Coba ruins are located about 40 minutes south west of Tulum.
The site itself is located around two lagoons. A series of elevated stone and plaster roads radiate from the central site to various smaller sites near and far. These are known by the Maya term sacbe (plural sacbeob). Some of these causeways go east and the longest runs over 100 kilometers (62 mi) westwards to the site of Yaxuna. The site contains several large temple pyramids, the tallest, in what is known as the Nohoch Mul group of structures, being some 42 metres (138 ft) in height. Ixmoja, at Coba, is the tallest pyramid on the Yucatan peninsula. On a clear day Ixmoja can be seen from the top of the main pyramid, the Acropolis at Ek Balam. It is believed smoke signals were used atop of these two pyramids for communication between the two cities.
Coba is estimated to have had some 50,000 inhabitants (and possibly significantly more) at its peak of civilization, and the built up area extends over some 80 km2. The site was occupied by a sizable agricultural population by the 1st century. The bulk of Coba's major construction seems to have been made in the middle and late Classic period, about 500 to 900, with most of the dated hieroglyphic inscriptions from the 7th century. However, Coba remained an important site in the Post-Classic era and new temples were built and old ones kept in repair until at least the 14th century, possibly as late as the arrival of the Spanish.
Coba traded extensively with other Mayan communities, particularly the ones further south along the Caribbean coast in what is now Belize and Honduras. It utilized the ports of Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Tankah, Muyil, and Tulum.
This is a wonderful site with a lot of shaded walking/bike (rental) paths. Again, try to arrive early, hire a guide. Spend the later afternoon cooling of in one of the area cenotes or area beaches on the way back home.
