Tulum vs Chichen Itza vs Coba: Which To Visit?

The Mayan Ruins are one of the most sought-after attractions in Mexico and constitute a very important part of its rich history. They were, after all, the settlements of one of the most fascinating and advanced civilizations in Mesoamerica!

There are a great number of archaeological sites dotted throughout the country. Some of them are small and hardly known, while others – like Chichen Itza – attract visitors from all over the world. 

The sites feature different structures and layouts but have more things in common than you’d think. Most Mayan settlements, including Coba, Tulum, and Chichen Itza were populous, thriving cities.

They all had an extensive network of commerce, a social system in place, political structures, and cultural rituals. 

But what sets them apart? Is visiting only one of them enough to know them all? Are there any real differences between them?

➥ I visited all of the most famous archaeological ruins in Mexico in the 6 months I spent traveling around the country, and I can help. This article aims to help you decide between Tulum vs Chichen Itza vs Coba. It answers those questions and details all the info you need on each archaeological site.

Boasting palaces, temples, observatories, and houses, the ancient settlements are an incredible vehicle to the pre-Columbian era, and very worth the visit. So read on! 

TULUM RUINS

The Tulum Ruins are said to be one of the most beautiful in the Riviera Maya. This is mainly because of their location, perched atop a cliff overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea.

In fact, its privileged position is a key factor for those who have to choose between Tulum and any other Mayan site. 

This pre-Columbian site is a walled city (did you know the word Tulum means wall in Mayan?) and it was built between the 13th and 15th centuries. It played a very important role in the trading routes due to its strategic position. It was also a center of great astronomical, artistic, and mathematical knowledge. 

Price & Tours

The entrance fee to visit the Tulum Ruins currently costs 85 MXN ($4). You can also hire a guide on-site to enjoy a more informative visit for 600 MXN ($30). If you’re carrying a camera with you you’ll need to pay a photography fee of around 50 MXN ($3). 

If you prefer to visit with a tour that will come pick you up from your hotel, I wrote a full post about the best tours to the Tulum ruins. If you’re in a rush, though, here are the best options.

▶️ The Viator Exclusive: Tulum Ruins, Reef Snorkeling, Cenote and Caves takes you to the Mayan ruins with a professional guide and include transfers from Cancun, Tulum and the Riviera Maya. You’ll explore the ancient site, and then snorkel with vibrant marine life in the Caribbean Sea. Wrap up the tour with a cenote visit and a tasty lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ This Tulum Ruins Visit and Swim in a Cenote Guided Tour is a great alternative if you’re staying in Cancun. It includes roundtrip transfers and a guided tour around the Tulum Ruins. After the visit, you’ll head for a refreshing dip in a cenote, and munch on snacks to refuel. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Getting to Tulum

The Tulum ruins are the most accessible archaeological site of the three, making it a great day trip destination. Here’s how to reach it from the main cities in Quintana Roo:  

▶️ From Cancun: The drive to Tulum from Cancun takes around 2 hours, as it’s 81 miles south of the city. Going by public transportation? You can take a colectivo to Playa del Carmen, and another one from Playa to Tulum, as there’s not a direct colectivo between the two cities.

Alternatively, the ADO Bus will take you directly to Tulum in a little bit over 2 hours for $17. I’ve written a full post about the ideal day trip from Cancun to Tulum.

▶️ From Playa del Carmen or Riviera Maya: The easiest way to go to Tulum from Playa is to drive along the 307 Highway, which will take you to the ruins in 45 minutes. You could alternatively take a colectivo on Calle 2 (it will cost you around $3) or an ADO Bus from 5 Av. Nte. bus station ($7). 

▶️ From Tulum: If you’re staying in Tulum Town, you’ll be able to reach the site by bike (it’s only a 10-minute ride!), by collective or by taxi. The Tulum ruins are located only 1.8 miles (3 km) away. 

Size & Necessary Time To Visit

Tulum Archaeological Site is 1250 x 540 feet and by far the smallest one of them – compared to Chichen Itza, you could say it’s tiny!

There are around 8 major structures to visit, and you can easily enjoy a comprehensive tour of Tulum within 1 hour. Add an extra hour if you’re super interested in learning about each pyramid’s history or want to swim at the Tulum ruins’ beach. 

The Highlights

El Castillo is the most important pyramid in Tulum. While the city was inhabited, the Castle served as a lighthouse to help sailors navigate the bay safely in the night.

