Coba is the least restored of any of the sites we visited, but it's also home to the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan and some of the most unique artifacts. There are a large number of carved stelae, the upright stone pillars that are inscribed with everything from strictly decorative engravings to historical records. In one area, the Macanxoc Group, the stelae are scattered through the forest in a way that sparks the imagination and seems very mystical.

It is estimated that there were over 50,000 people living here in its heyday (600 - 900 A.D.) and that there may be over 6,000 structures in the surrounding jungle but no active restoration work is currently going on. Accordingly there is not much surrounding the archeological zone. The little village there is really just an offshoot of the entrance to the place. There is a hotel like the Mayaland (at Chichen Itza), maybe one other little place to stay, a little restaurant or two and some shopping stalls at the parking lot. Otherwise, its pretty much in the middle of nowhere.

The entrance to the Archeological Zone.

Coba Index

	The Coba Group
	The Nohoch Mul Pyramid
	The Macanxoc Group

The major groups of ruins are somewhat scattered but worth the effort to explore. And, to make it easier to cover a lot of ground, there are 'mountain bikes' for rent. That term (mountain bike) only loosely applies, but its a great idea. In fact, reading about the opportunity of riding a trail bike through the jungle is one of the things that had me intrigued about this place.

Coba is marked by the number and variety of carved stelae throughout the park.