Is El Sumidero Canyon Worth It? (Boat Tour in Chiapas Mexico)

Our next stop on our RV trip through Mexico is El Sumidero Canyon in Tuxtla Chiapas. This canyon is Chiapa's claim to fame and incredible natural wonder home to monkeys, crocodiles, and birds. We share our experience driving our RV in Mexico to Tuxtla and taking the canyon boat tour and why this tour was our most frustrating experience yet.
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[@MR-ws5vj]

The speed bumps are for people to slow down because in México we drive very fast with out them.

[@saltydawg6817]

Liz it looks like Dennis needs a vacation from vacationing.... Sorry to see you so stressed out man. A couple days in that hammock on that beach should do the trick. And the canyon was absolutely amazing!! Very Jurassic park like. And the Christmas tree looked absolutely stunning. Your time and effort are most appreciated. Be safe and be well.

[@fernandozome1750]

My friends Dennis and Liz, Travelling Mexico it was never easy, but RV ing Mexico is very complicated and laborious , you guys are RV ing the most southern part of Mexico that it was never intended for RV ing Ever . I enjoy a lot all your videos, but seeing you DRIVE around , gives me the chills. Good Luck on your journey .

[@EatSeeRV]

Yeah it's definitely a bumpy ride with an RV in the south! Glad to hear you're enjoying our Mexico series. Thank you for watching! - Dennis

[@daveheckman1637]

We spent 4 months in Mexico back in the year 2000. The lake was beautiful and so were the surrounding areas. We didn't have a deadline and we didn't make one single reservation. We were riding two up on my 1996 Honda ST 1100.👍

[@bigvito9008]

Did the boat trip in 2017. We had a beautiful sunny day. Didn't have to wait long for the boat to fill. There were numerous companies operating out of Chiapa deCorzo . Outside of the trash in the river, it was a great experience.

[@lennykoss8777]

The speed bumps are all around. 🤣 Highly recommend smaller campers or better yet campers vans. I have seen lots of pick-up campers combos too. Appreciate your cool videos.

[@EatSeeRV]

LoL, 4,000+ miles and we know that for a fact! I agree in Mexico smaller is better for sure. Thanks for watching Lenny! - Dennis

[@garretlewis4103]

😀😁😃😂😃😁😀😂😃 Loved the Back to the Future reference. We were just laughing about it, the jig-a-watt when you guys cut in to the movie clip. The canyon was awesome. Yeah, the roads sound like no fun.

[@EatSeeRV]

🤣 Me and Liz were cracking up while searching for the clips too! The roads are definitely roller coasters but usually once you get to the destination it's SO worth it. - Dennis ✌️

[@townswiley4429]

Glad we skipped it. Now that we are in the greater Cancun / Tulum area I must say that I dislike the garbage everywhere more than the Topes... Inside the resorts most people would never know it but all the side street, vacant lots, marshes, etc. are covered in plastic, glass, building debris. We have seen this to a less extent in Nicaragua and Costa Rica as well. But Quintana Roo unfortunately takes the cake for garbage. You will LOVE Puerto Escondido.... after three months + in Mexico, driving, it is by far my favorite.

[@EatSeeRV]

The boat tour is definitely something once. I'm sad we didn't spend more time in the area surrounding Tuxtla though. The Sumidero miradores look amazing and the city center seems pretty vibrant as well. The trash hit us hard while we were in the Riviera Maya as well and is part of the reason we've decided to talk about it more in videos. But, when there is little incentive and even less infrastructure for recycling or general garbage removal I can understand why it's a problem. I just really wish it wasn't a thing. 😞 - Dennis

[@townswiley4429]

Dennis, I was thinking with all the resorts that they would be taxed for road use, bad roads, and environmental impact, but unfortunately corruption makes it so those funds would never be used as intended. Luckily, there are still many beautiful things and places to visit and hopefully something changes soon.

[@Agueybana55]

Hello Dennis and Liz hope you guys are doing well. Seeing people struggling here on the states struggle with a class C downtown I cannot imaging what you guys are doing to produce this beautiful videos for us. This is the reason why I drive a small class B. Even the longer class B are difficult. Be safe and safe travels. God bless.

[@EatSeeRV]

No doubt! For the most part it's manageable. But, this one really had me stressing! We made it in one piece though! Thank you for watching and the well wishes. - Dennis ✌️

[@armandovera2304]

The Canyon was breath taking...

[@mariebrumer3440]

I liked the Back to the Future touch. The Canyon was pretty.

[@Scrambler85]

The first 2 minutes is why I didn't buy a traditional RV. Watching Dennis thread the traffic and bottom out is why I bought a Ford E350 cutaway van. Not as wide or as low. The canyon tour looked rushed by the outfitters. Nice job of pointing out the trash problem, I see this mentioned on almost all of the KZbin channels I see visiting Mexico. 👍

[@EatSeeRV]

Super smart of you! Smaller is better for sure!

[@NinetyOneAdventures]

I love all of the bright colored buildings. So pretty!

[@LuisTorres-yu1uo]

Wow!! That was... Wild!... And you know something...? Yep! That's México! Ups and downs... And again...😃

[@EatSeeRV]

So true! Ups and downs! But the ups normally out weight the downs. - Liz

[@IamaDutch-Kiwi]

The road bumps- they are everywhere. I so dislike them. Can't see how they add to the safety of the roads and they certainly add to the damage of the shock absorbers on cars. That canyon can only be described as incredible. Majestic, awe inspiring. The plastic: Such a sad human legacy. At 6:06 The pelagic shag or cormorant ( dutch: Aalscholver) LOVED it. We have them in the river along our home and in the National Park where I live. I've not seen that many together though. It may not quite have measured up to your expectations, I thoroughly enjoyed what I saw. Thanks for the great share. 🙏 👍 🎥 ❤️ 🌷 ❤️

[@EatSeeRV]

It is awe inspiring you're right! That's so cool you have cormorants near you're home too. - Liz

[@exploringcoasttocoast0203]

We are enjoying Mexico vicariously thru you. I feel for you dealing with the stress of driving in the conditions there. Beautiful views in this video. Until the plastic. Admittedly I used to use a lot of plastic bottles but have given that up after seeing the oceans and rivers. Even tho my bottles are put where they are supposed to be ... who knows what happens to them after that. Thanks for sharing.

[@MrTmiket0007]

I love all your videos, keep up with the awesome content, I am sure that you got more better times in Mexico than the difficult times 🇲🇽😁🤗

[@EatSeeRV]

For sure! Thanks Miguel! - Dennis

[@donaldtharp]

Thanks for sharing your heart with us concerning the pollution you encountered.

[@EatSeeRV]

Yes it's a shame

[@88arakvita]

The sumidero Canyon is the brother of the Grand canyon but the sumidero a great canyon is so much beautiful

[@ftkinsella]

What a boat trip through the canyon, that was amazing. The views are crazy. The Oaxaca coast is so beautiful. I am subscribed to a couple Vagabond Awake and I think they are there now. They show you how to retire in different places all around the world for very little. Dan and his beautiful model wife Qiang. Enjoy guys! ❤️🇨🇦❤️ Cheers!!!

[@EatSeeRV]

Hey yall! Oh yes, It's definitely worth doing at least once! We will have to check out that channel, thanks! - Dennis

[@alfonsolo8064]

Great place is "el cañón del sumidero", but you miss to visit the several "miradores" surrounding the river. Waiting for your vídeos in Oaxaca (Huatulco & Puerto Escondido beaches). Huatulco is amazing. The best.

[@EatSeeRV]

You're right I wish we had more time to explore Tuxtla and the miradores, but we only planned the one night so we could get to Oaxaca quicker! - Dennis 🏖

[@proudtexan5513]

Excellent video, guys!!

[@EatSeeRV]

Thank you so much! We're stoked that you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching! - Dennis ✌️

[@babsshaffer2652]

Enjoyed your video! Appreciate you keeping it real w some of the down sides too. It was interesting. Loved your ending on this one!😍

[@EatSeeRV]

Glad you enjoyed it Babs! - Liz

[@debbiegordon7684]

Great video, enjoy watching all the different areas that you go to...

[@ny4980]

Hi guys, great video as always. Just wish it was longer. Next week looks great, can’t wait

[@EatSeeRV]

Yes it was a short one this week! Thanks for watching. Next week's is nice and long! And a good one 😉

[@dollyla229]

Hi Dennis and Liz! The canyon was gorgeous. Thanks for sharing with us. Looking forward to your next video. Have a great week!

[@EatSeeRV]

Thank you Dolly! It's such a beautiful destination!

[@genaroignot3332]

Great video guys

[@EatSeeRV]

Thank you!

