Coba, meaning "water stirred by wind" is located between Tulum and Valladolid. Estimated to have had over 50,000 inhabitants, Coba covers nearly 80 square kilometers. Dated from the middle to late classic periods (between 500-900 AD), Coba was a major trading post to the Caribbean coast of Belize and Honduras, and it is thought to have utilized the ports of Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Tancha, and Tulum. Although it is thought there are nearly 6,000 structures scattered through out the site very few are excavated and restored. One of its most famous temples is Nohooch Mul (large hill) and is 42 meters in height. In addition to its incredible height it is one of that last structures in the area that visitors are allowed to climb. Coba has been carefully excavated and is covered by a jungle canopy, which creates a cooler way to visit the area. Even so it can tend to get a bit humid so when you are finished visiting the ruins make sure to enjoy the cool refreshing Cenote Cho Ha.
What is a cenote?
From the Mayan dzonot, meaning "well." A cenote is a water-filled sinkhole that is created when the roof of an underground cave collapses. This creates a natural pool which is then filled by rain and underground rivers. Cenotes are prevalent in the Yucatan Peninsula, due to the fact that it is one of the largest underground river systems in the world which has created thousands of cenotes. Cenotes were ritually significant to the Maya because they were considered sacred passages to the underworld, and they were not only used as a fresh water source, but as a main focal point of ceremonies and sacrifices.Cenote Cho Ha is a short drive from the ruins of Coba, and is certainly worth visiting. It is an underground cenote and is over 20 meters deep. With the pristine underground river waters feeding the cenote you can see clearly to the bottom. At first glance it seems like you could touch the bottom, but once you try you will find out that it reaches depths beyond what the eye can see. A wooden spiral staircase brings you into the belly of the cave, and you will certainly be amazed at how decorated the cave is with stalactites and stalagmites dating back hundreds of years. Feeling brave? Try jumping off the 5 or 10 meter platforms on your way down and plunge into the cool fresh water below.