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Mexico🇲🇽 | national parksSumidero Canyon1,000-meter canyon walls, Chiapa de Corzo launches, crocodile sandbars, rim miradors | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Sumidero Canyon
🏆 Top picknational park ranked #5
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 20, 2026

Sumidero Canyon is not a hiking park: the canyon floor is a river reservoir, and nearly everyone sees it from a motorboat or from road viewpoints. It sits in the state of Chiapas in southern Mexico, just northeast of Tuxtla Gutiérrez. The walls rise to roughly 1,000 meters, crocodiles doze on sandbars, and spider monkeys work the cliffs. The cons are plain. Weekends fill the boats, floating trash can collect near the dam, and independent hiking is almost nonexistent. Skip the pricey hotel-desk tours, buy the boat ticket at the Chiapa de Corzo dock, and go early on a weekday. I still hear the engine cutting out beside a crocodile, then the sudden clatter of a hundred vultures lifting off the rock. Keep your phone on a strap, because the lake keeps what it drops. The Christmas Tree waterfall is the last thing the guide points out.

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

Sumidero Canyon suits backpackers who like big scenery without big logistics. Chiapa de Corzo, the boat departure town, is a cheap colectivo ride from Tuxtla Gutiérrez, so you can see it on your own with no tour at all. The cliffs tower up to about 1,000 meters above the water, and the Christmas Tree waterfall and the Cueva del Silencio give the two-hour boat ride a real sense of place. Wildlife is the hook: crocodiles, spider monkeys, herons and vultures show up on most runs. Add the lookouts reached by road, and you can finish the whole canyon in half a day. That leaves time for the colonial plaza in Chiapa de Corzo, which has a well-known fountain and plenty of cheap food stalls. The park does not offer multi-day trekking, so it works best as a high-impact stop on a Chiapas loop through San Cristóbal and Palenque.

💡 HighlightsTop highlights of Sumidero Canyon

  1. Boat Ride from Chiapa de Corzo: The classic way to see the canyon. Open launches run about two hours up the Grijalva River between sheer walls, and the boatmen slow down for wildlife.
  2. Christmas Tree Waterfall (Árbol de Navidad): Moss and mineral growth form a tiered shape that looks like a fir. It is most dramatic after the rains, when water is heavy.
  3. Cueva del Silencio: A shallow cave in the wall where boats drift in and the engines go quiet, which is the point of the name.
  4. Crocodile sandbars: American crocodiles lie motionless along the banks with mouths open. Boatmen can get fairly close, and the animals barely react.
  5. Spider monkeys and birdlife: Troops move through the trees along the cliff base, while herons, kingfishers and black vultures work the water and the rock faces.
  6. Mirador La Coyota:
… read more 👉
  1. Boat Ride from Chiapa de Corzo: The classic way to see the canyon. Open launches run about two hours up the Grijalva River between sheer walls, and the boatmen slow down for wildlife.
  2. Christmas Tree Waterfall (Árbol de Navidad): Moss and mineral growth form a tiered shape that looks like a fir. It is most dramatic after the rains, when water is heavy.
  3. Cueva del Silencio: A shallow cave in the wall where boats drift in and the engines go quiet, which is the point of the name.
  4. Crocodile sandbars: American crocodiles lie motionless along the banks with mouths open. Boatmen can get fairly close, and the animals barely react.
  5. Spider monkeys and birdlife: Troops move through the trees along the cliff base, while herons, kingfishers and black vultures work the water and the rock faces.
  6. Mirador La Coyota: One of the road viewpoints on the rim. The drop to the river is dizzying, and the whole winding canyon lies below.
  7. Mirador La Ceiba: Another rim viewpoint with a broad outlook down the gorge, handy if you have a few minutes between lookouts.
  8. Chiapa de Corzo Plaza: Not in the canyon, but the arcaded square with its brick Moorish-style fountain is a fine place for a post-boat meal.
Sumidero Canyon is best started with the boat ride, because it puts you at river level before the lookouts flatten the view, and morning light is calmer with fewer boats.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do around Sumidero Canyon

