Chiapa de Corzo

Boating down the Sumidero Canyon is a spectacular experience that should not be missed. The canyon’s creation began around the same time as the Grand Canyon, approximately 35 million years ago. It was caused by a crack in the earth’s crust along with erosion by the Grijalua River.

At the north end of the canyon is the Chicoasen Dam, which is important for water storage and the generation of hydroelectricity. Before the completion of the dam, the river was not navigable, even for skilled boatmen. Once the river was dammed, it created an extremely deep (260m) and serene river. It is 35 km from Chiapa de Corzo to the dam.

One of the stops was to a small cave, Cueva de Colores (Cave of colors). The cave gets its name from the filtration of magnesium, potassium and other minerals, which form the colours on the walls, particularly shades of pink. There is also a statute of the Virgin of Guadalupe surrounded by fresh flowers and candles left by visitors.

Along the river on one of the canyon walls, they call the “Christmas Tree,” which is created by moss hanging on the rock face.

Pictures do not do this canyon justice. You will just have to see it for yourself.

do you see the face??

vultures

We then toured the small city of Chiapa de Corzo, which has been occupied since 1400 BCE. According to Wikipedia, it has been an archeological site with its height occupation between 700 BCE AND 200 CE. It is important because the earliest inscribed date; the earliest form of hieroglyphic writing and the earliest Mesoamerican tomb burial have all been found here. Chiapa is also the site of the first Spanish City founded in Chiapas in 1528. However, because of the climate, most Spanish would move into the mountains to found what is now known as San Cristobal de las Casas.

The Zocalo or plaza has a fountain known as La Pila. It was constructed in 1562 in a Moorish style. The structure is made of brick in the form of a diamond.