Sumidero Canyon National Park

The majestic natural balcony of the Sumidero had as its origin a long process of geological faults. It has a high historical and ecological value, it has 21,789 hectares in five municipalities of the state of Chiapas, a few kilometers from its capital, Tuxtla Gutiérrez.

The canyon consists of an imposing cliff that rises above the river Grijalva. Its walls, which reach more than 1000 meters in height, have become one of the most impressive landscapes in Mexico, nominated for a long time to be one of the Seven New Natural Wonders.

The fauna in this place is extensive, you can find jaguars, ocelots, howler monkeys, river otters, toucans, scarlet macaws and cojolites. It is considered an extension of the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve, since it works as an ecological bridge between the jungles of Chiapas and Guatemala.

The light and heat on the cliff walls, as well as abundant runoffs, have led to the emergence of various microclimates in the vegetation and fauna at different heights of the canyon. Some of its endemic species (exclusive to this area) are the mushroom tongue salamander, the Mexican cuija, the Canelo hummingbird, the Spotted toad, the Chiapa de Corzo mojarra and the Enano oak.

The park is visited by tens of thousands of visitors who like to practice mountain biking, swimming, kayaking and rappelling, as well as offering one of the most spectacular views in Mexico through its 5 viewpoints and the incredible boat ride along the river.

Within the area it is located the Chicoasén hydroelectric dam, one of the largest Mexican hydraulic engineering works, with a 32-kilometer-long reservoir that encompasses the entire canyon.

Due to its ecological wealth, it was declared a National Park on December 8, 1980. In 2004 it was classified as a Ramsar site (wetland of international importance).