Coba
Cobá, one of the oldest Mayan settlements
on the peninsula, means "waters stirred by the wind"
This name is most likely derived from the five lakes in the
vicinity. Cobá was a thriving city during the Classic
period (600-900 A.D.), although it had been settled for around
a thousand years before this span. A large number of "stelae"
are still on display at Coba.
Coba is located about an hour from Tropical Evergreens. Just
go to Tulum and turn right at San Francisco's. There are some
interesting shops on the Coba road. Once inside you can rent
a bicycle to tour the ruins.
The game played in the ball courts by the ancient Mayans was
very importand to their culture. We can make some assumptions
about how the game was played by reviewing the carvings on
the walls of the courts around the area. It is believed that
because each player is wearing different costumes that players
from the surrounding area would represent their tribes. The
game was played with a hard ball that would shoot through
the stone ring in the ball court.
The first group of structures (Groupo Coba)
is within view of the entrance.
One of numerous"stelae" are on display
at Coba.
The largest pyramid Nohoch Mul, is over a mile
(nearly 2 km) from the gate.
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