Cañón del Sumidero National Park: planning guide
A sheer-walled canyon cut by the Grijalva River above Chiapa de Corzo. Boat trips and rim overlooks are the usual way to see the cliffs.
Cañón del Sumidero National Park is in Chiapas, Mexico. The nearest town is Tuxtla — roughly 9 km (5.6 mi) out, about 15 min of driving.
When to go
Best window: December through April, the drier and less humid stretch. Shoulder season: May and November.
June to November is the wet and hurricane season — heavy rain, high humidity, and occasional storm closures.
Heat and humidity are constant. Plan activity for early morning and carry more water than feels necessary.
Full seasonal breakdown for Cañón del Sumidero National Park
Closest towns and cities
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Tuxtla | 9 km (5.6 mi) | 15 min |
| Bochil | 28 km (17.4 mi) | 42 min |
| Ocozocoautla de Espinosa | 30.9 km (19.2 mi) | 45 min |
| Copainalá | 31.6 km (19.7 mi) | 46 min |
| Coapilla | 33.9 km (21.1 mi) | 48 min |
| Jitotol | 36.1 km (22.4 mi) | 51 min |
| Tecpatán | 40.9 km (25.4 mi) | 56 min |
| Pueblo Nuevo | 42 km (26.1 mi) | 57 min |
Where Cañón del Sumidero National Park sits
Official Cañón del Sumidero National Park site — hours, closures, and fees.
Drive times from Cañón del Sumidero National Park
Cañón del Sumidero National Park sits close enough to Palenque National Park, Lagunas de Montebello National Park, and Huatulco National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Palenque National Park | 133 km (82.6 mi) | 2 hr 24 min |
| Lagunas de Montebello National Park | 169 km (105 mi) | 2 hr 56 min |
| Huatulco National Park | 354 km (220 mi) | 5 hr 39 min |
Parks close by
- Palenque National Park
Classic Maya ruins in the lowland rainforest of Chiapas. Temples, jungle trails, and waterfalls near the Usumacinta basin.
- Lagunas de Montebello National Park
Dozens of colored lakes on the Chiapas–Guatemala border. Cloud forest, short trails, and lake overlooks in the southern highlands.
- Huatulco National Park
Nine bays and dry tropical forest on the Oaxaca coast. Snorkel coves, low hills, and resort development along the shore.
- Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano National Park
Coral reefs in the Gulf of Mexico off Veracruz and Antón Lizardo. Snorkel and research sites near the port city.
Common questions
Where is Cañón del Sumidero National Park?
Cañón del Sumidero National Park sits in Chiapas, Mexico. Tuxtla, about 9 km (5.6 mi) away — roughly 15 min of driving.
When is the best time to visit Cañón del Sumidero National Park?
Generally December through April, the drier and less humid stretch, with May and November quieter on either side.