About Sumidero Canyon

A few miles east of Tuxtla Gutierrez is the spectacular Cañon Sumidero, (Sumidero Canyon) created by the mighty Rio Grijalva which runs northwards through it.

Before the completion of the dam here, the canyon’s walls were even higher than they are now. Before the dam, the waters running through it were not navigable, even for the most skilled boatmen.

Once the river was dammed, the water levels rose dramatically, creating an extremely deep and serene river which tour boats and taxi boats navigate with ease. The Chicoasen hydroelectric dam, opened in 1981, is today one of Mexico’s most important sources of electric power.

Travel to one of the Miradores (vantage points) if you want to get a bird’s-eye view of the canyon; but if you really want to experience it properly, take a boat ride. The most common embarkation point is at Chiapa de Corzo, a short drive from Tuxtla Gutierrez.

The 2-3 hour round trip on the boat will take you on a spectacular journey through the canyon, with some of the walls towering 2,500 feet above you. The wildlife on display is spectacular, and your boat may take you on a tour past one or two caves in the area.

A new Ecological Park has been opened inside the canyon. The only way to get to the park is to take a boat there. The park offers a range of activity-based eco-attractions including the opportunity to visit the wildlife sanctuary, see local flora and fauna as well as a number of physical and sporting activities such as kayaking, mountain biking, abseiling, zip-line, swimming and more. See Key Attractions for full details and photo gallery.

The Sumidero Canyon is a truly spectacular experience which should not be missed when you are traveling in this area.

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Key Attractions

The River Tour

The river journey begins near Chiapa de Corzo at the Cauhuare embarkation point. Depending on the time of year (school vacation times are busier) you may have to line up to wait for a boat, or you may have to wait around for a short while until enough people arrive to fill up a boat at quieter times. In either case, the wait is never too long. You should buy your tickets from the counter near the entrance before proceeding to the pier. The boats operate in daylight hours, with the first boat leaving around 8 a.m. and the last around 4:30 p.m.

You should consider a visit to the Ecological Park (see below) – be sure to let the boatman know if you want to disembark there; although a stop is almost certain these days, as the park’s attractions become better known and word spreads about it.

The boat ride could take as long as three hours, so if you are not planning a stop at the Ecological Park, take plenty of drinking water. Also take sun screen and a hat if it’s hot (insect repellent may also be useful).

The distance from Chiapa de Corzo to the hydroelectric dam is around 23 miles (35 km). As you progress through the canyon, you’ll start to see the walls towering above you: at their highest point, from the surface of the water you will look up at walls a staggering 2,640 feet (800 m) high.

There are some caves and interesting rock formations that the boatman will highlight on the trip. One of the most interesting is the “Christmas Tree”, which is actually created by moss hanging on one of the rock faces. If you visit during the rainy season, you will be able to see how the water trickles down the ‘branches’ of the tree!

There’s plenty of wildlife, both flora and fauna, to admire during the trip. Herons, vultures, egrets, kingfishers and perhaps a few crocodiles which also live on the river!

The river opens out at the end of the journey, just before the dam. The boat will take up you to the closest point allowed by the floating barriers and turn around. It is here where the river is deepest: the water underneath you reaches a depths of over 860 feet (260 m).

On the way back, the boat will stop at the Ecological Park (see below) to drop off any passengers spending the day there and to pick up people returning to Chiapa de Corzo.

Bring your camera. Although it’s hard to capture the sheer enormity of the canyon in still pictures from the water’s surface, some people bring video cameras to try and capture the perspective. To really enjoy this natural wonder, you simply have to be there and experience it in person.

See Also: Sumidero Canyon Photo Gallery on Mexperience

Canyon Sumidero Ecological Park (NOW CLOSED)

Local Tours

Mexperience offers access to local tours and activities in and around Mexico’s colonial cities and areas of outstanding natural beauty—including the Sumidero Canyon. Tours and activities are organized and run by well-established, professional and fully-insured operators. You can search for tours by location or category and make reservations online or by telephone. Buying tours in advance is more convenient and secure, and your spaces on the tour are guaranteed.

