National Park Day Trip From Tuxtla

This full-day trip from Tuxtla Gutiérrez packs the three classic Sumidero experiences into about seven hours: a boat ride along the river between the canyon walls, free time in the town of Chiapa de Corzo, and stops at clifftop lookout points on the drive back.

Overview

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with round-trip transport, the national park admission fee and the boat trip itself.

The day starts with a short van ride to the dock, where a roughly two-hour cruise carries you along the water between the canyon walls. After a brief transfer you get about an hour and a half in Chiapa de Corzo, a designated magical town known for its 16th-century Mudéjar fountain and painted gourd crafts. The return leg then stops at several viewpoints over the canyon, including the Ceiba, the Coyota, the Roblar, the Tepehuaje and the Chiapa.

One thing to weigh before booking: the tour is conducted in Spanish and an English-speaking guide is not included, though several reviewers reported getting one anyway. Meals, tips and souvenirs cost extra. It suits travellers who want the canyon from both the water and the rim without arranging boats, tickets and transport on their own.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickup in TuxtlaPickup from your hotel in Tuxtla Gutiérrez. Be in the lobby ten minutes before the scheduled time, as timings are approximate.
2. Van to the dockA transfer of about 20 minutes to the boat departure point.
3. Sumidero Canyon boat cruiseA boat trip of 2 hours along the river between the canyon walls.
4. Van transferA short 10-minute drive to Chiapa de Corzo.
5. Chiapa de Corzo visitAround 1.5 hours in the magical town, with its 16th-century Mudéjar fountain and lacquered gourd crafts. Meals here are at your own expense.
6. Canyon viewpointsRoughly 1.5 to 2 hours at lookout points including the Ceiba, the Coyota, the Roblar, the Tepehuaje and the Chiapa. Times are approximate and depend on traffic and weather.
7. Return to TuxtlaA 30-minute drive back, with drop-off at your hotel.

What To Expect From The Tour

Here is what past travellers and the listing say the day is actually like, from heat and pacing to the boat and the town.

• Heat and sun. Reviewers say the canyon can get very hot and recommend a hat and covered skin. The listing lists sunglasses and a sun hat as essentials.
• Language. The tour is advertised in Spanish and an English-speaking guide is listed as not included. That said, several reviewers reported an English-speaking guide on their trips, so it happens but cannot be counted on.
• Pace. Some reviewers felt rushed at times, which they attributed to keeping the day within the scheduled time. Expect a full schedule with set stops rather than a leisurely day.
• The boat trip. The river cruise is the part reviewers praise most, with animals and plants visible along the banks. One reviewer noted garbage in the waterways, so manage expectations on that front.
• Food and cash. Meals are not included, and the listing suggests bringing extra cash for food and souvenirs. One reviewer found the restaurant where they ate overpriced and was bothered by souvenir sellers during the meal, so budget accordingly.
• What to pack. Comfortable shoes, comfortable clothes, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen and cash. Leave the swimsuit at home, since swimming is not allowed, and pets cannot come along.

Common issues. Pickups from multiple hotels can stretch the start of the day; one reviewer suggested a single meeting point would work better. Weather can affect the experience, with one trip finding the viewpoint views poor under cloud, and all visiting times are approximate and subject to traffic and weather. The core tour runs in Spanish, with an English-speaking guide not included, though some travellers reported getting one anyway. One reviewer also flagged litter in the river, and another found the lunch-stop restaurant overpriced and pushy on souvenirs. Meals and tips are extra throughout.

Common Questions