Sumidero Canyon

The Grijalva River, in the state of Chiapas, Mexico, carved the deep Sumidero Canyon over millions of years. Its towering cliffs reach up to one thousand meters high (3,200 ft). The distance from Chiapa de Corzo, the embarkation point, to the hydroelectric dam is around twenty-three miles (35 km) and takes two to three hours round trip in a relaxing and scenic boat ride.

Restaurants around the dock
Shrimp scampi and horchata
Wildlife on pesos: Axolotl at lower right
Murals by ticket office

The walls of the canyon contain numerous small caves, rock formations, rainforest vegetation, caves, and waterfalls. The Árbol de Navidad (“Christmas Tree”) is created by moss hanging on one of the rock faces.

Diving boards, no divers that day
Cactus on the cliffs
Cave
The Christmas Tree
Rock patterns

Endangered and threatened species, such as the Central American river turtle and the American crocodile, live in the canyon. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including crocodiles, spider monkeys (I never did see them), and various bird species. 

Boating back to shore

Mexico: Mexico CityTeotehuacánTlahuacPueblaCholulaOaxacaMonte AlbanCrossing OaxacaSumidero CanyonSan Cristobal, ChamulaAgua AzulPalenqueCampecheMérida, Uxmal, Chichen Itzá, Playa del Carmen

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Published by rkrontheroad

Writer, photographer, traveler

41 thoughts on “Sumidero Canyon

  1. So I assume you went to San Cristobal de las Casas? Sumidero is a very pretty canyon, but we were put off a but by the amount of tourists. I had hoped to see water oclcer the Christmas Tree in your pictures, but you were there in dry season too I guess. Maggie

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    1. Yes, that will be my next post. I’m following in your footsteps a bit, Maggie! Ooh, that would be nice to see, as I’m sure the water streaming feeds the moss, but I’m thankful it was dry on this trip.

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  2. This is definitely my sort of outing! I love a boat trip, especially when there’s so much to see and photograph 🙂 The Christmas tree effect is lovely, as are the wispy clouds on your return journey.

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  3. Not what I would expect in Mexico, Ruth! Spectacular photos but I have to admit the one that made me pause was the shrimp scampi. It looks delicious, with the base looking a whole lot healthier than pasta.

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