Day 2 - Coba
120 miles south of Cancun, 76 miles from Playa del Carmen, 40 miles from Tulum
The Mayan ruins at Cobá are unique in that they have been barely restored, merely cleared. Only a few of its estimated 6,500 structures have been uncovered, but the ones that have been are graceful and impressive.
On these quiet and peaceful grounds it´s hard to imagine that Cobá may have once had the largest population of all the ancient Mayan cities. This vast Mayan archeological site dates from 600-900 A.D. and there were an estimated 100,000 people living in its domain. It was the heart of a large metropolis composed of many cities within the eastern Yucatan.
Coba is located around two lagoons. And swimming here, probably not a good idea :)
Climbing the 120 narrow steps to the top of the Grand Pyramid (Nohoc Mul) at Coba, Yucatan’s highest pyramid, is well worth the effort. Standing here one can see over the jungle canopy for miles, unexcavated temple mounds peeking above the trees.
...coming down is more difficult!
Hi, meet Oscar...
Welcoming symbols in one of the ball courts at the Coba Ruins.
The ball game played an important roll in Mayan society and most cities had a ball court, which is basically a corridor of two stoned walls. The game was played between two teams, using only their hips and elbows to get a rubber ball through a hoop. Inscriptions and other pieces of art show that human sacrifice was a part of the game. There are different theories as to who actually got sacrificed - the captain or the whole team? Did the losing have to pay with their lives or did the winning team willingly and proudly go to live with their gods?
Day 1 - Snorkeling at Punta Cancun and free pelican feeding show
...but first a playful morning on the beach at Ambiance Villas Kin-Ha
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