Toniná is a smaller city located some kilometers/miles south of Palenque (see map). Its architecture is similar to Palenque except for the organization where the central complex is a combination of palaces and temples. Like Palenque, architectural components such as windows, columns and niches have a "T" or cross shape.

In spite of its modest size, Toniná was a powerful city. It captured the ruler Kan Chitam from Palenque and was the last city of the Southern Lowlands to withstand the decline of the Classic period by erecting the last known hieroglyphic monument in A.D. 909.