You Can Climb This Pyramid Near Cancun That Is Taller Than Chichen Itza

Share The Article

Every year, millions of travelers fly into Cancun and immediately book a tour to Chichen Itza. It makes sense, as it is a recognized world wonder. However, what most travelers do not realize until they arrive is that Chichen Itza has a massive restriction: you cannot climb it. If you want to actually scale an ancient Maya temple, you need to look slightly off the beaten path.

Deep in the jungle sits the Coba archaeological site. It is home to Nohoch Mul, an incredible pyramid that is significantly taller than the famous El Castillo at Chichen Itza. Best of all, you can finally climb it again.

The Big Reopening

For years, travelers were completely out of luck. The pyramid was shut down to climbers for six years, starting back in 2020. But on December 8, 2025, Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) officially reopened Nohoch Mul to the public.

To make this happen safely, the government completely upgraded the experience. Instead of making you scramble up ancient, crumbling rocks, INAH installed a brand-new, protective wooden staircase right over the original 120 stone steps. This smart addition protects the ancient structure while giving you a perfectly safe way to reach the 42-meter (138-foot) summit.

The Height Difference

To put that massive size into perspective, the famous pyramid at Chichen Itza stands at just 30 meters (98 feet) tall. Coba easily towers right over it. In fact, Coba is the tallest pre-Hispanic building in the northern Maya area, and it officially ranks as the tallest pyramid in the state of Quintana Roo. Currently, it is the only major archaeological pyramid in the entire Yucatan Peninsula that visitors are legally permitted to climb.

Where It Is And How To Get There

Getting to Coba is incredibly easy. The ruins are located roughly 130 kilometers (80 miles) southwest of Cancun. If you rent a car or hire a driver, it takes about two hours to get there from the main Cancun hotel zone. It is also a very fast, straightforward trip if you are staying in nearby Playa del Carmen or Tulum.

The New Climbing Rules

Because the site is ancient and highly protected, the government has rolled out some strict new rules for anyone wanting to make the climb. You cannot just show up and run up the stairs anymore.

• Footwear Is Mandatory: This is the biggest catch for beach vacationers. Sandals, flip-flops, and heels are strictly prohibited on the wooden stairs. You must wear closed-toe shoes with a good grip. If you show up in flip-flops, they will turn you away at the base.
• Strict Hours: The main archaeological site stays open until 5:00 PM, but the pyramid staircase closes early. Climbing is only allowed between 8:00 AM and 3:30 PM.
• Crowd Control: To keep things perfectly safe and protect the stairs, a maximum of 15 people are allowed on the staircase at any single time.
• Time Limits: Once you reach the top, you get exactly 15 minutes to enjoy the view before you have to head back down to keep the line moving.
• Weather Dependent: If it starts raining or the wind picks up heavily, climbing is immediately suspended for safety reasons.

The Jungle Experience

Unlike Chichen Itza, which is very open and exposed to the baking sun, Coba is completely shaded by a thick canopy of trees. It feels like a real adventure. Reaching that 42-meter summit is worth every single step. Because the Yucatan Peninsula is completely flat, standing 138 feet in the air gives you an unbelievable, unbroken 360-degree view of the green jungle canopy stretching out for miles in every direction. It is a vantage point you simply cannot get anywhere else in the region.

How To Plan Your Day

If you are adding Coba to your itinerary, you need to know a few insider tips before you go. First, arrive exactly at 8:00 AM when the gates open. Getting there early allows you to beat the intense midday heat, avoid waiting in long lines for the stairs, and experience the jungle while it is still quiet and peaceful.

Second, bring plenty of physical cash in Mexican Pesos. Coba operates on a unique two-ticket system. You will need pesos to pay the official INAH government entry fee, plus a separate fee for the local ejido community. The site is massive, and most people choose to rent bicycles once inside to ride through the jungle directly to the pyramid. You will absolutely need cash for those bike rentals, too.