Tour ZOOMAT, Christ of Chiapas, Sumidero Canyon Viewpoints in Spanish

Explore the Wonders of Chiapas: ZOOMAT, Christ of Chiapas, and Sumidero Canyon Viewpoints

Imagine spending a day in Chiapas, where nature, culture, and breathtaking views come together in one accessible adventure. This tour, costing $60 per person and lasting about a full day, takes you through some of the most iconic sights in the region. You’ll visit ZOOMAT, the only zoo of its kind in Latin America, with a focus on regional fauna. Then, you’ll marvel at the towering Christ of Chiapas, a 62-meter-high structure surpassing the famous Christ the Redeemer in Rio, offering panoramic city views. Finally, you’ll enjoy spectacular viewpoints of the Sumidero Canyon, one of Mexico’s most stunning natural landmarks.

Two things we especially appreciate about this experience are the opportunity to see native wildlife like jaguars, spider monkeys, and quetzals up close, and the chance to enjoy breathtaking vistas from the highest points of Chiapas. The tour’s structure makes it accessible and engaging, perfect for families, nature lovers, or anyone eager to get a comprehensive glimpse of the region’s natural and cultural highlights.

One consideration to keep in mind: if you’re not comfortable walking long distances or have mobility issues, some parts of the tour, particularly the zoo walk, might require extra effort. Still, the overall pacing is reasonable for most travelers. This tour suits those who want a well-rounded day exploring Chiapas’ wildlife, impressive monuments, and scenic viewpoints without the hassle of arranging multiple visits independently.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Regional Wildlife Focus: The zoo emphasizes animals native to Chiapas, making it a meaningful experience for wildlife enthusiasts.
• Unique Landmarks: The Christ of Chiapas is taller than its Brazilian counterpart, offering a different perspective on religious monuments.
• Spectacular Views: The viewpoints of Sumidero Canyon give you a chance to see this natural wonder from its highest points.
• All-Inclusive Price: The $60 fee covers transportation, entrance fees, and insurance, providing good value for a comprehensive day.
• Family Friendly: The tour’s relaxed pace and focus on wildlife make it suitable for families with children.
• Limited to Spanish Speakers: The driver guides in Spanish, so some language barriers might occur if you don’t speak the language.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

The Journey Begins: Convenient Pickup and Transportation

We appreciate how the tour offers four different pickup points—Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapa de Corzo, San Cristóbal de las Casas, and Zona Centro—making it flexible for travelers staying in different parts of Chiapas. The included air-conditioned transportation is comfortable, and the vehicle is large enough for a group, ensuring everyone feels relaxed during the drive. Since the tour covers multiple sites in a single day, efficient transport is crucial, and this setup helps keep the day flowing smoothly.

Visiting ZOOMAT: A Wildlife Encounter

The first major stop is ZOOMAT, which lasts around 2.5 hours. It’s not just a typical zoo; it’s the only zoo of its kind in Latin America, with a focus on regional fauna. This makes it especially meaningful if you’re interested in the ecosystems of Chiapas. Expect to see jaguars, spider monkeys, quetzals, and other native species, which are housed in thoughtfully designed enclosures.

From reviews, many visitors praise ZOOMAT for its cleanliness, naturalistic habitats, and educational value. One visitor mentioned, “We loved the way the animals are kept in environments that resemble their natural habitat,” emphasizing the zoo’s commitment to conservation and education. Since the zoo is located within the El Zapotal nature reserve, it provides a natural setting that enhances the experience.

However, be prepared for a long walk through the zoo grounds, so comfortable shoes are a must. If walking long distances is difficult, this could be a consideration, but the experience is definitely worth it for the chance to see regional species up close.

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The Christ of Chiapas: A Monumental Viewpoint

Next, you’ll visit the Cristo de Copoya, a 62-meter-high statue that surpasses the height of Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer. From this vantage point, you’ll get sweeping views of the city and surrounding landscape. It’s a good opportunity to take photos and appreciate the scale of this impressive structure.

One reviewer said, “The view from the Christ statue is breathtaking, and it’s a great photo op,” which is a common sentiment. The site is accessible, and the hour-long visit gives you time to admire the sculpture and take in the panoramic vistas.

Sumidero Canyon Viewpoints: Nature’s Spectacle

The final major stop is the viewpoints of Sumidero Canyon, where you’ll spend about 2 hours exploring the highest vantage points. These viewpoints offer dramatic views of the canyon’s towering cliffs, winding river, and lush surroundings. It’s a photographer’s paradise and a highlight for anyone who appreciates natural beauty.

From reviews, many visitors mention the stunning vistas and the sense of awe they felt looking down into the canyon’s depths. The viewpoints are accessible and provide excellent photo opportunities, especially if you visit during the late morning or early afternoon when the light hits the canyon walls just right.

Practical Details and Tips

The price of $60 is quite reasonable considering it covers transportation, all entrance fees, and insurance. It’s a good deal for a day packed with diverse sights and experiences. Since lunch isn’t included, bringing snacks or some cash for local vendors at the sites might be wise.

The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, as walking is involved at each stop, especially within the zoo and viewpoints. Also, travelers with animal allergies or insect sensitivities should take precautions, such as carrying insect repellent.

Be sure to contact the tour provider 24 hours in advance to confirm your pickup time, especially if you’re staying in San Cristóbal de las Casas. The tour runs in Spanish, so some understanding of the language will enhance your experience, though the sights speak for themselves.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for families with children since it combines education, wildlife, and impressive landmarks. Nature lovers and those interested in regional fauna and bold monuments will find plenty to enjoy. If you’re short on time but want a comprehensive look at Chiapas’ highlights, this tour packs it all into one day.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or have specific mobility needs, you might want to consider alternative options. But for most active travelers eager to see Chiapas’ natural and cultural treasures in a single day, this tour offers good value and memorable sights.

Final Thoughts

This tour provides a well-rounded introduction to some of Chiapas’ most captivating sights, from its native animals to its imposing statues and stunning canyon views. The inclusion of transportation, entrance fees, and insurance makes it straightforward and budget-friendly. It’s especially suited for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and first-time visitors eager to maximize their time in the region.

While it involves some walking and a full day of activity, the variety of sights and spectacular vistas make it an enriching experience. With a little planning—like bringing comfortable shoes, snacks, and a camera—you’ll leave with plenty of photos and stories to share.

This tour offers a meaningful glimpse into Chiapas’ natural beauty and cultural landmarks, all wrapped into one accessible package. If you’re looking for an engaging, value-packed day that balances wildlife, history, and scenery, it’s a solid choice.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes tourist ground transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, making it easy to move between sites.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, the price covers entrance fees for ZOOMAT, the Christ of Chiapas, and the viewpoints of Sumidero Canyon.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, drinks, comfortable clothes, cash, a charged smartphone, and biodegradable insect repellent.

Is food included?
No, meals and beverages are not included, so plan to bring snacks or buy at the sites.

Are children welcome?
Yes, this tour is suitable for families, especially those interested in wildlife and scenic views.

Is the tour available in English?
No, the driver guides speak Spanish, so some understanding of the language will enhance your experience.

What’s the best time to do this tour?
Since it operates in a single day, morning departure times are typical. Check the availability and start times when booking.

In summary, this tour offers a practical and engaging way to experience Chiapas’ wildlife, monuments, and natural splendors. It’s best suited for active travelers who want a full day of sightseeing without the hassle of organizing individual visits. With its emphasis on regional fauna, iconic landmarks, and stunning vistas, it will leave you with a deeper appreciation of what makes Chiapas special.

You can check availability for your dates here: