Coba Cenotes
Cenotes are natural swimming holes formed by the collapse of porous limestone bedrock resulting in a subterranean world of groundwater pools. The name cenote means ‘sacred well’, and Mayans settled villages around these spiritual wells believing that they were a portal to speak with the gods.
Most cave cenotes have fresh water that has been filtered, making them so clear and pure that you can see straight through to small fish frolicking in the plant life many meters below. Open-air cenotes also have pristine, clear water, where swimmers share the wow moment of paddling in the fresh turqoise water, with small fish zipping below you. Underwater photographers will be thrilled with the clear waters, which allow for aquatic-playground shots in high-definition clarity.
All three of the Coba cenotes are underground caves with water. The entrance to each cenote is 55 pesos (About $5 US). Here is a brief description of the three so you can select which one you wish to visit.
Choo-Ha is the closest cenote to the Coba Ruins and good for just looking if you are not interested in swimming and it’s easier to visit if you have young children. This cenote has shallow water and a lot of stalagmites.
Tamcach-Ha is the second cenote you come to. As you enter the small opening in the ground you descend down a wooden spiral staircase. What makes this cenote special is the two platforms you can jump off. One is 5 meters high and one is 10 meters high! (jump at your own risk) The cenote has a large pool of water to swim in and an easy shallow area where you can enter the water. This is the most popular cenote.
Multun-Ha is a little farther then the others. It is the best cenote if you wish to snorkel and it has the clearest water.
What to bring to Cenotes
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, water, sandals/flip flops and a towel, and leave valuables at home.
Also visit the Coba Ruins, the only accessible Mayan ruins in Mexico
A day at Coba Cenotes can last a few hours. While visiting the Cenotes, take another hour and visit the Coba Ruins, the largest Mayan ruin in Mexico. Add up to 2.5 hours if you walk the site, 1.5 hours if you take advantage of the Coba bicycle rentals or an hour if you opt for the Mayan limo, a chauffeured tricycle where you just sit and take in the sights. Both bicycle options are inexpensive and super fun!
The Coba ruins has the tallest temple pyramid on the Yucatan Peninsula, the Nohoch Mul pyramid, which is 135 feet high, 120 steps. The most famous Chichen Itza is a bit smaller with 91 steps leading up to the top of the Kulkulkan Pyramid, but tourists are no longer allowed to climb it. The entire Coba site spreads over more than 30 square miles or 80 square kilometers with many yet-t0-be uncovered buildings.
Getting to Coba
Cobá is about a 90-minute easy drive from our condo/hotels, and Playa del Carmen. You can rent a car and drive, go with a tour group, or hire a driver for the day and go at your own speed (about $100). Our guests at El Taj Ocean, Magia Beachside, Porto Playa, Maya Villa, and El Taj Beach can make arrangements through our concierge! Let me know if you need help and please post your pictures and comments below if you visit Coba. Let the world know what an awesome place it is!
Coba is the largest Mayan ruin in Mexico
Many people have heard of Chichén Itzá, the famous Mayan ruin in Mexico, and want to visit the ruins when they visit Playa del Carmen, but what they don’t know is that although tourists can walk around Chichén Itzá, the stairs and climb have been closed to tourists since 2006 when a woman fell down the stairs and died. Other Mayan sites have followed suit, roping off their pyramid temples, with the exception of Coba. Coba is the largest Mayan ruin in Mexico and has the tallest temple pyramid on the Yucatan Peninsula, the Nohoch Mul pyramid, which is 135 feet high, 120 steps. Chichen Itza is a bit smaller with 91 steps leading up to the top of the Kulkulkan Pyramid. The entire Coba site spreads over more than 30 square miles or 80 square kilometers with many yet-t0-be uncovered buildings.
Coba is the largest Mayan ruin in Mexico
archeologists first learned about the site in the mid 1800′s, but dense jungle, the Caste War and lack of funds made this site a difficult area to penetrate. This Mayan site is still largely unexcavated (only about 5% has become open to the public) making it a true wonder in the Yucatan. Visitors can enjoy shaded walkways that are the original sacbe (white roads), three settlements that show the architecture and vast area of this once large city, 2 ball courts and climb the highest Mayan pyramid in the Yucatan, Nohoch Mul. Cobá was finally opened to the public as an archeological site in1973. Archeologists have estimated that 6,000 structures exist, but only three settlements are for public viewing.
What makes this site different from Chichen Itza is its accessibility and that Coba is not a single site but a large group of sites connected to the central pyramid, connected by over 16 Mayan ceremonial “white roads” (sacbéob). The three main areas that can be viewed in the Coba Ruins are the Nohoch Mul structures (main pyramid), Conjunto Pinturas (spiritual area) and Macanxoc structures (close to the lagoon that bears the same name). Although more than 50 sacbes (white roads) have been discovered within the Coba settlement, only 16 are open to the public.
