23 Dec 2021
We took this as a day trip from Cancun. We visited both the archaeological area At tulum and also at coba. Our driver was super professional and the tour guide had a depth of knowledge about the maya civilization. Both sites are wonderful.
I prefer private tours due to Covid and because the schedule only depends on your group.
Tulum is super photogenic and has the beautiful backdrop of the sea. Coba is much more rustic and has a wonderful sense of discovery as the ruins emerge from the trees. Our tour included use of bicycles at coba which makes the hike faster and super amusing for teenage kids.
We had lunch at Tulum, not included in the tour and took quite a bit of time because of other groups. The area can be quite busy. Might be helpful for the tour company to consider a location away from the entrance to the site for lunch. As you are paying you can ask them for a different location.
Tour provided bottled water and bikes at coba, but no extra amenities. Also no side stops for shopping to generate commissions for the tour. Very self directed. If you want something specific, recommend that you speak up.
From Cancun, there is a lot of driving. A bit more than 2 hours each way. Much less driving if you are staying farther south. The sites, the guide and the experience are totally with it, but you should be aware of the balance of time driving against time at the sites.