The Mexican state of Chiapas is filled with natural wonders from caves and lakes to stunning waterfalls. One of its most unique though is the breathtaking Sumidero Canyon which is fairly easy to access from the capital Tuxtla Gutiérrez and the state’s main airport.
Day tours leave from either Tuxtla or San Cristóbal de las Casas and will bring you first to the viewpoints above so you can grasp the scale of the canyon from a bird’s-eye view. It was formed 35 million years ago through a combination of cracks in the Earth’s crust and erosion from the river, around the same time as the Grand Canyon.
The best way to truly experience it is on a 2-hour boat ride navigating the 8 miles through the gorge, with sheer walls rising up to 1,000 meters (3,300 ft) high. Word of advice if you come from San Cristóbal – prepare for tropical weather! While it’s just an hour away, there’s 5,000+ foot elevation difference from mountainous San Cris to the canyon, with temperatures often 20-30°F higher. It is swelteringly hot so bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat.
The towering cliffs rising on both sides are magnificent and will take up much of your attention, but there are plenty of other things to admire. The national park is a protected habitat for biodiversity in the region and you’ll see plenty of wildlife along the shores, especially herons, egrets, river crocodiles, and even spider monkeys.
There are also some interesting caves like the Cueva de los Colores (Cave of Colors), famous for its pink walls caused by mineral deposits. A statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe can be accessed via a small ladder and visitors come here to pay respect with flowers and candles.
Eventually the river opens out to a large body of water towards the end of the trip with far reaching views.
The boat will get you as close as possible to the Chicoasen hydroelectric dam, one of Mexico’s most important sources of electric power, before turning around and retracing your route back to the beginning.
Far from boring, the return trip highlights unique rock formations, the best being the “Christmas Tree”.
A green coniferous shape juts out from the wall, looking very much like winter’s prettiest evergreen. Water trickling down during the rainy season has over time created moss hanging down like weeping branches – such a pretty sight!
You’ll disembark at Chiapa de Corzo, the first city to be founded in Chiapas in 1523. Most tours spend a bit of time here as it’s a lovely, atmospheric colonial town and an ideal break for food and to stretch your legs after the boat ride. The little town is centered around the very big Plaza de Armas, the main town square, with the unmissable La Pila on its south side – an eye catching fountain built like a crown that used to be the main source of fresh water back in the days.
All around the plaza are shops, cafes, and vendors of all kind escaping the heat under the arched arcades.
You’ll surely be hungry by then after all this time outside. Follow your nose two blocks south to find the local market and many busy food stalls. I had insanely good cochinita al horno (pork tacos with bouillon dip) before going back to San Cris in the late afternoon. A great day trip!
No Comments