Gran Juego de Pelota (Great Ball Court)
Quick Facts
- Location
- Mexico, Chichen Itza
- Category
- Sightseeing
- Duration
- 30-60 min
- Opening Hours
- Daily 08:00-17:00 · Site daily 8:00-17:00 (last entry 16:00); the ball court is an open area within the site
- Ticket Price
- Adult: Included in Chichén Itzá site entry (~MXN 533-697 foreigners) · Child: Mexican children/citizens discounted · Federal (INAH) + state (CULTUR) combined; no separate ball-court ticket
- Address
- Zona Arqueológica de Chichén Itzá, Yucatán, México
- Coordinates
- 20.6845, -88.5700
Introduction
The Gran Juego de Pelota is the largest ancient ball court in Mesoamerica, about 120 m long with stone rings high on its side walls, where the Maya played the ritual game pok-ta-pok. Players struck a rubber ball with hips, elbows and knees through the rings; outcome was tied to sacrifice — the winning captain might be offered to the gods. The court's astonishing acoustics let a whisper at one end reach the other, showing Maya architectural and astronomical skill. It is a core highlight of Chichén Itzá, a UNESCO World Heritage site and New7Wonder.
✨ Highlights
🛈 Practical Info
Opening Hours
| Monday | 08:00-17:00 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 08:00-17:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00-17:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00-17:00 |
| Friday | 08:00-17:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00-17:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00-17:00 |
Site daily 8:00-17:00 (last entry 16:00); the ball court is an open area within the site
Ticket Information
| Adult | Included in Chichén Itzá site entry (~MXN 533-697 foreigners) |
|---|---|
| Child | Mexican children/citizens discounted |
Federal (INAH) + state (CULTUR) combined; no separate ball-court ticket
Transportation
~1.5 h from Mérida or ~2.5 h from Cancún, then walk in
Collectivo from Valladolid ~45 min, or tour from Cancún/Mérida
By the Temple of Warriors on the north side
FAQ
What are the opening hours of Gran Juego de Pelota (Great Ball Court)?
Monday: 08:00-17:00; Tuesday: 08:00-17:00; Wednesday: 08:00-17:00; Thursday: 08:00-17:00; Friday: 08:00-17:00; Saturday: 08:00-17:00; Sunday: 08:00-17:00; Site daily 8:00-17:00 (last entry 16:00); the ball court is an open area within the site
How much is the admission for Gran Juego de Pelota (Great Ball Court)?
Adult: Included in Chichén Itzá site entry (~MXN 533-697 foreigners); Child: Mexican children/citizens discounted; Federal (INAH) + state (CULTUR) combined; no separate ball-court ticket
How long should I spend at Gran Juego de Pelota (Great Ball Court)?
A typical visit takes 30-60 min.
How do I get to Gran Juego de Pelota (Great Ball Court)?
Driving/Parking: ~1.5 h from Mérida or ~2.5 h from Cancún, then walk in; Bus: Collectivo from Valladolid ~45 min, or tour from Cancún/Mérida
