The ruins are located near the pueblo of Cobá, which has developed around a beautiful quiet lagoon. There are several small restaurants with open terraces with a view of the lagoon where you can have breakfast before visiting the ruins.

It is also possible to make daytrips to Chichén Itzá from Tulum, by either bus or car. The trip takes about two hours in a car, more by bus. Don´t forget to visit Chichén viejo, which is one kilometer south of the ruin known as 'the nunnery,' down a dirt road. Follow the signs near the nunnery.

Also on the way to Cobá is the monkey sanctuary of Punta Laguna, which is a small island in the middle of another lagoon and is one of the best places in the world to see spider monkeys in their natural habitat. It is not a natural park, but rather the home of the monkeys with a small station for biologists to research the communities. Canoes can be rented to cross the lagoon to the island. 

The Sian Ka'an biosphere reserve is another favorite destination of visitors to the area, and the entrance is located just 5 km. South of Copal, along the road to Punta Allan. There are several groups here in town that take visitors on a guided tour of the reserve with an explanation of all the natural highlights.