Climbing The Ancient Mayan Ruins Of Coba

The Ancient Mayan Ruins of Coba

Coba, Mexico

Climbing to the top of an ancient pyramid is more difficult than you think. It’s also why the Mayan Ruins of Coba are one of my favorite archaeological sites in the Yucatan.

Archaeologists believe Coba was an incredibly important city for the Maya people. However due to its remote location, the site is not as popular with tourists as other Mayan ruins.

But there are many reasons to visit the city of white roads.

Because Coba doesn’t see as much tourism as places like Chichen Itza or Tulum, so you can actually still climb some of the structures for a totally different and unique perspective.

La Iglesia Structure

Rent a Bicycle to Ride the Sacbes

Overgrown Ancient Ruins

Exploring Mayan Ruins Of Coba

Coba’s claim to fame is the largest network of stone causeways in the ancient Mayan world, called sacbes (white roads). Over 50 of these roads have been discovered at the site, with 16 of them open to the public.

The raised stone pathways connect clusters of residential areas to the main pyramid area of Nohoch Mul and small lakes used as a water supply nearby. There are three ways to explore the ruins along these roads.

You can walk, hire a bici taxi, or my personal favorite, rent a bicycle.

Mysteriously no one really knows how the Maya transported goods along these roads. While scientists believe the Maya knew about the existence of the wheel, there’s no evidence they actually used them.

One of my favorite reasons to visit Coba is that it isn’t as excavated as other sites, so you feel like you’re wandering through a forest, with many structures still covered in trees.

Ixmoja Pyramid (Nohoch Mul Group)

Climbing the Pyramid

View from the Top

Climbing The Pyramid

The largest pyramid at Coba is called Ixmoja, part of the Nohoch Mul group of buildings. The pyramid is 42 meters (138 feet) tall and was the heart of the city. Unlike other Maya sites, you can still climb this one, if you dare!

The 120 stone steps are much steeper than they look…

This is why there’s a thick rope in the middle for safety. But the view from the top is totally worth the climb. A light breeze cools you off from the summit while gazing at the lush jungle landscape stretching out in all directions.

Plus, there aren’t many places where you can climb a Mayan pyramid anymore. As a site gets more popular and tourism increases, authorities eventually restrict climbing to preserve structures and reduce accidents.

Be careful climbing down the pyramid, it’s more difficult than going up!

Coba is a Huge Site

Trees Growing from Walls

Pyramid of the Painted Lintel

History Of Coba

Coba is estimated to have had a population of over 50,000 at its peak. There are many tall stone carved monuments at the complex, called stelae. Some stelae here depict women, suggesting the city had many female rulers.

There are two well-preserved ball courts on the site too, used for playing ōllamaliztli, a traditional Mayan ballgame.

Specific rules differ depending on the time period, but basically players attempted to bounce a heavy rubber ball through stone rings using their hips.

Sometimes the captain of the losing team was ritually sacrificed.

The Mayan City of Coba was first inhabited around 100 AD and was eventually abandoned when the Spanish conquered the peninsula around 1550 AD. However the city was once the most powerful in the region, controlling farmland, trading routes, and important water sources.

Beautiful Cenote Choo-Ha

Tranquil Cenote Multun-Ha

Swimming In Cenotes

Speaking of water sources, no visit to Coba would be complete without taking a dip in the refreshing limestone cenotes nearby. Cenotes are underground sinkholes filled with fresh water, found all over the Yucatan.

There are 3 cenotes just a 10 minute drive away from the ruins.

Cenote Choo-Ha is a shallow water cenote with crystal blue water and many stalagmites hanging from the ceiling. My personal favorite of the three.

Cenote Tamcach-Ha is a deep underground cavern with two fun jumping platforms at 5 & 10 meters (15 & 30 feet) high. Cenote Multun-Ha is a bit further away in the jungle and boasts a large wooden deck.

The entrance fee for each cenote is 55 pesos ($3 USD). They are a wonderful way to cool off after a hot day exploring the Mayan ruins of Coba!

Renting Harley’s in Mexico

Cruising the Riviera Maya on Motorcycles

Tips For Visiting Coba

The ruins of Coba are about 44 kilometers (28 miles) from Tulum, or (68 miles) from Playa del Carmen. For the budget minded, you can get to the site via ADO Bus from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum. Colectivos (public taxi vans) are also an option, however you’ll have to change vans in Tulum.

