Coba Ruins and Cenote Private Tour

  • Price:

    From: $120 USD per person

  • Duration:

    7-9 hours

  • Destinations:

    Coba Archaeological Zone, Cenote Cho-Ha

  • 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 Cenote Private Tour

Description of Coba Ruins and Cenote Private Tour

The Coba Ruins and Cenote Private Tour combines exploration of one of the Yucatan’s largest ancient Maya cities with a refreshing swim in the jungle-enclosed Cenote Cho-Ha. Therefore, this Coba ruins private tour is designed for history enthusiasts, active travelers, and families who want to experience monumental archaeology followed by natural cenote beauty. All without the crowds, rigid schedules, or shared bus experience of standard group tours.

As a local agency operating in the Riviera Maya since 1994, Carey Tours specializes in private experiences with certified guides who provide deep archaeological context and Maya cultural knowledge. 

Two swimmers relax in the clear waters of a cenote, surrounded by limestone formations, during a private tour by Carey Tours.

This Coba ruins tour focuses on the massive archaeological complex that once housed 50,000 inhabitants across 70 square kilometers. The centerpiece is climbing Nohoch Mul—at 138 feet, the tallest accessible Maya pyramid in the Yucatan. Nohoch Mul offers panoramic jungle instagramable views after ascending 120 steep steps. Also, during the adventure, your guide explains the extensive sacbeob (white roads) connecting pyramid groups, carved stelae with hieroglyphic dates, and Coba’s role as a powerful classic-period city controlling trade routes.

After exploring Coba’s pyramids, ball courts, and jungle-covered structures, the journey continues to Cenote Cho-Ha. It is a serene, partially enclosed cenote surrounded by lush vegetation where you’ll swim in crystal-clear freshwater. It´s a refreshing contrast to the morning’s archaeological adventure. 

The tour includes private round-trip transportation, traditional Yucatan lunch with regional specialties, all entrance fees and snorkeling equipment for the cenote. It´s also the possibility to rent bicycles at Coba for easier navigation between distant pyramid groups.

This private tour balances cultural education with physical activity and natural rejuvenation. Therefore, it´s perfect for active families, archaeology buffs, adventure seekers, and anyone wanting an authentic Coba ruins tour.

Climb Ancient Pyramids, Cool Off in Jungle Cenotes

This Coba ruins tour delivers an authentic archaeological adventure in one of the Yucatan’s most impressive Maya sites—where you can still climb towering pyramids and explore vast complexes mostly reclaimed by jungle.

The combination of physical activity (climbing, walking), cultural education (Maya history, architecture), and natural refreshment (cenote swimming) creates a balanced day that appeals to active families, history enthusiasts, and adventure seekers alike.

As a family-owned agency with 4,000+ satisfied guests since 1994, we know Coba intimately and understand the physical demands of pyramid climbing, timing to avoid crowds, and how to balance exertion with rest.

Contact us to check availability, discuss climbing requirements and mobility needs, or customize your Coba ruins private tour timing and activities.

  • 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 ensures arrival at Coba before heat and crowds peak. Your certified bilingual guide introduces Coba's history as one of the largest Maya cities, the significance of climbing Nohoch Mul pyramid, and cenote swimming afterward during the scenic drive inland.
  • 2
    Stop 2: Coba Archaeological Zone Exploration (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM) Arrive at the vast Coba complex covering 70 square kilometers of jungle. Begin guided exploration of this massive site featuring multiple pyramid groups connected by ancient sacbeob (raised limestone roads).Walk or rent bicycles (optional, additional cost paid on-site) to navigate the 2-kilometer distance between major structures. Your guide leads you through the Nohoch Mul group, explaining architecture, hieroglyphic inscriptions, and classic Maya civilization that peaked here around 600-900 AD.Climb Nohoch Mul pyramid—120 steep steps ascending 138 feet to the temple platform. From the summit, witness breathtaking 360-degree views across the endless jungle canopy with other pyramid tops visible in the distance. Descent requires careful attention on steep steps. Explore ball courts, stelae with carved dates, and partially excavated structures still emerging from vegetation. The scale and jungle setting create an adventurous atmosphere distinct from more restored sites like Chichen Itza.
  • 3
    Stop 3: Drive to Cenote Cho-Ha (11:00 AM - 11:30 AM) Stop 3: Drive to Cenote Cho-Ha (11:00 AM - 11:30 AM)
  • 4
    Stop 4: Cenote Cho-Ha Swimming (11:30 AM - 12:30 PM) Descend into Cenote Cho-Ha, a partially enclosed cenote surrounded by jungle vegetation. Swim in crystal-clear freshwater, perfect refreshment after morning's pyramid climbing and walking. The cenote features natural beauty with rock formations, filtered sunlight, and tranquil atmosphere. Snorkeling equipment provided to observe underwater features. Life vests available. This peaceful cenote time provides cooling contrast to Coba's heat and physical exertion.
  • 5
    Stop 5: Traditional Yucatan Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM) Authentic Yucatan cuisine at a local restaurant. The traditional meal features regional specialties and locally sourced ingredients honoring Maya culinary traditions. Mineral water and snacks available throughout the day. Rest before a comfortable return journey.
  • 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 due to extended travel to Coba.

