Sumidero Canyon Day Tour in Mexico 2025

Welcome to the breathtaking world of the Sumidero Canyon in Mexico! Nestled within the lush landscapes and rich biodiversity of Chiapas, this awe-inspiring natural wonder offers a glimpse into the sheer beauty and grandeur of Mother Nature. As you embark on a Sumidero Canyon day tour, prepare to be captivated by towering limestone cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and an abundance of wildlife that call this magnificent canyon home. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, adventure seeker, or simply looking for an unforgettable experience in Mexico, join us as we explore the wonders that await within Sumidero Canyon.

In the Chiapas State of Mexico, there is one dramatic place to visit that was created around the same time as the Grand Canyon on the Colorado River in the US – Sumidero Canyon (cañon del sumidero chiapas).  It is a geological fault that is believed to have been formed millions of years ago.  It is stunning and an incredible sight to see, no wonder it is the 2nd most popular place to visit after Palenque in the State of Chiapas. It is one of Mexico’s natural wonders.

You may like to read our article about the Grutas de Cacahuamilpa just outside Taxco.

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Where is Sumidero Canyon (Canon del Sumidero)

Sumidero Canyon lies 18.5 km from Tuxtla Gutierrez (the capital of Chiapas state and airport) and 76.3 km from San Cristobal de las Casas.

The Grijalva River runs through the canyon, turning at times 90 degrees and at other times widening to 2km.  The awe-inspiring limestone walls reach over 900 metres in height and are spectacular as you travel through the 13 km-long passage.

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There is more to Sumidero Canyon than just the river and walls

Check availability for the Sumidero Canyon Tour that includes  Chiapa de Corzo here:

After an hour’s drive from San Cristobal de Las Casas, we arrived at the dock for our 2-hour boat ride down the Canyon.

On arrival, we were kitted out with life jackets and a wristband.  There is an entrance fee that has to be paid to the National Park of MXN36 per person.  As we entered the canyon there was a high tower on our right-hand side, the boat slowed down and we all had to raise our right arm to show our wristbands which proved that we had paid the National park fee.

As we rounded a small bend, the boat slowed down and drifted towards the river bank on the left-hand side.  Sleepily, a Mexican crocodile opened one eye, eyed us up and down (as if to say oh no, not again) and went back to sleep again.  He was a big one! One that you would not want to come too close to at any time.  Showtime! He turned around, gliding towards us just enough to scare most of us on the boat, flipped his tail, and went back to his beach to doze.  Just what we all needed: a bit of excitement for the morning.

There are over 150 species of birds in the canyon, and our driver pointed them out as we sailed down the river (unfortunately, he could only speak Spanish, so we were lost on the type of bird he was pointing out).

Slowing down again, he pointed upward to the trees, and there swinging from side to side were a couple of spider monkeys.  Why are spider monkeys called ‘spider monkeys’?  If you look at them hanging upside down from their tails, they look like spiders with their arms and legs hanging down.

Apart from the rainforest, the National Park has orchids, pine trees, and palms, as well as many other varieties of plants that grow profusely.

Arbol de Navidad or the Christmas Tree Waterfall

The boat slowed down again and drifted towards the right this time.  Jutting out from one of the sheer limestone cliffs was what the driver called the Christmas Tree Waterfall.  The branches were covered in moss which is a result of the waterfall deposits.  It does look like a Christmas Tree.

Cave of Colours

Further down the river, we slowed down and headed towards a small cave that, from the distance, sparkled in pink colours.  It did sparkle; the pink colours comprised several mineral deposits, including magnesium and potassium.  The cave also contained the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe, and those who worshipped her climbed up to the cave from their boats via a ladder with fresh flowers and lit candles to worship.

Chicoasen Dam

Towards the north end of the Canyon, we sailed into the Chicoasen Dam, one of Mexico’s most important dams for storing and generating hydroelectricity power for the country.  It opened in 1981. There are statutes here dedicated to the workers of the dam.

All good things must come to an end. As the boat turned around and we headed back to the dock, the driver looked for any creatures lurking in the trees or on the beaches.  But that is not the end of the tour. We still have an hour or two to visit the Chiapa de Corzo colonial village.

