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Sumidero Canyon is a deep gorge carved by the Grijalva River in central Chiapas, just north of the state capital, Tuxtla Gutiérrez. Its sheer walls rise steeply above a green river, and the canyon is protected as a national park. It holds a special place in Chiapas identity and appears on the state's coat of arms.
The classic way to experience the canyon is by boat. Launches leave from the riverfront at Chiapa de Corzo and travel upstream between the towering walls. Along the way, guides point out crocodiles basking on the banks, along with herons, pelicans and spider monkeys. Stops include the Cueva de Colores, a cave with a shrine to the Virgin of Guadalupe, and the Árbol de Navidad waterfall, where mineral deposits and moss have formed a shape resembling a tree. The trip turns near the Chicoasén Dam, which created the reservoir upstream. From above, a road from Tuxtla leads to a series of miradores, or viewpoints, overlooking the gorge from different angles. Back in Chiapa de Corzo, visitors can explore the plaza and La Pila fountain, the Templo de Santo Domingo, the Museo de la Laca, and the archaeological zone and marimba museum.
The canyon suits nearly any traveler, as boat tours require little effort. Mornings bring calmer conditions and softer light for photography.
WiserMap travel guideSumidero Canyon Mexico Boat Rides Cliffs and CrocodilesPlan a visit to Sumidero Canyon in Chiapas: boat rides under 1,000 metre cliffs, crocodiles, scenic miradores, Chiapa de Corzo and the best time to go.Read the guide
Cahuaré is a boat landing just below the highway bridge between Tuxtla Gutiérrez and Chiapa de Corzo, where shared launches leave for the two to three hour ride up the Grijalva to Chicoasén Dam. It is handy if you come from Tuxtla, with parking and a small restaurant. Go in the morning and bring a hat and light jacket.
A shallow cave in the canyon wall where mineral deposits stain the rock in shades of red, green and ochre. Locals have placed an image of the Virgin of Guadalupe inside, so it doubles as a small shrine. Boats pause here briefly; have your camera ready because the stop lasts only a minute or two.
The Christmas Tree waterfall tumbles down a series of moss covered rock ledges that together look like a giant green tree. It flows best in the rainy season from June to October and can be a trickle in the dry months. Boats nose in close, so expect to get a bit of spray if the water is high.
At the northern end of the canyon the Manuel Moreno Torres hydroelectric dam, known as Chicoasén, blocks the river and is one of the largest power stations in Mexico. The canyon tour turns around in the reservoir in front of the dam wall. You see it only from the water, since the plant itself is closed to visitors.
The highway bridge over the Grijalva between Tuxtla Gutiérrez and Chiapa de Corzo marks the southern mouth of the canyon, where the walls begin to rise. Boats from both docks pass beneath it at the start of the tour. From the bridge approach you get a first glimpse of the cliffs, but stopping on the roadway itself is not allowed.
The river banks are home to American crocodiles that bask on sandbars and logs, plus spider monkeys, herons, cormorants, vultures and pelicans. Boat pilots slow down whenever they spot animals, so sightings are common. Mornings tend to be best, and a pair of binoculars helps with the birds on the cliffs.
A paved road climbs from Tuxtla Gutiérrez along the western rim to five lookouts: La Ceiba, La Coyota, El Roblar, Los Chiapas and Tepehuaje. Each has railings and views straight down to the river far below. Go with your own car or a taxi tour, and do it after the boat ride to see the canyon from both angles.
Los Chiapas is the most famous of the rim lookouts, at a point where the walls drop roughly a kilometre to the river and boats look like tiny white dots. Local legend links the spot to the Chiapa people who resisted the Spanish here. It sits near the end of the rim road, so allow time for the drive back before dark.
La Ceiba is the first lookout on the rim road from Tuxtla Gutiérrez, named for the large ceiba tree beside it. It gives a wide view of the canyon's southern entrance and the river curving toward Chiapa de Corzo. It is the quickest mirador to reach if you are short on time, and it has a small parking area.
This eco park on the riverbank inside the canyon is reached by boat and offers ziplines, kayaking, a swimming area, nature trails and a small animal enclosure. Entry packages usually include the boat transfer and some activities. It makes a full day out for families; bring swimwear, sunscreen and insect repellent.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: Christopher Javier Cuenca García, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: Thelmadatter, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Thelmadatter, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Thelmadatter, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Thelmadatter, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Thelmadatter, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Thelmadatter, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Thelmadatter, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Thelmadatter, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Thelmadatter, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
