Selva Azul Tour, Pickup, 8 Hours

This day trip from San Cristóbal de las Casas covers Sumidero Canyon from two angles: from the panoramic viewpoints above it, and from the water on a 90-minute boat ride between the walls.

Overview

Hotel pickup starts things off, followed by roughly an hour in a van to the first mirador, where you get about 40 minutes for photos and the scenery along the approach road. From there it is another short van transfer down to the river to board the boat.

After the canyon ride the group continues to Chiapa de Corzo for around one hour of free time. You can walk, visit the cathedral, or browse the textile and craft stalls. Food and drinks are your own arrangement and are not included in the price. The return drive to San Cristóbal takes about an hour and the whole outing runs around 8 hours.

The tour suits travellers staying in San Cristóbal who want the canyon and Chiapa de Corzo in one day without arranging transport themselves. The shared option comes with a Spanish-speaking driver, while the private option adds an English-speaking guide, so it is worth checking which one is selected before booking.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickup, Zona CentroPickup is from your hotel in the Zona Centro area of San Cristóbal de las Casas, included in the tour.
2. Van to the canyon (1 hour)Travel to the Sumidero viewpoints in an air-conditioned vehicle, with scenic views on the way.
3. Sumidero Canyon mirador (40 minutes)A photo stop and free time at the viewpoint to see the canyon from above.
4. Van to the river (40 minutes)A short transfer down to the embarkation point for the boat ride.
5. Boat ride (1.5 hours)A 90-minute trip through the canyon with sailing, wildlife viewing and a guided tour along the river.
6. Chiapa de Corzo (1 hour)Free time to walk the town, visit the cathedral and browse craft stalls. Food and drinks are not included.
7. Van back to San Cristóbal (1 hour)Return transfer by air-conditioned vehicle, ending back at Zona Centro.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points help this day go smoothly, drawn from the listing and from what travellers report back.

• Language choice. The shared option includes transport with a Spanish-speaking driver only. If you want commentary in English, select the private option, which comes with an English-speaking guide. Reviewers praised the guides' explanations and extra tips.
• Wildlife watching. One reviewer reported seeing crocodiles and spider monkeys from the boat. Sightings always depend on natural conditions, so treat them as a possibility rather than a guarantee.
• Food is on you. Meals and drinks are not included. You get around an hour of free time in Chiapa de Corzo, where you can find your own lunch during the stop.
• Weather and clothing. Rain is a real possibility on this trip. One reviewer got soaked when it rained on the boat, and another noted the canyon is especially green in the rainy season, so plan for the conditions of the season you visit.
• Bring a camera. The tour is built around photo stops, at the mirador above the canyon and from the boat between the walls. Reviewers describe the views and the boat trip in glowing terms.
• Older travellers. One reviewer travelling with older adults said the team was patient and supportive throughout. The day involves boat boarding and walking in Chiapa de Corzo at your own pace during free time.

Common issues. Chiapa de Corzo gets only around an hour and it is free time, so if you want a guided walk through the town, this is not that; one reviewer found that stop the least interesting part. On the shared option the driver speaks Spanish, so English commentary requires the private option. Weather can intrude, with one reviewer reporting heavy rain on the boat. Food and drinks are excluded throughout the day.

Common Questions