Today, in this blog, I’m going to be talking about the beautiful Sumidero Canyon outside of San Cristobal de las Casas. Most often, travelers love to head to the Caribbean beaches of Mexico, which obviously has a lot to offer.
Yet, In inland Mexico, there are more than you could ever imagine destinations and landmarks. One of the most gorgeous, and my personal favorite, is Sumidero Canyon. It’s an amazing way to explore the natural beauty of Mexico, and I can’t wait to share it with you. Here is everything you need to know to have a great time on the Sumidero Canyon tour.
Some Background Information About Sumidero Canyon
Sumidero Canyon is located about 2 hours outside of San Cristobal de las Casas. So to take it up a certain level to get there, what I ended up doing not just driving there and getting there like normal. We actually did a motorcycle tour to get there.
We each had our own motorcycles. I have an entire podcast about doing a motorcycle tour. Something that I really recommend. You do not need to know how to drive motorcycles. I had a motorcycle that was automatic, so it was super cool. My husband had one that was an actual motorcycle. But you don’t need to know how to drive motorcycles.
How to Get There?
But getting there is also part of the fun. So if you are up for a cool adventure like a motorcycle tour, super.
If not, it’s very easy to get there by car. You could take a couple of TiVo, you could take a taxi, you could take a local bus. There are many ways to get there.
San Cristóbal de las Casas is only an hour and a half to two hours away by car. If you want to experience it like a local, you can take a bus or a collective taxi to Chiapa de Corzo, the magical town that serves as the gateway to the canyon.
But honestly, the easiest (and most fun) option is an organized tour. For around 400-600 MXN, they include transportation, the boat ride, and even a stop in Chiapa de Corzo. Be wary of “cheap” tours that leave out the best: check that they include the viewpoints and the boat ride.
What to Do in a Sumidero Canyon Tour?
Sumidero Canyon, or Cañon del Sumidero, is undoubtedly part of Parque Nacional Cañon del Sumidero, a national park that surrounds 50,000 acres. In fact, the name Chiapas, Mexico, is the name of the place, and truly, it is the most visited. You won’t believe it was almost 35 million years ago. But, alas, this is true. Which is above reality. Isn’t it?
Boat Tour
The town is plainly built completely around this boat tour. Because it’s in a boat, you have to get on a boat. It’s a river that takes you to this canyon. The boat tour itself is about 3 hours long.
The canyon is outstanding. There’s a certain part that goes up to almost the wall that is almost 1000 meters high. The canyon, usually it’s really rough waters and it wasn’t at all.
It is a tourist thing to do. Interestingly enough, though, I would say 10% were tourists, and 90% were Mexicans, so it’s a local tourist attraction, so which makes it even cooler.
Price: The tickets cost about 275 pesos, which I would say is about $25 per person. Super worth it. It was a really, really cool tour. We loved it and every minute of it.
📖 Recommended Reading: If you’re looking for more useful information, check out Ruins in Mexico: A Complete Guide to the Mayan Ruins
Wildlife
The canyon is absolutely beautiful. There’s some wildlife. We saw a couple of crocodiles and white-tailed deer which was really cool. We saw a family of spider monkeys.
I’ve seen them in the wild before, but this was a really special experience because you get to see them very close. We also saw a lot of different birds. They were very colorful. And that’s what you’re going to see – these amazing animals.
The Dam
It takes you to one of the most well-known dams in Mexico that literally sells 50% of its hydro energy to the rest of Central America.
The other 50% goes throughout Mexico. It’s a really important dam. And that’s kind of like the end part of the tour that goes through this canyon, and that’s the reason why the river there is really calm because of the dam. They don’t want the waters to be so rough and crazy.
So, it’s a really cool thing to see.
The Town of Chiapa de Corzo
After so much nature, it’s time for a cultural break. The town itself is really fun. It’s totally tourist-based, so there are hundreds of restaurants, especially. There’s a huge central park, which is actually one of the oldest central parks in all of Mexico because it’s apparently one of the very first places where the conquistadors arrived to conquer Mexico.
So, it is kind of an interesting place. There are all these different people selling everything that you could possibly imagine.
This Pueblo Mágico (a Magical Town like San Miguel de Allende) is a delight with its central plaza, Mudejar-style fountains, and colonial ruins. You have about an hour to explore, enough time to try local food (like pozol) or buy handicrafts.
