The Grijalva River runs between vertical walls up to 1,000 m high through the Canon del Sumidero, and the standard two-hour lancha trip covers about 35 km from the Chiapa de Corzo jetty to the Chicoasen dam wall. Boats pass the hanging Cueva de Colores, the moss-draped Arbol de Navidad waterfall and stretches of shoreline where crocodiles bask and spider monkeys move through the gallery forest. The canyon appears on the coat of arms of Chiapas, and its fare includes the protected-area access right.
The Grijalva River carves the Canon del Sumidero to walls that reach nearly 1,000 m, and the standard lancha trip runs about 35 km from the Chiapa de Corzo jetty upstream to the face of the Chicoasen dam and back. Open motorboats seat around twenty passengers and life jackets are provided; the route passes the moss-hung Cueva de Colores, the seasonal Arbol de Navidad waterfall staining the cliff face green, and long stretches of shoreline where crocodiles bask on rocks and spider monkeys move through the gallery forest at the canyon's edge. The canyon appears on the state coat of arms and carries a layered history, from a Chiapa resistance stand against Spanish forces to its present role as one of the deepest river canyons in the Americas. The full round trip takes about two to two and a half hours on the water, and it is best taken on one of the first departures after 8:00AM, when the river surface is calm for photography, wildlife is most active along the banks, and direct light reaches down between the cliff walls to the canyon floor. Later boats run into stronger midday glare and choppier water from wind funneling up the gorge.
Good to know
- Hours
- Jetty open daily 8:00AM-4:30PM; boats leave when full from about 8:00AM, and the last departure is between 1:30PM and 2:00PM
- Best time
- The first departures around 8:00AM, when the water is calm, wildlife is active and the light reaches the canyon floor
Location
Embarcadero Cahuare y Embarcadero Chiapa de Corzo, Malecon, 29160 Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas, Mexico
16.7076, -93.0107 View on map
Highlights
- Sheer canyon walls approaching 1,000 m above the Grijalva River
- Cueva de Colores mineral-streaked rock face
- Seasonal Arbol de Navidad waterfall clinging to the canyon wall
- Crocodile and spider monkey sightings along the shoreline
- Approach to the Chicoasen dam wall at the canyon's upper end
Tips for visiting
- Take one of the first departures after 8:00AM for the calmest water and most active wildlife
- Boats leave only once full, so early morning also means the shortest wait
- Bring a hat and sunscreen, as the open lanchas offer no shade for the two-hour trip
- A light rain jacket helps against spray near the Arbol de Navidad waterfall
- The protected-area access fee is bundled into the boat fare, so no separate park ticket is needed
When to visit
The first departures around 8:00AM give the calmest water, most active wildlife and clearest light reaching the canyon floor.
Accessibility
Boarding the lanchas involves stepping down from a dock onto an open boat with fixed bench seating and no ramp, which makes the trip difficult for wheelchair users or visitors with significant mobility limitations.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Sumidero Canyon boat trip take?
The round trip from the Chiapa de Corzo jetty to the Chicoasen dam and back takes about two to two and a half hours.
Is the boat trip worth it for kids?
Yes; the wildlife sightings and dramatic canyon walls generally hold children's attention well, and life jackets are provided for the whole trip.
Is photography allowed on the boat?
Yes, photography is unrestricted, and the open lancha design gives clear sightlines to the canyon walls on both sides.
Is the boat trip safe for young children?
Life jackets are required and provided for all passengers, and the river is generally calm, though very young children should be kept seated during the faster stretches.