Sumidero Canyon

Cañón del Sumidero in Chiapas is a dramatic river canyon 13 kilometers long where the Grijalva River cuts through vertical basalt walls reaching up to 1,000 meters in height — among the most spectacular canyon scenery in Mexico. The canyon was formed over millions of years as the river carved through the limestone and basalt plateau of the central Chiapas highlands, creating a gorge whose vertical walls in some sections lean slightly inward, trapping humidity and creating microhabitats of hanging moss, ferns, and orchids on the cliff faces. Boat tours depart from the embarcadero (boat dock) in Chiapa de Corzo, a well-preserved colonial town 12 kilometers southeast of Tuxtla Gutierrez, the state capital. The two-hour round trip traverses the full length of the navigable canyon, with guides pointing out notable formations including La Cueva de Colores (Cave of Colors), a cavern whose water-stained walls reflect mineral deposits in hues of red, yellow, and green, and the Arbol de Navidad (Christmas Tree), a canyon wall where a perennial spring creates a constant waterfall draped in green moss resembling an illuminated tree. Wildlife sightings along the river are a consistent attraction: American crocodiles rest on exposed shoreline rocks, spider monkeys occupy trees in the canopy above, and pelicans, herons, and kingfishers hunt along the waterline. Five mirador (viewpoint) stops along the canyon rim road above the canyon offer aerial perspectives of the Grijalva far below; Mirador La Ceiba provides the most dramatic drop-off view. The boat tour operates year-round, though water levels and canyon atmosphere change markedly between wet and dry seasons.