Parque National Cañon de Sumidero

San Cristobal: 20th - 22nd January.

Unfortunately I was feeling pretty ill with a cold whilst we were in San Cristobal so I didn't get to explore the city too much. From what I did see, I really liked the vibe. Lots of the streets are pedestrianised and there are lots of cafes, bakeries and good restaurants.

On the Sunday I did manage to join the group for a morning boat ride down the Sumidero Canyon. This is part of a protected landscape with an abundance of birdlife - we saw herons, egrets, vultures, pelicans and my fave the kingfisher. We also saw spider monkeys and a number of crocodiles.

The canyon walls reach up to 1000metres in parts. One section was an incredible formation resembling a Christmas tree, made up from calcium carbonate deposits that have been covered over by moss. During the rainy season this becomes a waterfall.

There are problems with pollution and plastic was hugely visible despite regular clean up efforts.Read more