Jaguar Negro Tour, 8.5 Hours

This Jaguar Negro day trip starts with pickup from your accommodation inside San Cristóbal de las Casas, then heads by road to the Grijalva River for the centerpiece of the day: a boat ride through Sumidero Canyon.

Overview

The boat runs about two hours, passing limestone walls the listing puts at up to 1,000 meters, along with waterfalls and rock formations with names like the Christmas Tree, the Cave of the Virgin, and the Symbol of Chiapas. The boat captain provides the commentary during the ride, and a lifejacket is provided.

After the river, the tour continues to Chiapa de Corzo, a town founded in 1528 by Captain Diego de Mazariegos. There is time to walk the center, see the Mudejar-style colonial fountain, browse embroidery and lacquer crafts tied to the Chiapaneca and Parachico costumes, and try the local Chiapanecan cooking. The return to San Cristóbal follows the Tuxtla highway, climbing back to about 2,300 meters above sea level.

The full product runs 8.5 hours door to door. It suits travellers who want the canyon boat ride and a colonial town in one day without arranging transport themselves, and who are comfortable with a group format and a long day. Note the listing's own warning that the canyon viewpoints are closed on Tuesdays.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickup, San CristóbalPickup from accommodation within the town of San Cristóbal de las Casas, after breakfast, as detailed at booking.
2. Drive to the Grijalva RiverTourist transportation through Chiapas to the boat departure point for Sumidero Canyon.
3. Boat ride, Sumidero CanyonA 2-hour group boat journey on the Grijalva River, with commentary from the captain and a lifejacket included. Walls reach up to 1,000 meters, and stops include formations such as the Christmas Tree, the Cave of the Virgin and the Symbol of Chiapas.
4. Chiapa de Corzo visitFree time in the town founded in 1528: the colonial fountain, embroidery, lacquer crafts, and a chance to try the Chiapanecan cuisine.
5. Return to San CristóbalA 1-hour drive along the Tuxtla to San Cristóbal highway, ascending to 2,300 meters above sea level, arriving back in San Cristóbal de las Casas.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will shape the day, drawn from the listing and from traveller reviews.

• Timing runs long. The product is listed at 8.5 hours, and more than one reviewer said the day ran past what they expected. Treat the stated length as a minimum rather than a guarantee.
• Closed on Tuesdays. The listing states the canyon viewpoints are closed every Tuesday. Choose another day if the miradores matter to you.
• Commentary language. The captain explains the canyon during the boat ride, and one reviewer noted their tour was conducted only in Spanish. If you need another language, confirm with the operator before booking.
• Bring cash. The included list does not cover meals, and the listing highlights Chiapanecan cuisine in Chiapa de Corzo along with embroidery and lacquer crafts. One reviewer also reported commercial stops during the day. Bring cash for food and any shopping.
• Comfortable day out. One reviewer described a small group, a clean and air-conditioned vehicle, and a punctual, helpful guide. A lifejacket is provided on the boat.
• Confirm pickup details. Hotel pickup is included within the town of San Cristóbal, as detailed at booking. However, one reviewer reported that pickup and drop-off did not happen at their accommodation as promised.

Common issues. The most repeated complaints are about time and logistics. Several travellers said the tour ran well past the stated length, forcing one to cancel a later activity, and one reviewer complained that commercial stops on the route were too frequent or too long. That same reviewer said pickup and drop-off did not match what was promised, and that they had to find the guide themselves in Chiapa de Corzo. Another reviewer filed a formal complaint about the schedule.

Common Questions