Renting a car is the most flexible and allows you to visit cenotes.

Or, if you’re a fan of motorcycles, you can rent a Harley Davidson in Playa del Carmen like I did with my friends Evelina from Earth Wanderess & Jeremy from The World Or Bust. The road is an easy and smooth ride.

At the ruins you can hire a guide to explain the history, or just wander on your own. Riding bicycles enables you to see the most in the shortest period of time. Or hire a bici taxi driver to pedal you around, or explore on foot.

Whatever you decide, remember to bring sunscreen & water because it can get hot! Plus sturdy shoes if you plan to climb the main pyramid. ★

Watch Video: Mayan Ruins Of Coba

(Click to watch Mayan Ruins Of Coba – Mexico on YouTube)

More Information

Location: Coba, Mexico [Map]
Total Cost: 65 pesos ($4 USD) entry fee
Motorcycle Rental: Harley Adventures
Useful Notes: It gets hot during the day at Coba, so visiting early morning or late afternoon is best. Less people too. You can explore on foot but I highly recommend renting a bicycle. The complex is very large!
Recommended Guidebook: Lonely Planet Yucatan
Suggested Reading: The Maya: Ancient Peoples & Places

READ NEXT: Win Free Accommodation In Mexico!

Have you ever visited the Mayan ruins of Coba before?

This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

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Six Travel Budget Busters to Avoid

Whether you are sticking to a tight budget while traveling or not, no one likes to waste their hard-earned money on travel budget busters that can be avoided. After five years of travel, I’ve learned a thing or two—mostly from trial and error—that I’d love to share with you.

Here are my top travel budget busters to avoid!

– – Watch Your Drinks – –

Travel can make you thirsty—whether you’re hopping on a redeye or wandering around a new city. You’ll probably find yourself spending too much on beverages—a glass of wine here, an overpriced latte there, and two more water bottles than you actually need.

Is it a party night? Enjoy a beer with friends in your room or the hostel lounge before you head out for a night of drinking or dancing. While you’re out, try some local beer or liquor—these are usually cheaper than imports like Heineken or Budweiser.

Ask the reception where the locals go to have fun—that way you avoid the tourist traps.

In many countries, coffee is an overpriced luxury. Avoid chains like Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts and try a local barista. Sometimes they’ll even have a local flavor (oat milk in Iceland, anyone?). Order a regular coffee and you’ll often get a refill unlike with those expensive cappuccinos and lattes you have to order one by one.

– – Souvenirs – –

A one-of-a-kind souvenir is like a memory you can hold and take back home with you. Checking out the marketplace for something fun and memorable is a great way to interact with locals, practice your threadbare language skills, and do some shopping.

But look out for the market faux pas: the impulse buy!

You can often end up with much more than you bargained for (and more than can fit in your suitcase). When out shopping, have a loose idea of what you’re looking for: a boomerang from Australia, an ostrich egg from South Africa, a straw doll from Belarus. This will help you focus.

Keep your eyes open throughout the day—even when not actively shopping—just in case you stumble on something truly unique.

– – Phone Charges and Mobile Data – –

Using your phone abroad, if not properly set up, can cost you a pretty penny. As long as you have wireless connection, you can use anyone’s Wi-Fi abroad—mobile data is another story.

Make sure you speak with your service provider about international options. It can sometimes switch on international data at a low cost for a limited time.

Always tap into Wi-Fi when its available to you!

– – Currency Charges and Credit Card Fees – –

You’ll want to check with your bank for any potential international ATM fees or direct card charges that may apply during travel, before you embark. Many banks charge a percentage for each transaction and often more for ATM withdrawals.

While you’re on the phone with the bank, provide the names of the countries on your itinerary—failing to alert your bank of travel may cause your cards to be blocked. And that would be a BAD start to a vacation!

– – Airline Fees and Extras – –

More and more airlines are charging by the item—for the seat, for food, for extra bags. Save yourself stress and hassle by arranging all of it online prior to your trip.

Before your flight, log in to your itinerary on the airline’s website with your confirmation code and pre purchase any extra items or services.

Need an aisle seat in economy plus seating? Buy it online. Carrying more bags than the allotted one or two? Buy it online. Airlines will often charge you extra if you make any of these arrangements at the airport on your day of departure.

