Sumidero Canyon National Park

Sumidero Canyon National Park

The Sumidero Canyon National Park is one of the main tourist attractions of Chiapas (Mexico), with great ecological wealth and one of the most fascinating canyons in the world.
This park was established on December 8, 1980. Also on February 2, 2004, the park was also declared a Ramsar site in Mexico to protect this part of the Grijalva River Basin.

Geography –
Sumidero Canyon National Park is located in the state of Chiapas and is one of the most famous and visited national parks in the country, thanks to its spectacular natural beauty and impressive cañón (gorge).
Sumidero Cañón is a deep canyon carved by the Grijalva River through the Sierra Chiapaneca mountains. It stretches over a length of about 30 kilometers and reaches depths exceeding 1,000 meters in some places. The canyon walls are steep and vertical, making for an impressive and mesmerizing backdrop.
This canyon began to form 70 million years ago thanks to the action of tectonic movements called Horts-Graben; which, due to their characteristics of movement of land masses, are called respectively tectonic pillar and tectonic grave.
The rocks that we currently see on the walls of the Sumidero Canyon began to form about 136 million years ago based on sediments and calcium minerals (limestone), which is formed by the action of some marine animals such as corals, this suggests that, in ancient times this region of Chiapas was submerged by a shallow sea. It has an area of 21,789 hectares. Its main attraction is the canyon with walls reaching 1,000 meters in height.
Inside the park you can admire many natural attractions, including spectacular cliffs, caves, waterfalls and a rich flora and fauna. Among the animals that can be found in the park are monkeys, iguanas, crocodiles, turtles and several species of birds.
The most common way to explore the Sumidero Canyon is through a boat trip along the Grijalva River. Along the way, you can admire the imposing canyon walls, the waterfalls that flow into the river and the animals that live in its vicinity.
The park also offers hiking trails and viewpoints to enjoy the stunning canyon views. In addition, there are tourist services, such as restaurants and picnic areas, to make the visitor experience even more enjoyable.
Sumidero Canyon National Park is an important natural resource and a major tourist attraction in Chiapas and Mexico in general. Its scenic beauty and biological richness make it a fascinating place to visit for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

Climate –
The climate of the Sumidero Canyon National Park is characterized by a combination of different climatic influences. The region has a tropical and sub-tropical climate, with a dry season and a rainy season.
During the dry season, which generally runs from November to April, temperatures are higher and rainfall is scarce. Average temperatures vary between 25°C and 30°C during the day, resulting in a hot, dry climate. Nights can be cooler, with temperatures dropping between 15°C and 20°C. During this season, the Grijalva River, which flows through the canyon, can become significantly reduced due to lack of rainfall.
The rainy season runs from May to October and the greatest rainfall is recorded during this period. Temperatures can be slightly cooler than in the dry season, with average daytime temperatures ranging between 20°C and 25°C. The nights are generally milder, with temperatures between 15°C and 20°C. During the rainy season, the Grijalva River fills up and can reach higher levels, creating an even more impressive sight inside the canyon.
It is important to note that the climate can vary slightly within the park, based on altitude and geographic location. Areas closer to the canyon may experience cooler, wetter weather than areas further away.
In general, Sumidero Canyon National Park enjoys pleasant weather for sightseeing throughout the year, although the rainy season could mean more rainfall and more water flow in the canyon.

Flora –
The flora of the Sumidero Canyon National Park is extremely varied and rich, thanks to its geographical location and the presence of the river.
Major plant species found in the park include:
1. Ceiba Trees: These giant trees are a symbol of Central America. They have tall, straight trunks, with aerial roots that extend to the ground. Ceibas provide shelter to many birds and small animals.
2. Palm Trees: There are several species of palm trees in the park including coconut palm and royal palm. These palms provide food and habitat for a variety of animals, such as monkeys and birds.
3. Bromeliads: These epiphytic plants are found on trees and rocks. Bromeliads absorb moisture from the air and store water in their leaves. They are important to the ecosystem of the park as they provide water for many animals during the dry season.
4. Orchids: There are many species of orchids in the park, some of which are endemic to the region. Orchids are admired for their beauty and are often used as ornamental plants.
5. Aquatic Plants: Due to the presence of the Grijalva River, there are many aquatic plants in the park, such as water lilies and rushes. These plants provide shelter and food for several species of fish and aquatic birds.
In addition to these species, the park is home to a wide range of trees and shrubs characteristic of tropical vegetation, such as mahogany, caoba, cedar and many other species. The flora of the Sumidero Canyon National Park contributes to the ecological richness of the region and provides vital habitat for numerous wild animals.

Wildlife –
The fauna of the park is extremely rich and varied, thanks to its geographical position and the diversity of the habitats present. Here are some of the most common animal species that can be found in the Sumidero Canyon National Park:
1. Mantled Monkeys: Mantled monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) are large monkeys that live in the forests of the park. They are known for their long, prehensile tails and move nimbly through the trees.
2. American Crocodile: The American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) is a species of crocodile that inhabits the waters of the Grijalva River. These crocodiles can grow to impressive sizes and are often seen sunning themselves on the river banks.
3. River turtle: The river turtle (Dermatemys mawii) is a species of freshwater turtle endemic to southern Mexico, including Cañón del Sumidero National Park. These turtles are considered critically endangered and are protected by law.
4. Puma: The puma (Puma concolor) is a feline that inhabits the forests of the park. Though difficult to spot due to its elusive nature, the puma is one of the largest predators in the region.
5. Ocellated Turkey: The Ocellated Turkey (Meleagris ocellata) is a large terrestrial bird found in wooded areas of the park. It is known for its colorful plumage and distinctive “eyes” on the male tail feathers.
6. Green Iguana: The green iguana (Iguana iguana) is a large lizard that lives in tropical forests. These iguanas can be spotted climbing trees or basking in the sun.
Apart from these species, the park is also home to a diverse range of birds, such as the green toucan (Aulacorhynchus prasinus), guaco (Pharomachrus mocinno), harpy eagle (Harpia harpyja) and many other species.
Note that this list represents only a small fraction of the fauna found in Sumidero Canyon National Park, which is a rich and diverse ecosystem.

Guido Bissanti