Coba is one of the oldest archaeological sites in the Yucatan Peninsula, evidence suggests it was constructed between 50 BC and 100 AD. At its peak, from 500 to 900 AD, this major Mayan city was home to over 50,000 inhabitants. In that time, it reached a territorial extension of over 27 mi2 (70 km2) and contained more than 6,500 temples, some of which we can still observe today, while others, after centuries of abandonment, have been completely taken back by nature.

But enough with the numbers: what we like most about Coba is the fact that it is beautifully situated in the jungle. The pathways lead us past tall trees and plants in every imaginable shade of green, and the foliage provides a pleasant shade. In addition, the jungle also offers a home to many animals: sometimes we are lucky enough to spot monkeys, lizards, snakes, wild turkeys, honey bees and other animals.

A local Mayan guide will accompany us and teach us about the history behind the archaeological site of Coba, as well as the customs and traditions of the Maya people. We can either take a walk, ride a bike or ride a ‘trici taxi’ (the Mayan version of the tuk-tuk) to get to the main attraction, the Pyramid. Nohoch Mul (‘Big Mound’) stands 138 feet (42 meters) tall, making it one of the highest buildings in the Mayan territory. You really shouldn't miss climbing (part of) the 120 stone steps! If you succeed in climbing to the top, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding lush jungle.

At this point we're probably going to be hot and sweaty, so time to freshen up by taking a plunge in a beautiful cenote just outside of the village of Coba.

After all the walking, biking, climbing, and swimming, we'll replenish our energy by taking a well deserved break with a typical Yucatan style buffet lunch.

In the afternoon we drive to the village of Punta Laguna, to the Otoch Ma’ax Yetel Kooh-Reserve (which translates to ‘Home of the Monkey and the Puma’ in Maya). This 5,000-hectare large protected area has one of the region's largest concentrations of spider monkeys and a smaller group of howler monkeys.

The reserve is run by Mayan families who are in charge of the conservation of the area, they will be our local guides who know all the trails in the jungle for sightings of the monkeys. They can actually recognize the monkeys individually, and know to which families they belong. Please note that these monkeys are completely wild, they do not get fed by humans and will not come down from the trees and play with us. It may sometimes take quite a bit of a hike before we find them, so be prepared for a walking adventure with obstacles (every now and then we may have to scramble over a fallen tree).

During this tour, you will be able to experience a Mayan purification ceremony with copal, a type of incense that is sacred to the Maya and is widely used in ritual ceremonies. As an extra option you can explore the lagoon from the water by paddling in a canoe, and the more adventurous people can take short zip-line over the lagoon.