Cañon Del Sumidero, miradores From San Cristobal de Las Casas

Cañon Del Sumidero, miradores From San Cristobal de Las Casas

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Sumidero Canyon Boat Ride & Viewpoints from San Cristóbal

Sumidero Canyon Boat Ride & Viewpoints from San Cristóbal

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

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

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

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

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Sumidero Canyon & Chiapa de Corzo from Tuxtla & San Cristobal

Sumidero Canyon & Chiapa de Corzo from Tuxtla & San Cristobal

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Chiapa de Corzo: tradition, gastronomy and Cañon del Sumidero

Chiapa de Corzo: tradition, gastronomy and Cañon del Sumidero

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Boat ride through Sumidero Canyon and visit to Indian Villages

Boat ride through Sumidero Canyon and visit to Indian Villages

4.8(8) 12h
From €77
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SanCris - Sink Canyon - Viewpoints - Chiapa - SanCris

SanCris - Sink Canyon - Viewpoints - Chiapa - SanCris

4.2(11) 8h
From €42
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Sink Canyon and Cork Chiapa

Sink Canyon and Cork Chiapa

3.3(19) 8h
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Adventure to the Sumidero Canyon Viewpoints and Chiapa de Corzo

Adventure to the Sumidero Canyon Viewpoints and Chiapa de Corzo

4.1(9) 8h
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Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Choosing the right time of year

  • Dry Season (November to April): Boat trips run in steady sun, with days of 26 to 32°C (79 to 90°F) and cool mornings near 14 to 18°C (57 to 64°F). Water is lowest in April, so waterfalls like the Árbol de Navidad (Christmas Tree) are weak. Daylight lasts roughly 11 to 13 hours.
  • Hot Months (March to May): Afternoons in Chiapa de Corzo can pass 35°C (95°F), so go on the first boats at 8 a.m.
  • Rainy Season (June to October): Showers come mostly in the afternoon, temperatures sit at 22 to 30°C (72 to 86°F), and the canyon turns green. The waterfall flows at its fullest, though heavy rain can brown the river and occasionally pause boats.
  • Holidays (late December, Easter week, July): Mexican families fill the piers and lodging prices rise 15 to 30 percent.
Go on a weekday morning in November or early … read more 👉
  • Dry Season (November to April): Boat trips run in steady sun, with days of 26 to 32°C (79 to 90°F) and cool mornings near 14 to 18°C (57 to 64°F). Water is lowest in April, so waterfalls like the Árbol de Navidad (Christmas Tree) are weak. Daylight lasts roughly 11 to 13 hours.
  • Hot Months (March to May): Afternoons in Chiapa de Corzo can pass 35°C (95°F), so go on the first boats at 8 a.m.
  • Rainy Season (June to October): Showers come mostly in the afternoon, temperatures sit at 22 to 30°C (72 to 86°F), and the canyon turns green. The waterfall flows at its fullest, though heavy rain can brown the river and occasionally pause boats.
  • Holidays (late December, Easter week, July): Mexican families fill the piers and lodging prices rise 15 to 30 percent.
Go on a weekday morning in November or early December for the best mix of full greenery, calm water and short lines.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: excellent for travelingFEBFebruary: excellent for travelingMARMarch: excellent for travelingAPRApril: highly recommended for travelingMAYMay: fair for travelingJUNJune: fair for travelingJULJuly: below average for travelingAUGAugust: below average for travelingSEPSeptember: fair for travelingOCTOctober: fair for travelingNOVNovember: highly recommended for travelingDECDecember: excellent for traveling
mexico-national-park-sumidero-canyon
© Google | Jorge Eliecer Molina

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🛏️ Where to stay?Where staying makes the most sense

San Cristóbal de las Casas or Tuxtla Gutiérrez are the places to sleep, because there is no lodging inside Sumidero Canyon. Tuxtla sits 15 to 25 minutes from the Cahuaré entrance by taxi or colectivo, and Chiapa de Corzo, the main boat launch, is about 20 minutes from the city.

