How We Spent our Christmas Vacation

Coba

Coba "water stirred by the wind" is a large site covering over 6 square kilometers. You can only see part of the ruins, much has yet to be excavated and to be restored. The lakes around the site are an unusual aspect to Coba. At least one of these lakes was the result of quarrying limestone for building purposes by the Maya. It is a little difficult to explore and understand the ruins because they are spread out at distances unlike the other large ceremonial centers. The jungle forest also makes finding a landmark to keep your reference almost impossible. Probably because of these differences Coba has a "taken back by the earth" feeling more so than other Yucatan ruins.

The ballcourt at Coba.

The pyramid Nohoch Mul is the tallest in the Yucatan and also has the largest base.

Nohoch Mul is tall looking up, but may be more imposing looking down.

Looking south from Nohoch Mul, Cojunto Los Pinturas rises above the jungle, Lake Coba is in the distance.

Debra and Anthony are examining a sculptured stela. There are thirty-two stelae at Coba, twenty-three are carved. These stelae are scattered thoughout the site, often only an unmarked footpath leads to the monument.

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