Gran Juego de Pelota
Carretera Costera del Golfo, Chichén Itzá, Mexico, 97750
Part of the Chichen Itza complex on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Gran Juego de Pelota is an ancient Mesoamerican ball court. Visitors are drawn to this landmark to learn about the significance of the ball game, which was central to Maya culture. The impressive architecture and ruins of the archaeological site, as a whole, provide insight into the rituals and social structures of the ancient civilization.
The basics
Explore one of the largest and best-preserved ball courts from ancient Mesoamerican culture—Gran Juego de Pelota—at Chichen Itza. The court features impressive stone walls adorned with intricate carvings and inscriptions that affirm the ball game’s importance. Guests can learn about the rules and rituals associated with the game, which was a significant aspect of Maya society. Guided excursions to the site from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum are readily available, and the surrounding ruins of Chichen Itza offer a full day of exploration.
Things to know before you go
While you can walk around the site on your own, guided tours offer insight into its history and significance.
The complex is mostly wheelchair accessible, and the ground is flat and smooth but unpaved.
The spring and fall equinoxes are popular times to visit due to the shadow effect on El Castillo, also known as the Temple of Kukulcán.
If you’re going without a guide, travelers recommend heading to El Castillo first, then to Gran Juego de Pelota before visiting the rest of the site.
How to get there
About 125 miles (200 kilometers) west of Cancun, Chichen Itza is accessible by car and bus. Most guided tours from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum include round-trip transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off, making for a more convenient experience. It takes about 2–2.5 hours from Cancun or Playa del Carmen by car.
When to get there
Consider arriving at Chichen Itza early, especially during peak tourist months; the gates typically open at 8am. This will allow you to explore the site when it’s still cool, and weekdays generally see fewer visitors as compared to weekends. Weatherwise, the best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from November to April.
More about Mesoamerican ball games
Often found in the ceremonial center of ancient sites, ball courts typically featured a narrow central playing aisle with an end zone at both ends. Teams played with a rubber ball, often without the use of their hands. These games were linked to religious ceremonies, sometimes involving human sacrifice for the gods. In addition to the ball games, the space was used for feasting, ritual performances, and other types of sports, such as boxing.
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