Small-Group French-Speaking Tour to Coba, Punta Laguna, and Cenote Cho-ha
Reserve your spot for a full Mayan day, maximum 12 participants
Adult: 2 600 MXNChildren aged 3 to 11 years: 2 400 MXN
Deposit of 400 MXN by card, balance in cash on the day.
| 🗓️ Reserve my place in a small group | 💬 Check availability |
Departures on Wednesdays and Sundays, hotel transport included depending on the area, certified French-speaking guide
⏱️ Duration 9am to 10:15am | 🧩 Difficulty Easy | 👥 Maximum group size. 12 people | 🗣️ Language 100% FR | 🕖 Departure 6:50 to 8:00 | 🌿 Kind Eco-cultural |
What makes this trick different?
Riviera Tours México offers one of the few French-speaking excursions in the Riviera Maya that combines archaeology, ecotourism, and Mayan cultural immersion in a single day. The group never exceeds 12 participantsguaranteeing individualized attention and a pace adapted to each profile.
Unlike the large bus tours from Cancún, the itinerary starts in Punta Laguna at 8:30 am, when the spider monkeys are most active and the heat remains bearable between 26 and 28°C. Coba is best explored in the late afternoon, after the large groups have left: almost deserted pyramids and photos without crowds.
Rare cultural dimension: authentic Mayan ceremony with a community shaman, lunch with a Mayan family, chicken pibil cooked for 4 to 6 hours in an underground oven, SECTUR and INAH certified guides mastering dynasties, calendar and hieroglyphs.
What you need to know
🗿 Coba, Classic Mayan City, 80 km²
Ancient Mayan city from the Preclassic and Classic periods, 500 to 900 AD. Site protected by INAH since 1975. 44 km northwest of Tulum.
Nohoch Mul Pyramid: 42m high, accessible since December 2025. Historical population: approximately 50,000 inhabitants at its peak. Network : 50+ sacbeob, white limestone paths. Steles: 120 sculpted stelae documenting alliances with Tikal and Calakmul. Architectural groups: Nohoch Mul, Grupo Cobá, Macanxoc, Pinturas, Crossways Pyramid.
🌿 Punta Laguna, Otoch Ma'ax Yetel Kooh, Nature Reserve, 5,367 ha
A reserve managed by a Mayan community cooperative since 1986, with 100% of revenue reinvested in local conservation. Biological corridor between Sian Ka'an and Yum Balam. 18 km north of Coba.
Lagoon: 750 m × 200 m, fresh water 24 to 26 °C. Primates: spider monkey, Ateles geoffroyiand howler monkey, Alouatta pigra. Wildlife: Jaguars, pumas, 70 species of birds. Certifications: Rainforest Alliance 2018 and National Geographic, 100 Sustainable Destinations 2019.
💎 Cenote Cho-ha, Karst Ecosystem
A semi-open cenote with a natural limestone vault, spectacular zenithal light illuminating emerald water at 25°C year-round. 4 km from Coba. Only 40 to 60 visitors per day maximum.
Water : Yucatán Peninsula underground aquifer, 600 km network, largest underground water system in the world. Endemic fauna: Astyanax mexicanus, Petenia splendidaaquatic turtles.
🚐 Transportation and guide
Transportation : Toyota Hiace Premium 2022-2024, max 12 passengers, dual-zone climate control, ergonomic leather seats, USB ports, Wi-Fi, coolers, passenger liability insurance USD 50,000. SECTUR certified and bi-annual SCT inspection. Drivers: Federal Tipo E license, 10+ years experience, annual Cruz Roja training.
SECTUR and INAH certified French-speaking guide: French-speaking expatriates with 8 to 15 years of experience, or DELF C2 certified Mexicans with archaeology training. Present from the first hotel to the last depot, 10 full hours. 100% French-speaking group, no translation into 2 to 3 languages.
📍 Location and historical significance
Distances: 42 km from Tulum, 95 km from Playa del Carmen, 175 km from Cancun.
Coba documents pre-Hispanic trade with the Guatemalan Petén. Its 120 stelae reveal dynastic alliances with Tikal and Calakmul, from 600 to 830 AD. Two ballcourts, 24 m and 22 m in size, are among the best preserved in Mexico. 95% of the structures remain buried under vegetation, creating an atmosphere of authentic exploration.
