Coba and Tulum, Cenote Swim and Buffet Lunch

Exploring the ancient Mayan ruins of Coba and Tulum offers a captivating adventure. Visitors can climb the impressive Nohoch Mul pyramid and wander through the stunning coastal structures, seeing the rich history. But the experience doesn’t end there. A refreshing swim in a private cenote, complete with lifeguards and rental equipment, provides a chance to cool off and appreciate the natural beauty. Capping off the day, a delicious buffet lunch at the cenote site allows travelers to refuel and savor the unique atmosphere. With so much to discover, it’s an opportunity not to be missed.

Key Points

• The tour starts at the ancient Mayan ruins of Coba, offering the opportunity to climb the Nohoch Mul pyramid for panoramic views.
• The tour continues to the coastal town of Tulum, where visitors can explore the well-preserved archaeological site with impressive limestone structures.
• Participants can enjoy a refreshing swim in a private cenote, with rental of life jackets and snorkeling equipment included.
• A buffet lunch is served at the cenote site, providing an opportunity to refuel after the activities.
• The tour offers air-conditioned roundtrip transportation from most Cancun and Riviera Maya hotels, with additional costs for admissions, rentals, and fees.

Tour Overview

The "Coba and Tulum, cenote swim and buffet lunch" tour is provided by Ekinox Tours, a company based in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

This tour has a 4.5-star rating from 70 reviews and holds a Badge of Excellence. The tour is priced at $62.30 per person, originally $89.00, saving customers $26.70.

The tour includes a buffet lunch, bottled water, and roundtrip air-conditioned transportation from most Cancun and Riviera Maya hotels. Additional costs of 450 MXN per person cover admissions, rentals, and fees.

The tour starts at 7:00 am and ends back at the meeting point. It isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller accessible, with infants required to sit on laps.

Inclusions

The tour includes a buffet lunch, though without drinks, as well as a bottled water per archaeological zone visited. The tour also provides air-conditioned roundtrip transportation from most Cancun and Riviera Maya hotels.

Inclusions	Details
Meals	Buffet lunch (without drinks), bottled water (1 bottle per archaeological zone)
Transportation	Air-conditioned roundtrip vehicle from most Cancun and Riviera Maya hotels
Additional Costs	Balance of $450 MXN per person for admissions, rentals, and fees

While the tour covers transportation and some meals, there are additional costs that travelers should be aware of prior to booking.

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup options for the tour include direct transportation to the preferred meeting point or an assigned nearby location if the hotel isn’t available.

The tour starts at 7:00 am, providing an early start to the day’s activities. The tour ends back at the meeting point, allowing for convenient drop-off at the conclusion of the excursion.

Travelers should factor in the start and end times when planning their schedules, as the tour lasts the entire day.

Accessibility and Recommendations

Generally, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though strollers are allowed if they’re foldable. Infants must sit on laps during the transportation.

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with the following conditions:

• Back issues
• Heart problems
• Serious medical conditions

A moderate level of physical fitness is required, as the tour involves moderate physical activity.

Travelers should consider these recommendations carefully before booking the tour to ensure they can fully participate and enjoy the experience.

Customer Feedback

According to the reviews, many travelers praised the tour’s knowledgeable guides, safety during the trip, and the overall value of the experience.

Recommendations included bringing snacks, especially for children, due to limited lunch options.

However, some customers reported issues with pickup locations and times, leading to frustration. The company has acknowledged these concerns and is reviewing processes to improve communication and service.

Exploring Coba

The tour begins with a journey to the ancient Mayan ruins of Coba, located deep within the Yucatan jungle.

Coba was once a thriving city that connected a network of other Mayan cities, and its massive stone pyramids stand as a testament to the ingenuity of its inhabitants.

Visitors can explore the site’s highlights, including:

• Climbing the 120-foot tall Nohoch Mul pyramid for panoramic views
• Navigating the network of ancient stone roads, known as "sacbeob"
• Discovering hidden stelae, carved stone monuments, and intricate stone carvings
• Learning about the history and daily life of the Mayan people from the knowledgeable guide
• Experiencing the serene tranquility of the jungle setting, far from modern distractions.

Discovering Tulum

After exploring the ancient Mayan ruins of Coba, the tour continues to the coastal town of Tulum, renowned for its stunning seaside setting and well-preserved archaeological site.

Travelers will have the opportunity to wander through the impressive limestone structures and learn about the history of this important Mayan port city.

The tour guide will provide insights into the site’s architectural and cultural significance, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the rich heritage of the region.

With its dramatic cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Tulum offers a breathtaking backdrop for this educational and visually stunning experience.

Cenote Swim and Lunch

Following the Tulum exploration, travelers then have the opportunity to experience a refreshing swim in a stunning cenote. This unique geological formation provides a serene and refreshing respite from the heat.

The cenote swim is a highlight of the tour, allowing visitors to cool off and enjoy the crystal-clear waters. The tour includes:

• Access to a private cenote with lifeguards on duty
• Rental of life jackets and snorkeling equipment
• Ample time for swimming and exploring the natural beauty
• Bottled water to stay hydrated
• A delicious buffet lunch served at the cenote site

After the invigorating swim, travelers can refuel with a satisfying buffet meal before continuing their journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Cancel or Reschedule the Tour if Needed?

The tour provider allows cancellations and rescheduling, though fees may apply. Customers should review the provider’s policies carefully and contact them as soon as possible if changes are needed.

Does the Tour Guide Speak English?

The tour guide speaks English. According to the tour overview, the tour is provided by Ekinox Tours, which is located in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and the tour includes an English-speaking guide.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour does not allow participants to bring their own food and drinks. Bottled water is provided, but all other meals and beverages must be purchased through the tour provider. Bringing snacks is not recommended, as lunch is included in the tour price.

Is Photography Allowed at the Archaeological Sites?

Photography is generally allowed at the archaeological sites, but visitors should follow any specific rules or restrictions set by the site management. Checking with the tour provider for any updates on photography policies is recommended before the tour.

What Should I Bring to the Tour Aside From the Essentials?

Aside from essentials, travelers should bring snacks and water, especially for children, as lunch options may be limited. Plus, a change of clothes for the cenote swim and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

The Sum Up

This Mayan ruins tour offers an exciting adventure, allowing visitors to climb the Nohoch Mul pyramid, explore coastal structures, and cool off with a refreshing swim in a private cenote. The day culminates in a delicious buffet lunch, providing a perfect opportunity to refuel and appreciate the natural beauty surrounding the ancient sites. An engaging and well-rounded experience for those seeking to enjoy Mayan history and culture.