Nestled in the lush landscapes of Chiapas, Mexico, Sumidero Canyon is a natural wonder that captivates visitors with its towering limestone cliffs and stunning views. Accessible from the charming town of Chiapa de Corzo, this awe-inspiring destination offers visitors the chance to embark on a thrilling boat tour, where they can witness the canyon’s diverse wildlife and admire its remarkable geological formations. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure, Sumidero Canyon’s scenic lookouts promise to leave a lasting impression. But to truly appreciate the grandeur of this natural marvel, you’ll have to…
Key Points
- Sumidero Canyon offers towering limestone walls, reaching up to 3,280 feet, providing stunning natural lookouts during the 2-hour boat tour.
- The boat tour through Sumidero Canyon allows for potential wildlife sightings, including crocodiles, iguanas, and spider monkeys, enhancing the overall experience.
- Chiapa de Corzo, the starting point of the tour, provides opportunities to explore the town’s cultural and culinary offerings before the boat ride.
- The tour includes transportation, meals, and accessibility features, such as wheelchair access and life jackets for the boat ride.
- Traveler reviews highlight the breathtaking canyon views, knowledgeable guides, and suggestions for a more focused, half-day boat tour experience.
Overview and Location
Sumidero Canyon Lookouts is a popular full-day tour offering visitors the chance to explore the natural wonder of Sumidero Canyon, located in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas.
The tour departs from San Cristóbal de las Casas, a charming colonial city, and takes travelers to the nearby town of Chiapa de Corzo, where they embark on a boat ride through the dramatic limestone canyon.
Along the way, participants can enjoy panoramic viewpoints and spot diverse wildlife, including crocodiles, iguanas, and monkeys.
The tour also includes stops at the town of Chiapa de Corzo, allowing visitors to experience the local culture and cuisine.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in San Cristobal de las Casas.
Inclusions and Accessibility
The tour includes several amenities to ensure a comfortable and accessible experience.
The air-conditioned vehicle and life jackets for the boat ride are provided. Meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, are also included.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, and service animals are allowed. Infant seats are available as well, accommodating various travelers.
The tour can accommodate up to 33 travelers, ensuring a manageable group size.
Boat Tour Experience
The boat ride through Sumidero Canyon is the centerpiece of the tour experience.
Travelers enjoy a 2-hour journey along the river, marveling at the towering limestone walls that rise up to 3,280 feet on either side. Along the way, they’ll have opportunities to spot wildlife like crocodiles, iguanas, and various bird species.
The boat provides a comfortable and safe platform to fully take in the canyon’s natural beauty.
Although the boat ride is the main attraction, the tour also allots time to visit the nearby town of Chiapa de Corzo, allowing guests to explore its colonial architecture and local culture.
Wildlife Opportunities
Travelers aboard the boat can expect to catch glimpses of diverse wildlife inhabiting the canyon’s lush surroundings. The canyon is home to a variety of species, including some that are rarely seen in other parts of the region. Some of the common sightings include crocodiles basking on the riverbanks, iguanas scurrying across the rocks, and troops of agile spider monkeys swinging through the treetops. Birdwatchers may also spot several species of birds, such as herons, egrets, and kingfishers, among the canyon’s diverse avifauna.
Wildlife Sightings | Description |
---|---|
Crocodiles | Basking on the riverbanks |
Iguanas | Scurrying across the rocks |
Spider Monkeys | Swinging through the treetops |
Herons, Egrets, Kingfishers | Diverse avifauna of the canyon |
Time Allocation
How is the time allocated during the Sumidero Canyon Lookouts tour?
The tour begins with approximately 1 hour spent in the charming town of Chiapa de Corzo.
Visitors then embark on the highlight of the excursion – a 2-hour boat ride through the remarkable Sumidero Canyon. This scenic journey allows ample time to take in the towering cliffs and diverse wildlife.
The tour also includes 1 hour of travel time to reach the boat pier and 40 minutes for the return trip back to San Cristóbal de las Casas.
