Sumidero Canyon
Canyon Steep-sided canyon with dramatic cliffs and river
Sheer limestone walls line the Grijalva River at Sumidero Canyon; riverboat tours reveal cliffs, waterfalls and crocodiles, while roadside miradores offer quick viewpoints above Chiapas’s canyon rim.
Sumidero Canyon is a narrow, steep-sided canyon carved by the Grijalva River in the state of Chiapas. The canyon is protected within a national park and is known for its towering cliffs and riverine ecosystem.
A common visitor experience is a boat tour along the Grijalva River that passes under sheer rock walls and past waterfalls, with opportunities to see birds, crocodiles and other wildlife along the banks. Several rim lookouts and short walks provide panoramic views along the canyon edge.
The canyon formed over geological time through river incision and tectonic uplift and has been a landmark in regional history. Conservation measures protect flora and fauna and regulate river tours.
The canyon lies near the cities of Tuxtla Gutiérrez and Chiapa de Corzo in central Chiapas, with tour departures commonly operating from the town of Chiapa de Corzo.
- Best way to visit: Boat tours along the Grijalva River provide the most direct experience of the canyon interior and allow close views of cliff faces and waterfalls.
- Cliff heights: Vertical cliffs reach nearly 1,000 metres in places, creating dramatic scenery and a narrow river channel at the canyon floor.
How to Get to Sumidero Canyon #
Sumidero Canyon is best accessed from the nearby towns of Chiapa de Corzo and Tuxtla Gutiérrez in Chiapas. From Tuxtla Gutiérrez it’s a short drive (roughly 10-20 km, depending on the launch point) to Chiapa de Corzo where most boat tours depart; many visitors drive or take a local bus from Tuxtla to Chiapa de Corzo. Roads are well signed from Tuxtla and regional buses and taxis serve the route.
Boat tours of the canyon leave from the riverside pier in Chiapa de Corzo (the tour docks are adjacent to the town center), so plan on a very short walk from the town bus/taxi drop-off to the boats.
Tips for Visiting Sumidero Canyon #
- Take a morning boat tour from the Chiapa de Corzo docks-early departures offer calmer water, better wildlife sightings (crocodiles, birds), and fewer other boats in the canyon.
- After the boat trip, drive the rim road and stop at the main miradores (La Ceiba, El Roblar, Los Chiapa) for panoramic viewpoints you'll miss from the river level.
- If possible choose a weekday for your visit: weekends bring more domestic tourists and larger excursion groups, which increases wait times at the dock and on the viewing platforms.
Best Time to Visit Sumidero Canyon #
Visit Sumidero Canyon in the dry season (November-April) for calmer boat trips and clearer views of the canyon walls and wildlife.
Weather & Climate near Sumidero Canyon #
Sumidero Canyon's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in May) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 14°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1237 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall.
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March
March is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 16°C. The driest month with just 16 mm.
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April
April is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 18°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is the warmest month with highs of 33°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).
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June
June is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Heavy rain (232 mm).
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July
July is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (184 mm).
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August
August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. Heavy rain (211 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (240 mm).
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October
October is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm).
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November
November is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall.
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