Coba Ruins and Punta Laguna Private tour

  • Price:

    From: $140 USD per person

  • Duration:

    8-9 hours

  • Destinations:

    Coba Archaeological Zone, Punta Laguna Nature Reserve

  • Availability:

    Monday to Saturday

  • Languages:

    English, French, Spanish

  • Tansfer:

    Pick up and Transfer included in tour

  • City Served:

    Tulum, Puerto Aventuras, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, Cancun

Home / Private Tours Tulum / Coba Ruins and Punta Laguna Private tour

Description of Coba Ruins and Punta Laguna Private tour

The Coba Ruins and Punta Laguna Private Tour combines monumental Maya archaeology with authentic wildlife observation in a community-managed nature reserve. Hence, the tour is designed for active travelers, families, nature enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a full-day experience that balances pyramid climbing, monkey encounters, jungle exploration, and cultural immersion. The best part, all is guided by local Maya community experts who live and work in these protected areas.

Carey Tours is a local agency operating in the Riviera Maya since 1994, and specializes in private experiences with certified guides who provide archaeological expertise and facilitate authentic connections with indigenous Maya communities. 

Exploring the ancient ruins of a Tulum archaeological site, surrounded by lush vegetation and tranquility, by Carey Tours.

This tour begins at Coba’s massive jungle; a covered archaeological complex. There you’ll climb Nohoch Mul (Yucatan’s tallest accessible pyramid at 138 feet) for panoramic views across the endless mayan jungle. After exploring ancient structures, sacbeob roads, and ball courts, you continues the journey to Punta Laguna Nature Reserve, a 5,000-acre protected jungle. The reserve is managed by the local Maya community of Otoch Ma’ax Yetel Kooh (“Home of Spider and Howler Monkeys”).

At Punta Laguna, indigenous Maya guides from the community will lead you on jungle trails. There, you will observe wild spider and howler monkeys in their natural habitat; winging through canopy, feeding on fruits, and vocalizing their distinctive calls. The experience also includes canoeing across the lagoon, optional zip-lining through jungle canopy, and participation in a traditional Maya purification ceremony performed by local shaman. 

The tour also includes private round-trip transportation, traditional Mayan lunch featuring regional antojitos, bicycle rental at Coba and all entrance fees. But, more importantly, the unique opportunity to support community-based ecotourism that directly benefits indigenous families. 

Perfect for wildlife photographers, active families, culture seekers, and anyone wanting an authentic Punta Laguna tour that combines Maya heritage with conservation.

Archaeology, Wildlife, and Indigenous Culture in One Day

This Coba and Punta Laguna private tour offers exceptional diversity—ancient pyramids, wild monkeys, jungle ecosystems, and authentic Maya cultural practices—all in a single well-paced day.

The combination of archaeological education, wildlife observation, and community-based tourism creates an experience that appeals to multiple interests while supporting indigenous conservation efforts. As a family-owned agency with 4,000+ satisfied guests since 1994, we partner with Maya communities at Punta Laguna who’ve protected these forests and monkeys for generations.

Contact us to check availability, discuss physical requirements for pyramid climbing and jungle trails, or customize your Punta Laguna tour and Coba experience.

  • 1
    Stop 1: Hotel Pickup (6:30 AM - 7:30 AM) Private pickup from Cancun (6:30 AM), Playa del Carmen (7:00 AM), or Tulum (7:30 AM). Early departure maximizes time at both Coba and Punta Laguna. Your certified bilingual guide introduces Coba's archaeological significance and Punta Laguna's community-based conservation model during the drive inland.
  • 2
    Stop 2: Coba Archaeological Zone (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM) Explore the vast Coba complex covering 70 square kilometers of jungle. Bicycle rental included for navigating the 2-kilometer distances between pyramid groups. Your guide leads exploration of the Nohoch Mul pyramid group, explaining classic Maya architecture, hieroglyphic inscriptions, and the city's role in ancient trade networks.Climb Nohoch Mul—120 steep steps ascending 138 feet to the temple platform. From the summit, witness breathtaking jungle views with other pyramid tops visible across the canopy. Explore ball courts, stelae, and structures connected by ancient sacbeob (white roads). The jungle setting and climbable pyramid create an adventurous archaeological experience distinct from more polished sites.
  • 3
    Stop 3: Drive to Punta Laguna (10:00 AM - 10:30 AM) Short drive from Coba to Punta Laguna Nature Reserve. Transition from archaeological to wildlife focus as your guide explains the Maya community conservation project and monkey species you'll encounter.
  • 4
    Stop 4: Punta Laguna Nature Reserve Exploration (10:30 AM - 12:30 PM) Enter the reserve managed by the indigenous Maya community. Meet your local Maya guide from the village who knows monkey territories intimately from lifelong observation. Trek jungle trails to locate spider monkey and howler monkey troops in their natural habitat. Observe their behavior—feeding, vocalizing, swinging through canopy, caring for young. Spider monkeys are smaller, more agile; howler monkeys are larger with distinctive deep calls.Canoe Ride Across Lagoon: Paddle across Punta Laguna's serene waters surrounded by jungle, observing birds and possibly crocodiles from a safe distance. Therefore, this peaceful canoe experience offers a different perspective on the ecosystem.Optional Zip-Line: Soar through jungle canopy on zip-line for aerial views and adrenaline rush (included in tour).Maya Purification Ceremony: Participate in a traditional ceremony performed by a local shaman, connecting you with ancient Maya spiritual practices and cosmology. This authentic cultural experience is performed by community members maintaining ancestral traditions.
  • 5
    Stop 5: Traditional Mayan Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM) Authentic Mayan antojitos (traditional snacks and dishes) at a local restaurant. The meal features regional flavors and preparations celebrating Yucatan culinary heritage. One drink included. Mineral water and snacks available throughout the day.
  • 6
    Stop 6: Return to Hotel (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM) Relaxed drive back to your accommodation. Arrival times vary by location: Tulum by 3:00 PM, Playa del Carmen by 3:30 PM, Cancun by 4:00 PM.

