Mexico🇲🇽 | national parksSumidero Canyonvertical cliffs, boat tours, river gorge, lookout points | things to do and best time to go

Backpacking in Sumidero Canyon
🏆 Top picknational park ranked #5
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated May 29, 2026

The first real decision at Sumidero Canyon is simple but important: do you just take the classic boat tour, or do you also hit the viewpoints and trails above the rim. That choice decides whether this is a half‑day detour or a full, physically tiring but rewarding day. Sumidero Canyon sits in Chiapas, just north of Tuxtla Gutiérrez and close to backpacker‑favorite San Cristóbal de las Casas. The canyon itself is dramatic and narrow, with steep walls, crocodiles and birds along the river, and viewpoints that feel far more intense than most photos suggest. Access is easy by tour from Tuxtla or San Cristóbal, and boat prices and park entrance fees are reasonable, but you pay in crowds and noise, especially on weekends and holidays. Hiking is limited and tightly controlled, camping is basically off the table, and cheap stays are in nearby towns, not inside the park. Compared with El Triunfo or Lagunas de Montebello, Sumidero is less of a wilderness escape and more of a high‑impact, high‑traffic showpiece that’s worth seeing once if you manage your expectations.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Mexico Travel Guide.

Best time to go: November - April
Daily cost: USD40 to 70 [gob.mx]

Get your Mexico guide

147 ranked highlights, routes & tips, works offline (532 pages)

Loading the map 🌍

CLICK TO FILTER

cities

towns

villages

landmarks

national parks

hikes

beaches

attractions

festivals

regions

SHOW COUNTRY’S BESTSHOW ALL

💡 Help me find the best route

✨ Why go?
Ranked #5 national park in MexicoReasons people choose to explore here

Backpackers flock to Sumidero Canyon for its blend of independent exploration and affordable options. The park offers a variety of trails that cater to different skill levels, making it accessible for both newbies and seasoned hikers. You can easily spend a day wandering along the rim or venturing into the canyon itself, soaking in the dramatic cliffs and diverse wildlife.

Budget-conscious travelers appreciate the camping facilities and nearby hostels, which keep costs low without sacrificing comfort. This is a place where you can pitch a tent under the stars or find a cozy bed after a long day of hiking.

Self-guided exploration is encouraged here, allowing you to set your own pace and avoid the often overpriced tours. Just be mindful of the weather and trail conditions; they can change … read more 👉

Want to include Sumidero Canyon in your Mexico route?
Create a personalized Mexico itinerary that includes Sumidero Canyon and the places that fit your trip — based on your travel style, budget, and available time. Get your route in seconds.

Generate my trip

💡 HighlightsTop highlights of Sumidero Canyon

Grijalva River boat cruise — The classic way to experience the canyon: small motorboats run along the river so you can stare up at the cliffs, get close to waterfalls, and spot wildlife at water level. Personal favorite — nothing beats the first moment the canyon walls swallow the sky.
Sheer canyon walls and rock formations — Towering vertical cliffs (hundreds of meters high) with dramatic strata, caves and overhangs. The geology alone makes you feel tiny — great for photos and for anyone into raw, dramatic landscapes.
Rim viewpoints (miradores) — Short drives or walks to lookouts like Mirador La Ceiba (and other miradores) give panoramic perspectives of the canyon and river below. Perfect if you want expansive views without getting on a boat.
Riverside waterfalls — Small cascades and

