COBA ARCHAELOGICAL ZONE

HOW TO GET THERE

Coba is situated to the north of the state of Quintana Roo which is located
to the southeast of the Mexican Republic. Flying time from Mexico City to
Cancun is two hours and then is a paved road the archaeological zona of
Coba, getting there by ground transportation in three hours.

BACKGROUND

Coba's urban sprawl covered a total area of at least 44 square miles.
Within this vast territorial realm a number of monumental-size buildings
were erected, as well as lesser structures and an extensive network of
causeways called sacbeob. These stone roads interconnected the various
clusters of buildings and Coba with other nearby or more remote ancient
cities. Two of the latter were Yaxuna and Ixil, 60 and 11.5 miles away,
respectively, in the modern states of Yucatan and Quintana Roo. The Mayans
also carved stone slabs, their stelas, on which incriptions recorded
outstanding or special events stemming from the activities and achievements
of their rulers. Today, over 30 stelas, several altars, and panels have
been located. In this role as a key supplier of goods and services, Coba
had full sway over a region today comprising the north of state of Quintana
Roo. Coba's hegemony crumbled, new cities arose on the Caribbean coast,
Tulum and Muyil.

DESCRIPTION

Coba Cluster, one structure to be seen here is known as the Church, which
owes its name to local hunters and farmers who visit it regularly to make
offerings, pray, and light candles before the stela associated with this
building. The Church pyramid, entered from the east side of the main plaza,
is made up of nine rouded-corner leveles which together give it a total
height of 80 feet. On the north side of the east building there is a roofed
tunnel with a Mayan vault that runs under one of the stone stairways
leading to the top. The Coba Cluster also has a ball court. It is located
north of the Church pyramid and consists of two edifices built on a
north-south axis. The Unit of Paintings features buildings roofed with
vaulting, at the ground level and the summits of the pyramid mass, which
were constructed with recycled stones from the older buildings. Room
interiors were decorated throughout with various pictorial motifs, from
this grouping's name. The most recently restored group of buildings at Coba
is the Nohoch Mul. This Myayn name means "big mound". The pyramid's seven
levels have their corners rounded, and its height of 40 feet makes it the
loftiest building in the north of the Yucatan Peninsula.

ACTIVITIES

In Coba you may shop at the store situated at the entrace, and they sell
several handcrafts and clothing from this region. For those excursionist,
this is an ideal place, as its jungle is an invitation to explore. Coba is
surrounded by places where you may camp.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Its advisable to wear light clothing and confortable shoes as you will do a
lot of walking. Take along mosquitoes repellent, as Coba is the middle of
the jungle.