Coba Disney Travel Agents Near Me

Overview

Introduction

India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located in the Bay of Bengal, more than 750 mi/1,200 km southeast of Kolkata. These 300-plus islands are really off the beaten path.

The Andamans, once famous for being home to Kalaa Pani, a jail for political prisoners during colonial rule, now offer nice beaches, palm trees, dense forests, farms, swampy land and a wide variety of ethnic people. Mud volcanoes can be seen boiling on some. A volcano at Barren Island, 87 mi/140 km from Port Blair, exploded in 2005, after laying dormant for 107 years, and is still erupting.

The Nicobar Islands, 10 mi/16 km south of the Andamans, are still primitive, offering few tourist facilities.

The Andamans are reached by air from Kolkata, Chennai or Delhi, or by a three-day boat ride to Port Blair in the Andamans. Travel between the islands is by boat. Only a few islands are open to visitors, and even those require special permits for a limited stay. Some cruise lines also dock at Port Blair as a port of call. Port Blair is a 45-minute flight away from Phuket.

Overview

Introduction

One of the Yucatan Peninsula's ancient archaeological sites, Coba was once the commercial hub of the Mayan empire in the southern part of what is now the state of Quintana Roo. The pyramids and temples—among the tallest in the Yucatan—are still being excavated, and many of the ruins are still covered by jungle.

Coba may yield a vast array of wonders: It's a large site, occupying 31 sq mi/50 sq km, and is crisscrossed with limestone-paved roads and five lakes. At present, it's far less developed than places such as Chichen Itza, but several ruins can be visited. The highlight is the pyramid Nohoch Mul, which still can be climbed. Take binoculars and you might be able to spot wild parrots flying over the ruins.

Do steer clear of Coba in July and August, however, if you are bothered by extreme heat. No sea breezes reach it then, and temperatures can hover around 100 F/38 C. Much of the year, liberal use of insect repellant is also required. Pedi cabs can be hired at the entrance if you prefer to traverse the ruins on two wheels instead of your two feet.

Coba is about 75 mi/120 km southwest of Cancun and can be reached by bus from Tulum or Playa del Carmen.

Overview

Introduction

Coban, Guatemala, is a pleasant town in the Alta Verapaz region about 132 mi/213 km north of Guatemala City and an hour's drive north of the Biotopo del Quetzal. There is an excellent, don't-miss tour of the Finca Santa Margarita, a working coffee farm, but Coban is mostly known as a convenient jumping-off point for adventure-travel excursions in the surrounding area. Explore the idyllic natural beauty of Semuc Champey, a small town with a natural limestone bridge and crystal clear waterfalls and pools. Swim in the pools, hike through the forest or catch the view from the zip line that traverses the forest canopy.

The Grutas de Lanquin (Lanquin Caves), just north of Semuc Champey, also make for an excellent day trip, as do the closer (but less daunting) Grutas Rey Marcos. The impressive caves are still largely uncharted; in the early evening you might see bats swarm from the cave entrance. Four-wheel-drive tours to Semuc Champey, Grutas Rey Marcos and Lanquin are common from Coban, as are day trips to a number of traditional villages and spots of natural beauty in Alta Verapaz.