Anyone approaching Chichen Itza by tour bus might see the top of El Castillo through the trees. That first glimpse belies the massive ruins that lie ahead.

Photos and descriptions of one of the most famous Mayan ruins in Mexico don’t fully prepare someone for the extensive complex of stone buildings when they see them for the first time. This ancient city, which was first built around 900 A.D., is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the second most-visited archaeological site in Mexico.

Chichen Itza is a day trip from Cancun to the northern center of the Yucatán Peninsula. Visitors who take a tour bus there will get off the bus in an area with trees that block any view of the ancient city. They take a path through the trees and first come upon the Great North Platform, which includes the monuments of El Castillo, Temple of Warriors and the Great Ball Court.

In addition to the Great North Platform, the site has two other major groups of building. They are the Ossario Group, which includes the Ossario Temple and the Temple of Xtoloc; and the Central Group, which includes El Caracol Observatory Temple, Las Monjas governmental palace and Akab Dzib or "The House of Mysterious Writing."

Highlights include:

- El Castillo, also known as Kukulkan’s Pyramid, is a 75-foot-tall step pyramid that was used for astronomical purposes. It was recently named one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World.”

- The Great Ball Court is an open ball court that is more than 500 feet long and 200 feet wide.

- Temple of the Warriors is a broad and low-lying step pyramid with rows of carved warrior columns.

- Group of a Thousand Columns lies next to Temple of the Warriors and is an extensive set of stone columns that probably supported a massive roof.

- El Carcol Observatory Temple is a round building on a square platform that probably was used for astronomical purposes.

- Chichen Itza is one of the most popular excursions in the Caribbean region. Visitors who are vacationing in Cancun will find that going to Chichen Itza is a full day trip by bus.

Depending on the starting location, the bus ride might take one and a half to two hours one way. A buffet lunch and a tour guide are usually included in the price of the trip. Depending on the type of tour, a typical price might be around $60-80 for adults with a discount for children.