House of the Halach Uinic was the residence of the government’s supreme leader, while the Great Palace was home to the Great Lord and his family. The Palace was also a center for religious rituals. 

Another iconic structure is the Temple of the Frescoes, otherwise known as the observatory. It was here that they would monitor the movement of the stars to track the seasons. 

One of the most beautiful gems in the Tulum Ruins, however, is not a Mayan structure: it’s the beach! If you climb down a wooden ladder perched on the side of the cliff, you’ll reach Playa Ruinas. In this small and pristine paradise-like beach you to go for a refreshing swim with views of the site.   

Activities Nearby

Unmissable attractions near the ruins include the gorgeous Tulum beaches, a staple of the region. The most beautiful are Paradise Beach, Playa Pescadores, and Tulum South Beach.

Then there are stunning natural sinkholes surrounding Tulum, such as Cenote Dos Ojos, Gran Cenote, and Cenote Calavera.

You can also explore Tulum Town, and enjoy the local cuisine at one of the many laid-back eateries you’ll come across. If you can spend extra time in Tulum after visiting the ruins, I highly recommend it as there are plenty of things to do.

Accessibility

The Tulum Ruins are partially accessible, with several areas that are wheelchair-friendly. There are ramps at the ruins’ entrance and exit, as well as next to any steps throughout the site. These are usually quite steep, though.  

The paths are mostly dirt paths, which are firm and accessible unless it’s rained, when they get filled with puddles. Wheelchair users can get close to several structures, even rolling on the grass to reach some of them. Besides, the information signs are low so they’re easy to read. 

Other areas of the ruins, however, feature more sandy paths and have a few steps to get close to the structures. This makes it more difficult for the physically disabled. 

Popularity & Crowds

The Tulum Ruins, due to their spectacular location and easy access, are one of the most popular Mayan Ruins in Riviera Maya. The site receives around 2 thousand visitors per day, and an average of 1 million people yearly. 

Your best bet to avoid the crowds is to either visit in the shoulder and low seasons or to get to the Tulum ruins before the tourist buses arrive. This usually happens at around 9.30-10 AM, so you’d have to be there at opening time.

The site is quite small, so it can feel packed if you’re there in the middle of the day. 

CHICHEN ITZA

Chichen Itza is Mexico’s most famous archaeological site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Dating back around 1,500 years, the site is especially notorious for its main pyramid El Castillo.

It also houses the largest ball court in the region, and its history is fascinating! It’s no wonder it attracts visitors from every continent!

Price & Tours

The tickets to Chichen Itza cost 614 MXN ($35), while children aged 3-12 pay 95 MXN ($5). 

The ticket will allow you to visit the Chichen Itza ruins. If you want a guided tour of the site – which I suggest because the history of Chichen Itza is incredible! – you’ll have to hire a tour guide at the entrance. An alternative would be to go with an organized excursion. 

If you’re trying to decide between Chichen Itza and Tulum based on your budget, the significant difference will make your choice relatively easy, as Chichen Itza is more expensive than Tulum ruins. 

▶️ This Chichen Itza, Cenote and Valladolid Tour with 3 Options is a full-day adventure with pick up available from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya or Tulum. You’ll reach the archaeological site first thing in the morning. Explore the ruins with an expert, and then head to a sacred cenote for a swim. Cap off the trip with lunch in Valladolid. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ You can otherwise join the VIP Chichen Itza Private Tour which offers pickup from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum & any place in the Riviera Maya. Benefit from private transfers, the undivided attention of your guide, and a comprehensive tour around the ruins. You’ll then visit Cenote Oxman for a refreshing dip, and savor an a la carte lunch in Valladolid. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ I’ve written full posts about the best tours to Chichen Itza from Cancun, from Playa del Carmen, and from Tulum if you’re looking for something different. You can also read about private tours to Chichen Itza if that’s more your jam.

Getting to Chichen Itza

The Chichen Itza ruins are located in the state of Yucatan, and they’re the furthest of the three if you’re staying in the Riviera Maya. However, they’re very easy to reach…they’re the most popular ruins in the country after all! 

▶️ From Cancun: If you’re driving, you’ll reach Chichen Itza from Cancun in less than 2.5 hours via the 180D Highway. You can alternatively take the ADO Bus, which departs every hour from 5 AM and costs around $14 each way, taking around 3 hours to get there. 

▶️ Riviera Maya or Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza: There is only one daily bus making the journey, so you’ll have to be careful not to miss it. The bus departs from the ADO station on 5th Avenue at 8 AM, and the journey takes a little over 3.5 hours. To return, the bus leaves Chichen Itza at 4 PM. 

