Sumidero Canyon

Sumidero Canyon is a deep gorge carved by the Grijalva River in the state of Chiapas in southern Mexico, close to the city of Tuxtla Gutierrez. The canyon walls rise to more than 1,000 metres in places, and the river runs between them for about 14 kilometres within a national park. Most visitors tour the canyon by motorised launch from the embarcaderos at Chiapa de Corzo, a colonial town about 20 minutes from Tuxtla, or from Cahuare, closer to the dam. The boat trip normally lasts about two hours and runs up to the Chicoasen dam. Along the route guides point out wildlife including spider monkeys, crocodiles, herons, pelicans and vultures, as well as rock formations such as the Christmas Tree, a waterfall draped with moss resembling a tree. Visitors can also drive the road along the canyon rim to several miradores, such as La Coyota, La Ceiba, El Tepehuaje and Los Chiapa, which give sweeping views straight down to the river and are especially striking in the morning light. A visit combining boat and viewpoints takes a half day. The boats depart throughout the day, but early morning is cooler and has fewer visitors, while midday is hot and the sun reflects off the water. Weekends and holidays are the busiest. Life jackets are provided and required, and visitors should bring a hat, sunscreen and water. Prices for the boat are paid per person or per boat and are modest by international standards, with a separate small national park fee. Rubbish floating in the river can vary depending on rain, which affects the experience in the wet season from June to October. Chiapa de Corzo itself offers restaurants, a central fountain and market for lunch before or after the trip. Visitors who want a quieter experience can join an early boat and then spend the rest of the morning at the viewpoints, which are reachable by taxi, rental car or an organised tour from Tuxtla Gutierrez or San Cristobal de las Casas.