    • Private tour guide (bilingual: English/Spanish/French)
    • Private round-trip transportation from hotel
    • Entrance tickets to Coba archaeological site
    • Entrance to Cenote Cho-Ha
    • Traditional Yucatan cuisine lunch
    • Mineral water and snacks throughout tour
    • Snorkeling gear for cenote

    Note:  Bicycle rental at Coba (optional, approximately 50 pesos, paid on-site)

    To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, please bring:

    • Comfortable walking shoes with good traction (for pyramid climbing)
    • Swimwear and towels for cenote
    • Sandals or water shoes for cenote access
    • Hat or cap for sun protection
    • Sunglasses
    • Biodegradable sunscreen (required for cenote protection)
    • Biodegradable mosquito repellent (important for jungle environment)
    • Waterproof camera to capture pyramid views and cenote
    • Cash for souvenirs, guide tips, and optional bicycle rental
    • Reusable water bottle
    • Small backpack for hands-free climbing
    From $120 USDPer person
    • Max Gests:

      10

    • Ideal for:

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

    Pricing (per person):

    • 2 people: $180 USD per person
    • 3 people: $165 USD per person
    • 4 people: $155 USD per person
    • 5 people: $145 USD per person
    • 6 people: $140 USD per person
    • 7 people: $135 USD per person
    • 8 people: $130 USD per person
    • 9 people: $125 USD per person
    • 10 people: $120 USD per person
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    FAQs

  • 1
    Can we still climb the Coba pyramid? Yes. Nohoch Mul at Coba remains one of the few major Maya pyramids open for climbing. It's 120 steep steps to the top. It´s physically demanding but rewarding with stunning jungle views.
  • 2
    How physically demanding is this tour? Moderate to challenging. Pyramid climbing requires good mobility and balance on steep, uneven steps. Walking between structures involves distance and heat. The cenote portion is relaxing. Not recommended for those with mobility limitations or severe fear of heights.
  • 3
    Should we rent bicycles at Coba? Helpful for navigating the 2-kilometer distance between pyramid groups. Bikes cost approximately 50 pesos (paid on-site). Walking is possible but adds significant time and exertion in heat.
  • 4
    How does Coba compare to Chichen Itza or Tulum? Coba is larger and more jungle-enveloped than Tulum, with a climbable pyramid (unlike Chichen Itza where climbing is prohibited). Less restored, more adventurous atmosphere. Smaller crowds than Chichen Itza.
  • 5
    Is this suitable for young children? Children 8+ with good climbing ability and stamina can manage. Pyramid steps are steep. Parents must supervise closely. Younger children may find it challenging and potentially unsafe.
  • 6
    What is Cenote Cho-Ha like? A partially enclosed jungle cenote with clear freshwater, natural beauty, and tranquil atmosphere. Perfect refreshment after a hot morning at ruins. Snorkeling equipment provided.
  • 7
    How long do we spend at Coba? Approximately 2 hours for guided tour and pyramid climbing. Additional time if renting bicycles to explore distant structures independently.
  • 8
    Is lunch included in the tour? Yes. Traditional Yucatan meal at a local restaurant included in tour price, along with mineral water and snacks throughout the day.
  • 9
    What if someone in our group can't climb the pyramid? They can explore the base level structures, ball courts, and stelae while others climb. Your guide accommodates different abilities and interests within the private group.
  • 10
    Why is this tour private? Private means your own guide, vehicle, and flexible timing. No waiting for 20+ strangers, no rigid schedules, and personalized attention throughout—especially valuable for families with varying abilities.