There are no transfers from other places in the Riviera Maya. If you’re staying in a different town you’ll have to travel to Chichen Itza from Playa del Carmen. A colectivo ride will take you to the city, and then you can take the ADO Bus to the ruins. 

▶️ Chichen Itza from Tulum: Unless you’re driving, your only option to reach the site is either by tour or by taking the ADO Bus, which departs once a day from Tulum Town. The bus currently leaves at 9.20 AM, and the trip lasts 2.5 hours, costing $10-$14 each way. Check the timetable before going as departure times can change without notice. 

Since the ruins are a bit out of the way for those staying in the Riviera Maya, you might prefer to look for tours to Chichen Itza that offer roundtrip transfers. If you choose to go down this road, I highly recommend booking a Chichen Itza tour in advance to ensure availability. 

Size & Necessary Time To Visit

Chichen Itza is an impressive site, covering an area of 4 square miles (10 square km) and housing 26 spectacular structures. 

I would advise scheduling at least three hours to explore the site without rushing. This will allow you to admire the intricate carvings of the pyramids while learning the history and cool facts about Chichen Itza. 

Highlights

El Castillo Pyramid is the undisputable highlight of any visit to Chichen Itza. Thousands of visitors gather around it twice a year to witness the equinox phenomenon.

At this time, the sun casts the shadow of a feathered serpent, believed to be the Mayan deity Kukulkan, slowly moving down the stairs of the pyramid. 

The ball court is another unmissable construction, the largest in all of Mesoamerica but one of thirteen that dot the Chichen Itza site. The most interesting thing about the ball court is its incredible acoustics, so be sure to test them!

Here you’ll also find the Sacred Cenote, where the Mayans performed sacrifices and rituals, and the Temple of the Warriors. It features 200 columns carved in the shape of warriors, and it’s quite impressive.

Activities Nearby

There are two things you ought to do after your Chichen Itza tour: visit the cenotes and spend some time in the city.

Valladolid is a beautiful colonial city located 24 miles (38 km) from the ruins. It offers a picturesque historic center, great architecture, and delicious local cuisine.

The best cenotes near Valladolid include Cenote Suytun, famous for its man-made peninsula, and Cenote Oxman, found in a hacienda. Cenote Ik Kil is another popular sinkhole among cliff-jumpers. 

Accessibility

Chichen Itza is a very accessible attraction. It features designated parking spaces for wheelchair users, and a smooth ramp to access the ruins entrance. There’s another small ramp to reach the ticket booth and a cemented area around it. 

The rest of the pathways around the ruins are not paved, but the packed dirt paths are perfectly easy to navigate in a wheelchair. The grass surrounding the structures also allows visitors to get up close to the pyramids without effort.

 What’s more, the terrain in Chichen Itza is mostly flat, with only a few gentle inclines that are completely manageable. 

If it has been raining heavily, however, the dirt paths will get muddy making the visit much more difficult. 

Popularity & Crowds

The Archaeological Site of Chichen Itza is by far the most sought-after on a trip to Mexico and definitely the most popular ruins near Cancun. The numbers confirm it, as close to 2 million travelers visit the ruins annually.

While the site is considerably large, it can still get very crowded. It’s especially busy during the equinoxes and national holidays, and on Sundays when residents have free entrance. 

Your only chance to have the pyramids (almost) to yourself is to go to Chichen Itza in the morning, preferably before opening time. When I visited, I spent the previous night in Valladolid and reached the site right as it was opening. I was pretty much on my own for an hour before the crowds swarmed in. 

COBA RUINS

The Coba Ruins are, in my opinion, the most underrated archaeological site in the Yucatan Peninsula. One of the most fascinating facts about the ruins is that only a small section of the ancient Mayan city has been uncovered. The rest is still hidden in the lush jungle that surrounds it.

It’s also possible to climb to the top of its main pyramid, which dates back to approximately the 6th century, and explore the vast site riding a bicycle. The best part? It doesn’t get as crowded as the other two! 

Coba is also one of the oldest settlements, and while most of its constructions date from around 500-900 AD, it’s believed to have been inhabited since 50 BC.  

Price & Tours

The entrance to Coba Ruins costs 120 MXN ($7) at the time of writing. It’s one of the most affordable archaeological sites to visit, together with Tulum. 

