Spanish Bus Tour, 8-9 Hours

This full day trip runs from San Cristóbal de las Casas to Sumidero Canyon and back, and it packs the canyon's two main experiences into one outing: the cliff-top viewpoints and a boat ride along the river between the walls.

Overview

Travellers meet in the city centre in front of Al Grano Café on Portal Oriente, opposite the central park, at 8:45 in the morning, and the whole thing runs eight to nine hours. There is no hotel pickup, so everyone makes their own way to that corner.

The shape of the day follows the listing's itinerary: a stop at Sumidero Canyon National Park, time in Chiapa de Corzo, then the miradores, with the shared boat as the centrepiece. Most reviewers single out the roughly two hours on the water: spider monkeys, crocodiles and waterfowl along the banks. Several travellers describe the canyon walls and views from both the rim and the river as the reason the long day pays off.

It suits travellers who are happy in a larger shared group, up to forty people, and who want the viewpoints and the river in a single day out of San Cristóbal. Meals, snacks and bottled water are not included, so budget for lunch in Chiapa de Corzo. Some reviewers note that even with little or no Spanish the trip can still be enjoyable, though you will miss some of the commentary.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Al Grano CaféPassenger reception is in front of Al Grano Café, Portal Oriente 9, opposite the central park in San Cristóbal de las Casas, at 8:45 in the morning. The day ends back at the same café.
2. Sumidero Canyon National ParkA two-hour stop at the national park, with admission included. Reviewers describe the shared boat ride on the river as the core of this part of the day.
3. Chiapa de CorzoOne hour in the colonial town, admission included, with time to find food or refreshments at your own expense.
4. Sumidero Canyon viewpointsA one-hour stop at the Miradores, admission included, for more rim views before the return.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical things will shape the day, based on the listing and on what past travellers report.

• Language. The listing title is in Spanish, and several reviewers report the commentary being Spanish only. One reviewer reported a tour given in both English and Spanish, though with less detail in English. Travellers with no Spanish said they still enjoyed the day and followed along fine.
• Food and drink. Lunch, breakfast, snacks and bottled water are all excluded. Most people eat during the hour in Chiapa de Corzo, where one reviewer said there was not much to do in the way of eating or buying, and another was unimpressed by the restaurant the group used. Bring your own water for the boat.
• Sun and heat. One reviewer accustomed to San Cristóbal's weather found Chiapa de Corzo and the boat very hot, with a lot of sun on the water. Sunscreen, a hat and water are worth packing on that advice.
• Wildlife watching. Multiple travellers reported crocodiles, spider monkeys and waterfowl from the boat. The boat driver reportedly stops along the way for photos, so keep a camera or phone accessible rather than buried in a bag.
• Long transfers. There is a fair amount of van time to reach the canyon, which reviewers mention without much complaint. The vehicle is air-conditioned. Several travellers still called the day totally worthwhile despite the travel time.
• Group size. The tour runs with up to forty travellers, so expect a shared, big-group feel rather than an intimate outing. The boat is also shared. Confirmation arrives at the time of booking.

Common issues. Several reviewers report the commentary is given in Spanish only, though one reported the tour ran in both English and Spanish, and one of those without the language felt they missed some of the detail about the canyon. One reviewer noted trash in the water, while still calling the scenery worth the trip. The listing advises against the tour for people with back problems or pregnant travellers, it is not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. Food and drink are not included, and some found the eating options in Chiapa de Corzo thin. The experience requires good weather; if it is cancelled for that reason, a different date or a full refund is offered.

Common Questions