Everything about Tulum & Coba Ruins. Which one to visit in 2024?

Both, Coba and Tulum Ruins are significant archaeological sites located in the Mexican State of Quintana Roo, and they offer unique historical and cultural experiences. Are you debating between visiting Tulum or Coba? Have a look a the facts below so you can have a better idea about each site.

A quick overview Coba Ruins
Can you still climb the pyramids at Coba?
Are the Coba Ruins wheelchair friendly?
What are the opening hours for Coba Ruins?
Paying with Credit card, pesos or dollars in Coba?
Tulum Ruins quick overview
Can you climb the Tulum Ruins?
Are the Tulum Ruins wheelchair friendly?
What are the opening hours for Tulum Ruins?
Paying with Credit card, pesos or dollars in Tulum?
Can you visit Tulum and Coba in one day?
Is it better to go on my own or on a tour?
How far is Coba from Tulum?
Travel Tips for Coba Ruins
Travel Tips for Tulum Ruins

A quick overview Coba Ruins:

Coba is known for its ancient Mayan ruins in the middle of the jungle, including the famous Nohoch Mul pyramid, which stands approximately 42 meters (138 feet) tall. Exploring the extensive Coba site can take a few hours, depending on your pace and level of interest. The site of Coba is huge and way larger than Tulum Ruins. We recommend renting a local bicycle directly on site. You may also hire a local taxi service to take you around in a small pedicab, also known as the famous Mayan Uber or the Mayan Limousine.

Can you still climb the pyramids at Coba?

Since 2020, after the pandemic, you can not any longer climb to the top of the Nohoch-Mul temple.

Are the Coba Ruins wheelchair friendly?

Coba Ruins are not wheelchair friendly. You could consider this site as “partially wheelchair accessible” only if assistance is provided to the person on the wheelchair. Expect a lot of uneven surfaces, rocks and tree roots on the ground, as the paths are not paved.

What are the opening hours for Coba Ruins?

Coba opens from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Last ticket is sold at 3 PM.

How expensive is visiting Coba? 

Expect to pay around 70 pesos for parking, 100 pesos per person to the local ejido, plus 95 pesos admission ticket to INAH. Other optional expenses are: hiring a local guide (900 to 1500 pesos per group), renting bicycles (65 pesos per single bicycle) or a Mayan taxi service (160 pesos approximately per double ride pedicab). For a family of four expect to pay around 2,650 pesos with all admissions, guide and pedicab service (3000 pesos with tips). You can find food and drinks right outside the archeological site. 

Paying with Credit card, pesos or dollars in Coba?

Bring a couple thousand pesos in cash with you. Credit Card payments are not always available. USD are accepted at the souvenir shops but not accepted to buy tickets at Coba. 

Tulum Ruins quick overview:

Tulum, on the other hand, is a coastal archaeological site displaying well-preserved ruins overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. It has several small temples around the site and also a great wall surrounding the entire city, creating the perfect fortress. This ancient site was built on top of the only 12-meter-tall (39 ft) cliffs along the Riviera Maya coast. This gives yourself the opportunity to appreciate unique views and enjoy the breeze on a windy day. Tulum is a smaller site than Coba and walking is the only option you have to explore the site. Please note that plastic bottles are not allowed to access the site (2024 update).  

Can you climb the Tulum Ruins?

Visitors cannot climb the ruins at Tulum. For conservation reasons, many of the main structures like El Castillo and the Temple of the Frescoes, have been cordoned off. It is mandatory for visitors to remain on the designated walking paths.

Are the Tulum Ruins wheelchair friendly?

The Tulum Ruins are not wheelchair friendly. You could consider this site as “partially wheelchair accessible” only if assistance is provided to the person on the wheelchair. Expect a lot of uneven surfaces, rocks and tree roots on the ground, as the paths are not paved.

What are the opening hours for Tulum Ruins?

Tulum ruins are open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Last ticket is sold at 3:30 PM 

How expensive is to visit Tulum Ruins?

Expect to pay around 100 to 150 pesos for parking, a 60 peso National Park bracelet, plus 95 pesos admission ticket to INAH. Other optional expenses are: hiring a local guide (900 to 1500 pesos per group). For a family of four expect to pay around 2,250 pesos with all admissions and guide service (2,500 pesos with tips). Food and drinks are sold outside the archeological site. 

Paying with Credit card, pesos or dollars in Tulum?

Bring a few thousand pesos cash with you. Credit Card payments are available. USD not accepted but you can exchange around the parking lots and souvenir shops.

Can you visit Tulum and Coba in one day?

Yes, it is possible to visit both Coba and Tulum in one day. It would be quite long if you do it on your own, and may not allow you enough time to fully appreciate each site. If you only have one day to see both places, you would need to prioritize which site you would like to spend more time in. Ideally, it is better to dedicate at least two hours to explore Coba and one hour to explore Tulum, in order to appreciate the highlights each site has to offer.

Is it better to go on my own or on a tour?

Public transportation between the two sites might not be as frequent or very limited. If you decide to visit both ruins in one day, it would be best to start early in the morning and make tour arrangements in advance. Big tour buses don’t often visit both sites in one day as it is hard to accomplish such a complex itinerary like this one with large groups of people. Hiring a private tour (guide and transportation) would give you more flexibility. My Coba & Tulum Tour by The Custom Tour, will allow you to maximize your time and ensure that you see the main highlights at both sites. Alternatively, you could rent a car and drive yourself. Keep in mind that finding parking at Tulum Ruins can be difficult during peak hours and the drive to get to Coba can be also challenging.

How far is Coba from Tulum?

Both, Coba and the Tulum Ruins are located in Quintana Roo State, but they are not exactly next to each other. The distance between them is around 50 km (30 miles) and it takes about 45 minutes to travel between them by car. If you want to see both ruins in one day, it’s best to start early in the morning.

Travel Tips for Coba Ruins:

At the Coba Ruins, plan to spend around 2 hours exploring the site. We recommend you renting a local bicycle or a pedicab ride, in order to avoid walking long distances. This will give you enough time to see the Nohoch Mul Pyramid, explore the surrounding temples and learn about the history of the Maya civilization. You might be able to spot some spider monkeys and exotic birds during this jungle adventure. It’s important to stay well hydrated and wear a hat, comfortable clothing and shoes, as you will be doing a fair amount of biking or walking.

Travel Tips for Tulum Ruins:

At the Tulum Ruins, plan to spend around 1 hour exploring the site. This will give you enough time to see the main highlights, including the Temple of the Frescoes, the Temple of the Descending God, and el Castillo. Enjoy the breeze and the sea views from the top of the cliffs and take time to take pictures. It’s important to stay well hydrated and wear a hat, comfortable clothing and shoes, as you will be doing a fair amount of walking in the sun.

Overall, while it is possible to combine a visit to Coba and Tulum Ruins in one day, it will be a full day of adventures (8 hours approximately). Make sure you plan carefully and better book your next private tour with The Custom Tour. You will make sure to have an unforgettable experience exploring two of the most important archaeological sites in the Yucatan Peninsula.

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