Anyone planning a trip to the spectacular country of Mexico should not leave this magnificent land without first visiting the city of Tuxtla Gutiérrez, in the state of Chiapas. There, you can admire the Sumidero Canyon, one of the greatest natural wonders of Mexico and the world, with no less than twenty thousand hectares of rock.
In this one-of-a-kind canyon in Mexico, the deep, full-flowing Grijalva River winds its way through the landscape, transforming this place into a unique setting where visitors will feel incredibly small. The area is surrounded by massive walls and cliffs that sometimes rise over a thousand meters high. Needless to say, those who visit and explore the panoramic views offered by Sumidero Canyon National Park with their own eyes will have a magical experience that is hard to forget.
This place is so beautiful that it was designated a national park in 1980, becoming one of Mexico’s 67 national parks and a federal reserve home to a large number of species endemic to Chiapas (such as jaguars, crocodiles, and the famous howler monkeys). It is a vast area covering 21,789 hectares between the cities of Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapa de Corzo, Nuevo Usumacinta, and San Fernando.
Wondering how old the Sumidero Canyon is? The Sumidero Canyon was formed about 35 million years ago and is now one of the main attractions in Chiapas. This unique place offers visitors a magnificent panoramic view of the region.
To get the full experience, we recommend exploring the Sumidero Canyon from above by visiting the famous lookout points, as well as from below, aboard a boat.
In this comprehensive guide to Sumidero Canyon, we’ll explain why this trip is a marvel and an itinerary you won’t want to miss, how to get there, what to pack, and where to stay when visiting Sumidero Canyon.
What to do and see at Sumidero Canyon?
There are two ways to visit Sumidero Canyon in Chiapas: take a boat tour and walk along the viewing platforms. These are two completely different experiences, and we highly recommend doing both to get the most out of Sumidero Canyon!
Boat ride along the Grijalva River
To get the most out of the visit, tourists should head to one of the designated piers, where small boats depart to explore the Sumidero Canyon from the water. This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful ways to explore this majestic site, following the course of the Grijalva River on a roughly 2-hour boat ride covering 64 kilometers round-trip.
The trip usually departs from Chiapa de Corzo, heading to the Chicoasén Dam, before returning to the starting point while admiring the spectacular scenery from a different perspective.
The Sumidero Canyon can only be visited by boat, due to the steep and dangerous terrain that makes hiking impractical in this area. For the more adventurous, however, it is possible to rent a canoe and drift downstream at your own pace—a more active but equally spectacular way to explore the canyon. No matter which method you choose, as you travel down the river, you’ll quickly understand why this place is considered one of the natural wonders of the world.
It is important to note that while the Río Grijalva appears peaceful today, this is due to the construction of the Chicoasén hydroelectric dam in 1980. Before that, the current was so strong that it made navigation dangerous, if not impossible. Along the way, you can admire spectacular waterfalls, which are particularly impressive during the rainy season, when nature reveals its full power.
As mentioned earlier, Sumidero Canyon has been designated a national park since 1980. Its impressive cliffs, sculpted by time, can reach heights of up to 1 kilometer, offering a breathtaking setting. Thanks to its rugged terrain, tropical climate, and varied microclimates, the vegetation here is particularly rich and diverse.
The wildlife is just as impressive: visitors can spot crocodiles, often basking on sandbars or swimming calmly in the river, as well as curious and agile spider monkeys, recognizable by their long fingers. A multitude of birds, including vultures, also stop by this natural sanctuary.
The boat ride through the canyon is both fun and awe-inspiring: as you venture deeper between its towering walls, the majesty of the place unfolds, offering an unforgettable natural spectacle.
Tucked away in the greenery, your inner explorer will be amazed by the small caves and various natural formations on the walls. The two most notable are the Christmas Tree and the Cave of Colors, where your guide will stop so you can take in the view and snap a few photos.
- The Grotto of Colors is a natural chapel with pink hues on the walls caused by the natural seepage of various minerals. A statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe has been placed there, and every year on December 12, a grand floating Mass is celebrated in her honor!
- The Christmas Tree is the nickname given to a 750-meter-high limestone formation located on a canyon wall and created by a 200-meter-high waterfall. The best time to see this waterfall is during the rainy season.
To begin this boat tour through the Sumidero Canyon, you’ll need to start your day at one of the four boat docks in Chiapa de Corzo!
Malecon Pier
- Address: Embarcadero (no number), San Jacinto, 29160 Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas, Mexico
- Phone: +52 961 616 0 453 / +52 961 171 7 542
The Malecón pier is the busiest one; you won’t have to wait very long for a group to form. You can park your car in the main square of Chiapa de Corzo and walk a few blocks to reach this pier.