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Getting There & Around

Getting There

Sumidero Canyon is near Tuxtla Gutierrez; the most popular and best embarkation point is nearby Chiapa de Corzo. The only way to get to the Eco Park is to take a boat ride from Chiapa de Corzo—the boat will drop you off at the park en route through the canyon and pick you up when you’re ready to return.

Getting To Tuxtla Gutierrez (for Chiapa de Corzo / Canyon Sumidero)

By Air – You can get to and from Tuxtla Gutierrez from Mexico City, Oaxaca, Villahermosa, Veracruz, Merida and Cancun using the main airport (Francisco Sarabia / Teran). There is a smaller airport, only used in the summer as it’s high up in the hills and gets fog-bound in the winter. For detailed information about flights and flying, see the Mexperience guide to Air Travel in Mexico.

Airport Transfers: If you’re arriving in Mexico by airplane, you can book your airport transfer in advance. Airport Transfer services are available from all of Mexico’s key airports and offer the choice of either a Standard or VIP service level. Standard shuttles will transport up to ten people and their baggage in a modern and comfortable surburban van to/from local hotels; the VIP service provides transportation exclusively for your party, taking you and your belongings directly to/from your local hotel. Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for details and to reserve your Airport Transfer.

By Bus – Regular long distance buses make the journey from Mexico City to Tuxtla Gutierrez daily; the journey takes 15 hours. Regional buses travel daily and frequently from Villahermosa, Campeche, Merida and Cancun to and from Tuxtla Gutierrez. For detailed information about bus transportation read the Mexperience guide to Bus Travel in Mexico.

By Car – There are now fast roads connecting Chiapas’ capital city to Merida, Cancun, Oaxaca, Mexico City. The drive is a long one from Mexico City, but you’ll be rewarded by some stunning scenery. Most people tend to fly to the region and rent a car locally, which is more sensible unless you have a specific reason for driving to Chiapas. See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico’s Toll Roads on Mexperience.

Car Rental – To explore Mexico’s colonial towns and cities, consider renting a car for your visit. Having your own car will give you more flexibility than using public transport options and, in some cases, offer you access to places which are otherwise difficult to visit without the use of a car. Read our guide to Car Rental in Mexico to learn what you need to know about car rental in Mexico and connect to the Mexperience Travel Center to reserve your Rental Car.

Getting To Chiapa de Corzo / Embarkation Point

From the Airport – The main airport is about 5 miles south of Tuxtla Gutierrez, and Chiapa de Corzo is about 5 miles (11 km) from there. Taxis are available into town and will also take you directly to Chiapa de Corzo if you are using it as your base. You can also rent a car from the airport. See Car Rental, above.

Local Buses – Local buses make the trip regularly from Tuxtla Gutierrez to Chiapa de Corzo and are very inexpensive.

Taxis – Local taxis are widely available and will take you the 11 km road trip to Chiapa de Corzo; agree your price before you get in; prices are reasonable. Taxi travel is very affordable in Mexico, in comparison to the USA, Canada and Europe, and so provides a viable means of public transportation in Mexico. Your hotel can arrange taxis for you; some post their rates on a board in the lobby; taxi hotel rates are usually higher than cabs you hail off the street. If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage in your negotiations with local taxi drivers. For detailed information, read the Mexperience guide to Taxi Travel in Mexico.

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Guided Tours and Excursions

A number of local tour operators sell pre-packaged tours that include Chiapa de Corzo, the Sumidero Canyon and the Ecological Park. You can arrange a guided tour using Mexperience. Buying tours in advance is more convenient and secure, and your spaces on the tour are guaranteed.

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Practical Information

Telephone:Connect to the guide about Communications in Mexico on Mexperience for detailed information about keeping in touch and the latest table of national dialing codes.

Exchanging Currency: Banks with ATM machines can be found in Tuxtla Gutierrez and Chiapa de Corzo; there are no currency ATM services at the Ecological Park. For detailed information about exchanging and managing your money, read the Mexperience guide to Money in Mexico.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical insurance and/or travel assistance insurance when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Internet Access: Internet cafes are commonplace in nearby Tuxtla Gutierrez; new ones open and old ones close all the time, but you won’t have to look too hard to find one downtown and in the main tourist areas.