… read more 👉

Grijalva River boat cruise — The classic way to experience the canyon: small motorboats run along the river so you can stare up at the cliffs, get close to waterfalls, and spot wildlife at water level. Personal favorite — nothing beats the first moment the canyon walls swallow the sky.
Sheer canyon walls and rock formations — Towering vertical cliffs (hundreds of meters high) with dramatic strata, caves and overhangs. The geology alone makes you feel tiny — great for photos and for anyone into raw, dramatic landscapes.
Rim viewpoints (miradores) — Short drives or walks to lookouts like Mirador La Ceiba (and other miradores) give panoramic perspectives of the canyon and river below. Perfect if you want expansive views without getting on a boat.
Riverside waterfalls — Small cascades and seasonal falls tumble off the canyon walls into the Grijalva. They’re most impressive after the rainy season and make for nice close-up moments during the boat tour.
Wildlife watching — Keep an eye out for American crocodiles, herons, kingfishers, cormorants and other water birds; you can also spot mammals and birds along the rim. Bring binoculars and don’t expect to see everything — that’s part of the fun.
Short rim hikes and nature trails — There are easy walks from the miradores and picnic spots along the rim that let you stretch your legs, see different angles of the canyon, and enjoy quieter moments away from the tour boats. Sunscreen and water are a must.
Sunrise/sunset light on the canyon — Golden hours paint the rock faces and make the canyon glow — simple, moody, and perfect for photographers or anyone who likes dramatic light without extra effort.

Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Mexico

example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Mexico

example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Mexico

example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Mexico

example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Mexico

example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Mexico

example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Mexico

example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Mexico

Stop researching. Start exploring.
Discover all 147 highlights,ranked
and organized into practical routes.

Get instant access

🌤️ When to go?Choosing the right time of year

Weather: The dry season from November to April is your best bet. Rainfall drops significantly, reducing the risk of slippery trails and swollen rivers that can stall your plans.

Temperature: Daytime highs hover around 25-30°C (77-86°F) during the dry months, which is comfortable for hiking. Avoid the summer heat of May to October when temps can spike above 35°C (95°F), making exertion exhausting.

Daylight Hours: Expect roughly 11 to 12 hours of daylight year-round, but the dry season offers clearer skies, so you get more usable daylight without the threat of afternoon storms cutting your trek short.

Crowds: Peak tourist season aligns with the dry months, especially December through February. If you want fewer people, aim for November or late April, when the park is quieter but still

… read more 👉

Weather: The dry season from November to April is your best bet. Rainfall drops significantly, reducing the risk of slippery trails and swollen rivers that can stall your plans.

Temperature: Daytime highs hover around 25-30°C (77-86°F) during the dry months, which is comfortable for hiking. Avoid the summer heat of May to October when temps can spike above 35°C (95°F), making exertion exhausting.

Daylight Hours: Expect roughly 11 to 12 hours of daylight year-round, but the dry season offers clearer skies, so you get more usable daylight without the threat of afternoon storms cutting your trek short.

Crowds: Peak tourist season aligns with the dry months, especially December through February. If you want fewer people, aim for November or late April, when the park is quieter but still accessible.

Seasonal Activities: Boat tours on the Grijalva River run year-round but are calmer and safer in the dry season. Wildlife spotting is more reliable then, as animals gather near water sources.

Price Fluctuations: Expect higher prices for lodging and tours during the dry season and holidays. The rainy season sees discounts but comes with trade-offs in trail conditions and comfort.

Pro-tip: Plan your visit just before or after the peak dry season to balance good weather, manageable crowds, and better prices—your energy and budget will thank you.

source: climatestotravel.comJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutMexico Travel Guide

An offline-friendly backpacking guide with optimized travel routes, ranked highlights, transport advice, and the best areas to stay.

The digital guide (532 pages) contains:
✅ 147 highlights, ranked by travel appeal
✅ Optimized 7, 14 & 21-day travel routes
✅ Cities, national parks, landmarks, beaches
✅ How to get around
✅ Offline-friendly for travel without Wi-Fi
👉 Click to see all 30+ guide features

📅 Plan smarter in minutes, not weeks
✅ Month by month travel advice
✅ Festivals & national holidays
✅ Budget expectations

🗺️ Go to the right places, skip the overrated ones
✅ Honest pros & cons of destinations
✅ Top hikes, parks & viewpoints
✅ Lesser-known places most travelers miss
✅ Clear “worth it vs skip it” guidance

🛏️ Travel smoothly without rookie mistakes
✅ Best areas to stay
✅ Transport systems explained simply
✅ Common scams & safety advice
✅ SIM cards, money & practical tips

🌍 Understand the country, not just visit it
✅ Culture & traditions
✅ 52 Essential phrases & customs
✅ Festivals worth planning around
✅ Traveler-friendly historical context
✅ Insights that make places more meaningful

📱 Built for real travel conditions
✅ Fully downloadable PDF
✅ Works completely offline
✅ Optimized for phone use
✅ Useful in remote areas & buses
✅ Everything in one place

Save weeks of stressful planning

Get instant access to your full guide. 30‑day money-back guarantee.

