This Yucatreks tour to the ancient
city of Coba, combined with lunch in a traditional
Yucatecan restaurant, a swim in a spectacular cave/cenote,
and stops in local villages, provides a glimpse of both old
and new Mayan culture.
COBA
The Coba Treasures excursion invites guests to
explore what is one of the most interesting Mayan cities in the
Yucatan. Much older than the ruins of Tulum and dating from about 200
BC-1450 AD, this important trading hub is believed to
have supported up to 55,000 people during its peak and contains
around 6,500 structures, most of which are still hidden in the
wild, overgrown depths of the jungle.
 THE
DAY
Our early jump on the day means our group is usually one of the
first to arrive to the site. We allow enough time at the archeological
site to truly enjoy it - no rush. We are joined
by INAH-certified local guides at Coba, all of whom are of
Mayan decent and native to the area. Understandably quite proud
of their heritage, they offer incomparable insight into Mayan history,
tradition, and ways of life. During the leisurely stroll through
the shaded jungle paths, they also point out trees and other vegetation
that were important to the Maya for various reasons.
You will see many culturally significant
buildings such as pyramids, temples, roads, watch towers
and ball courts. Exotic birds and butterflies are
also a common sight, and walking past the countless unexcavated
ruins covered with tropical vegetation will leave you marveling
at the size of this ancient Mayan treasure.
For many people, the pinnacle of the tour
is climbing Nohoch Mul, the tallest
Mayan pyramid on the Yucatan peninsula. This 42
meter/138 feet climb is rewarded by breathtaking views of
the jungle and lakes which surround Coba.
LUNCH
Our lunch deserves mentioning too. We take you to a typical family-run
Yucatecan restaurant, located on the shore of Lake Coba,
where you can choose from a number of tasty traditional dishes,
such as Poc Chuc or Pork Pibil, served with great homemade corn
tortillas. A special treat! Quite often a crocodile can be seen
cruising by in the lake, providing a perfect photo-op!
 THE
CENOTE
If you have never seen a cenote, it's almost wrong to take you
to Cho-Ha first - it's so spectacular, it just
seems unfair to the other cenotes. Even if you have seen cenotes
before, this one will surely blow you away. Your
jaw is bound to drop further and further with each step you take
down the sturdy staircase leading to this amazing cave. Photos
can hardly do it justice, you just have to see it for yourself!
We'll go for a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters and
have time to explore.
 THE
VILLAGES
Heading back to Playa, we like to make a stop in one of
the Mayan villages we pass along the way. First we visit
the Honey Co-op distribution center, where they sell all kinds
of products make from the famous Yucatecan honey. We also visit
a great little handicraft store at the home of a delightful Mayan
family, where we can see how people live in the countryside. The
many cute kids, beautiful gardens, Pancho the Spider Monkey and
other animals provide us with many more great photo-ops.
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| TOUR
SCHEDULE |
7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Thursdays
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| WHERE
DO I GET PICKED UP? |
Our tours leave from and return
to Playa del Carmen. We are able to pickup
at most hotels in or south of Playa del Carmen. If
you're staying in a resort North of Playa, we
have a central meeting point in town. You will receive
pickup information along with your tour confirmation after
booking the tour.
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| PRICE |
Adults: $102
Children 12 yrs or younger: $89
All prices are in U.S. Dollars
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| WHAT'S
INCLUDED |
All entrance fees, expert guiding,
air-conditioned van with driver, snacks, lunch, water and
soft drinks throughout the day.
|
| WHAT
ISN'T INCLUDED? |
Guide and driver gratuities.
|
| WHAT
TO BRING/WEAR |
Comfortable shoes/sandals, hat, sunglasses,
swim wear, towel, maybe an extra t-shirt, camera, personal
belongings and some cash for souvenirs and tips.
|
| GROUP
SIZE |
Our tours are limited in size, so booking
early is recommended. Remember this is not a bus tour!
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| WHAT
ABOUT PRIVATE TOURS? |
If you have a group and prefer something
more exclusive, we can schedule a tour any day that suits
you and even customize the itinerary. Ask
us for a quote.
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| HOW
DO I RESERVE MY SPACE? |
Click on the reservations page to confirm
availability. Choose the tour you wish to book and click
on it. Simply follow the instructions to make your PayPal
deposit payment. We'll get back to you within one day (or
perhaps two, if it's the weekend) with your confirmation
and tour details including pickup info.
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