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What to Buy in Sumidero Canyon

Souvenirs are available at the embarkation point and there is a fine souvenir and clothing shop at the Eco Park inside the canyon. See Key Attractions.

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Local Climate

The high altitude and mountainous terrain make the climate in this area highly variable. It can get quite warm in the summer and cold in the winter. Rains can come at any time, but you will also need to pack sunscreen and a hat to guard against the sun here. When you pack for Chiapas, pack clothes for all weathers; in the winter months you will need to ensure you pack a stock of warm and waterproof clothes.

Weather & Climates in Mexico

Learn more about the weather and climates through the seasons and regions by connecting to the Mexperience guide about Weather and Climates in Mexico

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Just 12km (7 miles) from the busy capital city of Tuxtla Gutierrez is the peaceful colonial town of Chiapa de Corzo, on the banks of the Rio Grijalva. It’s best known claim to fame is that it was the first city ever founded by the Spanish in the State of Chiapas (1523). It was the Spaniard, Diego de Mazariegos, who founded the town. As the story goes, when his army invaded the local indigenous peoples’ settlement a few kilometers downstream from here, they all jumped to their deaths in the canyon rather than surrender to his forces. Mazariegos eventually left to found what is today San Cristobal de las Casas, preferring the climate and less hostile reception he encountered there.

The town is a main starting point for trips into the impressive Cañon del Sumidero boat trip (see separate guide on Mexperience), although there are various interesting things to see and do here, making it a worthwhile visit in its own right.

Key Attractions

Arched arcades – Under these are shops and cafes that surround the main plaza. There is a statue of General Corzo (after whom the town is named) on the west side of the square. The plaza is an excellent place to stroll and even sit on one the benches and watch the world here go by for a while, perhaps under the shade of a tree.

La Pila – This is an eye catching colonial fountain on the south side. It was built in the mid 16th century with the bricks laid in a diamond shape, some say resembling a crown. The fountain was the main source of fresh water for the townspeople in days of old.

The Temple and Ex Convent of Santo Domingo – The temple is located a block and a half south of the main plaza and is well worth a visit. Enjoy the church and admire the restored colonial convent, also a museum (closed Mondays).

Hotels in Chiapa de Corzo – There is better selection of hotels in Tuxtla Gutierrez, but if you want to stay locally, a small selection of hotels is available in Chiapa de Corzo.

Local Climate

The high altitude and mountainous terrain make the climate in this area very varied. It can get quite warm in the summer and cold in the winter. Rains can come at any time, but you will also need to pack protective cream and a hat to guard against the sun. When you pack for Chiapas, pack clothes for all weathers; in the winter months you will need to ensure you pack a stock of warm and waterproof clothes.

Weather & Climates in Mexico

Learn more about the weather and climates through the seasons and regions by connecting to the Mexperience guide about Weather and Climates in Mexico

Tuxtla Gutierrez and neighboring San Cristobal de las Casas and Comitan are in the state of Chiapas, a region east of Oaxaca and south of Villahermosa and which is undoubtedly Mexico’s most stunning natural scenic area; mostly wild and rugged, it is rich in indigenous life and culture.

Chiapas’ thickly wooded jungles, mountains and valleys, coupled together with its traditional cultures and indigenous roots have kept its look, feel and style very distinct from the rest of Mexico. Although there are some cities, symbols and events here which reveal the area’s colonial heritage, the people here are still well connected with their indigenous roots and life in many parts of the state continues to be lived according to custom and ritual.

Many argue that the natural beauty of this area has no parallel in Mexico. Deep green forested valleys; awesome waterfalls and high mountains with deep canyons and gorges; a colossal wealth of flora, fauna and wildlife, and glorious lakes certainly make this area one of Mexico’s most unspoilt and scenically awsome natural habitats.