By proceeding you agree to our terms.
Sent to your inbox immediately after payment • 100% Secure Checkout

Best Backpacking
Travel Advisor
2025

What others say about Take Your Backpack Guides:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Fantastic, amazing amount of information!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

My goodness this is amazing, it's what I've been looking for hats off too you!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I think this is absolutely BRILLIANT

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Very complete and informative. It's still missing places, but I gotta to commend you

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is truly amazing, thank you, can't wait to explore it with my kids!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Awesome resource, thank you!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is amazing! Can't wait to explore the ones I haven't seen

⭐⭐⭐⭐

I love this! Well done, great idea.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thanks for taking the time to make this gem!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This might be the best website I've ever seen.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Congratulations, and thank you so much for your work; it's incredibly valuable.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

In all seriousness I think you did a great job pointing out the important spots

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

10/10 very good

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

As someone who's only just starting to visit regularly this is awesome, thank you.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you very much! I'm going to visit my dad, it's going to be very useful!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is really cool! We'll be travelling for the first time and this definitely come in handy.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

You are now our minister of culture, congratulations 👨‍💼

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Just wanted to tell you that this is a pearl! Going to follow your recommendations.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is so cool. I'll definitely be using the resource for my travels soon.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is very impressive! Good work.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is an amazing and informative site. Very well done!

🛏️ Where to stay?Where staying makes the most sense

For backpackers heading to Sumidero Canyon, the options for staying nearby are solid but limited. Inside the national park, there aren’t any accommodations. The park is primarily a natural reserve, so your best bet is to stay in the nearby town of Chiapa de Corzo.

Chiapa de Corzo offers a range of budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. Look for places like Hotel La Ceiba or Posada del Abuelito, which provide a cozy atmosphere without breaking the bank. Staying here gives you easy access to the canyon’s entrance and local eateries where you can fuel up before your adventures.

Another option is Tuxtla Gutiérrez, about 30 minutes away. It’s a larger city with more amenities, but it can feel a bit less intimate. If you choose this route, consider hostels like Hostel Casa del Águila for a friendly vibe.

Be mindful of transportation costs; taxis can add up. Plan your trips wisely to keep your budget intact and your energy focused on exploring the canyon’s breathtaking views.

Best hostels in Mexico

Best quality hotels in Mexico

👛 Costs (as of 29 August 2025)Typical daily expenses

Visiting Sumidero Canyon in Mexico can be a rewarding experience, but it’s essential to be aware of the costs involved to avoid surprises.

Entrance fees to the park typically range from $5 to $10 USD per person. This fee grants you access to the stunning views and hiking trails. If you plan to take a boat tour through the canyon, expect to pay between $15 and $25 USD per person. These tours are popular and can fill up quickly, so booking in advance is wise.

Parking fees are usually around $2 to $5 USD for the day. If you’re considering guided tours, prices can vary significantly, often starting at $50 USD and going up depending on the inclusions, such as meals or additional activities.

Food options inside the park can be limited and slightly pricier than outside. Budget around $10 to $15 USD for a meal. Bringing snacks or a packed lunch can save you money and keep your energy up for exploring.

Lastly, consider transportation costs. If you’re traveling from nearby towns like Tuxtla Gutiérrez or San Cristóbal de las Casas, expect to pay around $10 to $20 USD for a taxi or shuttle service.

Being aware of these costs helps you plan effectively, ensuring you can focus on enjoying the breathtaking scenery without financial stress.

source: gob.mx

⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🥾 TrailsTrail guide for Sumidero Canyon national park

Sumidero Canyon is a gem for hikers looking for stunning views and a bit of adventure. The canyon walls shoot up dramatically, creating a breathtaking backdrop that’s hard to forget. You’ll find trails that wind through diverse terrain, from rocky paths to lush vegetation, and if you’re lucky, you might spot some wildlife like spider monkeys or crocodiles lounging by the river.

