Coba Ruins & Punta Laguna: Bike, Monkeys, Cenote Swim, Mayan Lunch

Summary

Bike ancient Coba climb the pyramid spot monkeys swim cenote taste Mayan cooking

You’ll bike ancient roads through Coba ruins, climb Yucatan’s highest pyramid, canoe Punta Laguna with monkeys overhead, and share homemade Mayan dishes with a local family before cooling off in a cenote. It’s one of those days that feels full — wild jungle sounds, laughter over lunch, stone under your hands — and you might find yourself thinking about it long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

Hands gripping the handlebars, sweat already beading on my forehead — that’s how we rolled into the Coba ruins. Our guide, Juan (he’s from a little town nearby), waved us down under some tangled trees and pointed out a path of white stones. “These are sacbeob,” he said, “the old roads.” I tried to imagine what it was like with traders and families moving through here centuries ago. The air smelled green — damp leaves, earth after last night’s rain. We biked past a few sleepy iguanas sunning themselves and then there it was: Nohoch Mul. Climbing those pyramid steps was no joke; my legs wobbled at the top but wow, you can see jungle for miles. I think I just sat there longer than I meant to.

Later, in Punta Laguna Nature Reserve, the light changed — softer somehow, filtered through tall trees. A local woman named Maribel handed me a paddle for the canoe and grinned when I nearly tipped us both in (she had to steady me). We drifted across the lagoon so quietly I could hear spider monkeys rustling above us. There was this moment where everything went still except for their chatter and the slap of water against our boat. Afterward someone convinced me to try the zipline — not really my thing but honestly? The wind in my face felt good after all that humidity.

I didn’t expect lunch to be such a highlight. We stopped at a family home near Coba village; tortillas puffing on a comal, kids peeking around corners. The food was simple but perfect — chicken cooked with achiote, fresh salsa that made my nose run (in a good way). Li laughed when I tried to say “gracias” in Maya — probably butchered it. There was time for one last swim in a cenote before heading back; cool water closing over my head, sunlight flickering through roots above. Even now I can feel that chill on my skin if I think about it too hard.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Coba ruins and Punta Laguna

• Pass through Coba village and lakes
• Explore Coba ruins by bicycle
• Climb highest pyramid in Yucatan
• Visit Punta Laguna Nature Reserve
• Look for monkeys in jungle
• Canoe on lagoon
• Zipline at nature reserve

Top questions

How long does the Coba Ruins & Punta Laguna tour take?

This is a full-day tour from Tulum including travel time between sites.

Is hotel pickup included from Tulum?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Tulum are included—check your confirmation email for exact time.

Do you need to be fit for this tour?

You should have at least moderate fitness since there’s biking at Coba and some walking or climbing involved.

Can children join this tour?

Yes—children must be accompanied by an adult; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What should I bring for the day trip?

Bring towel, bathing suit, comfortable shoes, extra t-shirt, hat, sunglasses, camera and cash for local vendors.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes—a traditional Mayan lunch is included during the tour.

Are COVID-19 safety measures followed?

Yes—group size is limited; masks and antibacterial gel are provided; vehicles and equipment are sanitized regularly.

Will we see wildlife at Punta Laguna?

You’ll likely spot spider monkeys in the jungle during your visit to Punta Laguna Nature Reserve.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Tulum, bottled water throughout the journey, snacks along the way, all entry fees for Coba ruins and Punta Laguna Nature Reserve plus use of bikes at Coba. You’ll share a traditional Mayan lunch with local hosts before cooling off with a cenote swim prior to returning in the evening.