Juego de Pelota | Ball game | Jeu de balle | Jogo de bola | Gioco della palla

Ball Game

The Ball Game is one of the most impressive and symbolic elements of the Mayan civilization, and Chichen Itza houses the largest and best-preserved court in all of Mesoamerica.

This ritual was not simply a sport, but a representation of the struggle between cosmic forces, such as light and darkness.

The Mayans considered the game to have deep religious implications, often connected to human sacrifices, which were offered to ensure balance in the universe.

The Grandeur of the Ball Court at Chichen Itza

cancha juego pelota chichen itza

The court at Chichen Itza is imposing, measuring 120 meters long and 70 meters wide.

Its high walls are adorned with engravings that recount Mayan legends and the sacrifices that were made after the games.

Visiting this place is an impressive visual experience and a direct connection to the past, a testament to the greatness of this civilization.

The dimensions of this court are a sign of its ceremonial and political importance.

A Symbolic Ritual of Light and Darkness

chichen itza juego pelota maya

The rules of the Ball Game consisted of passing a heavy rubber ball through stone rings, using only hips, elbows and knees.

However, beyond its physical aspects, the game represented the movement of celestial bodies and the struggle between life and death, light and darkness.

The players were seen as mythological heroes who recreated the battle between day and night.

This connection with the cosmos gives the game an almost divine character.

Cultural and Archaeological Impact

pelota maya Chichen Itza

Today, the Ball Game remains a living symbol of Mayan culture and a focus of attention for archaeologists and tourists alike.

The preservation of this court and its engravings has allowed for a deeper understanding of Mayan society.

Studies continue to reveal the mysteries of this fascinating ritual, and Chichen Itza remains one of the most important jewels of the world’s archaeological heritage, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

The Ball Game: An Unmissable Tourist Experience

Visiting Chichen Itza is to immerse yourself in history, and the area where the Ball Game is located is an essential stop

Walking around the court and observing the impressive decorations, one can almost feel the presence of the ancient Mayans and their connection with the cosmos.

For those interested in exploring this fascinating site in a complete and enriching way, our agency Chichen Itza 7 offers the best tours to Chichen Itza, allowing visitors to discover the majesty of the area and the hidden secrets behind this ancient ritual game.

Mayan Ball Game at Chichen Itza

The Ball Game at Chichen Itza is a must-see for tourists and a cultural experience that allows you to understand the complexity of the Mayan civilization.

Organized tours offer a unique opportunity to get to know this spectacular site in depth and its history full of symbolism and mysticism.



At Chichen Itza, the ball game was played on a rectangular field surrounded by majestic buildings that reflected the ceremonial and ritual significance of the game. Two teams competed in a challenge that combined physical skills with profound religious and political symbolism.

In games that took on a combat character, the losers were offered as a sacrifice to the gods. It was also common for certain prisoners of war to be executed on the courts.

The ball game was a sport, but it also had a deep religious significance, representing ritual scenarios that sometimes included sacrifices. Experts suggest that bets were also placed during the game and disputes were settled.

With 120 meters long and 30 meters wide, the Chichen Itza court is the most important in the Mayan city and the largest in all of Mesoamerica.

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