Cañón del Sumidero Park is one of the most impressive and emblematic destinations in Chiapas, the southernmost state of Mexico. It is a narrow and deep canyon formed by a geological fault some 12 million years ago, through which the Grijalva River flows, which originates in the mountains of Guatemala and flows into the Gulf of Mexico.
The canyon is about 35 km long and has a maximum height of more than 1,300 m, making it a natural spectacle of great beauty and majesty. Its rocky walls are home to a rich biodiversity, with more than 1,000 species of plants and animals, some of them endemic or in danger of extinction.
The park was declared as such in 1980, in order to protect and conserve this natural and cultural heritage of Chiapas and Mexico. In addition, in 2004 it was recognized as a Ramsar site, an international agreement that seeks to preserve the most important wetlands in the world.
The park offers various options to enjoy its landscapes and its fauna, from panoramic viewpoints to boat tours on the river. It also has an ecotourism complex that offers recreational and educational activities for the whole family.
How to get to the Sumidero Canyon Park
The park is located about 5 km from Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the capital of Chiapas, and about 15 km from Chiapa de Corzo, the oldest colonial city in the state. Both cities have public and private transportation services to get to the park.
The most comfortable and usual way to get there is by car or bus, taking the road that goes from Tuxtla Gutiérrez to the viewpoints of the canyon. There are five viewpoints in total, each one with a different and spectacular view of the canyon. The most famous is the Mirador La Ceiba, where you can appreciate the rock formation known as El Arbol de Navidad, a natural waterfall that is shaped like a pine tree.
Another alternative, the most adventurous and exciting, is to arrive by boat on the Grijalva River. You can set sail from the piers on the banks of Cahuaré or from the city of Chiapa de Corzo. The tour lasts about two and a half hours, and allows you to admire the canyon from below, as well as observe some animal species such as crocodiles, spider monkeys, herons, and pelicans. In addition, you can visit the cave where the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe, patron saint of Mexico, is located.
What to do in the Sumidero Canyon Park
In addition to contemplating the beauty of the canyon from the viewpoints or from the river, the park offers other activities to enjoy nature and learn about its history and culture.
One option is to visit the ecotourism complex that is located in front of the Manuel Moreno Torres hydroelectric dam, popularly known as Presa Chicoasén. This complex has ecological trails, green areas, playgrounds, an interactive museum, a planetarium and a butterfly garden.
Another option is to practice some extreme sport such as rappelling, zip-lining or kayaking in the river. These activities can be contracted with a specialized agency or with the local guides that are in the park.
You can also take advantage of the visit to the park to get to know Chiapa de Corzo, a city full of history and tradition. Here you can admire its colonial architecture, its famous Mudejar fountain and its former Dominican convent. In addition, you can taste its typical gastronomy, such as baked pork, pozol and artisan ice cream.
Why visit the Sumidero Canyon Park
The Cañón del Sumidero Park is a place that cannot be missed if you travel to Chiapas, since it is one of the most impressive natural wonders of Mexico and the world. Its scenic beauty, its ecological wealth and its cultural value make it a unique and unforgettable destination.
In addition, the park is a symbol of identity and pride for the people of Chiapas, who consider it part of their shield and their history. In fact, the canyon was the scene of a heroic feat in 1524, when the indigenous people of Chiapas jumped from its walls to avoid being subdued by the Spanish conquerors.
Visiting the park is also a way of supporting its conservation and sustainable development, since it is a fragile ecosystem threatened by pollution, deforestation and climate change. For this reason, it is recommended to follow the rules and recommendations of the park, such as not littering, not feeding the animals and respecting restricted areas.
The Cañón del Sumidero Park is, without a doubt, a place that must be visited and admired at least once in a lifetime. It is an experience that fills with wonder and gratitude for nature and for life.