One of the standout trails is the Cañon del Sumidero Trail. Here’s the lowdown:

Length: 6 km
Estimated duration: 2-3 hours
Difficulty level: Moderate
Key features: Stunning canyon views, diverse flora and fauna, opportunities

… read more 👉

Length: 6 km
Estimated duration: 2-3 hours
Difficulty level: Moderate
Key features: Stunning canyon views, diverse flora and fauna, opportunities for birdwatching
Terrain: Rocky paths, some steep sections, shaded areas

Getting to the park is pretty straightforward. You can hop on a bus from Tuxtla Gutiérrez, and it’s usually a quick ride. As for crowds, it can get busy, especially on weekends and holidays, so if you’re looking for some solitude, try to go during the week. There’s an entrance fee, but it’s generally affordable, making it a solid option for budget travelers. Just remember to pack water and snacks, and you’re all set for a day of exploration!

⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetySafety Tips and Common Scams in Sumidero Canyon

Sumidero Canyon offers a generally straightforward hiking experience, but a few realities can catch you off guard. Weather can shift quickly, especially during the rainy season, so pack a lightweight, waterproof jacket. The trails are well-marked, but some sections can be steep and rocky, requiring careful footing. Take your time; rushing can lead to slips.

Wildlife is present, including snakes and various insects. Keep your distance and avoid feeding animals. This helps maintain their natural behavior and keeps you safe.

Many first-timers underestimate the canyon’s exposure. Bring plenty of water and wear a hat to shield yourself from the sun. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for hiking, as temperatures can soar.

With a bit of preparation, you can focus on the stunning views … read more 👉

Check Country Safety

Other Mexican national parks near Sumidero Canyon

Explore more nearby:

Lagunas de Montebello—multi-colored lakes, pine forest, border region, wooden rafts| 167 km away
Pantanos de Centla—wetlands, river delta, boardwalks, tropical birds| 178 km away
Huatulco National Park—coastal bays, tropical forest, snorkeling coves, birdlife| 353 km away

💡 Not sure where to go next?
Create a personalized itinerary for Mexico including Sumidero Canyon and the places that fit your trip.

Generate my itinerary

👉 Discover all national parks

Or checkout all Mexico has to offer (think cities, towns, villages, national parks, hikes, beaches, festivals)

Explore Mexico

We 💚 feedbackFinal thoughts on exploring Sumidero Canyon

Sumidero Canyon is a breathtaking spectacle, with its towering cliffs and vibrant river teeming with wildlife. You’ll feel small in the best way possible. But be prepared: the boat tours can get crowded and pricey, especially during peak season. If you’re not careful, you might end up spending more than you planned. Focus on the experience, not just the cost, and you’ll leave with memories that truly matter.

✈️ When did I visit Mexico?
As part of my 1.5 year travel around the world trip, I visited Mexico in February and March 2016. Had to hurry a bit as I didn’t want to miss the free performance of the Rolling Stones in Cuba.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Mexico, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.

🙋‍♂️ Give feedback

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpack

Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

Read the full story

Get full Mexico guide •

Mexico🇲🇽 | national parksSumidero Canyonvertical cliffs, boat tours, river gorge, lookout points | things to do and best time to go

Backpacking in Sumidero Canyon
🏆 Top picknational park ranked #5
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated May 29, 2026

✨ Why go?
Ranked #5 national park in MexicoReasons people choose to explore here

💡 HighlightsTop highlights of Sumidero Canyon

Things to do around Sumidero Canyon

Cañon Del Sumidero, miradores From San Cristobal de Las Casas

Sumidero Canyon, Chiapa de Corzo Magical Town from San Cristóbal de las Casas

San Cris - Canyon of the Sump Miradores Chiapa - San Cris in Spanish

Sumidero Canyon & Chiapa de Corzo from Tuxtla & San Cristobal

Chiapa de Corzo: tradition, gastronomy and Cañon del Sumidero

SanCris - Sink Canyon - Viewpoints - Chiapa - SanCris

Sink Canyon and Cork Chiapa

Live the Sumidero Canyon and the magic town of Chiapa de Corzo.

