There’s a popular mariachi song called “México en la Piel” (“Mexico on your skin”) that details several classic and cultural Mexican experiences. The chorus repeats “Asi se siente México” (“That’s how you feel/experience Mexico”). Though it isn’t in the song, visiting Sumidero Canyon in the southern state of Chiapas would certainly accomplish the same feat for a geo. It’s popular with the locals – 80 percent of the park’s visitors are Mexican nationals – which is typically a reliable indicator of a site worth seeing.
The canyon reaches as high as 1,000 meters and was formed 35 million years ago (roughly the same time as the Grand Canyon) by faulting and erosion from the Grijalva River, which still runs along the canyon’s floor. Limestone largely forms its walls, but other rocks, including shale and sandstone, are also present. Additionally, the canyon hosts 400 plant species and a wide range of wildlife, including the endangered black howler monkey, and the river is home to the Chiapas cichlid, a critically endangered fish species that is endemic to the area.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Chiapas has one of the highest concentrations of indigenous peoples in Mexico. Sumidero Canyon is important to the Zoque and Tzotil groups of the area. Their mythology suggests that the canyon was created by the gods and is associated with the legend of the Cerro de las Siete Maravillas (Hill of Seven Wonders), in which seven gods created the canyon as protection from invaders. The area’s rich and diverse flora and fauna, and its high and steep cliffs, are viewed as manifestations of the powers of the gods.
Trip Tips
Getting there: Fly into Tuxtla Gutiérrez and post up in nearby San Cristóbal de las Casas. The town was the state capital until 1892 and affords much colonial architecture and several museums for tourists to enjoy, including the Chiapas Amber and Jade museums – two perfect stops for the traveling geo! The canyon is roughly an hour and a half from the town.
More on museums: The Amber Museum is located inside a the former Convent of La Merced and houses more than 350 pieces of its namesake gem. Exhibits explain the origin, creation, extraction, commercialization, and antique uses of amber, among other details.
The Jade Museum displays stones from eight Mesoamerican cultures and includes an exhibit showcasing an original-size recreation of the Tomb of King Pakal, who was the Mayan ruler buried in 693.
Take a tour: You can view the canyon from five miradores (lookouts) on the outer rim or cruise on a boat along the river inside the gorge. The hiking trails and miradores offer panoramic views of the area and some wildlife viewing. You can also typically spot wildlife on the riverboat cruises and better enjoy the geological formations. Note that tours in this area are almost always given in Spanish, so you may not be able to follow the details of the tour if you don’t speak the language. Some companies offer tours given in English for an extra fee.