 Zaculeu is located in an area of fertile soils close to the Selegua and Viña rivers . The site is situated on a plateau overlooking the Selegua River , which flows to the west of the city . Deep ravines bordering the site to the south and east protected its access . The only access to the site is via a narrow land bridge to the north which unites the plateau to the general level of the valley floor . The Zaculeu plateau measures 11 @,@ 178 square varas ( 4191 square metres ) . 