If you’re renting a bike on-site to explore the ruins, expect to pay approximately 50 MXN, while a pedicab will cost you around 100 MXN. You can also hire a guide at the entrance to gain in-depth knowledge about the Mayan settlement for 500 MXN ($29). 

You can also choose to join a tour for a no hassle experience.

▶️ Check out the Coba Multun-Ha Cenote Tulum and Paradise Beach Small Group. In this full-day excursion, you’ll visit the Coba and Tulum Ruins with an expert guide. Relax in Cho Ha Cenote, and end the trip with free time on a gorgeous Tulum beach. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

▶️ The Coba Ruins, Punta Laguna Nature Reserve, Cenote and Mayan family is a phenomenal day trip. You’ll explore the Coba Ruins by bike, and enjoy an eco-tour around a local community. At the reserve, canoe on a lagoon, hike in the jungle, and zipline above the treetops. You’ll refuel with a tasty lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Getting to Coba 

Coba is located in northeastern Quintana Roo, and it’s one of the easiest sites to visit if you’re staying in Tulum or the Riviera Maya.

▶️ From Cancun: Coba is 83 miles (134 km) from Cancun, and you can reach it in 3 hours with the ADO Bus. 

▶️ From Playa del Carmen or Riviera Maya: The best way to reach Coba from Playa del Carmen is by ADO Bus, which takes 2 hours to make the journey. You’ll find the bus station at 5 Av. Nte. and you can check the current timetable online. 

▶️ From Tulum: The drive to Coba will take you 40 minutes along Highway 109. You can also take a colectivo from the corner of Tulum Avenue and Calle Osiris Norte, where they depart every 20 minutes and charge 70 MXN for the journey. 

An alternative is going by ADO Bus, which will also cost you 70-80 MXN and drop you off in Coba in around 1 hour. The final destination of the bus is Valladolid, so that’s the one you should look for. 

Size & Necessary Time To Visit

Coba is by far the largest archaeological site of the three…although most of it is buried deep within the jungle, and has been for the past few centuries. The site covers an area of 31 square miles (80 square km), and it was home to around 50 thousand inhabitants. 

The ruins are spread out, so you’ll have to rent a bike or hire a pedicab to get around (unless you have very comfy shoes and really don’t mind walking a lot). I would recommend scheduling at least 3 hours to explore the Coba Archaeological Site without rushing. 

The Highlights

The Coba pyramid that stands out is Nohoch Mul, the world’s second-tallest Mayan pyramid. It’s 137 feet tall and features 120 steep steps to the top.  Besides being the main structure in Coba, it’s the only one in the area you can still climb! 

The site features around 50 sacbe (stone causeways) that are worth checking out, and impressive stone slabs at Coba Stelae. There’s also a series of structures called Coba Group, that includes includes ball courts, and an enormous church.

Activities Nearby

Cenote-hunting is possibly my favorite thing to do around Coba. Nothing beats the feeling of a refreshing dip after a few hours under the sun exploring ruins.

The best cenotes in the area include Cenote Multum-Ha, an underground and very deep natural sinkhole, and Cenote Tamcach-Ha. This one’s ideal for cliff-jumping from its various platforms.  

Accessibility

Coba is a very accessible attraction, designed to be explored by bike. This means the roads around the ruins are flat and wheelchair friendly. The size of the site, though, might make the visit quite tiring for manual wheelchair users.

If the person can be transferred to a bici-taxi, I would highly recommend going with this option. As a plus, it includes a knowledgeable driver who can act as your guide. 

If you’re trying to choose between Coba and Tulum or the ruins at Chichen Itza based on accessibility, Coba wins. 

Popularity & Crowds

Secluded in the jungle, Coba is not among the most well-known ancient Mayan ruins. Combined with its massive size, the site rarely ever feels packed, and it’s way less crowded than Tulum and Chichen Itza on any given day. 

Despite being one of the few sites in Mexico that still allows climbing its main pyramid, it receives fewer people than its two more famous counterparts, with an average of 700 thousand visitors a year. If you prefer staying clear from the masses, Coba won’t disappoint. 

Tulum vs Chichen Itza vs Coba: Which One is Better?

Trying to decide which are the best Mayan ruins in Mexico to visit, and debating between Coba vs Chichen Itza vs Tulum ruins? This article ought to have given you some clarity on the differences between the three sites. This should allow you to discover which one fits your plans and interests better. 

But what’s the best option, if you have to choose one? I can’t give you a definite answer, as it will depend on what you’re looking for, but hopefully the list below will help you decide.