[@gwenmoody8323]

Thank you again. I wait for the video. Hugs

[@EatSeeRV]

Glad you enjoyed this weeks video Gwen! - Dennis

[@sherriweber7105]

I loved the boat ride tour you took that looked nice. The water looked like it was a beautiful color. I wanted to see what you were making for lunch/ breakfast.I can’t believe you’ve been there for 9 months already. No wonder you want to come home Dennis. There’s no place like home.lol! Looking forward to next weeks video. See you then. Have a great week. Stay safe.

[@EatSeeRV]

Crazy how time flies! Thank you Sherri looking forward to sharing it next week - Liz

[@tarac5137]

Very beautiful canyon! Sorry the tour logistics were trouble. I started watching Mexico content through van / RVers and wandered into expat / long term tourists videos. I wonder if a series of apartment rentals isn’t an easier way to see Mexico. Or maybe Baja by RV and mainland by apartment (and rent a car as needed for trips where the buses don’t go). ??? Although with the kitties probably easier to have your own vehicle.

[@EatSeeRV]

Thanks Tara! Yeah we've thought about what future travels to Mexico will look like for us. I would prefer something smaller but since we're full time I just really don't see us packing our lives into anything smaller than what we are in currently. For shorter trips, I agree with you, apartment / B&B hopping with a rental car would be a very nice option. I think traveling with the kitties would be next to impossible without the RV. - Dennis

[@1PhoenixRisen]

Love it! So scared for your driving experience as well! Hairy! Take care and yay for more beaches!!!! Hello Pacific ocean!!!

[@Vancouver_Dan]

Nice touch - adding the state emblem. I appreciate that you research your destinations and are always able to share some insight or information. Kudos also for your comment about plastics! I am sad (but not surprised) to see Dennis' topes meltdown. I hope all will be forgiven once you get to my favorite (beach) part of Mexico - the stunning Oaxacan coast.

[@EatSeeRV]

Oh all is forgiven. Just sharing that RVing Mexico isn't all sunshine and roses. The great still outweighs the challenging parts. - Liz

[@oscarlugo8761]

I really like your honest take on my country. Yes, we Mexicans like to be flattered about the good, but we're never going to fix the bad if visitors are not sincere with some good, "tough love" that merits a little "TLC." As for roads? That's a bigger problem obviously, and locals should pressure the FEDERALES about that ALL OVER Mexico, but they need to start by addressing issues affecting their own tourist industry AT HOME if they care about falling tourist revenues in the middle of a world-wide pandemic. (I mean, FLOATING GARBAGE on YOUR scenic river tour, for example? Please. That's a local problem, NOT a federal one, even if locals are not the ones responsible for littering.)

[@oklahomastumbleweeds3507]

I’m with y’all I hate to see trash not just in the waterways but everywhere. Glad to see you heading for the coast. Stay safe, Dan - Oklahoma’s Tumbleweeds

[@sophiemarcaurele]

Thanks for the memories! On my first visit to the country in 2003, I travelled all the way from Cancun and back to Tuxtla Gutiérrez... we had our own guide on the Sumidero, because the mother of my boyfriend at the time was one of the structural engineers building the electric dam on the river! 😎 I’ve been back several times to Mexico since then. I’m currently figuring out online work so I can live there part of the year as well... 😉🇨🇦🇲🇽 🌮

[@justcarry-ontraveldiy8739]

Hopefully your travels will get less stressful. Will keep watching

[@EatSeeRV]

Of course! Some travel days are stressful! - Liz

[@2426eltejano]

Wow is a beautiful place EL SUMIDERO , another great video amigos enjoy you trip like we do the videos , saludos to you both

[@EatSeeRV]

Thank you Rudy!

[@jmonserrat2018]

Great video as usual....how long of a drive from Sumidero to Oaxaca ?

[@jimsherry7050]

Thanks for the honest opinion

[@EatSeeRV]

Thanks for watching!

[@darlasanders9143]

Another beautiful video. Are you in San Agustin? Yay! Let us know if you are out in Bocana. Did you check out Playa Riscalillo next to San Agustin? Another beautiful little bay.

[@hideawayhomesllc5103]

I gotta say, that's pretty brutally honest. The canyon is great, the guides blamed the plastic trash on Guatemala. (when we were in Majajual they blamed it on Cuba). A really special place was the Hogar Infantil campground in Oco-z. Look out for roadblocks going to Oaxaca. North of PV the roads are really pretty good. The Oaxaca coast is spectacular! Thanks for the memories.

