Tonina lays 14 km east from Ocosingo on the border of the Mayan lowlands and highlands. Nestled 2,950 feet high one can often see the clouds roll in and stand above them at this lofty site. Thought to be built by an astronomical society, the area belongs to the lowland tradition.

Much of the surrounding landscape is presently cultivated giving one a good impression of what the area looked like during its heyday.

The center of Tonina is built on the side of a large hill in seven terraces producing the overall effect of a stepped pyramid. Numerous chambers and passageways exist and there are several buildings located in front of the main complex which may have been used in conjunction with structures on the main buildings.