A day at Coba can last up to 2.5 hours if you walk the site, 1.5 hours if you take advantage of the Coba bicycle rentals or an hour if you opt for the Mayan limo, a chauffeured tricycle where you just sit and take in the sights. Both bicycle options are inexpensive and super fun! Add the cenotes (see below) where you can swim, snorkel and/or dive in underground caves, and make it a day trip!
Climbing Coba
Scrambling up the 42-meter (138-foot) Nohoch Mol pyramid is not for the faint of heart. The steps are steep and uneven. They can be slippery, even when grabbing onto the fixed safety rope that extends from the bottom to the top. The decline is particularly tricky, and many visitors resort to going down the steps, crab-like, on their bottoms.
At the top, where animals were once sacrificed to the gods, intrepid climbers are rewarded with a spectacular view of the jungle that surrounds the site and the nearby lakes from which Cobá takes its name. You can also see other ruins peeking up above the trees and undergrowth, remnants of this former commercial hub whose estimated 6,500 structures cover about mostly still unexcavated 70 square kilometres.
Coba Cenotes
Three cenotes (a unique type of cave that has been carved out by water) have opened for tourism in Coba and are owned by the local Mayan community and tourism supports the local people.
The cenotes are about 6k from the ruins. Previously this was a bumpy ride down an old road. Now there has been significant investment to open this area a little more to tourism. The cenotes also have added shower and changing areas, bathrooms and parking lots.
The three cenotes are Choo-Ha, Tamcach-Ha, and Multun-Ha. All three of the cenotes are underground caves with water, as opposed to some cenotes where the roof collapses and they are open pools. The entrance to each cenote is about 55 pesos ($5US). For additional information, please click here.
Getting to Coba
Cobá is about a 90-minute easy drive from our condo/hotels, and Playa del Carmen. Cobá is much closer and not nearly as crowded as Chichén Itzá. You can rent a car and drive, go with a tour group, or hire a driver for the day and go at your own speed (about $100). Our guests at El Taj Ocean, Magia Beachside, Porto Playa, Maya Villa, and El Taj Beach can make arrangements through our concierge! Let me know if you need help and please post your pictures and comments below if you visit Coba. Let the world know what an awesome place it is!
Best Restaurants in Playa del Carmen July, 2016
We are constantly updating our list of Best Restaurants in Playa del Carmen. These are our recommendations for the Best Restaurants in Playa del Carmen July, 2016
1. Romeo, Best Italian in PDC. My husband is Italian and he tells people this is the best Italian food he’s had in his life. I love the Spinach Ravioli with Truffle Oil. We took our family, a group of 12, and they had everything from pizza, to gnocchi, to seafood and everyone raved about the food, and we actually went back one more time before they left. Prices are modest, ($10 US entrees) food is outstanding. It’s a little place, so call ahead and make a reservation 984-141-6507 or stop by after 4 pm. It’s on Calle 4, between 10th and 15th. Good chance for tourists to get off 5th Ave. To-go and Delivery is available.
2. Plank The first restaurant in the Riviera Maya to win a 5 diamond award from the Academy of Hospitality Sciences. Terrific menu, great food and service, lovely place, great location. Open for dinner nightly and weekend brunches. I love the tasting menu! The brunches are the best I’ve ever experienced with the widest variety of food. The chef, Juan Diego is phenomenal. Located on Calle 16, between First and 5th Ave., in the Porto Playa Condo/Hotel Building. Medium priced restaurant (Guests at our properties receive a 20% discount on Thursdays) Plank Website For reservations you can email reservations@plank.mx or call +52 (984) 803 0108 +52 (984) 168 7025
3. Oh Lala, International Cuisine by George is always a favorite, but you need to book at least 3 weeks in advance or be willing to eat after 9 pm. They will only take parties of 6 or less so that they can provide the highest level of service. The restaurant is small, with seating inside and outside, but spacious in that tables are not crowded together. The food is delicious with high attention to service. A bit higher priced, but well worth it. Located at Calle 14 north Bis, between 10th Av. and 15th Av. Playa del CarmenOh Lala restaurant in Playa del Carmen website
4. La Brocherie I love this place! Fabian had a restaurant in Paris, then New York, and now Playa del Carmen. He and his parents and wife bring French chicken to Mexico. It is succulent and the desserts are the best in the Riviera Maya, so save room for dessert! The restaurant is small, with plastic tables and chairs, but it fills up nightly and is not something to miss. It is located on 15th Ave, between 4th and 6th.
La Brocherie is open Monday-Saturday from 10:30am-9:oopm Closed Sundays. Modest prices.
