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Boat trip · Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas
Paseo en lancha por el Cañón del Sumidero
Speedboat trip along the Grijalva River from Chiapa de Corzo, between the walls of Sumidero Canyon, with crocodiles, monkeys, birds, caves and the Christmas Tree waterfall.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Paseo en lancha por el Cañón del Sumidero
The speedboat tour through the Sumidero Canyon departs from the Chiapa de Corzo dock and follows the Grijalva River for about 30 km up to the Chicoasén dam. The boats are run by local cooperatives and take roughly two hours round trip.
Shortly after passing under the highway bridge, the river enters the gorge and the rock walls rise to around one thousand meters. Guides stop to point out crocodiles on the banks, spider monkeys in the trees, pelicans, herons and vultures.
Along the way are the Gruta de Cuevas, with an image of the Virgin of Guadalupe, and a waterfall called Árbol de Navidad, where water flows over mosses and layered mineral deposits, resembling a pine tree. During the rainy season the waterfall usually has more water.
The river is used for power generation, and the Chicoasén dam marks the end of the route. At times the current carries trash from upriver towns, and there are cleanup campaigns.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 2 hours.
Best time
In the morning, when the river is calmer and light enters the canyon. From November to April there is usually better visibility.
How to get there
The dock is near Chiapa de Corzo’s main square, about 15 km from Tuxtla. There are also departures from the Cahuaré dock at the highway bridge.
Tip
Bring a hat, sunscreen and a light jacket; it’s windy on the boat. Sit near the edge for photos.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Paseo en lancha por el Cañón del Sumidero
What can you see on the boat trip through the Sumidero?
The canyon walls, crocodiles, monkeys, birds, the Gruta de Cuevas and the Árbol de Navidad waterfall.
Who operates the boats on the Sumidero?
Local cooperatives, operating from Chiapa de Corzo and Cahuaré.
How far does the trip go?
As far as the Chicoasén dam, about 30 km upriver.