Sumidero Canyon National Park

Sumidero Canyon Overview

Sumidero Canyon National Park (in Spanish: Parque Nacional Cañón del Sumidero) is located in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas, near the capital city of Tuxtla Gutiérrez. Established in 1980, the park covers an area of approximately 53 square miles (around 136 square kilometers) and is centered around the spectacular Sumidero Canyon, one of Mexico’s most iconic natural landmarks. The canyon’s towering walls, which rise up to 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) above the Grijalva River, create a dramatic landscape that attracts visitors from around the world.

The canyon was formed over millions of years by the powerful flow of the Grijalva River, which continues to run through the park, offering boat tours that provide stunning views of the sheer cliffs and the canyon’s diverse ecosystems. The landscape within the park is characterized by rugged cliffs, steep ravines, and lush vegetation that thrives along the riverbanks and in the canyon’s fertile valley.

The park’s vegetation varies from tropical rainforests at the lower elevations to dry forests and scrubland in the upper regions of the canyon. The riverbanks are lined with ceiba, mahogany, and fig trees, while higher areas are home to species like cacti, agave, and acacias.

Sumidero Canyon National Park is rich in wildlife, making it an important ecological reserve. Visitors can spot crocodilesbasking along the riverbanks, while species like spider monkeys, coatis, and white-tailed deer inhabit the park’s forests. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including herons, egrets, and the endangered scarlet macaw.

The park offers numerous activities, including boat tours, hiking trails, and scenic viewpoints that allow visitors to appreciate the canyon’s natural beauty from different perspectives. Sumidero Canyon National Park is not only a natural wonder but also a symbol of Chiapas’ environmental and cultural heritage.

Park Map

Sumidero Canyon National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Popular Species

Sumidero National Park is home to a variety of species that thrive in its diverse ecosystems, including rivers, forests, and wetlands.

Green iguanas are commonly seen basking along the riverbanks, using their sharp claws and powerful tails to climb trees and defend themselves from predators.

Spider monkeys are agile primates that swing through the park’s forest canopy, feeding on fruits, leaves, and insects while maintaining social groups.

White-tailed deer are often spotted grazing in the park’s meadows and forests, easily recognizable by their white tails which flash as they run from predators.

Coatis are small, omnivorous mammals with long, flexible snouts, commonly seen foraging on the forest floor in search of fruits, insects, and small animals.

River turtles can often be seen sunbathing on rocks and logs along the Grijalva River, retreating into the water to avoid threats or hunt for aquatic plants.

Black iguanas are large reptiles frequently found basking in the sun along rocky outcrops, feeding on plants, flowers, and small insects.

Opossums are nocturnal marsupials that roam the park’s forests at night, scavenging for food and using their prehensile tails to climb trees.

Armadillos are small, armored mammals that forage on the park’s forest floor, digging for insects and plants with their sharp claws.

Agoutis are shy rodents that can be found scurrying through the underbrush, feeding on fallen fruits and seeds in the park’s forests.

Tarantulas are large, ground-dwelling spiders often seen in the park’s dry forests, known for their impressive size and burrowing behavior.

Bird Species

Sumidero National Park is a birdwatcher’s haven, with a variety of bird species inhabiting its cliffs, forests, and wetlands.

Scarlet macaws are brightly colored parrots that fly in noisy flocks, known for their striking red, blue, and yellow feathers and their strong beaks.

Great egrets are tall, elegant birds commonly found along the Grijalva River, using their long necks and sharp beaks to catch fish and small amphibians.

King vultures are large scavengers often seen circling the park’s cliffs, feeding on carrion and playing a crucial role in the ecosystem by cleaning up animal remains.

Green herons are small, secretive wading birds that hunt along the riverbanks, using their sharp beaks to catch fish and frogs in the shallow waters.

Brown pelicans are large coastal birds that frequent the park’s rivers, diving from the air to catch fish in their expandable throat pouches.

Boat-billed herons are unique-looking birds with wide, flat bills, often found along the park’s water edges, hunting at night for fish and crustaceans.

Black vultures are social scavengers commonly seen soaring above the park’s landscapes, feeding on carrion and helping to maintain the ecosystem’s health.

Snowy egrets are small, graceful white birds often seen foraging in shallow waters, using their yellow feet to stir up fish and small invertebrates.

Roseate spoonbills are eye-catching wading birds with pink plumage and spoon-shaped bills, foraging for small fish and invertebrates in the park’s wetlands.

Turkey vultures are large, dark scavengers with keen senses, commonly seen gliding over the park’s cliffs and forests in search of carrion.

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Engaging Sumidera Canyon National Park

Hiking

For those who prefer to explore on foot, Sumidero Canyon offers well-maintained hiking trails leading to several “miradores,” or lookout points. Each mirador offers a unique vantage point, giving visitors breathtaking views of the canyon below. These trails vary in difficulty, allowing hikers of all skill levels to enjoy the experience.

Along the way, the trails pass through rich tropical vegetation, where the opportunity to observe local wildlife, such as howler monkeys and various bird species, enhances the journey. The most famous lookout points include “Los Chiapa” and “La Ceiba,” where panoramic views stretch for miles. The hikes are not only a chance to get some exercise but also to fully immerse in the park’s stunning natural landscape.

Boating

One of the most popular ways to experience Sumidero Canyon National Park is through a boat tour along the Grijalva River.

These guided tours take visitors deep into the canyon, where they can marvel at its towering cliffs, some reaching up to 1,000 meters in height. Along the way, visitors will witness stunning rock formations, cascading waterfalls, and a variety of wildlife, including crocodiles, spider monkeys, and colorful birds.

The boat tour offers a serene yet awe-inspiring way to appreciate the natural beauty of the canyon while learning about its geological history and ecological significance. The calm waters of the river create a peaceful environment, making it a memorable way to explore the park’s hidden gems.

Caving

For the more adventurous, Sumidero Canyon offers caving experiences that allow visitors to explore the hidden depths of the park. The caves found within the canyon’s rugged terrain hold fascinating rock formations, underground rivers, and even ancient fossils.

Guided caving tours provide visitors with the necessary equipment and expertise to safely navigate these subterranean wonders. This activity is perfect for thrill-seekers who want to venture off the beaten path and experience a different side of Sumidero Canyon.

The cool, dark interiors of the caves contrast with the bright, open expanses of the canyon, offering a unique adventure filled with mystery and discovery.

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River view of Sumidero Canyon National Park

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Sources

All Trails, Best Trails in Sumidero Canyon National Park, https://www.alltrails.com/ar/parks/mexico/chiapas/parque-nacional-canon-del-sumidero, retrieved August 2024.
Lacan Tours, Sumidero Canyon National Park, https://www.lacantours.com/en/destinations/nature/sumidero-canyon-national-park.html, retrieved August 2024.
Mexperience, Sumidero Canyon National Park, https://www.mexperience.com/travel/outdoors/sumidero-canyon/, retrieved August 2024.
Visit Chiapas, Sumidero Canyon, https://en.visitchiapas.com/v1/Sumidero-canyon-national-park-chiapa-de-corzo, retrieved August 2024.
Wikipedia, Sumidero Canyon, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumidero_Canyon, retrieved August 2024.

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