– – Emergency Fees – –

Accidents do happen and often when you least expect them. You may fall ill with the stomach flu or sprain your ankle walking the Spanish Steps. In these instances, you’ll be thankful for travel insurance.

Buy enough insurance to cover your nonrefundable costs and any emergency medical expenses. Look for a plan that will cover you before you go as well as while you’re on the road. I have an annual plan with World Nomads, so if I’m ever delayed, miss a flight, or catch a bad cold while traveling, I’m covered!

There’s even travel insurance to cover specific types of travel—are you a photographer? Make sure the plan includes electronic theft or loss. Are you an adventure sports enthusiast? There are plans for you too.

Best case scenario, just having insurance will ease your mind.

READ NEXT: Ten Reasons to Get Travel Insurance for your Next Trip

 

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Six Travel Budget Busters to Avoid is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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How to Avoid Overpacking for a Trip

It’s a few days before your trip and you’re revving to hit the road. Time to pack! How you pack depends so much on the destination and what type of travel you’re embarking on.

We’ve all packed a bit too much on our trips—whether it’s backup shoes or an extra iPad—which can make it difficult to lug that baggage around.

In general, there are few tips on how to avoid overpacking!

1. Make a Checklist

A checklist is the place to start. It will help you remember what to bring and also to plan outfits and excursions. Start writing stuff down in your checklist a few days before packing—that way you have time to remember the little things.

For fun, break up your checklist into categories: clothes, hygiene, travel docs, electronics, beauty, and first aid. You can use my carry-on packing guide to make sure you don’t miss a thing!

2. Pick the Right Suitcase

Choose a modestly-sized suitcase. A big suitcase means—guess what—a heavy suitcase. You’ll pack so much just trying to fill the elephant you’ll end up bringing stuff you don’t need. One carry-on suitcase is probably the optimal size, eif you can manage, but larger suitcases can be necessary for long term trips.

On long trips, I travel with a backpack for my computer and camera gear, and a carry-on suitcase. When I can, I check a large, double compartment suitcase because, well, I like outfit choices!

3. Mix and Match

This is the fun part. You can minimize the clothes you bring by only choosing the items that you can wear in more than one outfit. For this reason, solid colors are a good choice as they usually blend together well—black cardigan and white dress, yellow shirt and white pants, brown vest and beige shirt. You get the picture.

Stick to this formula and eight items can lead to around 20 outfits!

4. Roll Them Up!

Rolling your clothes—shirts, pants, dresses—is a great way to keep your stuff tight, small, and wrinkle-free. Believe me it works!

5. Keep the Accessories Small

Pack small and light accessories and makeup that will transform your basic travel look into that of a stylish cosmopolitan’s.

Invest in just a couple choice scarves, belts, and shoes that go with everything. As for makeup and hygiene products, take sample-sized items for things like perfumes, foundations, lotions, and shampoo; they fit just about anywhere.

6. Shoes, Shoes, Shoes

Speaking of shoes—no more than three. Yes, three. Good walking shoes, sandals if it’s hot, boots if it’s not—and if you must, a good pair of heels for cocktail hour.

7. Only Take Half

Here’s a traveler’s secret. After all that packing, chances are you won’t use half of what you plan to take. So why not save yourself the trouble and leave half behind? A neat trick that I’ve always done is set out all the clothes that I want to bring and definitely think I’ll need and then take just half of them.

Goodbye, pink camisole—but my back will thank me later.

8. Use a Luggage Scale

Pick up a luggage scale that will calculate the weight of your bag. Most airlines allow up to 10 kg or 22 lbs. per carryon bag. Keep to this weight and it’s unlikely you’ll overpack.

9. Use a Pill Organizer

Pill boxes aren’t just for medication. You can use their handy dandy structure to keep track of your necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. As a major plus, each item is separate so nothing gets tangled or twisted past all return.

10. Wear Your Bulky Items on the Plane

Stiff jackets and big boots can take up a lot of space in your suitcase, so wear them on the plane! I typically wear a few layers, including a big jacket and my hat of choice on the plane so cut down on items in my carry-on.

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How to Avoid Overpacking for a Trip is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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Awesome Vacation Rental Giveaway In Playa Del Carmen! (Win A Free Stay)

Vacation Rentals in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

The more I travel, the more I find myself staying in long-term apartments or vacation rentals over hotels. Like this beautiful place I used last week in Playa del Carmen.

