We cannot stress enough that you HAVE to go to Coba Ruins on your trip. It is about a one hour trip, but completely worth it. If you have not seen a Mayan pyramid during your time in Mexico then please go!!!
Why Coba Ruins is so awesome: It is not crowded, it is very shady and spread out (about 6 KM is trails). You can walk, you can hire a guide, you can rent a bicycle or you can rent a bike taxi. Coba pyramid is the highest in the Yucatan Peninsula – higher then Chichen Itza. It is not as well restored as Chichen Itza, BUT…you can still climb to the top. I don’t know of any other pyramids in the Yucatan where you can still climb and I fear it is only of a matter of time before they no longer continue to let you climb up this one. What a view from the top!
The entrance cost is 55 pesos, the cost to rent a bike is 60 pesos and the cost for a bike taxi (fits 2 people) is 100 pesos + tip. Parking your car is 50 pesos in the lot next to the entrance. When done please try to have a drink, snack or lunch at one of the many village eateries. There are many places to stop at; each serving authentic Mexican specialties and tourism is their only means of income. Getting there: 307 south to the Tulum traffic light (where you turn left to beach), instead make a right and drive about 40 kilometers.
On the way you will pass 2 villages, and many tourist shops selling everything from hammocks to sinks. This is the best place to buy souvenirs if you intend to do so during your trip. Always haggle the price…it is expected! You will eventually hit a roundabout traffic circle with gas station. Go 3/4 of the way around the circle so that you are theoretically making a left hand turn. It’s only a few more kilometers till you enter the town of Coba.
In front of you will be the lake, to the right is a restaurant with patio on the lake. Suggestion: We usually park our car there near the restaurant and walk on the boardwalk around the lake to the ruins. Then on the way out we stop at that restaurant for a cold drink and snacks. The staff there is very attentive, friendly and happy to have your business! If you want to park your car in the lot, you need to make a left turn and it is only a couple blocks to the official Coba parking lot. Best to go in the morning, and hit the local cenotes or PUNTA LAGUNA on the way home!