Adventure to the Sumidero Canyon Viewpoints and Chiapa de Corzo

Boat ride through Sumidero Canyon and visit to Indian Villages

🌤️ When to go?Choosing the right time of year

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutMexico Travel Guide

🛏️ Where to stay?Where staying makes the most sense

👛 Costs (as of 29 August 2025)Typical daily expenses

🥾 TrailsTrail guide for Sumidero Canyon national park

🛡️ SafetySafety Tips and Common Scams in Sumidero Canyon

Other Mexican national parks near Sumidero Canyon

We 💚 feedbackFinal thoughts on exploring Sumidero Canyon

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Mexico🇲🇽 | national parksSumidero Canyonvertical cliffs, boat tours, river gorge, lookout points | things to do and best time to go

Backpacking in Sumidero Canyon🏆 Top picknational park ranked #5By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated May 29, 2026addMaskedRevealAnimation('6a542c46868bc')

✨ Why go?Ranked #5 national park in MexicoaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6a542c4687345')Reasons people choose to explore hereaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6a542c468734a')

💡 HighlightsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6a542c4689bb2')Top highlights of Sumidero CanyonaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6a542c4689bb9')

Things to do around Sumidero Canyon

Cañon Del Sumidero, miradores From San Cristobal de Las Casas

Sumidero Canyon, Chiapa de Corzo Magical Town from San Cristóbal de las Casas

San Cris - Canyon of the Sump Miradores Chiapa - San Cris in Spanish

Sumidero Canyon & Chiapa de Corzo from Tuxtla & San Cristobal

Chiapa de Corzo: tradition, gastronomy and Cañon del Sumidero

SanCris - Sink Canyon - Viewpoints - Chiapa - SanCris

Sink Canyon and Cork Chiapa

Live the Sumidero Canyon and the magic town of Chiapa de Corzo.

Adventure to the Sumidero Canyon Viewpoints and Chiapa de Corzo

Boat ride through Sumidero Canyon and visit to Indian Villages

🌤️ When to go?addMaskedRevealAnimation('6a542c468a5c4')Choosing the right time of yearaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6a542c468a5c9')

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutMexico Travel Guide

🛏️ Where to stay?addMaskedRevealAnimation('6a542c468ba8e')Where staying makes the most senseaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6a542c468ba94')

👛 Costs (as of 29 August 2025)addMaskedRevealAnimation('6a542c468c169')Typical daily expensesaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6a542c468c16e')

🥾 TrailsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6a542c46a0f6d')Trail guide for Sumidero Canyon national parkaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6a542c46a0f74')

🛡️ SafetyaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6a542c46a1585')Safety Tips and Common Scams in Sumidero CanyonaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6a542c46a1589')

Other Mexican national parks near Sumidero CanyonaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6a542c46a5020')

We 💚 feedbackaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6a542c46a5192')Final thoughts on exploring Sumidero CanyonaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6a542c46a5196')

👋 Meet the founderaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6a542c46a51e9')Who’s Behind Take Your Backpack?addMaskedRevealAnimation('6a542c46a51ec')

Backpacking in Sumidero Canyon
🏆 Top picknational park ranked #5
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated May 29, 2026

✨ Why go?
Ranked #5 national park in MexicoReasons people choose to explore here

💡 HighlightsTop highlights of Sumidero Canyon

🌤️ When to go?Choosing the right time of year

🛏️ Where to stay?Where staying makes the most sense

👛 Costs (as of 29 August 2025)Typical daily expenses

🥾 TrailsTrail guide for Sumidero Canyon national park

🛡️ SafetySafety Tips and Common Scams in Sumidero Canyon

Other Mexican national parks near Sumidero Canyon

We 💚 feedbackFinal thoughts on exploring Sumidero Canyon

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?