National Park Full Day, Pickup

This full-day trip from San Cristobal packs the three classic Sumidero experiences into one nine-hour outing: a drive over the mountains with stops at canyon viewpoints, a two-hour boat cruise between the canyon walls, and a 1-hour visit to the town of Chiapa de Corzo.

Overview

The operator, EcoExperiencias México, runs the tour in Spanish, though reviewers mention guides who have translated for English speakers. Pickup is included from your hotel, and the van sets out from a base point on Calle Diego de Mazariegos 28.

The day starts with a scenic van ride toward Tuxtla Gutierrez, climbing through cloud into the hills. At the park you get a short visit before boarding the boat. Travellers report crocodiles, herons and pelicans along the river, though the spider monkeys do not always show themselves. After the cruise the group stops in Chiapa de Corzo, known for its 16th-century Mudéjar Fountain and its lacquered gourds.

The return leg doubles as a sightseeing run, stopping at several miradores, among them the Ceiba, the Coyota, the Roblar, the Tepehuaje and the Chiapa. National park admission and the boat trip are covered in the price; food, tips and an English-speaking guide are not. It suits travellers who want the canyon from both the water and the rim without arranging transport themselves, and who are comfortable in a group van for much of the day.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Pickup in San CristobalHotel pickup is included, with the van based at Calle Diego de Mazariegos 28.
2. Van to the parkAn 80-minute drive through the mountains along the highway toward Tuxtla Gutierrez, with panoramic views on the way.
3. Sumidero Canyon National ParkA visit of 1.5 hours at the park. Admission is included in the tour price.
4. Van transferA 30-minute van ride.
5. Canyon boat cruiseA 2-hour cruise on the river between the canyon walls. The boat trip is included in the tour price.
6. Chiapa de CorzoA 10-minute van ride followed by a 1-hour visit to the town. Lunch is not included, so bring extra cash if you want a meal or souvenirs.
7. Viewpoints and returnA 45-minute drive back with stops at canyon lookout points such as the Ceiba, the Coyota, the Roblar, the Tepehuaje and the Chiapa, ending at Calle Diego de Mazariegos 28.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the day smoother, based on the listing and on what past travellers have said.

• Language. The tour is run in Spanish, and an English-speaking guide is not included in the price. That said, several reviewers said their guide translated into English for them.
• What to bring. The operator recommends a hat, sunglasses, comfortable shoes and clothes, and sunscreen for your legs if you wear shorts. Bring extra cash for meals, souvenirs and tips, since none of those are included. No swimsuit is needed, as swimming is not allowed.
• Pace and time in the van. One reviewer reported a pickup delay and another a long detour, so the schedule can stretch.
• Wildlife watching. Travellers on the boat reported seeing crocodiles, herons and pelicans. One reviewer noted the spider monkeys stayed hidden for their group, so treat them as a bonus rather than a guarantee.
• Photography. The return drive pauses at several miradores over the canyon. Reviewers said the lookout points make for good photos, so keep a camera or phone within reach on the way back.
• Food and drink. Meals are not included. Reviewers mention pleasant squares with large kapok trees in Chiapa de Corzo, so bring extra cash in case you want food or souvenirs during the day.

Common issues. The tour is conducted in Spanish, with an English-speaking guide not included, which is worth knowing before booking. One reviewer reported an unpunctual pickup, and another said the van made a 90-minute detour near the end to drop passengers in Tuxtla, extending the day. Meals, tips and the English-speaking guide are all extra costs on top of the tour price. Pets are not allowed.

Common Questions