Coba

Coba is a massive and largely unexplored Mayan city from the Classic and Post Classic periods. It is set near two lagoons close to a modern Mayan village also called Coba. It takes about 2 hours to get there by coach from Cancun. There are several operators local to Cancun who run tours to Coba. These tours usually take in a visit to a cenote (A deep fresh water lake connected to an underground river) and a meal. Crocodiles have recently colonised at least one of the lagoons. These crocodiles tend to be photo-friendly so you will see some interesting wild-life on your way to the ancient city. Just do not get too close!

Climbing the Pyramid of Nohoch-Mul.

Coba came under acheological scutiny only recently and lacks some of the facilities for the visitor found at sites like Chichen Itza. It is however a wonderful and inspiring site. Until the 1970's the site was almost untouched as it lay deep in the jungle , far away from any roads. As part of the tourist intitiative that started with the construction of the tourist hub in Cancun, the Mexican governemnt built a road to Coba and cleared the jungle from a section of the site for visitors. Due to the recency of access, it is still under active and intensive investigation. At Coba you are essentially witnessing the leading edge of modern archeology.

Because the site is less accessible than sites like Chichen Itza, and because the visitors tend to be more thoughtful and considerate of the archeology, visitors are allowed more direct access to the ruins. At Coba visitors can still climb the great pyramid of Nohoch Mul, the highest Pyramid in the Yucatan peninnsula. You also have virtually unrestricted access to many other smaller but equally impressive ruins.

The first building most visitors see is the impressive Pyramid Iglesia. Notice the Stele under the small thatched roof at its base .

At the top of Nohoch Mul you can survey miles and miles of jungle with other pyramids and building poking up through the lush green carpet. As you stand there at the top of Nohoch Mul you can appreciate a view similar to that offered to the Mayan Priests over 1500 years ago. Be aware the climb of Nohoch Mul is not for the faint hearted. There are 124 steps to get to the top. The pyramid rises at a significant angle, so if you have a weak heart or very young children with you the full climb is best avoided. However a rope down the middle has been provided that can make the climb easier. The best thing to do is simply take your time!

Coba was built and became a regional center of Mayan governemt towards the end of the Classic period. Even as the Mayan civilisation in the south collapsed, Coba continued and prospered through the first part of the Post classic period. The site is believed to have supported more 50000 people. A number of the building appear to have been set up as trading posts or embassies for far away cultures and traders. But by the end of the 16th century Coba was already derelict.

	A few of the buildings can be entered and have pathways leading into their interior. Obviously care is needed when dealing with thousand year old structures! Notice in this picture the typical Mayan arch. Unlike their contempories in the Roman world, Mayan arches did not have a key-stone. .
Inside the Iglesia Pyramid.

A large number of Stelae (stone slabs inscribed with Mayan hieroglyphics) have been found and by deciphering these stelae much of the information we now know about Coba has been discovered. Due to the importance of these stelae, many have been removed to Mexico City for analysis. However a small number have been left in place. They normally have been given a small thatched roof to protect them as best as is possible from further erosion.

The ancient mayan ball Game is shrouded in mystery. Over 1500 ball courts have been found all over central America but little is known about the rules of even how many players took part. It is believed that the game was played with a large rubber ball which the players could have limited access with (no contact with hands or feet).
	Looking down into one of the ballcourts from where the spectators veiwed the event.

Coba was the central hub of a sophisicated road system. The roads or causeways were known as Sacbe (plural: sacbeob) and aided communications with remote sites up to 100 Km away. Regular every-day trade was conducted, using these sacbeob with other Mayan sites such as Chichen Itza and Tulum.

If you want the opportunity to actually climb a Mayan pyramid (still allowed as of Jan 2008) and enter the temple at its summit, see not just one but two Ball Courts and also see the remains of the sophisicated Mayan highway system, then a visit to Coba is essential.

	The summit of Nohoch Mul has a partially restored temple which the visitor can enter. The figures carved into the stone indicate that this was a temple to the Descending god.
The temple of the Descending god on the top of Nohoch Mul.