The Best River Canyons in the World

Reaching and seeing the canyons

At Karanlık Canyon in Kemaliye, visitors look down from rim viewpoints or walk and drive the carved Stone Road through tunnels, and boats run along the base of the Euphrates. At Güejar Canyon in Mesetas, most people see the river from the water on guided rafting or boat trips. Sumidero Canyon offers five rim viewpoints along the road as well as boats from Chiapa de Corzo. At Wadi Al-Disah, visitors drive 4x4s, hire local jeeps at the entrance, or walk the valley floor. Acheron Gorge and Kourtaliotiko Gorge are both reached on foot, with the Acheron walked upstream through the water and the Kourtaliotiko viewed from the rim before a descent to its falls.

Fees, parking and booking

A boat tour at Karanlık Canyon costs 100 to 400 TL per person, and boat fares at Sumidero Canyon range from 260 to 400 pesos. Güejar Canyon tours cost about 200,000 pesos per person and need booking ahead in peak season. Río Claro Canyon charges an entrance fee of 25,000 pesos per person, while Kourtaliotiko Gorge charges €5 per person, card only. Parking is free at Acheron Gorge, Kourtaliotiko Gorge and Río Claro Canyon. Entry to Wadi Al-Disah is free, though local jeep drivers there charge 100 to 300 SAR.

Footing, water and timing

Acheron Gorge requires water shoes and a waterproof bag, and the gorge gets crowded after mid-morning, so early arrival is advised. Marble Beach at Río Claro Canyon can be slippery. Kourtaliotiko Gorge takes about 15 minutes to walk down its steps, and the climb back up follows the same route. At Karanlık Canyon, boat trips run from 11 am until 6 pm, and the tunnels are dark, so a flashlight is needed. Wadi Al-Disah is most pleasant in cooler months, roughly November to March, and Sumidero Canyon requires sunscreen, a hat and an early arrival.