Away from the larger towns, Spanish is a second language as people here have stayed true to their indigenous cultures and tongue. You’ll see a lot of indigenous people going about their everyday life, often wearing their traditional dress.

Tuxtla Gutierrez (“Toox-tlah Goo-Tee-Eh-Rehs”) is the capital city of the state of Chiapas. In contrast to the rest of Chiapas, it is a modern, bustling city that is growing very quickly. Tuxtla Gutierrez became the state capital in 1892 and today is the main gateway to Chiapas for visitors, as it offers excellent road and air connections to and from the rest of Mexico.

Some travelers looking for the wild, unspoiled and truly indigenous side of Mexico use the capital city as a set-off point only, although in doing so they miss a lot of what the city has to offer.

One of Mexico’s finest zoos is based here, and it’s also the best place to get access to the amazing boat trips through the Cañon del Sumidero (see Key Attractions).

Don’t miss the coffee! Chiapas is one of Mexico’s (and the world’s) premier coffee growing regions. If you like coffee, make sure you taste some local blends; they are exceptional.

Note About Photography: Read the important photography rules and warnings in the Practical Information section below, especially relevant for the local villages surrounding San Cristobal de las Casas.

Key Attractions

Colonial Center

The main attractions downtown are to be found off the Zocalo (main square) also known as the Plaza Civica (Civic Plaza).

The Whitewashed Catedral de San Marcos is on the Plaza de San Marcos, adjacent to the main square; northeast of this is the Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace) the main seat of political and administrative power in the state. The Palacio Municipal (Municipal Buildings) face the cathedral on the north side of the Civic Plaza.

The Plaza de San Marcos is often filled with artisans and other ambulant vendors selling arts and crafts made in the highlands of Chiapas.

Eight blocks west of the center you’ll find Jardin de la Marimba, where you’ll often find Marimba bands playing every evening in the open air as people take an evening stroll around the park.

Parque Madero is about a mile northeast of the center and hosts the Regional Museum of Chiapas (Museo Regional de Chiapas), the city’s principal theatre (Teatro de la Ciudad) as well as a playground and funfair for children at the Parque de Convivencia Infantil.

Visit the Sumidero Canyon near Tuxtla Gutierrez

A few miles east of Tuxtla Gutierrez is the spectacular Sumidero Canyon created by the Rio Grijalva. You can read our Complete Guide to the spectacular Sumidero Canyon & its Eco Park now open inside the canyon.

The Zoo

Zoologico Miguel Alvarez del Toro is situated on the south side of the city on a wooded hill. Because of Chiapas’ wide natural diversity, this zoo houses a varied collection of wildlife, flora and fauna from the state. The emphasis at this zoo is one of conservation, which is why it takes its name from one of Mexico’s foremost conservationists; the cages are large and the standards for the animals’ welfare are high.

Large cats, macaws, toucans, monkeys all native to Chiapas are some of the creatures you’ll see here; for the brave, there is the snake house, which houses a delightful collection of snakes, spiders and other insects you may meet if you plan to venture out into the jungles in Chiapas.

Chiapa de Corzo

Discover Chiapa de Corzo

Eco and Adventure Travel in Chiapas

Due to its natural diversity, rich, fertile lands and breath-taking topography, Chiapas is, unsurprisingly, one of the principal areas for Eco and Adventure tourism in Mexico. Indeed, Chiapas is one of the best areas in Mexico to enjoy eco and adventure travel and there are various operators who can help you to enjoy a spectacular outdoor travel experience in the region.

Getting There & Around

By Air – You can get to and from Tuxtla Gutierrez from Mexico City, Oaxaca, Villahermosa, Veracruz, Merida and Cancun using the main airport (Aeropuerto Teran), which is about a 5 mile (8 km) drive southwest of town. There is a smaller airport, only used in the summer as its high up in the hills and gets fog-bound in the winter. Taxis are available into town, and car rental desks are situated in the main exit area; book your rental car in advance for better rates. For detailed information about flights and flying, see the Mexperience guide to Air Travel in Mexico.

