About Cobá
The Mayan ruins at Cobá are unique and one of the most beautiful archaeological zones on the Yucatán Peninsula. Of its estimated 6,500 structures, only a few have been uncovered, but the ones that have been revealed are graceful and impressive.
On this quiet and peaceful Mayan land, it's hard to imagine that Cobá may have once had the largest population of all the ancient Mayan cities. This vast archaeological site dates from 600-900 A.D., and an estimated 100,000 people lived in its domain. It was the heart of a large metropolis composed of many cities in the eastern Yucatán. Today, few people live in Cobá, leaving one to wonder how such a great city fell into complete decline.
The steepness of the Nohoch Mul pyramid—the tallest in the Yucatán at over 126 feet—and its building techniques are characteristic of the Petén region of Guatemala. There are many stories that suggest a ruling queen here married a priest from Tikal, which has the tallest Mayan pyramid, which may explain why the architecture of these two sites is similar.
If you climb the 120 stairs to the top of the Grand Pyramid at Cobá, the effort will be well worth it. From the top, you can see the jungle canopy for miles, with unexcavated temple mounds peeking above the trees. The small temple building that crowns the pyramid features two small carvings known as a "diving god," which are also found in Tulum. These curious carvings, also called "the bee god" or "the descending god," have been associated with the planet Venus.
As you walk through these extensive ruins early in the morning, you can spot numerous species of birds, butterflies, and animals, even the occasional spider monkey. Large ceiba trees intertwine with ancient stonework, and the sounds of the jungle create an incredible and entertaining symphony. The beautiful natural setting of Cobá is a pleasure that deserves to be explored.
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