Stop everything! Tighten your hiking boot laces and grab your electrolyte drinks, because the world of archaeology has just given us the ultimate gift for 2026. After years of staring from the ground with nostalgia and resignation, we can finally say the magic words: You can now climb to the top of Nohoch Mul in Coba once again!
If you felt like your Indiana Jones bucket list was missing something, or if you simply want a photo that makes your Instagram followers wonder if you’ve become a jungle hermit, this is your moment. Here’s why this reopening is the event of the century for adventure lovers in the Yucatan Peninsula.
The Giant Wakes Up from Its Nap
For those not entirely familiar with the map (don’t worry, the jungle confuses everyone), Coba isn’t your typical “manicured grass and security fences” Mayan city like Chichén Itzá. Coba is wild. It’s the kind of place where you half-expect to see a jaguar taking a nap on a stone stela.
At the heart of this green labyrinth stands Nohoch Mul. Rising 42 meters (about 137 feet) high, it is the tallest construction in the northern part of the peninsula. To give you an idea, it’s like climbing a 12 to 14-story building, but with irregular, ancient stone steps under the tropical sun.
Why was it closed?
Since 2020, due to a mix of “a certain global bug” and critical conservation needs, the authorities decided that tourists’ feet needed a break from the stones, and the stones needed a break from the tourists. For years, we settled for looking at it from the base, sighing while imagining the view. But the wait is over. Maintenance work and new safety protocols have finally given us the green light.
The Experience: Sweat, Glory, and a Lifeline
Climbing Nohoch Mul is not for the faint of heart (or knees). There are 120 steps. Sounds like a small number, right? Try telling me that when you’re halfway up, the heat is 95°F, and you realize the Maya had much smaller feet (or better balance) than we do.
What makes Coba special is that, unlike other pyramids where climbing is permanently banned due to wear and tear, physical connection with history is still allowed here. However, there is a central rope that is, basically, your new best friend. Don’t try to be a hero; hold onto it. Coming down is, ironically, more like a comedy movie than an epic: most of us end up “scooting” down on our butts or sideways, but dignity is a small price to pay for the view.
What do you see from the top?
When you finally conquer the 120th step, the world changes. You don’t see buildings, you don’t see highways, and you don’t see souvenir shops. You see an infinite green sea. The jungle stretches as far as the eye can see, interrupted only by the silhouettes of other structures still emerging from the trees and the nearby lagoons of Coba and Macanxoc. It’s the only place where you truly understand why the Maya dominated this territory. You feel, for a second, like a god surveying your kingdom.
How to Get There Without Fainting (2026 Logistics)
Coba is located about 45 minutes from Tulum and an hour and a half from Playa del Carmen. But here’s the fun part: internal transportation.
Once you pass the ticket booth, you have three options to reach the base of the pyramid (which is about 2 km from the entrance):
Walking: Ideal if you want to burn off the morning buffet, but be prepared to sweat before the real climb even begins.
Bici-taxi: A local pedals for you while you sit back like Mayan royalty enjoying the breeze.
The “Guerobici”: My personal favorite. You rent a bike for a few pesos and pedal through the sacbé (ancient white stone paths). It’s the closest feeling to being in an adventure video game.
3 Reasons Why Coba is Better Than Chichén Itzá (Controversial, but true)
I know Chichén Itzá holds the title of a Wonder of the World, but Coba has that je ne sais quoi that hooks you:
The Shade: While the sun at Chichén Itzá hits you like you owe it money, at Coba, you walk under the canopy of ancient trees most of the time.
The Interaction: In very few places in the world can you touch, climb, and feel archaeological stone this way.
The Crowds: Even though visits will spike with the reopening of Nohoch Mul, Coba still feels much more intimate and less like a “theme park.”
Pro-Tips for Your Visit
If you’re going to dive into this adventure now that it’s open, take note:
Arrive early: The site opens at 8:00 AM. If you get there then, you’ll have the pyramid (and the fresh air) to yourself. By 11:00 AM, the heat and tour groups arrive in full force.
Footwear: Forget beach sandals. You need something with grip. The stone is polished by centuries of use and can be slippery.
Total Respect: The fact that we are allowed to climb again is a privilege. Don’t leave trash, don’t try to take a “souvenir” stone, and follow all staff instructions.
Conclusion: The Return of an Icon
The reopening of the summit of Nohoch Mul is not just tourism news; it’s a reminder that adventure is still alive in the heart of the Riviera Maya. It is a chance to see the world from the perspective of a civilization that understood the stars and the jungle better than anyone else.
And remember, to make your arrival at this and other paradises as smooth as a quetzal’s flight, it’s best not to leave anything to chance. If you are coming from the airport or moving between cities, the services of Cancun Airport Transportation are your ideal ally. They provide the comfort and security you need so that your only “battles” are against the 120 steps of the pyramid and not against traffic or logistics.