By Bus – Regular long distance buses make the journey from Mexico City to Tuxtla Gutierrez daily; the journey takes 15 hours. Regional buses travel daily and frequently from Villahermosa, Campeche, Merida and Cancun to and from Tuxtla Gutierrez. For detailed information about bus transportation read the Mexperience guide to Bus Travel in Mexico.

By Car – There are now fast roads connecting this region to Merida, Cancun, Oaxaca, Mexico City. The drive is a long one from Mexico City, but you’ll be rewarded by some stunning scenery. Most recently, a brand-new toll road links Tuxtla and San Cristobal, which is a quicker alternative to Carretera 190. Most people tend to fly to the region and rent a car locally, which is more sensible unless you have a specific reason for driving to Chiapas. See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico’s Toll Roads on Mexperience.

Car Rental – To explore Mexico’s colonial towns and cities, consider renting a car for your visit. Having your own car will give you more flexibility than using public transport options and, in some cases, offer you access to places which are otherwise difficult to visit without the use of a car. Read our guide to Car Rental in Mexico to learn what you need to know about car rental in Mexico and connect to the Mexperience Travel Center to reserve your Rental Car.

Local Buses – Local buses are available to take you around town and are very inexpensive.

Taxis – Taxis in most of Mexico’s colonial towns and cities are not metered, so agree your price before you get in. Taxi travel is very affordable in Mexico, in comparison to the USA, Canada and Europe, and so provides a viable means of public transportation in Mexico. Your hotel can arrange taxis for you; some post their rates on a board in the lobby; taxi hotel rates are usually higher than cabs you hail off the street. If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a price with the driver. For detailed information, read the Mexperience guide to Taxi Travel in Mexico

Tuxtla Gutierrrez Essentials

Telephone: Connect to the guide about Communications in Mexico on Mexperience for detailed information about keeping in touch and the latest table of national dialing codes.

Exchanging Currency: Banks with ATM machines can be found in the downtown area of Tuxtla Gutierrez. During business hours, they and the Casas de Cambio will buy traveler’s cheques and cash from you as well. For detailed information about exchanging and managing your money, read the Mexperience guide to Money in Mexico.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical insurance and/or travel assistance insurance when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Driving in Chiapas – Safety Advice

If you are driving independently in this region, using a rental car or your own vehicle, it’s important to heed some special advice.

It’s best to keep off all highways after dark, unless you know them well, have good local knowledge and a good reason to travel at night.

The highway from San Cristobal to Palenque (Highway 199) must NOT be traveled on after dark. This road cuts through some extremely remote territory including, in the latter stages, sweltering jungle.

The above also applies to Highway 307 between Palenque and Bonampak / Yaxchilan. Most travelers join others and see these places as part of an organized tour; however if you drive there yourself, you should consider joining the convoy of tours which leave early in the morning and get back to Palenque before dusk.

Military Checkpoints: Expect to pass through at least one, but probably several of these on your road trip through Chiapas. Don’t be alarmed, the soldiers may or may not check your car’s trunk; they are polite, respectful and can even provide local advice and directions if you need it. See Also: Military Checkpoints in Mexico

Special Note About Photography: The people in this region do not, as a rule, like photographs taken of them and the things they own. In some of the surrounding villages, it is prohibited to take photographs all together, with those who do not comply facing equipment confiscation, fines and even temporary imprisonment. Ask before you take photographs of people and their possessions; you may be asked to pay a small fee for the privilege.

See Also: Photography Etiquette in Mexico.

Internet Access: Internet cafes can be easily found in towns and cities across Mexico and WiFi is increasingly commonplace–from cafes, shops, hotels, and some cities even offer free WiFi in some defined public spaces.

Local Climate

The high altitude and mountainous terrain make the climate in this area highly variable. It can get quite warm in the summer and cold in the winter and rain can come at any time. When you pack for Chiapas, pack clothes for all weathers; in the winter months you will need to ensure you pack a stock of warm and waterproof clothes. You will also need to pack sunscreen and a hat to guard against the sun here.

Weather & Climates in Mexico

Learn more about the weather and climates through the seasons and regions by connecting to the Mexperience guide about Weather and Climates in Mexico