San Lorenzo is on a plateau in the hot area of the Bay of Campeche.

The Olmecs created a mound from clay about meters tall. The mound looks like a giant flying bird. It creates a natural palisade (A palisade is a cliff used for protection from invaders). At the  top of the mound stood a ceremonial complex of earthen platforms, with plazas, a court for the  sacered ball game, and pools for ritual bathing.