In short
- Foreigners pay around $460 MXN for a standard boat tour.
- Mexican nationals pay $400 MXN with ID.
- Both prices include the mandatory CONANP conservation bracelet.
In this article
Touring the Grijalva River by motorized lancha is the standard way to see the 1,000-meter vertical cliffs. You buy tickets directly at the cooperatives on the Chiapa de Corzo pier or as part of an organized day trip.
What is the current Sumidero Canyon boat tour price?
As of 2026, standard boat tours cost around $460 MXN for foreigners.
Mexican nationals pay a discounted rate of $400 MXN. These are "from" prices and can fluctuate slightly depending on the cooperative at the pier. Always carry cash in Mexican pesos to pay for your tickets.
| Visitor Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Foreigners | around $460 MXN |
| Mexican Nationals | $400 MXN |
What does the boat tour ticket include?
Your ticket covers the 2- to 2.5-hour shared boat ride and the mandatory national park fee.
- Shared motorized lancha ride (10-15 passengers)
- The $61 MXN CONANP conservation bracelet
- Basic life jacket for the journey
Boats will not depart until they fill up with enough passengers unless you pay for a private trip.
What is the CONANP conservation bracelet?
It is a $61 MXN mandatory access pass for the protected national park.
The Sumidero Canyon is a protected area spanning 21,789 hectares. You must wear this bracelet at all times. If you buy a boat tour, the $61 MXN fee is already rolled into your ticket price.
Do guided day trips include the boat ticket?
Organized tours from San Cristóbal de las Casas usually include the boat ticket in their total price.
Full-day tours generally cost $40-$60 USD. This covers your hotel pickup, round-trip transport, the boat tour fee, and the CONANP bracelet. Some tours also include transport up to the 5 official viewpoints.
Are there extra costs on the river?
No, there are no additional fees or stops to spend money once on the water.
Passengers cannot disembark during the 13-kilometer river tour. You will view sites like the Christmas Tree Waterfall directly from the boat. Keep small bills for tipping your guide or buying snacks before you depart.
How much does it cost to visit the viewpoints instead?
Accessing the upper viewpoints by car costs a flat $61 MXN.
This is the exact cost of the CONANP bracelet. If you only drive the Calzada al Sumidero from Tuxtla Gutiérrez to see the 5 lookouts, you pay this fee at the gate.
Questions travellers ask
How long is the Sumidero Canyon boat ride?
Guided boat tours typically last between 2 and 2.5 hours, covering 13 kilometers of the Grijalva River.
Where do the boats leave for Sumidero Canyon?
The boats depart from the piers (embarcaderos) located in the colonial town of Chiapa de Corzo.
Do you need to book Sumidero Canyon tours in advance?
If you travel independently to Chiapa de Corzo, you can buy boat tickets on arrival. Day trips from San Cristóbal de las Casas should be booked in advance.