[@EatSeeRV]

Glad we could rekindle some memories. Road quality has improved thank heavens

[@TravelSmallLiveBig]

Oh Dennis - we totally get that Mexican driving fatigue. Hang in there! Love your videos!

[@hivolco151]

I am with Dennis on the speed bumps, narrow streets, and crazy traffic situations, those cliffs and the canyon tour looked beautiful, but I live in Oregon for Heaven's sake we have those beautiful places here just off the "smooth" freeways :) You are both very adventurous! Thanks for taking us along... Looking forward to your take on Oaxaca coastline. I am very seriously wanting to go to Bahia Huatulco HUX is the airport code and to avoid nasty/dangerous curvy roads .. I think I will utilize the airport! :) Blessings and Safe Journeys!

[@recreationalvehicle5212]

Dang he seriously is done with those roads...I dont blame you....be nice to each other thats all that matters

[@josemartinez-kd3dr]

I always love your videos from México, there’s so many beautiful places, Chiapas it’s one of my favorites places, really nice and the food it’s so good. That’s sad to see a lot of trash on the river.

[@EatSeeRV]

Yes super sad about the trash but glad you enjoy the videos :) Chiapas is gorgeous!

[@pacochavez461]

As Mexican, I want to say that it is nice to see how you describe faithfully our reality. It is true that we have a lot of beautiful places and we share them with the people from all over the world, and all of you are very welcome, but..it is also true that we have lousy roads with those damn bumps and holes. hopefully some day We the people ask to the government for a better use of taxes. Meanwhile Feel free of Enjoying our country

[@bigvito9008]

Baches and sleeping policemen (topes)

[@genaroignot3332]

See you guys takecare

[@EatSeeRV]

Thanks Genaro! - Dennis

[@gustavochavez3579]

Enjoy your front view

[@EatSeeRV]

🤣

[@tonydanzl]

The front is always the rough ride ! Notice how still the pilot in back is , as you in front are bouncing all over.🤠

[@Heimalima]

If you go to he coast, check out Zipolite.

[@prime8nate]

We're getting some salty Dennis in this video ;)

[@EatSeeRV]

Ugh, I know it's not pretty. LOL! - Dennis

[@prime8nate]

@@EatSeeRV we’ve all been there ha ha

[@meridadiane]

We did the private boat and I think the experience was a lot better for us.

[@EatSeeRV]

I'm sure private tour would help!

[@normthibodeau5212]

Hang in there Dennis! I rented a car a drove after flying in last time in Mexico. It was stressful for both driver and passenger (my wife). No sure I’d do it again given the decent public transit and cheap cab/Uber availability. Depending on where your at in Mexico of course. Driving a bigger rig like you guys can’t be fun.

[@EatSeeRV]

Yes it can be stressful, and adding our monster RV is definitely not making it easier haha!

[@violettaplatar8341]

Fair assessment of Sumidero canyon, though. Do you know if the authorities of the Sumidero County are taking action for cleaning it?

[@darlenekeene755]

How do you figure out that alternate roads are not good for your rv to travel on before actually getting on the road?

[@EatSeeRV]

Ask around but sometimes you just have to do it. - Liz

[@pamelag2223]

Crocs! Yikes!

[@EatSeeRV]

🐊

[@bigvito9008]

Saw one there that looked to be an 11 footer.

[@jamescosme4236]

Hang in there go to the beach and spend a couple of days there. I live in Colorado and it’s been snowing off and on for the last three months please stop mother nature we want some sun!

[@EatSeeRV]

That is the plan! I hope you get some springtime temps soon! - Dennis ☀️

[@JarheadAndGingersJourney]

Not jealous here. Not one bit. Okay, I lied. 😂

[@EatSeeRV]

😆

[@carolinareyes9595]

Hello greetings, I am from the state of Puebla. Unfortunately for the last 80 years, Mexico has been the prey of corrupt politicians who used to steal the public budget, which is why the roads are so deteriorated. In 2018 began a government that is not corrupt, you will soon notice the changes

[@DavidMyers-bl9gx]

If anyone who was involved in THIS situation would like to defend their actions I would be glad to read Your reasons.

[@buzoncarpeta2914]

=D

[@fourthdeconstruction]

I don't know about that comment of the speed bumps and going back to buttery roads for awhile......But how do you want better roads if you don't spend much while RV ing in the country? Spending more would go to the local governments that will spend more in roads or police. Even when you are vlogging "you are working" in Mexico, you are not paying any taxes when you really should because you are working. Let's be honest here you may not like my comment but it's true!

