COBA - among the ruins

This map will give you a rough idea of the layout of the exposed parts of Coba ruins but to get to see all the largest structures shown, as well as going onto the side routes to smaller buildings, would take more than a day and we'd really need an  English speaking to get a good appreciation of what we were looking at.

 

Of the 6500 buildings believed to comprise Coba only 2.5% have been excavated - at sunrise and sunset from the top of the Nohuch Mul Pyramid, looking out across the jungle, shadowy mounds betray the hidden gems of temples and other structures - it could take another 50 years to expose the entire city!

 

So,  the following pictures are just a sample of some of the wonderful structures that we did see on our walk today - about 4 kms - before the heat became too exhausting.

The Mayan roadways can be  seen here radiating out from the centre.  Most were in good walkable condition but others had crumbled making it more difficult to access some areas.  Excavations don't stop and throughout the area enormous rockpiles are everywhere - it's sometimes difficult to tell rockpiles from buildings! 

This is Temple of the Paintings - the interior walls were once highly decorated with colourful murals and  some of the original paint can still be seen.  However, although temple was relatively intact tourists are not allowed inside for fear of structural collapse.

A set of steps and bit of wall is all that is left of this structure and trees remain untouched, rooted fast into the top brickwork.

 BEFORE we reach the next building it's time to get in a little practice to loosen up those muscles  ....hup....2,3,4.....hup..2,3,4.......we have quite a climb ahead of us.....


...here it is, this magnificent structure is the Nohoc Mul Pyramid.  The tallest pyramid in the Yucatan at over 126ft high.  Climbing to the top was a challenge - 120 steps angled at 45 degrees meant it was easier to go up on all fours!!



A dangerous climb - this is one of  only a few Mayan structures that the public are still allowed to climb - based on the fact that (apparently) no-one has yet tumbled to their death!  The pyramid at Chichen Itza was only recently cordoned off due to a serious accident.




Each step is deep - probably twice that of the average step on the stairway of a modern house.  Going up is hard work you must  pace yourself and stop every once in a while.  If it's a busy day you have to move away from the single safety line and sit down to let others pass. Some of the edging stones on the steps have become dislodged, others are shiny and slippery with use and you need to go very slowly. 



Going down is even more precarious - the safety handhold is a single thick rope pinned centrally onto the steps..   It is recommended to come down backwards holding on to the rope.  This is  difficult to do if you have people wanting to pass you in each direction - William is down there somewhere....

Here's William just making it to the top - when I learn how to put a commentary onto a video it will be very helpful!!

WE are planning lunch at the top of the Pyramid and carrying a small backpack with supplies ! - yes, hard boiled eggs again.    As we sit looking out across the miles of lush greenery,  we think of those  ancient Mayans all those centuries ago who, after a long day of beheading people,  probably enjoyed a picnic lunch at the top of the pyramid as well.

We were joined at lunch by this little fella who kept passing in front of us.  Strict instructions not to feed the wildlife meant he left empty handed.