About 45 minutes inland from Tulum is Cobá. One of the oldest Mayan cities, Cobá was a grand settlement that developed in the jungle around a group of lakes and cenotes (sinkholes) that, like Tulum, belong to the Classic and Postclassic periods of Mayan culture.
The first traces are from 100 to 200 AD, although it flourished during the period between the years 300 and 900 of our era. Its political importance in the region lasted until 900 and 1200 AD.
Cobá is the largest of Yucatan's archaeological sites. It is also the least excavated of all the major sites on the Yucatan peninsula. Cobá is none the less important. To many, Cobá is simply AWESOME. Containing 20,000 structures, Cobá was once home to as many as 40,000 Mayans. Cobá, which means "Ruffled Water", was built along the shores of five shallow lakes. Cobá is a striking site with magnificent pyramids and incredibly detailed stelae. The Nohoch Mul pyramid, the tallest on the peninsula, reaches 140 feet into the sky. Many experts say that the pyramids here rival those of Tikal in Guatemala.
Multilingual guides are usually available, a good investment, considering the size of this site. Leave early, as this is an all day trip from Cancun. These ruins are considered a favorite stop for the more adventurous traveler. Beware, in the summer, the heat and humidity here can be overwhelming.
|
