Cancun to Coba and Valladolid: Private day trip

Founded around the 1st century BC, the Mayan city of Coba was a regional powerhouse thanks to its agricultural holdings. At its peak around 900 AD, the 80 km² settlement was home to an estimated 50,000 inhabitants. While its importance dwindled following a power struggle with Chichén Itzá, Coba remained in use up until the arrival of the Spanish. Today, the excavated parts of the site have revealed the largest network of roads in the Mayan world. These ancient highways connected Coba with other Mayan cities, and all emanate from the central pyramid. The Ixmoja pyramid, located in the Nohuch Mul temple group, is the tallest in the Northern Yucatan at 42 meters (138 feet) high, and offers amazing views of the entire archaeological site for those who brave its steep set of 120 steps.

Founded by the Spanish Conquistador Francisco de Montejo in 1543 at a lagoon called Chouac-Ha, Valladolid was moved to its current location in 1545 because of mosquitos. Despite being one of the largest cities in Yucatan, Valladolid has a laid-back atmosphere and preserves both its Colonial and Mayan roots. At the heart of the city, dominating the main square is the Iglesia de San Servacio, which was built in 1706 after the Bishop Pedro De Los Rios Reyes ordered the destruction of the original 16th-century cathedral. The Convent of San Bernadino de Siena is another notable Colonial landmark, which is filled with colorful frescoes dating back to the 16th century. For Mayan culture, don’t miss the Casa de los Venados, which exhibits the Mexico’s largest private collections of pre-colonial art. But the top activity here is just wandering the streets, starting with the colorful Calzada de Los Frailes, to enjoy the atmosphere.