Grupo Nohoch Mul

Cobá


Nohoch Mul (Big Mound) is also known as the Great Pyramid (which sounds a lot better than Big Mound). It reaches a height of 42m, making it the second-tallest Maya structure on the Yucatán Peninsula (Calakmul's Estructura II, at 45m, is the tallest). Climbing the old steps can be scary for some. Two diving gods are carved over the doorway of the temple at the top (built in the post-Classic period, AD 1100–1450), similar to sculptures at Tulum.

The view from up top is over many square kilometers of flat scrubby forest, with glimpses of lake.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Cobá attractions

1. Templo 10

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Here you can see an exquisitely carved stela (AD 730) depicting a ruler standing imperiously over two captives.

2. Xaibé

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3. Juego de Pelota

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An impressive ball court, one of several in the ruins. Don't miss the relief of a jaguar and the skull-like carving in the center of the court.

4. Grupo de las Pinturas

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5. Grupo Cobá

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The most prominent structure in the Grupo Cobá is La Iglesia (the Church). It's an enormous pyramid; if you were allowed to climb it, you could see the…

6. Cobá Ruins

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Cobá's ruins include the tallest pyramid in Quintana Roo (the second tallest in all the Yucatán) and the thick jungle setting makes you feel like you’re…

8. Grupo Macanxoc

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Grupo Macanxoc is notable for its numerous restored stelae, some of which are believed to depict reliefs of royal women who are thought to have come from…