- San Cristobal: Ecotourism Center Las Nubes Adventure
- San Cristóbal: Agua Azul, Misol Ha & Palenque Experience
- San Cristóbal: Amatenango, Chiflon, and Montebello Tour
- San Cristobal De Las Casas: Time Arch 2-Day Expedition
- San Cristobal: Sima De Las Cotorras and Cascada El Aguacero
- San Cristobal: Sima De Las Cotorras & Aguacero Waterfalls
Traveler Reviews
Traveler reviews for the Sumidero Canyon Lookouts tour paint a nuanced picture. Positive feedback highlights the tour’s stunning views, knowledgeable guides, and excellent meals. However, some common critiques include lengthy travel time and limited English proficiency of the guides, as well as a brief stop in Chiapa de Corzo. The tour’s strengths and weaknesses are summarized in the table below:
Positive Feedback | Common Critiques | Notable Comments |
---|---|---|
Great views | Long travel time | "Boat ride was unforgettable" |
Natural wonders | Limited English-speaking guides | "Canyon was amazing" |
Knowledgeable guides | Brief time in Chiapa de Corzo | "Tour could be better as a half-day trip focusing on the boat ride" |
Excellent lunch | ||
Accommodating service |
Additional Details
According to the information provided, upon booking the Sumidero Canyon Lookouts tour, travelers receive confirmation at the time of booking.
The tour offers free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Customer support is available to assist with any language barriers or additional accommodations when possible.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, allows service animals, and has infant seats available, making it accessible for a range of travelers.
With a maximum of 33 travelers per tour, the transportation ensures most participants can comfortably join the excursion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Offered in Multiple Languages?
The tour is offered in multiple languages, though the availability of English-speaking guides is limited according to some reviews. The company aims to accommodate language barriers and provide additional assistance when possible.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?
Yes, travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the boat ride. The tour operator allows personal snacks and beverages to be consumed during the Sumidero Canyon boat trip, making it convenient for visitors.
What if I Get Seasick During the Boat Ride?
If a traveler gets seasick during the boat ride, they should inform the tour guide. The tour company provides life jackets, and staff can offer recommendations for managing seasickness, such as medication or saltine crackers. Travelers can also request to disembark early if needed.
Is There an Option for a Shorter Tour Duration?
Yes, there is an option for a shorter tour duration. The tour can be customized as a half-day trip focusing primarily on the boat ride through the Sumidero Canyon, which the reviews suggest is the highlight of the experience.
Can I Book This Tour as Part of a Multi-Day Package?
Yes, the Sumidero Canyon tour can be booked as part of a multi-day package. Many tour operators offer combination packages that include this tour along with other attractions in the San Cristóbal de las Casas and Chiapas region.
The Sum Up
Sumidero Canyon in Chiapas, Mexico, is a stunning natural wonder that offers visitors an unforgettable experience. With its towering limestone cliffs, diverse wildlife, and scenic boat tours, it’s a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts. The canyon’s breathtaking vistas and rich biodiversity make it a prime spot to take in the region’s remarkable geological formations and vibrant ecosystem.
More Tour Reviews in San Cristobal de las Casas
- El Chiflón Waterfalls and Montebello Lagoons Day Trip
- Textiles and Mysticism of Chiapas
- Tour of Agua Azul Waterfalls, Misol-Ha Waterfall, and the Archaeological Zone of Palenque.
- Private Personalized Tour of San Cristobal De Las Casas
- Chiapa De Corzo: Tradition, Gastronomy, and Sumidero Canyon
- Rancho Nuevo Caves and Arcotete Ecotourism Center
Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in San Cristobal de las Casas we have reviewed
- El Chiflón Waterfalls and Montebello Lagoons Day Trip
- Textiles and Mysticism of Chiapas
- Tour of Agua Azul Waterfalls, Misol-Ha Waterfall, and the Archaeological Zone of Palenque.
- Private Personalized Tour of San Cristobal De Las Casas
- Chiapa De Corzo: Tradition, Gastronomy, and Sumidero Canyon
- Rancho Nuevo Caves and Arcotete Ecotourism Center
- Montebello Lakes and Waterfalls Tour From San Cristobal
- Tour of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan
- Montebello Lakes & El Chiflón Falls, San Cristóbal De Las Casas
- Indigenous Communities Tour of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán
- 22 Best Tours In San Cristobal De Las Casas
- 2 Best Guided Tours In San Cristobal De Las Casas