Chiapa de Corzo is the most convenient base. It has a handful of guesthouses and small hotels around the main plaza, with private rooms from US$30 to 60. You can walk to the pier in 10 minutes and catch the earliest boat, before tour groups arrive.

San Cristóbal de las Casas is where most backpackers stay. It has dozens … read more 👉
San Cristóbal de las Casas or Tuxtla Gutiérrez are the places to sleep, because there is no lodging inside Sumidero Canyon. Tuxtla sits 15 to 25 minutes from the Cahuaré entrance by taxi or colectivo, and Chiapa de Corzo, the main boat launch, is about 20 minutes from the city.

Chiapa de Corzo is the most convenient base. It has a handful of guesthouses and small hotels around the main plaza, with private rooms from US$30 to 60. You can walk to the pier in 10 minutes and catch the earliest boat, before tour groups arrive.

San Cristóbal de las Casas is where most backpackers stay. It has dozens of hostels, with dorm beds from US$8 to 15 and private rooms from US$25 to 50, plus the best cafes and traveler company in Chiapas. The cost is the trip down: about one hour by shared van or tour to the canyon, so many visitors join a day tour for US$20 to 35 including the boat.

Tuxtla Gutiérrez suits late arrivals and early departures. It is a modern city with business hotels from US$35 to 70, a few budget options near the bus station, and the airport nearby.
Best hostels in Mexico


Best quality hotels in Mexico

👛 Costs (as of 20 October 2026)Typical daily expenses

A day at Sumidero Canyon costs about US$62 for a backpacker, mostly for the boat ride, a bed and transport. The table shows typical high-season prices, and you pay in Mexican pesos.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Boat TourUS$14 to 20Shared motorboat from Chiapa de Corzo or Cahuaré, about two hours round trip, with life jacket included. Prices are posted at the official counter.
Rim Viewpoints EntryUS$2 to 4Park access to the miradores, which usually includes a parking or entry fee. Some visitors reach it by tour or taxi.
AccommodationUS$10 to 40Dorm beds in San Cristóbal from US$10 to 15. Basic private rooms in Chiapa de Corzo cost US$30 to 40, and rates rise at holidays.
Local TransportUS$4 to 12Colectivos from Tuxtla to Chiapa de Corzo cost US$1 to 2. Taxis to the rim viewpoints cost US$15
… read more 👉
A day at Sumidero Canyon costs about US$62 for a backpacker, mostly for the boat ride, a bed and transport. The table shows typical high-season prices, and you pay in Mexican pesos.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Boat TourUS$14 to 20Shared motorboat from Chiapa de Corzo or Cahuaré, about two hours round trip, with life jacket included. Prices are posted at the official counter.
Rim Viewpoints EntryUS$2 to 4Park access to the miradores, which usually includes a parking or entry fee. Some visitors reach it by tour or taxi.
AccommodationUS$10 to 40Dorm beds in San Cristóbal from US$10 to 15. Basic private rooms in Chiapa de Corzo cost US$30 to 40, and rates rise at holidays.
Local TransportUS$4 to 12Colectivos from Tuxtla to Chiapa de Corzo cost US$1 to 2. Taxis to the rim viewpoints cost US$15 to 25 per car, splittable.
Food and SuppliesUS$8 to 15Market meals and fondas cost US$3 to 6. Snacks and water on the boat cost extra, at tourist prices.
Total Daily BudgetUS$38 to 91About US$62 for a typical day, with a dorm bed, shared transport and market food.