Detailed itinerary, full day
1 | 6:50 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., depending on your zonePick-up from your hotelYour driver will pick you up directly. On board: morning snacks, unlimited purified water, and coolers of beer and soda. The guide will share Mayan historical context and local recommendations during the trip. Support included |
2 | 8:30 to 9:30, 1-hour jungle hikePunta Laguna, spider monkey watchingThe local Mayan guides have known each troop's territory since childhood. This early morning window guarantees sightings of spider monkeys. Ateles geoffroyiand howlers, Alouatta pigra95%. Slow 2km walk on marked trails with extended observation breaks. Wildlife guaranteed 95% |
3 | 9:30 to 10:10, 40 minZip-lining and canoeing on the sacred lagoonDouble zipline 180m at a height of 15m above the lagoon. Equipment provided: helmet, harness, gloves. Weight limit: 90kg. Completely optional; you can wait for the group on the shore if you prefer. Traditional canoeing 20 minutes afterward; paddles and life jackets provided. Included equipment |
4 | 10:10 to 10:45, 30 minMayan ceremony with a shamanA respected shaman from the community officiates an authentic ceremony: sacred copal resin, prayers in the Yucatec Mayan language, and a purification ritual in the four cardinal directions. This is not a folkloric spectacle, but a living spiritual practice. Photography is permitted with the shaman's explicit consent. Authentic, not folkloric |
5 | 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 1 hourCenote Cho-ha, swimming in crystal-clear watersSemi-open cenote with a natural limestone vault. Zenithal light on emerald water at 25°C. Biodegradable shower required, reef-safe sunscreen provided free of charge if forgotten. Life jackets for non-swimmers. Only 40 to 60 visitors per day, almost a private swimming experience. Confidential Cenote |
6 | 12:00 to 13:15, 1 hour 15 minutesLunch at a Mayan family's homeThree-course meal: lima soup, achiote-marinated chicken pibil cooked for 4 to 6 hours in an underground oven, rice, black beans, and corn tortillas made by hand right before your eyes. Dessert: seasonal tropical fruits. Vegetarian and vegan options available upon request when booking. 3-course meal included |
7 | 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM, 2 hours 30 minutesCoba by bike, Nohoch Mul pyramid, 42 mBike tour along ancestral sacred sites, 4 km, 15 min (compared to 45 min on foot). INAH guide through 6 architectural groups: Grupo Cobá with dynastic stele and ballcourt, Grupo Macanxoc, Crossways Pyramid, and Nohoch Mul. Climb 120 steps via a secure wooden staircase, offering a 360° jungle panorama. Strategic arrival at 2:30 pm after the Cancún buses have left. Bicycle taxis included. Nohoch Mul accessible 2025 |
8 | 5:00 PM, gradual returnReturn to your hotelReturn between 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM depending on your area. Your guide will share recommendations for local restaurants during the trip. Drop-off directly at your accommodation. Hotel deposit included |
What is included and what is not
✓ Included✓ Air-conditioned round-trip transportation from your hotel ✓ SECTUR and INAH certified French-speaking guide, 10 hours ✓ Coba entrance, bike rental or bike taxi ✓ Entrance to Punta Laguna reserve ✓ Zip line, helmet, harness, gloves ✓ Canoe, paddles and life jackets ✓ Mayan ceremony with shaman ✓ Cenote Cho-ha entrance ✓ Reef Safe sunscreen provided if forgotten ✓ Full 3-course lunch at a Mayan family's home ✓ Purified water, snacks, beers and sodas ✓ All taxes included, liability insurance ,000 USD | ✗ NOT INCLUDED✗ Guide tips, 150 to 200 pesos, optional ✗ Driver tips, 50 to 100 pesos, optional ✗ Souvenirs, handicrafts, and shops in Punta Laguna and Coba ✗ Cenote towel rental, 50 pesos if forgotten ✗ Professional USB photos, 200 to 300 pesos ✗ Puerto Morelos supplements, +1,100 MXN per reservation ✗ Cancún: Private tour only, +1,300 MXN |
Do you want to confirm your departure area before booking?
Send us your hotel or area via WhatsApp. We'll confirm the exact time, any applicable surcharges, and the availability of the next departure.
Departure areas and timetables
| Area | Departure | Back | Supplement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Playa del Carmen, 5th Ave | 6:50 | Around 5:00 PM | ✓ Included |
| Akumal | 7:30 | Around 4:30 PM | ✓ Included |
| Tulum center, Super Aki | 8:00 | Around 4:00 PM | ✓ Included |
| Puerto Morelos | 6:10 | Around 6:00 PM | +1,100 MXN per reservation |
🧭 Guide tips, essential checklist
👟 Closed shoes are required. | 🧴 Biodegradable sunscreen |
👙 Swimsuit inside | 👕 Change of clothes |
📷 External battery | 💵 A few pesos in cash |
🤫 Silence as the monkeys approach | 💧 Hydrate proactively |
Verified customer reviews ⭐ TripAdvisor
★★★★★ "A day that perfectly combined history and adventure. Two species of monkeys observed, zip-lining with a view of the lagoon, a nearly private cenote, and lunch at Carlos's, the best meal of my stay in Mexico." Lucie P. TripAdvisor, 2024 | ★★★★★ "Very well-paced, lots of activities, and a guide Rafa who went out of his way to ensure our comfort. We learned a lot. Thanks also to Yann at the reservations office for his advice." Perrine M. TripAdvisor, 2024 | ★★★★★ "Third time using this agency, and another success. Small group, guide Fred is an encyclopedia of the Mayan world, drinks available, excellent meal at Carlos's. Much better than the big buses." Caroline H. TripAdvisor, 2024 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to climb to the top of the Nohoch Mul pyramid in 2025?
