Around 230 structures have been mapped in an area covering , however, the total area occupied by the city was probably much greater than this. The total size of Motul de San José is estimated at , with only about a third of this having been mapped. The ceremonial centre of the city covers an area of , an area which encompasses more than 144 structures including a sizeable palace, 6 stelae, 33 plazas of widely differing sizes, and various temples and elite residential areas. Further residential areas of the city cover an additional , which includes both elite and commoner residences, with outlying settlements located for several kilometers to the north and east, with one residential group associated with agricultural terraces being situated 2 km to the north of the site. In total, 33 plaza groups have been mapped at Motul de San José.