    • Private door-to-door service from Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, Puerto Morelos, or Cancun.

    Pickup times:

    • Tulum (7:30 AM)
    • Playa del Carmen (7:00 AM)
    • Cancun (6:30 AM).

     

    Exact time confirmed upon booking.
    Additional fee applies for Cancun and Puerto Morelos pickups.

    • Private tour guide (bilingual: English/Spanish/French)
    • Private round-trip transportation from hotel
    • Entrance tickets to Coba archaeological site
    • Bicycle rental at Coba for navigating the site
    • Entrance to Punta Laguna Nature Reserve
    • Local Maya guide at Punta Laguna
    • Canoe ride across lagoon
    • Zip-line experience through jungle canopy
    • Traditional Maya purification ceremony
    • Traditional Mayan lunch (antojitos and one drink)
    • Snacks and mineral water throughout tour
    • Comfortable walking shoes with good traction for ruins and jungle trails
    • Swimwear and towels (optional for cenote stops if time permits)
    • Sandals or water shoes for canoe activity
    • Hat or cap for sun protection
    • Sunglasses
    • Biodegradable sunscreen
    • Biodegradable insect repellent (essential for jungle)
    • Waterproof camera to capture monkeys and jungle
    • Cash for souvenirs and guide tips
    • Binoculars for better monkey observation (optional)
    • Reusable water bottle
    • Small backpack for hands-free activities
    From $140 USDPer person
    • Max Gests:

      10

    • Ideal for:

      Families, Groups & Friends, Couples, Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties

    Pricing (per person):

    • 2 people: $220 USD per person
    • 3 people: $190 USD per person
    • 4 people: $185 USD per person
    • 5 people: $175 USD per person
    • 6 people: $170 USD per person
    • 7 people: $160 USD per person
    • 8 people: $155 USD per person
    • 9 people: $150 USD per person
    • 10 people: $140 USD per person
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    FAQs

  • 1
    Will we definitely see monkeys? Spider and howler monkeys are wild animals, but Punta Laguna has resident populations and local Maya guides know their territories intimately. Sighting probability is very high (90%+), especially with early morning timing.
  • 2
    How close can we get to the monkeys? Monkeys are observed from ground and trails while they're in the canopy. No feeding or touching—this is ethical wildlife observation. Your local guide positions the group for best viewing while respecting monkey space.
  • 3
    What's included at Punta Laguna? Jungle trail guided by local Maya expert, canoe ride across lagoon, zip-line experience, and traditional purification ceremony. All activities support the indigenous community managing the reserve.
  • 4
    Is bicycle rental necessary at Coba? Included in tour price. Highly recommended for the 2-kilometer distances between pyramid groups. Biking saves energy for pyramid climbing and jungle trekking at Punta Laguna.
  • 5
    Can we still climb the Coba pyramid? Yes. Nohoch Mul remains one of few climbable Maya pyramids. 120 steep steps to 138-foot summit with panoramic jungle views. Physically demanding but rewarding. Confirm when booking.
  • 6
    How physically demanding is this tour? Moderate to challenging. Pyramid climbing, 2km biking at Coba, jungle trail hiking, and full-day duration require good fitness. Active families with children 8+ typically manage well.
  • 7
    What is the Maya purification ceremony? A traditional spiritual ritual performed by local a shaman involving copal incense, prayers in Maya language, and symbolic cleansing. This authentic ceremony connects participants with ancient Maya cosmology and practices.
  • 8
    Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, for active children 8+ comfortable with physical activities. Monkeys fascinate kids, though monkey-watching requires patience and quiet observation. Parents must supervise during pyramid climbing.
  • 9
    Is lunch included? Yes. Traditional Mayan antojitos (regional snacks and dishes) with one drink included, plus snacks and mineral water throughout the day.
  • 10
    How does this support the local Maya community? Entrance fees, guide services, and activities at Punta Laguna directly benefit the indigenous community of Otoch Ma'ax Yetel Kooh who manage the reserve and preserve both wildlife and cultural traditions.