When planning a vacation, the obvious choice for most people is staying at a hotel. They’re pretty easy to find and located in the heart of your travel destination. Everyone knows about hotels.

However hotels are usually not the best deal out there.

Choosing to stay in a vacation rental apartment is a great alternative to hotels, and can even save you money. They offer more space, better amenities, and give you a feeling of home.

This month I’ve partnered up with Bric Vacation Rentals here in Playa del Carmen to give one lucky reader a free 3 night stay at one of their beautiful properties. Keep reading for more details below!

Check Out this Huge Kitchen!

Master Bedroom

My Lotus Penthouse Experience

Last weekend I had the privilege of staying at one of Bric’s vacation rentals near the beach in the heart of Playa del Carmen, and had a wonderful time. It was a huge 3 bedroom penthouse apartment with multiple balconies, floor to ceiling windows, and a rooftop pool.

The building was only a short walk from Playa del Carmen’s sun drenched beach — and right next to 5th Avenue, the main walking street and entertainment district full of shops, bars, and restaurants.

Now I admit these accommodations are a bit bigger and more luxurious than I’m used to, but I was also surprised to learn it’s pretty affordable if you were to stay here with a group.

With plenty of room for 6 people, and a price between $285 – $385 USD per night depending on the season. That’s only $48 – $64 per person, per night.

For a giant luxury penthouse! Not. Too. Shabby.

However Bric Rentals doesn’t deal exclusively in luxury penthouses either. They offer vacation apartments for many different budgets.

Bric Rentals App

Vacation Rentals vs. Hotels

Here are some reasons why I prefer vacation apartments over hotels.

• Save Money! Especially true when traveling as a group.
• More Space! Spread out in a large apartment or condo.
• Full Kitchen! Make your own healthy meals.
• Meet Locals! Many rentals are located in neighborhoods.
• Free Internet! I can’t stand when hotels charge extra.
• Laundry Machines! This alone makes it worthwhile.
• Bring Your Pets! Usually not an option at hotels.
• Feels Like Home! Relax & make yourself comfortable.

When you book a vacation rental with Bric Rentals, they also provide a free smartphone app to give you advice about fun things to do in Playa del Carmen, restaurant recommendations, tips for getting around, and more!

Honest tips coming directly from their friendly team of long-time Playa locals.

Jet Skiing in Playa Del Carmen

Swimming with Sea Turtles

Playa Del Carmen Activities

Smaller and less touristy than Cancun, Playa del Carmen is becoming a popular travel destination for people looking for travel experiences that are more substantial than your typical all-inclusive resort.

It’s a fun beach town on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula along the Riviera Maya, about 40 minutes south of Cancun International Airport. Flights from the US & Canada are relatively cheap too.

You can often find round-trip tickets from major cities for under $300!

There are all kinds of great things to do in Playa del Carmen, like scuba diving, exploring Mayan ruins, swimming in cenotes, or just laying on the beach and soaking up the sun. Here are some of my favorites…

Explore 5th Avenue

La Quinta Avenida (5th Ave.) is a pedestrian walkway that runs for about 3 miles through Playa del Carmen about 1 block west of the beach. It’s lined with shops, bars, restaurants, cafe’s, gelato shops, and art galleries.

Mamita’s Beach Club

Mamita’s Beach Club is a lounge and beach club in the heart of Playa that’s known as the place to be “seen” sunbathing by the ocean. They have beach chairs or daybeds for rent with music and waiters serving cocktails.

Swim With Sea Turtles

Akumal Beach is located about 30 minutes south of Playa del Carmen, and famous for its resident sea turtles who munch on grass under the waves. Visitors can rent snorkel gear and swim with the huge graceful turtles.

Visit Mayan Ruins

There are tons of ancient Mayan ruins located near Playa del Carmen. Spend the day exploring sites like Chichen Itza, Tulum, or Coba and live out your Indiana Jones fantasy. My favorite is Coba, where you can still climb the large main pyramid!

Day Trip To Cozumel

Located 40 minutes away from Playa del Carmen by boat, the island of Cozumel has great snorkeling & scuba diving. Rent a dune buggy or moped and drive around the island, stopping at different scenic beaches for the afternoon.

Scuba Dive Cenotes

Cenotes are limestone sinkholes filled with fresh water that are part of a massive underground river system in the Yucatan. These swimming holes are a wonderful place to cool off from the heat of the sun, or if you’re a diver, explore the underwater tunnels.