If you travel in January, you might be able to catch the Fiesta Grande (Great Festival), a celebration filled with traditional dances and extravagant masks. Bring cash, though: many places don’t accept cards.
Sumidero Canyon Tips
As you prepare for your adventure to the Sumidero Canyon from San Cristóbal de las Casas, let me share some practical tips to enhance your experience.
1. Book Your Ticket Ahead
Don’t leave this to chance! The Sumidero Canyon tours can get busy, especially during peak seasons. Book your ticket in advance to secure your spot. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this breathtaking journey through the canyon’s towering cliffs and winding river.
2. Prepare for Hot Weather
San Cristóbal’s cool mountain air might fool you, but once you’re down in the canyon, the sun cranks up the heat. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. Hydrate like a cactus—seriously, it’s hotter than a jalapeño out there!
3. Bring Sunscreen and Sun Protection
The sun in Mexico doesn’t play games. Slather on that sunscreen like it’s your secret weapon against UV rays. And don’t forget your shades—squinting at the canyon’s beauty isn’t a good look.
4. Coins for the Bathrooms
Nature calls, even in the midst of grandeur. When you stop at the canyon’s viewpoints or the Mirador de Chiapa de Corzo, you’ll find restrooms. But here’s the catch: they often require a few coins for entry. So, stash some pesos in your pocket—it’s the price of a canyon view and a bladder break.
📖 Recommended Reading: If you’re looking for more useful information, check out:
5. Leave Your Wristband On All Day
When you board the boat, they’ll slip a colorful wristband on your arm. It’s not just a fashion statement; it’s your golden ticket. Keep it on all day—it’s your passport to explore the canyon, hop on and off the boat, and soak in every moment.
6. Expect the Tour to Take Longer Than the Tour Provider Claims
Time bends in the canyon. The views, the wildlife sightings, the awe—it all conspires to stretch minutes into hours. So, when the tour provider says it’s a 2-hour trip, mentally add some bonus time. Trust me, you won’t mind. The Sumidero Canyon has a way of stealing your heart and slowing down time.
Best Time to Visit Sumidero Canyon
The ideal time to visit is the dry season, which runs from November to May, when the river is at its fullest and the waterfalls look spectacular. It is often regarded as the peak season. It obviously puts some extra pressure on your wallet, but, the weather is warm, the skies are clear, and rain is scarce. During the rainy season, which usually falls between June and October, things can get a whole different.
Pack your backpack with sunscreen (the sun is unforgiving), insect repellent, water, and comfortable shoes. And although the most tour includes food, an extra snack never hurts. Oh, and don’t forget your camera: even though the iPhone works wonders, this place deserves high-resolution photos.
Where to Stay in Sumidero Canyon
The thing to note is that San Cristóbal de las Casas and Suimidero Canyon are about an hour apart by car. That said, you might want to factor in the cost of transportation when deciding whether to stay near or far from the canyon. I’ve listed some beautiful options near the canyon below:**
Hotel Cañón del Sumidero
Hotel Cañón del Sumidero is more than a place to lay your head; it’s an immersion. The rooms are simple, but the view? Priceless. Sip your morning coffee as the sun paints the cliffs, and let the canyon’s magic seep into your bones.
Casa Nomada Hotel
It’s for budget travelers. Hostal is set in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, 11 km from Sumidero Canyon and 3.4 km from Cana Hueca Park. The hotel is well luxurious, it’s basically a 3-star hotel with airy rooms, free wifi, and a flat-screen TV. The bathroom is pretty much clean, it’s a decent place to have some rest.
Hotel Momotus
It’s pretty near to Sumidero Canyon (only 5.5 km). The hotel is well furnished, they have a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. They also provide free wifi and a private terrace. If you opt for a car there’s also free parking space.
FAQs
Yes, there are restaurants in Chiapa de Corzo with vegetarian options, but please let us know in advance if your tour includes food.
Absolutely. The boats are stable and the guides are trained, but always supervise children around the water.
No, it’s prohibited for safety reasons (the crocodiles are not pets).
During peak season (December-January), yes. Otherwise, one day is sufficient.
Last Updated on June 29, 2025
