Mexico > The Cañon del Sumidero Canyon

I slept somewhat restlessly and had to visit the bathroom several times. I feel a bit weak. At breakfast, I only have toast with sugar and jam. Today, we have another long travel day ahead. I find a seat closer to the bathroom, which is only to be used for emergencies. I recline my seat and try to sleep. I doze off regularly, which makes the trip seem to go faster, and luckily, the traffic is good too. Around one o’clock, we arrive at the Cañon del Sumidero gorge, much earlier than expected. Along the riverbank, there are several stalls selling souvenirs and food, but I decide to skip them for now. We board a speedboat, and I sit at the front. Right from the start, this is not an advantage. The engine’s power pushes the bow upwards, blocking my view. However, there is enough to see on the sides. We speed along the Grijalva River through the narrow canyon. On both sides are steep cliffs over three hundred meters high. It’s beautiful to sail through here. Occasionally, the skipper slows down for crocodiles, monkeys, or birds on the shore.

Mexico - On board the speedboat through the canyon

The tallest rock in this canyon is an impressive one kilometer high. After about an hour of sailing, we reach a wider body of water by the dam. The Chicoasén Dam is one of the country’s most powerful hydroelectric dams. It provides a significant part of the electricity. At 261 meters high, it’s slightly taller than the American Hoover Dam. From the top side, we don’t see much of it. At full speed, we return through the canyon to the starting point. It was a beautiful trip. From the harbor of Cahuaré, it’s about an hour and a half drive to San Cristóbal de Las Casas. We’re lucky to arrive while there is still daylight. San Cristóbal was founded by the Spanish in 1528 in a mountain basin.

Mexico - Sailing through the beautiful Sumidero Canyon

Due to its location at 2,100 meters altitude, the city has a pleasant climate, though it can get chilly in the evenings. Our hotel is right in the colonial center of town. The bus can’t come here, so we get off at the Church of San Francisco de Asis. The hotel has already sent a van to transfer the luggage. This time it’s a larger van and all the luggage fits in one trip. We walk through the city to the hotel. San Cristóbal looks cozy and typically Spanish. We pass the central square and the cathedral. The Mexicana Hotel is housed in a colonial building with a patio featuring a pond and many green plants. Once in my room, I feel a bit chilly. My thermometer confirms that I have a slight fever. I also don’t feel like eating and go to bed early. Hopefully, I will feel better tomorrow.