Win A Free Stay With Bric Rentals!

ELIGIBILITY: Ages 18+
Promotion is open and offered only to people who are 18 years of age or older at the time of entry.

DATES:
Accommodation must be used in 2016

PRIZE:
The winner will receive 3 nights of accommodation in Playa del Carmen, Mexico with Bric Rentals, depending on availability. Flights and other expenses are not included.

How To Enter Contest

Log into the Rafflecopter widget with Facebook or your email address and follow the instructions below. The first step is mandatory, but the others will give you extra contest entries (and more chances to win!).

Enter With Rafflecopter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

To browse more awesome vacation rentals in Playa del Carmen, make sure to check out the Bric Rentals Website.

Good luck, and I hope you win! ★

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What would you do on vacation in Playa del Carmen?

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20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Mykonos

Mykonos is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Greek islands. Little did I know that, of all of the Greek islands, Mykonos is famed for incredible beaches but especially for the world-renowned party scene. I spent a week on the island and indulged in delicious food, epic sunsets and some of the best parties I’ve ever been to.

Windsurfing, scuba diving, partying, and strolling the streets of Little Venice are just a few of the best activities to enjoy when you visit Mykonos!

Mykonos is home to countless beautiful beaches, so be sure to check out at least a few when you visit– party at the famous Tropicana Beach bar at Paradise Beach, or work on your bronze at Paraga Beach.

For a more laid-back time in Mykonos, you can enjoy hiking to the Armenistis Lighthouse, exploring the island’s iconic windmills, and wandering Little Venice, a famous stretch of seaside restaurants and shops that is a great spot for evening strolls at sunset.

READ NEXT: The Ultimate Mykonos Travel Guide

 

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20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Mykonos is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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How to Eat Well on Long Trips

Long-term travel is a fun, eye-opening experience—but it can be hard on your health! You may be tempted to gobble down local pastries and eat out every day. But maintaining a healthy diet during travel doesn’t have to be a problem.

Here are my top tips on how to eat well on long trips!

– Drink Water –

Drink plenty of water, and try to keep a bottle on you at all times. Water will help you stay hydrated and flush out toxins from alcohol, caffeine, and sugars. Drinking water throughout the day will also help you feel full and you’ll be less inclined to over snack or overeat.

– Produce –

Many countries have daily or weekend produce markets—don’t be afraid to take full advantage of these! Stock up on your daily vegetables and fruits at the local stands.

Farmers usually pick and sell their produce on the same day. This means you’ll be eating the freshest food on hand! You won’t worry about getting your daily nutrients and vitamins. Just make sure that the produce you are buying is free of pesticides or GMOs.

– Snack Often with 1 Big Meal –

Snack healthily throughout the day. Stay energized with proteins and natural sugars: a cup of yogurt, some sliced veggies, a bag of nuts, or a granola bar will keep you going without overloading the calories. Jerky and string cheese can also be tasty options in moderation.

Nibble and keep to small portions—this will prevent you from diving into the nearest fast food restaurant you find. Try to only eat one big meal per day. It can be lunch or dinner—just not both!

– Cut Back on Alcohol –

Whether you want to admit it or not—sugary cocktails equal a lot of extra calories! Opt out of fruity beverages or mixed drinks with sugary sodas. Try instead light beer, a glass of wine, or a shot of local alcohol. You get the taste without sacrificing your health.

– Eat Out Sparingly –

Eating out can be fun when you’re abroad, but when traveling long-term, try to keep it to a minimum. Eat out once a week or so. You can track what goes into your body better if you cook meals yourself.

Chances are you have access to a kitchen in your vacation rental or hostel—so pick up some fresh produce and fish and whip yourself up a healthy meal. Plus your wallet will thank you later! If you do eat out, a few smart choices can make a difference down the road.

Choose steamed meat over fried, ask for your salad dressing on the side, have your burger with the bun, or double the veggies.

– Indulge –

It seems counterintuitive but go ahead—indulge! You’re in a new country and you should partake of the extraordinary every few days. Long-term travel is all about pacing yourself. Eat healthy one day, splurge for a little treat the next.

Choose something local so it’s all the more special—a cocktail in the Bahamas, delicious lamb stew in Iceland, or a mille-feuille in Paris.

You’ll stay happier overall!

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How to Eat Well on Long Trips is a post from: The Blonde Abroad

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