[@EatSeeRV]

Only a portion of taxes goes to improving roads We do spend good money there going on tours, tipping, eating at restaurants and food stalls, and sharing the places we visit so others follow suit. This helps the communities and people oftentimes more than tax dollars would. Also, we pay tolls which are supposed to go to maintaining roads. We've paid well over $2,000 in tolls in our travels. Lastly, we don't pay taxes there because we're not residents. We tried to become residents and they denied us. - Liz

[@fourthdeconstruction]

@@EatSeeRV I'm sorry, how are the roads paid for in Mexico? Do they just appear out of nowhere? No, they are paid as we pay in America thru taxes. The tolls that you paid most of that money goes to the private companies that finance those roads. In Mexico, these roads are known as concessions. Only a fraction of that money goes to the federal or state governments. That $2,000 dollars that you stated that you paid doesn't help to build more roads or improve any other roads. The tax you paid in Mexico on food and other services are known as indirect taxes that do not help with capital improving projects in Mexico on anywhere else this is why we have income taxes because we pay a lot more on income taxes than on good & service taxes. So your arguments that you help a lot more by just consuming than paying income taxes is very weak to say the least. I invite you to learn more about the rules of paying taxes while "vlogging" (working) in another country. Let's suppose that you're foreigner vlogging in the US then let's ask uncle sam if you have to pay taxes since you're only vlogging. Do you think the IRS would say yes no problem please go ahead? Do you? In addition, let's be honest you consumed far less than if you'd stay in a hotel everyday, eat every meal in a restaurant or pay for transportation for every ride that you needed. At the end, no one will force you to do the right thing but the very least let's be honest about the situation and not make degrading statements/complains about the roads in Mexico or imply that you know how things work like roads or taxes in Mexico because it's not the case.

[@pablovi77]

That RV is very big, and this country is not made for RV’s. I would only buy one if I lived in Canada or the US, Europe and the rest fo the world is not made for RVing. The streets are small, bumpy and clearance is a problem. You are doing something that no mexican would dare to do.

[@EatSeeRV]

Yes, we know their roads are not built for RV's nor are we expecting them to be. But we are here in our RV as many others do and we are sharing our experience driving here so others who are following suit have realistic expectations. - Liz

[@brian_be_flyin]

You guys expect Mexico to be like the US but you’re in MEXICO - like what?

[@EatSeeRV]

We never said we expected it to be like that we were just sharing the differences and how it can be frustrating driving there at times in a vehicle not made for this country. I suggest watching our other videos on Mexico and I'm sure you'll see we are very aware we're in Mexico and don't expect things to adapt to us or or vehicle.

[@DavidMyers-bl9gx]

My wife's condition has worsened. She is flying back to the USA. I will have to drive back alone. I will not give in to thugs and thieves.

[@bobw9297]

All the nonsense just makes the beer that much beater

[@EatSeeRV]

Yes, it makes the great moments even better! If it was super easy everyone would be doing it! - Liz

[@uliseszarate6561]

I admire you guys for taking on this adventure but Dennis needs to gain some perspective. Driving an RV is a completely GRINGO concept devised in a country where the personal vehicle takes precedence over anything else and that is precisely why public transportation in the USA generally sucks. You're driving through one of the most rural states in Mexico in towns and cities founded and built maybe a hundred years before the USA even existed. You should be grateful that there are even paved roads. Try driving your RV through the Alps in Europe where the vast majority of people drive subcompacts because as in Mexico the cities are old and the roads are narrow. Yes, I can relate to the stress of navigating an RV in these tiny rural towns in Mexico but you need to recognize that you are attempting to drive an ENORMOUS gringo contraption in a country that is totally alien to the concept. Don't get me wrong...I love RV's and wish I could just retire and live in one and drive all over the USA which has a highway system designed for it but Mexico and most of the rest of the world aren't and I love that. I don't want Mexico to become another mass paved, alienating desert of fast food and truck stops. Really enjoy your vids guys, don't get me wrong.

[@EatSeeRV]

Just because we share our frustrations and experiences traveling through the country at times doesn't mean we don't have perspective or appreciation for being here. But for other RVers who want to follow suit, it's helpful to know that the driving fatigue here is real, especially in an RV. We fully understand the road system not being designed for RV's and are thankful to be here. I feel that is emulated in all of our other videos. We literally have 49 other videos that show positive sides of Mexico. Not sure why this is your take away on our perspective of the country? - Liz