Unidad Deportiva Pier
- Address: Capitán Vicente López 7, San Jacinto, 29160 Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas, Mexico
- Phone: +52 961 390 2 447 / +52 961 616 0 680
Cahuaré Pier
- Address: Al Embarcadero 100, Ribera Cahuaré, Cahuaré, 29160 Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas, Mexico
- Phone: (961) 616-1572
Cahuare is the smallest of the boarding piers, but it has parking for your car. However, the wait time to gather a group at this pier is slightly longer (about 20 minutes).
Belisario Dominguez Pier
- Address: Ribera, Ribera Cahuaré, Cahuaré, 29160 Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas, Mexico
- Phone: (961) 11 1 84 03
For all boat landings
The average cost for a trip through Sumidero Canyon on a shared boat is about 200 pesos per person, including a wristband for access to the CONAMP viewing platforms. For a more exclusive experience, a private boat is available starting at 2,800 pesos. Departures take place daily between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.
A Walk Along the Miradors
Just a few minutes from Tuxtla, another spectacular way to explore Sumidero Canyon is to admire it from its famous high-altitude lookouts. These are small roads located at the top of the Sumidero Canyon, dotted with six lookout points offering breathtaking views of the majestic meanders of the Grijalva River. Spread out at strategic points along a route of about 17 kilometers, these lookouts can be explored on foot, provided you are in good physical condition and well-equipped for hiking.
Each lookout point has its own charm and offers a unique vantage point from which to admire the grandeur of Sumidero Canyon. Their distinctive names pay tribute to the wildlife that inhabits these areas as well as to the region’s iconic flora.
The various lookout points in Sumidero Canyon:
- La Ceiba: Nestled between towering rock faces covered in dense vegetation, this overlook offers an unobstructed view of Chiapa de Corzo in the distance, as well as the first glimpses of the Sumidero Canyon. It is also one of the best places to observe the distinctive greenish hue of the Grijalva River as it enters the canyon.
- La Coyota: From this vantage point, you can admire the towering vertical walls of the canyon and the graceful curves of the river as it winds through the lush vegetation. The contrast between the water, the rock, and the forest is particularly striking here.
- El Roblar: Just like La Coyota, this lookout point takes you deeper into the canyon. Situated at a slightly higher elevation, it offers a sweeping view of the Grijalva River as it flows majestically through the canyon’s towering cliffs.
- El Tepehuaje: This small, tree-shaded overlook offers a peaceful view of the canyon. It also features a large parking lot and an open area, perfect for relaxing while watching the boats glide along the river below.
- Los Chiapa: Considered one of the main lookouts, Los Chiapa offers an exceptional panoramic view of much of the Sumidero Canyon. It is also the highest point along the route, making it a must-see stop.
- La Atalaya: The final lookout point along the route, La Atalaya is the perfect place to end your visit. It features a playground for children and a two-level observation deck, offering one of the most spectacular views of the canyon.
When to go
You can visit Sumidero Canyon any day of the year, but here are a few things to keep in mind to help you plan your visit.
- Avoid Tuesdays: The observation towers are closed every Tuesday for maintenance and cleaning of the area.
- In Winter: From November to February, temperatures are milder, making for a pleasant visit. But in my opinion, this isn’t the best time to visit, as the water level is lower and the landscape is less lush than in summer. The vegetation is less dense and the waterfalls are often dry, giving the canyon a drier and less spectacular appearance.
- In Summer: From June to August, temperatures can be high, but frequent rains fill the river and transform the canyon into a spectacular green oasis. This is a great time for photography enthusiasts: the colors are more intense, the waterfalls are flowing, and the lush landscape offers magnificent photo opportunities.
- Rainy Season: It is generally between June and October that the rainy season transforms Sumidero Canyon into an even more impressive spectacle. During this time, natural waterfalls cascade down the rock faces, making the landscape even more vibrant and majestic. Our take: In our opinion, this is the best time to visit the canyon! The intensity of the colors, the lush vegetation, and the magic of the waterfalls make for an unforgettable experience (and some amazing photos).
- During the Fiesta Grande in Chiapa de Corzo: January 8–23. One of the most beautiful and traditional patron saint festivals in Mexico.
How do I get to Sumidero Canyon?
The roads in Chiapas are winding mountain roads, so please drive carefully.
Tuxtla Gutiérrez > Sumidero Canyon (Viewpoints)
The Sumidero Canyon is located about 20 kilometers from Tuxtla Gutiérrez.
