Sumidero Canyon
Central-South Mexico Region
Sumidero Canyon is a spectacular natural canyon located just north of Chiapa de Corzo in Chiapas, Mexico. Formed approximately 35 million years ago by tectonic activity and erosion by the Grijalva River, it features vertical limestone walls reaching heights of up to 1,000 meters. The canyon stretches about 13 kilometers with the river making sharp turns, creating a narrow and dramatic passage. Surrounding the canyon is the Sumidero Canyon National Park, a federally protected area spanning over 21,700 hectares, home to diverse ecosystems including deciduous rainforest, pine-oak forests, and grasslands. The park shelters a rich variety of flora and fauna, including endemic and endangered species such as river crocodiles, spider monkeys, and various birds. Visitors commonly explore the canyon via boat tours departing from Chiapa de Corzo, offering breathtaking views of waterfalls, caves, and cliffs. The Chicoasén Dam and its reservoir lie at the northern end, playing a crucial role in regional hydroelectric power generation. Despite its natural beauty, the park faces environmental challenges from urban encroachment and pollution, with significant waste accumulation in the river. Declared a national park in 1980 and a Ramsar wetland site in 2004, Sumidero Canyon remains one of Chiapas' top ecotourism destinations, celebrated for its geological significance, biodiversity, and striking landscapes.
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Tip: For the best experience, visit during the dry season to enjoy clearer river views and safer navigation. Booking boat tours in advance is recommended, especially during weekends and holidays, as they are popular among visitors. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Arrive early to access the scenic viewpoints along the Calzada al Sumidero in Tuxtla Gutiérrez before heading to the boat docks in Chiapa de Corzo. Bring sun protection and insect repellent, and consider guided tours to learn about the canyon's ecology and history.
Interesting facts
- •Sumidero Canyon's walls reach heights of up to 1,000 meters, making them some of the tallest canyon walls in the world.
- •The canyon was formed contemporaneously with the Grand Canyon in the United States, approximately 35 million years ago.
- •The Grijalva River flowing through the canyon is one of Mexico's most important river systems, stretching about 766 kilometers.
- •The park hosts over 2,900 species of plants and animals, including 154 species classified as at risk.
- •Up to 5,000 tons of solid waste are removed annually from the Grijalva River within the canyon due to pollution from upstream urban and industrial sources.
History
Sumidero Canyon began forming approximately 35 to 70 million years ago due to tectonic movements known as Horts-Graben, which created cracks in the Earth's crust.
The canyon's limestone walls, containing marine fossils, date back around 136 million years to when the area was submerged under a shallow sea.
It was officially designated a national park in 1980 to protect its unique geological and ecological features.
In 2004, the park was recognized as a Ramsar wetland site, highlighting its importance for conservation.
Over time, human activities such as urban expansion and logging have posed environmental threats, prompting ongoing preservation efforts.
Place Guide
Boat Tour along the Grijalva River
A popular way to explore Sumidero Canyon is by boat, which allows visitors to navigate the river through the narrow canyon passage, viewing towering cliffs, waterfalls, caves, and wildlife habitats up close.
Miradores (Viewpoints)
Several scenic viewpoints along the Calzada al Sumidero road in Tuxtla Gutiérrez offer panoramic vistas of the canyon and river below, ideal for photography and appreciating the canyon's scale.
Chicoasén Dam and Reservoir1980s
Located at the northern end of the canyon, the Chicoasén Dam creates a large artificial reservoir used for hydroelectric power generation and water storage, impacting the canyon's hydrology.
