Cañón del Sumidero National Park

Cañón del Sumidero Overview

Cañón del Sumidero National Park, or Parque Nacional Cañón del Sumidero in Spanish, is located in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas.

Covering approximately 83 square miles (215 square kilometers), this park is centered around the stunning Sumidero Canyon, a deep, narrow gorge carved by the Grijalva River over millions of years. Towering limestone walls rise dramatically, reaching heights of up to 3,300 feet (1,000 meters), creating a breathtaking landscape of steep cliffs, caves, and rock formations.

The rugged terrain is complemented by dense vegetation, with tropical and subtropical forests covering the slopes and supporting a variety of plant life, including bromeliads, orchids, and towering ceiba trees.

The park is home to an impressive diversity of wildlife, making it a prime destination for nature lovers. Among the key mammal species found in the park are spider monkeys, jaguarundis, and white-tailed deer, while reptiles such as crocodiles and iguanas can often be seen along the riverbanks.

Birdwatchers will find the park especially rewarding, with species like king vultures, herons, egrets, and the striking black-and-white laughing falcon frequently spotted. The river serves as a vital water source for many of these animals, particularly during the dry season when other water sources become scarce.

A highlight of the park is the Grijalva River boat tour, which takes visitors on a journey through the canyon’s towering walls, offering spectacular views of the natural formations, waterfalls, and caves that line the route. One of the most famous features is the Christmas Tree Waterfall, a unique rock formation covered in moss that resembles the shape of a holiday tree.

There are also several panoramic viewpoints along the canyon’s rim, such as La Ceiba, El Roblar, and Los Chiapas, where visitors can enjoy sweeping vistas of the dramatic landscape. Additionally, the nearby colonial city of Chiapa de Corzo serves as a gateway to the park, offering cultural and historical attractions that complement the natural beauty of the area.

Visitors can explore the park through various activities, including hiking, wildlife watching, and cycling along designated trails. The park also attracts adventure seekers who enjoy kayaking along the river or rappelling down its rocky cliffs. With a combination of aquatic and land-based activities,

Cañón del Sumidero provides an immersive experience that showcases the region’s unique geography and biodiversity.

Conservation efforts in Cañón del Sumidero National Park have focused on addressing deforestation, water pollution, and habitat degradation caused by human activity. Over the years, initiatives to reduce pollution in the Grijalva River have helped improve water quality and protect the park’s rich ecosystem.

Park authorities have implemented stricter regulations on tourism and fishing to preserve wildlife habitats, and reforestation projects have contributed to restoring native vegetation. While challenges remain, such as illegal logging and encroachment, conservation programs have seen successes in protecting endangered species and maintaining the park’s ecological balance.

Park Map

Cañón del Sumidero National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Cañón del Sumidero National Park, located in Chiapas, Mexico, is a breathtaking landscape characterized by towering limestone cliffs, lush tropical forests, and the winding Grijalva River. This diverse environment provides a haven for a variety of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians that thrive in its unique canyon ecosystem.

Jaguar (Panthera onca)
The most powerful predator in the park, the jaguar is an elusive and solitary big cat that roams the dense forest in search of deer, peccaries, and other prey. Its presence is a key indicator of a healthy ecosystem.

Central American Spider Monkey (Ateles geoffroyi vellerosus)
This agile and highly intelligent primate is often seen swinging through the trees. It has long limbs and a prehensile tail that help it navigate the dense canopy in search of fruit and leaves.

White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
One of the most commonly seen mammals in the park, white-tailed deer graze on leaves and grasses. They are an important food source for the jaguar and other predators.

Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu)
This pig-like mammal travels in small groups through the forest, foraging for roots, fruits, and small invertebrates. It is a resilient species that helps maintain forest balance.

Neotropical River Otter (Lontra longicaudis)
Found in the Grijalva River, this playful and elusive otter is an expert swimmer that feeds on fish, crustaceans, and amphibians. It plays a key role in maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems.

Morelet’s Crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii)
One of the park’s most iconic species, Morelet’s crocodile inhabits the river and wetlands. It is a powerful predator that preys on fish, birds, and small mammals.

Boa Constrictor (Boa imperator)
A large, non-venomous snake, the boa constrictor uses its strong body to coil around and subdue prey. It is commonly found in trees and on the forest floor.

Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)
One of the most easily recognizable reptiles in the park, the green iguana thrives in the trees along the riverbanks. It is primarily herbivorous and plays an important role in seed dispersal.

Mexican Giant Musk Turtle (Staurotypus triporcatus)
This large, freshwater turtle inhabits the Grijalva River and surrounding wetlands. It is known for its strong jaws and scavenging behavior.

Brilliant Forest Frog (Lithobates vaillanti)
A brightly colored amphibian found near streams and wetlands, this frog is an indicator of a healthy ecosystem and plays a crucial role in controlling insect populations.

Birds

The steep canyon walls, dense forests, and winding river of Cañón del Sumidero National Park provide an ideal habitat for a variety of bird species, from majestic raptors to vibrantly colored tropical birds.

King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa)
This striking vulture, with its multicolored head and powerful build, is an important scavenger in the park. It soars high above the canyon searching for carrion.

Black Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus tyrannus)
A powerful raptor, the black hawk-eagle is often seen soaring over the canyon in search of prey. It hunts small mammals, birds, and reptiles.

American Pygmy Kingfisher (Chloroceryle aenea)
This small but vibrant bird is commonly seen along the river, diving into the water to catch fish and aquatic insects.

Boat-billed Heron (Cochlearius cochlearius)
A nocturnal wading bird with a unique, broad bill, the boat-billed heron can be found in the park’s wetlands, where it feeds on fish and amphibians.

Keel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus)
With its strikingly large and colorful bill, the keel-billed toucan is one of the most spectacular birds in the park. It feeds on fruits, small reptiles, and insects in the forest canopy.

White-throated Magpie-Jay (Calocitta formosa)
This highly intelligent and social bird is known for its striking blue plumage and long tail feathers. It often travels in noisy flocks, scavenging for food.

Collared Aracari (Pteroglossus torquatus)
A relative of the toucan, this bird has a distinctive curved bill and vibrant plumage. It thrives in the park’s tropical forests, feeding on fruit and small prey.

Rufous-tailed Hummingbird (Amazilia tzacatl)
One of the most common hummingbirds in the park, the rufous-tailed hummingbird is a territorial species that flits among flowers, feeding on nectar.

Great Curassow (Crax rubra)
A large, ground-dwelling bird, the great curassow is a rare but impressive sight in the park’s dense forests. It forages for fruits and insects on the forest floor.

White-collared Swift (Streptoprocne zonaris)
Often seen soaring along the canyon walls, this fast-flying bird catches insects in mid-air. It nests in rocky crevices and is an expert aerial hunter.