Additional information about the routes:
- Unfortunately, there isn’t really any public transportation to the viewpoints at Sumidero Canyon.
- If you’re using GPS, just search for“Miradores Cañón del Sumidero“
- You must drive at least as far as the entrance. Please note that there are about 13 kilometers of road between the entrance and the fifth lookout point.
- Another option is to hire a local taxi for the whole day; they charge about 800 pesos for the entire day.
Tuxtla Gutiérrez > Sumidero Canyon (Boarding docks)
Chiapa de Corzo is located 20 kilometers from Tuxtla Gutiérrez.
Additional information about the routes:
- If you’re driving and using GPS, search for“Embarcadero Cahuare”or“Chiapa de Corzo.”
- If you’re heading to the Malecón, you can park in the main square in Chiapa de Corzo and walk a few blocks.
- If you’re not driving, you can take public transportation from Tuxtla Gutiérrez to Chiapa de Corzo; ask at the bus station.
Costs and Prices
Miradors Entrance
Admission to Sumidero Canyon National Park costs 34 pesos per person (approximately €1.31). This price includes an access wristband valid for both the overlooks and the boat tour. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Tuesdays.
Boat ride
The group boat tour costs 200 pesos per person (about €7.70), plus the park admission wristband. For a more personalized experience, you can opt for a private boat, starting at 2,800 pesos (about €108), but the wristbands are not included in this price. Departures take place daily between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Guided tour
We’re not big fans of organized tours, but if you’d like, you can save time by taking a tour of the Canyon that includes visits to the lookouts, a boat ride, and a guided walking tour in Chiapa de Corzo.
Our tips
We recommend starting your visit at the lookouts to enjoy the panoramic views of the Sumidero Canyon, then continuing with the boat tour. Afterward, you can have lunch and stroll through the charming village of Chiapa de Corzo, located just a few minutes from Tuxtla. Boats depart from Chiapa de Corzo, about a 30-minute drive from the lookouts. Please note that departures are not on a fixed schedule: shared boats depart only once a group of at least 15 people has gathered.
Be sure to apply plenty of sunscreen, especially if you’re visiting Sumidero Canyon with children, as you’ll be out in the sun for at least two hours. Although the sun is strongest at midday, this is when you’ll be able to take the best photos, as the light illuminates both sides of the canyon. Note: Some boats are equipped with a roof, which can provide some shade but reduces visibility and means you’ll enjoy the spectacular open-air views of the canyon less.
If you’re wearing a cap or hat on the boat, hold on to them tightly—or better yet, take them off—because the boat moves so fast that there’s a good chance they’ll blow away. There’s nowhere to eat along the way, but at the third lookout point, there are restrooms and a small store. At the last lookout point, there’s a cafeteria where you can enjoy Chipilín tamales for 25 pesos (about €1).
Accommodation
Tuxtla Gutiérrez:This city offers an exceptional selection of hotels and Airbnb accommodations. We recommend our Alma de Chiapas vacation rentals in downtown Tuxtla Gutiérrez.
Chiapa de Corzo:There aren’t many places to stay here, and it’s a bit pricier. We recommend “Hotel Mansión Chiapa” next to the main square for 3,000 pesos (about €150) per night. The price is a bit high, but this hotel is worth the cost.
San Cristóbal de las Casas: In this magical city, you’ll find a wide range of hotels to suit every budget.
Where to eat
Tuxtla: If you’re staying in Tuxtla, we recommend trying the delicious cochito tacos with pouzzolane at “Casa Blanca.” The tacos cost 11 pesos and the pouzzolane 15 pesos (about €0.60). And to end the day on a high note, don’t miss an evening at “Las Pichanchas,” an iconic restaurant in Tuxtla. Order a “Pumpo,” a festive drink to share—160 pesos (about €6.15) for 4 people. At 9 p.m., the place comes alive with traditional Mexican dances: a joyful and colorful experience. Be sure to make a reservation, as the place is often packed!
Chiapa de Corzo: Try local specialties such as cochito asado (spicy roast pork), pepita con tasajo (pumpkin seeds with dried beef), and pozol, a refreshing corn-based drink. These traditional delicacies are sold all over town—give them a try!
Viewpoints: There are no facilities along the road leading to the viewpoints, but you’ll find restrooms and a small shop at the third viewpoint. At the last lookout point, a cafeteria offers a chance to take a well-deserved break: that’s where we enjoyed the famous chipilín tamale for just 25 pesos (about €1)—a real local treat!
Boat tour:Snacks and beer are sold on the docks. At the end of the tour, there are boats that also sell micheladas for 50 pesos (about €2).
