Chichen Itza and Coba Expedition: Day trip from Tulum
Private ride with a local driver
9hRound tripPrivate driver
About your trip
Experience two of the Yucatan Peninsulaâs most fascinating archaeological treasures in a single day. From the iconic pyramid of Chichen Itza to the jungle-shrouded temples of Coba, this journey reveals the architectural brilliance and spiritual traditions of the Maya world.
Exclusively yours: private vehicle and professional driver
Discover local insights you won't find in guidebooks
Experience the freedom to explore at your own speed
Perfectly planned for families, friends, or solo travelers
What to expect
Your day trip begins wherever you are
Meet our professional driver right where you prefer in Tulum whenever suits you best. No time wasted getting to the pickup point, grab your bag and start your trip right away.Discover more with local expertise
Your driverâs local insights will set the tone for your day trip. A hidden cafĂŠ here, a must-try restaurant there; insider tips youâll love sharing later. This isnât a guided tour but your ride will be rich with stories and discoveries along the way. And throughout the day, your driver will be available for you as needed, ready to assist, happy to help, making your trip stress-free.Explore at your own pace
Meet your driver at your Tulum accommodation and enjoy a smooth journey inland to Chichen Itza and Coba, where ancient pyramids, sacred temples, and jungle landscapes await discovery.
Perfect for any private group
Whether you're traveling solo, as a family with kids, or as a large group, this service is tailored for your comfort and flexibility. It's the ideal option especially if you have limited time or a busy schedule.Good to know
- Two-way private car transfer
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Personalized pickup and drop-off
- Professional English-speaking driver
- Complimentary bottled water
- Free cancellation 24 hours before departure
- Entry/Admission tickets to paid attractions Chichen Itza and Coba should be purchased separately unless specified otherwise
- Meals, snacks, and gratuity are not included
From US$99
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotalUS$297
Your trip at a glance
Your trip at a glance
Start in Tulum
You choose the pickup spot. Chichen Itza
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discoverStop: 2 h 30 min - admission not included
One of Mesoamericaâs greatest archaeological sites, Chichen Itza blends astronomy, religion, and power
Main attractions
- The Pyramid of Kukulkan (El Castillo), built between the 9th and 12th centuries, whose precise design reflects Maya astronomical knowledge and creates the famous equinox serpent-shadow phenomenon
- The Great Ball Court, the largest in Mesoamerica, where ritual games tied to Maya cosmology were played beneath remarkable acoustic architecture
- The Temple of the Warriors and its forest of carved columns depicting warriors, priests, and mythological scenes
- The Sacred Cenote, where archaeological discoveries revealed offerings made to the rain god Chaac during periods of drought
What to Eat
- Local YucatĂĄn specialties available near the archaeological site, including cochinita pibil, fresh tortillas, tamales, and refreshing fruit drinks
What to Buy
- Handmade Maya crafts such as woven textiles, carved stone figures, and traditional jewelry
- Replicas of Maya calendars and sculptures inspired by the monuments of Chichen Itza
Take Note
- Tickets are available online in advance: https://www.chichenitza.com/tickets
- Arriving early in the day helps avoid peak crowds and the strongest midday heat
- Comfortable walking shoes, water, and sun protection are strongly recommended
Coba
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discoverStop: 2 hours - admission not included
Deep in the Yucatan jungle, Coba preserves towering pyramids and an extraordinary network of Maya causeways.
- The Nohoch Mul pyramid, the tallest structure in the northern YucatĂĄn and one of the most impressive viewpoints in the region
- Ancient sacbeob roadways stretching for dozens of kilometers, linking Coba to regional trade networks
- Stone monuments with hieroglyphic inscriptions documenting alliances and rivalries between Maya city-states
- Temple complexes scattered through dense jungle, many still partially hidden beneath vegetation
- Ongoing archaeological research using satellite mapping to reveal the true size of this once-powerful Maya metropolis
What to Eat
- Casual eateries near the site serving tacos, empanadas, fresh fruit, and cold drinks
What to Buy
- Handmade crafts from local Maya communities
- Small sculptures and traditional woven items
Take Note
- Cycling is one of the most popular ways to explore the siteâs long jungle paths
- Bring insect repellent and water, especially during warmer months
- Many structures remain unexcavated, giving the site a unique atmosphere of discovery
Back to Tulum
Weâll take you back to your starting point.Duration of the stops can be changed upon request after booking
Have questions or need help?
Contact our Customer Support. We are available 24/7Daytrip is loved all around the world. Here's why.
Know more about your day trip
Tickets can be purchased at the entrance to both sites, but lines at Chichen Itza can be long during peak season. Buying online in advance through the official Cultur and INAH websites helps you skip the queue and start exploring sooner. Note that Chichen Itza charges two separate fees, one federal and one state, both required for entry. Cash in Mexican pesos is often the easiest payment method on-site.
This particular itinerary focuses on the archaeological sites of Chichen Itza and Coba, so a cenote stop is not part of the standard route. If you want to add a swim, you can request to stop at a cenote along the way after booking, since the area between the two sites has several beautiful options. Bring a swimsuit, towel, and biodegradable sunscreen to protect the freshwater ecosystem if you plan to swim.
Climbing the Nohoch Mul pyramid at Coba was once a highlight of the visit, but Mexican authorities closed it to climbers in 2020 to protect the structure. Travelers can still walk the jungle paths, view the pyramid from the base, and rent bicycles or pedicabs to cover the wide site comfortably. Climbing the main pyramid at Chichen Itza, El Castillo, has also been off-limits since 2006.
Chichen Itza sits about 93 miles (150 km) west of Tulum, with a typical drive of around two and a half hours each way. Coba is closer at roughly 28 miles (45 km) northwest of Tulum, about a 45-minute drive. Combining both sites in one day works well with an early start, since the route between them passes through the Yucatan jungle along easy regional roads.
Around two and a half hours at Chichen Itza gives you time to explore the main structures without rushing, including the Pyramid of Kukulkan, the Great Ball Court, the Temple of the Warriors, and the Sacred Cenote. About two hours at Coba is usually enough to see the main pyramid area and walk or cycle to the key structures. The total trip from Tulum runs roughly nine hours, including travel time.
The dry season from November through April brings the most comfortable weather for exploring both archaeological sites, with sunny skies and lower humidity. The shoulder months of May and November tend to be quieter. Hurricane season runs from June through October and can bring heavy rain, though early mornings often stay clear. Visiting around the spring or fall equinox offers the chance to see Chichen Itza's famous serpent shadow phenomenon.
Light, breathable clothing works best for the warm Yucatan climate, along with sturdy walking shoes for uneven stone surfaces. Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water. Both sites offer little shade, so a light scarf or long sleeves can help on very sunny days. A small backpack for snacks, a camera, and your entrance tickets is useful, since lockers are limited at the entrances.
Chichen Itza is the more famous and restored of the two, recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, with its iconic Pyramid of Kukulkan, ball court, and Sacred Cenote. Coba feels wilder and less crowded, with ancient causeways winding through dense jungle and tall pyramids surrounded by trees. Visiting both gives you a fuller picture of the Maya world.
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