the Coba Group structures that include the church, called the Iglesia, and a ball court with two slanted stone walls on either side.

In this Maya ballgame, players would have to bounce a rubber ball through stone rings on the slanted walls. The game had a ritualistic aspect where they would often sacrifice members of the losing team.

A stone ball court at the ancient Coba Ruins archaeological site in Quintana Roo, Mexico, featuring two long, sloped stone walls facing each other. A circular stone ring is set high on one wall, and a large tree grows near the court’s edge. The court is surrounded by low stone walls and dense green forest, emphasizing the historic ruins within a natural setting.

Further on, we passed another of these ball courts. This one had the Maya numbering system on one of the walls.

Climbing the Maya Ruins at Coba

Paige stands in the foreground with her arms raised in excitement, with the tall, steep stone Nohoch Mul Pyramid at the Coba Maya Ruins in Quintana Roo, Mexico behind her. Several visitors are climbing the narrow central staircase up the pyramid. Two other people stand nearby looking toward the structure, and the scene is set on a dirt clearing within a lush, forested archaeological site.

After a long walk through the jungle, we came to Ixmoja, the largest of the Nohoch Mul Group of pyramids.

At 138 feet tall, it’s a long climb to the top, and a steep one as well. In 2020, they closed access to the pyramid in order to do extensive restoration work and safety upgrades that would make climbing the pyramid less dangerous. In December 2025, they reopened the pyramid to climbing with a wooden staircase that allows you to safely ascend the pyramid to get to the panoramic views at the top.

Before the restoration, you climbed directly on the ancient stones and used a rope going down the middle of the steps for support. Really, though, it was easier just climbing hunched over and keeping your hands on the steps above you to keep you steady.

Climbs are now organized in small groups of 15 people. You’ll get a maximum time of 15 minutes at the top to enjoy the view.

It’s 120 steps to the top, and it can be a rough climb in the Mexican heat and humidity. You’re out in the middle of a jungle, hours away from any hospital, so it’s best take it slow and easy.

There’s no shame in taking a break on the steps and looking out at the jungle. Halfway up the pyramid and you’re already over the tree line, so there’s always a good view.

But the best view is from the top. The lush green jungle spans out for miles in front of the pyramid.

View from the top of the stone Nohoch Mul Pyramid at the Coba Ruins in Quintana Roo, Mexico, overlooking a vast expanse of dense green jungle stretching to the horizon. Stone steps and low rock walls frame the foreground, where a few people stand near the edge, looking out over the forest canopy under a partly cloudy sky.

The climb down the pyramid used to be the tricky part, but it’s much easier now with the staircase installed. Before, the best way was to scoot down on your butt, taking it one step at a time. Obviously, with the wooden staircase, now you can just walk down normally.

Coba Opening Hours and Entry Fees

Location: 77793 Coba, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Hours: The Coba Ruins are open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with last entry at 4 p.m. The Nohoch Mul Pyramid is open for climbing from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Admission: The entry fee for the Coba Ruins costs MX$100 per person (about $5.50)

Tips for Visiting the Coba Ruins

Bring plenty of water and stay hydrated
Hire a local guide to show you Coba’s fascinating history
To avoid the crowds, visit in the early morning or late afternoon
Cool off after your climb by visiting the nearby Cenote Multum-Ha

Coba Ruins FAQ

Can you climb Coba?

Yes, you can climb the main pyramid at Coba. Climbing the pyramid was paused during the pandemic, but the public was allowed to climb the pyramid again beginning in 2023, and then access was restricted again at the end of 2024 so that a new staircase could be installed for safer access. The pyramid was reopened for climbing again in December 2025.

Are the Coba Ruins worth it?

Coba is absolutely worth the visit! It is less crowded than other Maya ruins in the region, it is cheap to visit, and is worth a visit because you can still climb the pyramid.

Is Coba older than Chichén Itzá?

Coba is older than Chichén Itzá and the site at Tulum. Coba is believed to date back as far as 50BC.

Top Tours of the Coba Ruins

Where to Stay near the Coba Ruins

Closest Hotel: Hotel Mayahau
Top Hotel: Hotel Kaab Coba
Great Value: Hotel Sacbe
Unique Stay: Jungla y Estrellas

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Quintana Roo, Mexico?

A Mexican Tourist Card is required for most foreign tourists entering Mexico by land and is mandatory for anyone staying longer than 72 hours. You can check your visa requirements here or by using the widget below.

More Destinations From This Cruise

Check out more of our Caribbean cruise adventures at the ports below:

Ready for a Caribbean cruise vacation? Plan your trip with these tips.

Find cheap Caribbean cruises: You can use Orbitz to find the best prices on Caribbean cruises.
Prepare for your cruise: Check out my top tips for your first cruise.
Pack for your vacation: Make sure you’ve packed everything you need by checking out my packing list resources.

Cheers!

Paige

Have you visited any Mayan ruins in Mexico? Let me know in the comments!

4 Comments

Carmina says:

November 3, 2021 at 11:37 am

Mexico looks lovely. It’s been on my list for such a long time now, I cannot wait to get there. Hopefully, next year :).

1. Paige says:
  
  November 18, 2021 at 9:46 am
  
  Mexico is such a dream! Hope you can get there soon!
  
cook the beans says:

November 27, 2017 at 3:05 pm

Mine is Cobá so far 🙂

Tanja says:

July 4, 2017 at 4:12 am

wonderful!

Can You Climb the Coba Ruins in Quintana Roo, Mexico?