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The beautiful Maya site of Cobá literally means "water stirred by wind".
These ruins are unique in that they have been barely restored, merely cleared. Only a few of its estimated 6,500 structures have been uncovered, but the ones that have been are graceful and impressive.
History
On these quiet and peaceful grounds it's hard to imagine that Cobá may have once had the largest population of all the ancient Mayan cities. This vast Mayan archaeological site dates from 600-900 AD and there were an estimated 100,000 people living in its domain. It was the heart of a large metropolis composed of many cities within the eastern Yucatán.
Cobá's most unique aspect is seen in the architecture of its pyramids and buildings situated on the shores of several lakes.
As many as 50 "sacbes" (ancient roads) led into this huge Mayan city centre, one of them over 62 miles long — the longest in the Mayan world. Today few people live in Cobá, leaving one to ponder how such a great city fell into complete decline.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip to Cobá by contacting one of our Mexico specialists
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Suggested itineraries featuring Cobá
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Cobá, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
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![Mayan pyramid in Tikal]()
In search of the Maya through Honduras, Belize, Guatemala & Mexico
Honduras, Belize, Guatemala and MexicoView this tour -
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Places near Cobá
- Tulum 27 miles away
- Playa del Carmen 45 miles away
- The Mayan Riviera 45 miles away
- Chichén Itzá 56 miles away
- Yucatán Peninsula 71 miles away
- Cancun 74 miles away
- Isla Holbox 80 miles away
- Isla Mujeres 83 miles away
- Kabáh 126 miles away
- Mérida 127 miles away
- Uxmal 133 miles away
Our expert guides to exploring Cobá
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Cobá, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Cobá at its best.
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A first-timer's guide to Chichén Itzá ![Chichén Itzá, Mexico]()
A first-timer's guide to Chichén Itzá
A first-timer's guide to Chichén Itzá
An ancient Mayan capital and the most famous of all the archaeological sites on the Yucatán Peninsula, Chichén Itzá is not to be missed on a trip to Mexico.
Read this guide