Chiapa de Corzo

One of the top things to do in Chiapas Mx. is just 15km from Tuxtla Gutierrez and is the oldest colonial town in Mexico – Chiapa de Corzo.  It is situated on the northern banks of the Grijalva River.  Chiapa de Corzo is an important town in the history of Chiapas State. An early Mesoamerican Tomb Burial had been found in the area, plus one of the earliest forms of hieroglyphic writings.  This would date that the early inhabitants arrived around 1400 BCE.

Mexico has designated many towns as “Pueblos Magicos” magic towns, and Chiapa is one of them.

The town was founded by the Spanish in 1523 and is centred around a Main Plaza typical of Spanish towns.

In the middle of the Main Plaza is the 16th-century Moorish-style La Pila Fountain.  All the bricks are laid out in a diamond style.  It is a fun meeting place for the local students at lunchtime.

The 16th-century Santa Domingo de Guzman church is also famous in Chiapa.  It is one of the best-preserved churches in the state, and the main bell tower houses the largest number of bells in Mexico.

If you want to buy some Mexican souvenirs, we recommend buying them here rather than in touristy San Cristobal de Las Casas.  The same souvenirs can be purchased but at a lower price.

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How to get to Sumidero Canyon and Chiapa de Corzo

We were staying in San Cristobal de Las Casas at the Hotel Villas Casa Morada. We booked a local tour with Jalapeno Tours to Sumidero Canyon and the oldest colonial city of Chiapa de Corzo.

You can read our hotel review of Hotel Villas Casa Morada here.

The tour departed at 9 am for the 1-hour drive to the starting point close to the village of Chiapa de Corzo from the Al Grano Cafe in San Cristobal de Las Casas.

The tour was well organized from start to finish.

After the boat tour, it was a short drive to Chiapa de Corzo.  We had an hour to visit the town and eat in one of the local restaurants or at the market before heading back to San Cristobal de Las Casas, arriving around 2 pm.

Can You Visit Sumidero Canyon without going on a tour:

You can visit without an organised tour, but we have heard of cases where no boats are available. Getting there will take longer, and you will have to factor in paying your entrance fee to the National Park.  When you weigh up the costs of doing it yourself or going on a tour in this instance with this tour we found going by organised tour the best option.

Sumidero Lookout

There is a lookout over the Sumidero Canyon but there is nothing better to experience the Canyon by boat.

Where to Stay in San Cristobal de las Casas

Top places to stay in San Cristobal de las Casas:

Our top recommended hotel is the Hotel Villas Casa Morada.

The 4-star hotel is centrally located and offers a refrigerator, kitchenette and mini-bar as well as an on-site restaurant and outdoor terrace.

Address: Avenida Diego Dugelay 45 Barrio El Cerillo San Cristobal de las Casas.

Latest Guest Review: “This is an amazing hotel, with awesome stuff that go above and beyond for you. Super clean, covid 10 measures in place, and such a comfortable bed. I would stay here again if I ever visit San Cristobal”

Where To Stay in San Cristobal de Las Casas

San Cristobal de Las Casas has a range of accommodations to suit all budgets; click here for more information.

Other articles you may enjoy in this beautiful region of Mexico:

San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan

Hotel Villas Casa Morada

Tours Available from San Cristobal de Las Casas

Getting In

Tuxtla Gutierrez, the capital, is also where the location of the airport to visit Sumidero Canyon and San Cristobal de las Casas.

Flight Deals

Find the cheapest flights with Skyscanner our ‘go-to’ for researching the latest flight deals and schedules.

Bus Travel in Mexico

We are impressed with bus travel throughout Mexico. We travelled mostly on ADO Buses for comfort, safety and reliability.

For the latest bus schedules and ticket prices, click here.

Car Rental

You can organise car rental at Tuxtla Gutierrez Airport. Click here for details.

Do you need an International Drivers Licence? You can obtain one here online in minutes.

Do You Need an E-Sim?

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In conclusion, the Sumidero Canyon Day Tour in Mexico offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. Its towering cliffs, lush vegetation, and diverse wildlife make it an exceptional destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Whether you choose to explore the canyon by boat or hike along its trails, you will be treated to breathtaking views that showcase the true beauty of Mexico’s natural landscapes. So, if you are planning a trip to Mexico, be sure to include the Sumidero Canyon Day Tour on your itinerary for an extraordinary journey into one of the country’s most spectacular natural wonders.