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 El Palmar (San Gabriel) — roughly 8.4 km (5.2 mi) out, about 14 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 |
|---|---|---|
| El Palmar (San Gabriel) | 8.4 km (5.2 mi) | 14 min |
| Tuxtla | 9 km (5.6 mi) | 15 min |
| Viva Cárdenas | 10.6 km (6.6 mi) | 18 min |
| Álvaro Obregón | 10.6 km (6.6 mi) | 18 min |
| Osumacinta | 11.6 km (7.2 mi) | 19 min |
| Benito Juárez | 11.7 km (7.2 mi) | 19 min |
| Venustiano Carranza | 11.9 km (7.4 mi) | 20 min |
| San Fernando | 12.8 km (8 mi) | 21 min |
Where Cañón del Sumidero National Park sits
Official Cañón del Sumidero National Park site — hours, closures, and fees.
Parks you could combine with it
- 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, and the closest town of any size is El Palmar (San Gabriel) — about 14 min away.
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.