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 boat-and-viewpoint park, so what people do is short, easy outings rather than long trails. There are no official named hiking trails here that you can count on.
  • Boat route: The standard trip starts at the Chiapa de Corzo docks and runs about 35 kilometers round trip, taking roughly two hours. Easy, seated, with stops for wildlife and waterfalls.
  • Rim viewpoints: Several miradores sit along the paved road above the canyon, and each needs only short, flat walks from the parking areas. Allow about two to three hours for the set if you visit them all.
  • Terrain: The cliff walls are
… read more 👉
Sumidero Canyon is a boat-and-viewpoint park, so what people do is short, easy outings rather than long trails. There are no official named hiking trails here that you can count on.
  • Boat route: The standard trip starts at the Chiapa de Corzo docks and runs about 35 kilometers round trip, taking roughly two hours. Easy, seated, with stops for wildlife and waterfalls.
  • Rim viewpoints: Several miradores sit along the paved road above the canyon, and each needs only short, flat walks from the parking areas. Allow about two to three hours for the set if you visit them all.
  • Terrain: The cliff walls are limestone, covered in dry forest with hanging vines. Water levels and color shift with the seasons.
  • Wildlife: Crocodiles, spider monkeys, herons, cormorants and vultures are the main sightings, mostly from the water.
  • Difficulty: Very low. Bring a hat, sunscreen and a rain layer, since the open boat has little shade.
Getting there is straightforward. Colectivos run from Tuxtla Gutiérrez to Chiapa de Corzo, and you can walk from the plaza to the docks. The rim viewpoints are harder without a car, so most people join a tour or hire a taxi for the upper lookouts. Weekends and holidays get crowded, with queues at the docks and fuller boats. A national park fee is bundled with the boat ticket, and life jackets are provided and required. Early morning is the quietest time on the water.
⚠️ 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 is straightforward and well managed, since most visitors see it from a motorboat or the roadside miradores. On the water, everyone wears a provided life jacket, and you should keep it fastened. Boats move fast, so sit low and hold your hat and phone. The sun reflecting off the water is strong, and shade is minimal, so wear sunscreen and a cap.

Crocodiles rest on the banks and spider monkeys sit in the trees. Stay in the boat and never feed or lean toward them. The viewpoints along the rim road have low railings in places, so keep children and selfie-takers back from the edge. Fog or rain can reduce visibility, and heavy rain can briefly suspend boats.

Pay for tickets at official counters, and use licensed boat operators. Carry small bills and water, since the three-hour round trip has no shops.
Check Country Safety

FAQTraveler FAQ

One full day is enough for Sumidero Canyon, and two days let you add the rim viewpoints and Chiapa de Corzo. The boat ride takes about two hours round trip, and the five main miradores along the rim road take another two to three hours. Most backpackers combine it with San Cristóbal de las Casas, about one hour away.
Yes, Sumidero Canyon works without a car. Colectivos run from Tuxtla Gutiérrez to Chiapa de Corzo for about US$1 to 2 in 25 to 30 minutes, and boats leave from the pier there. From San Cristóbal, tours cost around US$20 to 35, and shared taxis to the rim viewpoints cost about US$15 to 25 per car.
Yes, Sumidero Canyon charges for boat tickets and for access to the rim viewpoints, but no separate permit is needed. Expect to pay about US$14 to 20 for the shared boat at Chiapa de Corzo or Cahuaré and about US$2 to 4 to enter the rim road. Buy tickets at the official counters, in pesos, and arrive before 10 a.m. to avoid weekend lines.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Mexican national parks near Sumidero Canyon

Explore more nearby:

  • Lagunas de Montebello—59 lakes, color shifts, Tziscao border shore, Cinco Lagos| 167 km away
  • Pantanos de Centla—Usumacinta wetlands, launch trips, manatee habitat, howler monkeys| 178 km away
  • Huatulco National Park—Pacific bays, La Entrega snorkeling, Maguey seafood shacks, boat-only coves| 353 km away

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We 💚 feedbackFinal thoughts on exploring Sumidero Canyon

Sumidero Canyon rewards a half day, and one full day is the most you need. I would do the boat in the morning, then spend the afternoon in Chiapa de Corzo rather than chasing every viewpoint. If you have spare time, use it in San Cristóbal instead, because the canyon does not hold you for a second day.

✈️ 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.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

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