Tulum, Q.R. — Tulum’s archaeological zone of Cobá has officially reopened to the public under the INAH. The site was under the care of local Ejidos until when, in late June, the owners of the land came to an agreement with the state government.
On July 12, the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) announced the official reopening of the site.
“The Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico and the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) inform that, as of July 12, the Archaeological Zone of Cobá, in Quintana Roo, reopens its doors to the public.
“The site will have the following hours: Monday to Sunday, from 08:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m., with last access at 04:30 p.m.”
Cobá was opened again after the INAH came to an agreement with Cobá Ejidos who own the land. Both sides agreed on operating terms, one of which was the standard 90 peso entrance fee, down from the 100 the Ejidos were charging people to enter the site.
Part of the new agreement also included a 70-million-peso rehabilitation investment into the site through the Program for the Improvement of Archaeological Zones (Promeza). Ejidos and the government have been at odds over the archaeological zone since mid-2021.
Cobá, which is also a nearby town, is located west of the seaside town of Tulum. There are several buildings located on the archaeological site with the tallest building, the Nohoch Mul Pyramid, being 42 meters (137 feet).
The site also consists of a ball games building, Xaibé (observatory), a 24-meter (78 feet) tall church and a Temple of the Frescoes. The area is also flanked by five lakes and numerous cenotes.