Coba Ruins
| Deep in the heart of the Quintana
Roo jungle, Coba encompasses four lakes and the Nohoch Mul pyramid, which with its 120
steps, is the tallest structure in northern Yucatan. Most of the zone is still buried in
the forest since large - scale excavation only began in 1972. This site dates from the Classic period and is thought to have had great
political and religious importance. It is estimated that 50,000 people once lived in the
city. Unlike other Mayan sites on the peninsula, Coba was still occupied after the
Conquest. |
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COBA
Cobá, north of Tulum in Quintana Roo, is about a 30 minute ride northwest of
Tulum, and well worth visiting, accommodations are available for overnight stays. It
was once a stately city which controlled the economy of the entire Maya
region. Unlike most archeological sites on the Yucatan Peninsula, Coba is in the
middle of the jungle, and a totally different experience. Take some mosquito repellent
with you for this one, as the moist jungle environment supports quite on insect
population. It prospered between AD 400 to 1100 and in its heyday, 40,000 people lived
within its confines. Large temple pyramids still stand above the jungle, one of
which is 138 feet tall, the highest in Northern Yucatan. Because Coba is isolated
and off the coast, it is not visited as frequently as it should be. Mysterious
ancient roads through the jungle radiate out from Cobá leading, it seems, to nowhere in
particular. Also bring along some water, as you'll be doing a lot of hiking. What
will you see? The highest pyramid on the Yucatan Peninsula, for one thing, (Nohoch Mul).
You may see or at least hear, howler monkeys and an incredible variety of jungle birds.
The top of the gigantic Temple of the Churches affords a fantastic view of Lake Ma Can Xoc
to the east and of Lake Cobo to the southwest. You'll also see many stelae, glyphs, and
sculptures, some showing detailed relieves and complicated inscriptions. One stelae is
dated November 30, 780 A.D. in Mayan glyphs.
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