Visit the Coba ruins in Mexico when you book an exciting tour with Cancun Adventures
Visit the Coba ruins in Mexico when you book an exciting tour with Cancun Adventures. Don’t miss your chance to see the stunning ancient Mayan architecture!
When you think of Mayan architecture, you probably picture tall stone temples with lots of steep stairs. What you may not know is that there are meanings and purposes behind their structures and cities. Nearly everything the Mayans built was precisely situated and intentionally designed. In Coba, Mexico you can walk in an ancient city and see the stone structures for yourself while learning all about Mayan architecture and culture.
What Was the Mayan’s Architecture Like?
The Mayans built with local materials like sandstone and limestone, and even created a form of cement using burnt limestone. The outer walls of their buildings contained carved images and sculptures, while the inside walls were covered with murals honoring battles, rulers, and religion.
Cities were designed according to topography and carefully designed plans. Larger buildings were often on higher ground and connected to the rest of the structures with elevated roads and pathways. Buildings were also situated to maximize sunlight and to correspond with solstices and equinoxes. They also usually had good views of the plazas or ballcourts for events. The designs used by their Mesoamerican ancestors played an influential role as well.
The large pyramids were mainly used for religious ceremonies and sacrifices, and as tombs for rulers and their spouses. They also held tombs for those who had been sacrificed and for storing precious items. These large pyramids were built to resemble mountains, which were sacred to the Mayan people. Palaces contained carvings on the doorways to resemble rulers, or in the image that represented the mouth of a sacred cave, or portals to other worlds.
What Was Coba Used For?
The ancient city of Coba appears to have been a bustling and important trade center. It is made up of a network of “sacbe,” or white limestone elevated roadways, connecting the major buildings and the residential areas. One road even connects to Yaxuna, roughly 60 miles away. The Castillo temple is located in the main group of structures and the temple of Nohoch Mul are along the road to Yaxuna. There are more than 30 engraved stelae (upright stones) with glyphic images and writing about rituals, roles of power, style of dressing, and life in Coba, Mexico.
How to Visit Coba
No trip to Mexico is complete without a visit to the ancient Coba ruins. See the Mayan architecture up close and learn about the history and culture from a knowledgeable local guide with these tours from Cancun Adventures.
Coba & Mayan Cenote Tour
Discover the towering Nohoch Mul—the highest Mayan pyramid in the area—as you explore jungle-covered trails and cool off in a sacred cenote, all guided by local experts.
Deepen your connection to Mayan heritage with a traditional shaman-led ceremony, take a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters, and enjoy a delicious regional meal.
This experience is the perfect balance of history, culture, and natural beauty—an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Yucatán.
Book With Cancun Adventures
Set up your own Cancun adventure to the ancient Coba ruins, where you can explore the Mayan architecture and walk where the Mayans once walked. Contact Cancun Adventures to get started today!