To-go and Delivery is available. Their number is 147 8683 or cell 984-117-7210
5. Nau is fairly new, but great concept, food, and ambiance. Excellent atmosphere with great fresh food (best fish choices! but they do have meat options as well) and some great gin drinks. I’ve never been much of a gin drinker but this place has some great recipes that are fantastic on a hot Mexican night.
Quality meals with top notch service. Medium priced. Nau Restaurant in Playa del Carmen Website For reservations, call Tel: +52 1 984 197 4121 or email correo@nau.mx
6. El Fogon is our favorite authentic Mexican restaurant, and you’ll see it’s where the locals eat. Menu is in Spanish, and the wait staff speaks only a little English, so you look around to see what dishes come out and ask what they are, and use your head and Google translate to decipher the menu. The food is fantastic, service is terrific and the prices are very inexpensive. The folks at El Fogon are extremely friendly and they will do everything they can to make your experience one you’ll remember. Located on North side of Constituyentes, between Calle 25 and 30. No reservations or delivery, but they offer carryout.
https://youtu.be/Yc4kVGzpLS8
7. Imprevist is another favorite and another outstanding restaurant by Chef Juan Diego. They offer an outstanding breakfast and brunch daily with a choice of seating in air-conditioned dining room or outside on an open-air patio, overlooking a quaint and quiet cobblestone street. Very European – like Playa. At night under candles and twinkly lights it becomes a cozy and intimate dining experience. Gourmet menu is comprised of seasonal flavors featuring fine selections of Prime Sea foods, USDA certified Beef and Chicken, Salad Medleys and Risottos. I strongly encourage reservations for dinner. (984) 168 70 25 / 26 or email: reservations@imprevist.mx. Imprevist Restaurant Website
8. Aguachiles is a very inexpensive place to order tacos and has great margherita’s, is close to our properties and is a favorite lunch spot or place to go get a quick bite. It’s changed owners and menus, but is still a favorite. You can order a variety of different small tacos that are very tasty. It’s on Constituyentes, beteen First and Fifth Ave. No need for reservations
9. Wah-Wah is a beach bar/restaurant that we love to go to for lunch. They have the best grouper sandwiches (don’t forget to order the garlic Parmesan french fries). We go here for lunch only, and most days there is someone playing guitar and singing beach songs like Jimmy buffet or Zac Brown. Great way to spend an afternoon.
10. Asi Beach Club. Nothing like having a really nice breakfast buffet on the beach. Great lunch menu and drinks as well . Service is terrific and sometimes you’ll have a celebrity sighting because this is the place to hang out during the day! They can also handle small parties at night – loads of fun, Love the place! They are open from 7 am to 8 pm daily.
BPM 2017, Playa del Carmen Information, Condo/hotel rooms and tickets
BPM 2017, Playa del Carmen: The BPM Festival 2017 will be held January 6-15! BPM 2017 is an annual ten day and night electronic music festival,held in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. This global gathering of DJs, producers, revelers and industry professionals has become a must for any music lover with a discerning taste for quality electronic dance music. BPM parties are hosted both day and night at multiple venues in Playa Del Carmen, a picturesque beach town that runs along miles of soft white sand beaches and sparkling turquoise waters on the Mayan Riviera.
Property Site Map
Map showing location of El Taj Ocean, El Taj Beach, Magia Beachside, Porto Playa, Maya Villa and Villas Sacbe (click for full size)
BPM 2014 dates
The BPM Festival is an annual ten day and night electronic music festival, founded by Craig Pettigrew and Philip Pulitano, held in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. This global gathering of DJs, producers, revelers and industry professionals has become a must for any music lover with a discerning taste for quality electronic dance music.
Looking to play golf?
There are several golf courses in Playa del Carmen and the nearby Mayan Riviera, including: Mayakoba (a Fairmont Hotel) offers the El Camaleon’s golf course, the most famous in the area. Designed by Greg Norman and home of the Mayakoba Golf Classic, the only PGA Tour Event in Mexico and the first official PGA Tour event ever held outside of the United States. Held yearly in February.
Caguameria is the best new restaurant in Playa del Carmen
Located on First street, 1 block north of Constituyentes, Caguameria is the best new restaurant in Playa. It’s got great food, is fun and quirky. Great ambiance. Order the pulled pork served on a bread that’s half pizza dough, half taco shell. Save room for dessert!
Playa del Carmen Restaurant Recommendations
You can wander the side streets, but the real action is 5th Ave. People always ask us where we like to go. The following are some of our favorites. We’re also known to do a progressive dinner: bruschetta and wine at one place, ceasar salad at another, etc.
Yaxche
Yaxche is authentic Mayan cuisine and is on 5th at Calle 22. It has won the 5 Star Diamond Award and is unique. Authentic Mexican food, ambiance is great. Read the Trip Advisor reviews.