The municipal government of Tulum has announced the reopening of the Nohoch Mul pyramid in the Cobá archaeological zone, allowing visitors to once again ascend the tallest structure in the Yucatán Peninsula following six years of specialized conservation work. The reopening was confirmed this week by municipal president Diego Castañón Trejo, who invited local residents as well as national and international tourists to visit the site under newly implemented safety conditions.
Located within the ancient Maya city of Cobá, the Nohoch Mul pyramid stands approximately 42 meters high and consists of 114 steps. It had remained closed to climbing while authorities evaluated structural risks and designed a solution that would allow public access without compromising the monument’s integrity.
The reopening follows the installation of a newly designed staircase that now enables visitors to ascend and descend the pyramid in a controlled and secure manner.
Coordinated restoration across government institutions
According to Castañón Trejo, the project was made possible through coordination between Mexico’s federal Ministry of Culture, the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia, and the government of Quintana Roo. He said this collaboration has resulted in a new tourism offering for Tulum that also supports the local economy.
“This is the result of coordinated work between the federal Ministry of Culture, INAH, and the government of Quintana Roo. Today, Tulum has one more attraction that enriches the visitor experience and creates greater economic opportunities for our people,” the mayor said during an on-site visit.
Municipal authorities emphasized that the reopening is not framed solely as a tourism initiative but also as part of a broader effort to preserve and responsibly share Maya cultural heritage.
A staircase designed to protect heritage and visitors
INAH confirmed through its official channels that the staircase was designed by its National Coordination of Works and Projects and approved by the Archaeology Council. The structure was installed by carpenters from the nearby community of Nueva Esperanza, following strict conservation protocols.
The agency stated that the design prioritizes both visitor safety and the long-term protection of the pyramid. The materials and construction methods were selected to minimize physical impact on the ancient structure while ensuring stability under controlled use.
Authorities noted that the reopening reflects a cautious approach to public access, balancing cultural preservation with the public’s interest in experiencing one of the region’s most significant archaeological landmarks.
Nohoch Mul’s historical role in the Maya world
Nohoch Mul is considered the tallest pyramid in the Yucatán Peninsula and one of the most important structures within the Cobá complex. Archaeological evidence indicates that the city reached its peak between 200 and 600 AD, during which time it covered an estimated 70 square kilometers and supported a population of roughly 50,000 inhabitants.
Cobá’s prominence stemmed from its extensive trade and political networks, which connected it to other major Maya centers such as Chichén Itzá, Ichkabal, Tikal, and settlements along the Caribbean coast. These links helped position the city as a key node in regional exchange systems across the Maya lowlands.
The pyramid itself served not only as a ceremonial structure but also as a symbol of political and religious authority within the ancient city.
Tourism expectations and local impact
Municipal officials said the reopening of Nohoch Mul is expected to strengthen Cobá’s position within the broader tourism corridor of northern Quintana Roo. Unlike many other archaeological sites where climbing has been permanently restricted, Cobá now offers a controlled opportunity for visitors to experience a panoramic view of the surrounding jungle from the top of the pyramid.
Visitors can explore the site on foot or by bicycle along its extensive network of ancient sacbeob, or white stone roads, before ascending the structure. From the summit, the dense Maya forest stretches uninterrupted to the horizon, offering a perspective rarely available at other sites.
The Tulum Times observed that the reopening may also help distribute visitor flows more evenly across the region, potentially easing pressure on coastal destinations while encouraging longer stays inland.
Cultural preservation alongside public access
Officials stressed that access to Nohoch Mul will continue to be monitored and adjusted as needed. The staircase is intended to regulate movement and reduce wear on the original stone surfaces, which had been a concern prior to the closure.
The municipal government expressed pride in seeing the pyramid reopened under conditions that respect its archaeological value. Authorities reiterated that preservation remains the priority and that any future decisions regarding access will be guided by technical assessments rather than demand alone.
The reopening of the Nohoch Mul pyramid places renewed attention on Cobá as both a cultural and economic asset for the region, highlighting ongoing efforts to reconcile heritage conservation with sustainable tourism. As interest grows, the challenge will be ensuring that access remains compatible with long-term preservation of this landmark, now once again accessible to the public.
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