Yes. Since December 2025, the 42-meter Nohoch Mul pyramid has been open again. The ascent is via a secure wooden staircase. Access is in 15-minute rotations, with a maximum of 15 people allowed at a time. In case of overcrowding, rain, or INAH maintenance, access may be refused; this decision is beyond our control. The 360° jungle panorama from the summit is exceptional.
I don't know how to ride a bike, can I still visit Coba?
Absolutely. Bicycle taxis are included at no extra charge. You sit comfortably while the driver pedals and the guide provides commentary alongside. No prior notification is required; simply inform the guide upon arrival at the site. Smaller bicycles are available for children who can ride.
Is the zip line mandatory? Is there a weight limit?
No, the zipline is not mandatory. If you prefer not to do it, you can wait for the group on the riverbank for 15 to 20 minutes. There is no penalty. Weight limit: 90 kg. Children can do it alone or tandem with an adult. Not participating does not prevent you from enjoying the monkey trek, canoeing, and Mayan ceremony.
Is transportation from the hotel included in the price?
Yes, round-trip transportation is fully included for Playa del Carmen, Akumal, and Tulum (both the city center and hotel zone). A supplement of 1,100 MXN per booking (not per person) applies for Puerto Morelos. Cancún tours are only available as private tours. Riviera Tours sends confirmation via SMS or WhatsApp the day before, including a photo of the vehicle, license plate, and driver's phone number.
Is lunch included? Are there vegetarian options?
Yes, the full 3-course lunch is included. Standard menu: lima soup, chicken pibil cooked 4-6 hours in an underground oven, rice, black beans, homemade corn tortillas, and tropical fruits. Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request when booking. Allergies, nuts, gluten, and lactose: please notify us when making your reservation.
How does payment work? Do I have to pay everything in advance?
Option 1: A deposit of 400 MXN per person is required by card upon booking. The balance is due in cash pesos on the day of arrival. 100% refund is given for cancellations made more than 48 hours in advance. Option 2: Full payment by card incurs a 5% surcharge. Refunds within 48 hours or more are processed in full minus a 5% fee. Final payment is only accepted in MXN pesos.
Do you need to know how to swim to visit the cenote? Can children enter?
No swimming skills required. Life jackets are mandatory for non-swimmers and all children up to 12 years old. The water is calm, 25°C, with no current. Mild aquaphobia: generally successful thanks to the clarity and the guide's presence in the water. Severe aquaphobia: wooden platform and shaded hammocks for observation without entering the water.
Can my child participate? Is there a minimum age?
Minimum age: 3 years old. Children aged 3 to 7 receive special attention, fun explanations, extra breaks, snacks, and can use the bike taxi in Coba if they get tired. Teenagers love the zip line, canoeing, and jungle. Smaller bikes are available for children who can ride without training wheels.
Is this excursion suitable for pregnant women?
Pregnant women up to 6 months can participate, exempting them from the zipline activity. Beyond 7 months, participation is medically inadvisable: temperatures reach 35°C, the activity requires standing for 6+ hours, medical access is limited in a rural area, and the nearest clinic in Tulum is 42 km away.
What is the difference between Coba and Chichen Itza?
Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and more monumental, attracting 5,000 to 8,000 visitors daily, making it ideal for the iconic El Castillo, but access to the top has been prohibited since 2006. Coba offers an authentic jungle exploration, with 95% of the structures buried underground, and has allowed visitors to climb the 42-meter Nohoch Mul pyramid since December 2025. Our excursion also adds the dimension of wildlife and living Mayan culture, which is absent at Chichen Itza.
What species of monkeys are seen in Punta Laguna?
Two protected species live in the reserve. The spider monkey, Ateles geoffroyiThe howler monkey, is recognizable by its long, prehensile tail, light brown fur, and spectacular aerial gait among the trees. Alouatta pigraIt is more massive, with dark fur, and an enlarged larynx producing cries that can be heard up to 5 km away. The local Mayan guides have known the territories of each troop since childhood.
What days does this excursion depart? Do I need to book well in advance?
Group excursions: Wednesdays and Sundays. With only 12 places per departure, book 5 to 7 days in advance during peak season. Private tours are available daily upon request. For urgent inquiries, please contact us via WhatsApp. wa.me/13214501001Response in less than 30 minutes, 9:30am to 6pm, 7 days a week.
Cancellation Policy
✅ Free cancellationUntil 48 hours before100% refund of the deposit. | ⚠️ Unannounced absenceNo refunds without 48 hours' notice. Maximum wait time on site: 10 minutes. | 💳 RefundUnused and unnotified reservations = cancelled without refund. |
Coba without crowds, monkeys at Punta Laguna, swimming at Cenote Cho-ha and French-speaking guide
Confirm your place for the next departure
Places are limited to 12 participants. Book now or send your hotel details via WhatsApp to confirm the exact pick-up time.
| 🗓️ Book the Coba, Punta Laguna and Cenote tour | 💬 Speak with a WhatsApp advisor |
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