2024 TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE – COLONIAL MEXICO TOUR

Mar. 29 to Apr. 9, 2024

DAY 1- Mar. 29, FRI: ARRIVAL IN MEXICO CITY – BIENVENIDOS A MÉXICO!

Meeting assistance upon arrival and transfer to Hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.  Note: Arrival transfer is provided to participants taking group flight or arriving around the same time. A private transfer can be arranged at additional cost or take a taxi to the Hotel. Mexico City is one of the world’s largest urban centres, a bustling metropolis with so many influences, offering a huge variety of museums, galleries and architectural delights, along with pumping nightlife and unparalleled street food. At night, gather together for a tour briefing and welcome Dinner. BARCELO REFORMA HOTEL – DINNER

DAY 2- Mar. 30, SAT: ANTHROPOLOGICAL MUSEUM – MEXICO CITY TOUR

Begin the day with your guide to explore the historical center on foot and visit the huge Zocaló with its famous Cathedral and the Government Palace with its impressive murals by Diego Riviera, amongst others. To make the city tour perfect, finish it with an informative visit of the Anthropological Museum which is situated on the brink of the Chapultepec Park. At night another highlight will await you. Indulge in the deliciousness the city has to offer and try some of the best tacos you can find during this Taco Street Food Tour. BARCELO REFORMA HOTEL – BREAKFAST & DINNER

DAY 3- Mar. 31, SUN: TEOTIHUACAN – QUERETARO

After your Easter brunch breakfast, head 50km northeast of the city to the spectacular site of Teotihuacan, also known as the “City of the Gods”. Spread over 22km², it is the largest city of ruins in Latin America and the majority of it has yet to be excavated. You should not miss out on climbing up the Sun and Moon Pyramids, as they provide an imposing view of the extent of this archaeological excavation. Continue to the colonial town of Queretaro which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and full of history as it played an important role in the Mexican Revolution. Explore the centro historico and visit the Teatro de la Republica which is where the 1917 Constitution was signed, the Plaza de Armas REAL DE MINAS HOTEL- EASTER BRUNCH & DINNER

DAY 4- Apr. 1, MON: BERNAL EXCURSION

After breakfast, head to the small colonial town of Bernal. Explore the cobblestone streets and try the famous gorditas (corn patties with your choice of filling) as well as the locally made candy. Here you can also climb the Peña de Bernal which is the third largest monolith in the world. Hike up the small steep paths for a beautiful view over the surrounding countryside. Local legends say that a long life will be granted to those who climb to the top. Afterwards, continue to a local opal mine. To get to the mine you must take a jeep on a bumpy adventure up to the opening of the mine. Here you will meet up with the guide and learn all about the process and you will also be given tools to break some rocks and look for your own opal. Continue to a local workshop where you can see the final product of polished stone before returning to Queretaro. REAL DE MINAS HOTEL- BREAKFAST & LUNCH

DAY 5- Apr. 2, TUE: SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE – GUANAJUATO

Today, you will stop at the charming colonial town of San Miguel de Allende, also known as the “City of Artists”. Explore the cobblestone streets, art galleries and local market of the impeccably maintained centro historico. The stunning architecture of the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel is a neo-gothic masterpiece and built in rose colour stone by the self-taught architect Zerferino Gutierrez who is said to have used postcards of European churches as his inspiration. Admire the facade and interior of this unique church and learn more about the history of San Miguel. Enjoy a delicious lunch from a rooftop terrace overlooking San Miguel. Afterwards, continue to Guanajuato, another wonderful colonial town famous for its music and theater scene. SAN DIEGO HOTEL – BREAKFAST & LUNCH

DAY 6- Apr. 3, WED: GUANAJUATO

Guanajuato is a unique colonial town filled with tiny cobblestone streets and winding alleyways. Enjoy the day exploring the town and visit the Cathedral, the University, Diego Rivera´s birthplace, the famous kissing alley and take trip high up to the Pipila Monument for a spectacular view of the city. There is a vibrant art scene in Guanajuato and a month-long festival of theater, music and poetry in October known as Cervantino. If you are lucky, in the evening you may encounter a wandering musical group known as “estudiantina” which play traditional songs throughout the city as they make their way through town. Get caught up in the atmosphere of this authentic Mexican city. SAN DIEGO HOTEL – BREAKFAST & DINNER

DAY 7- Apr. 4, THU: GUANAJUATO – GUADALAJARA

After breakfast, head to Guadalajara which is the capital of the State of Jalisco and Mexico´s second largest city. It is known for preserving the customs and traditions and is sometimes referred to as “the most Mexican city in Mexico”. After arriving in your hotel, explore the centro historico and enjoy a delicious dinner accompanied of course by a local tequila produced in the region and the sounds of mariachi. DE MENDOZA HOTEL – BREAKFAST & DINNER

DAY 8- Apr. 5, FRI: DAY FREE OR OPTIONAL TOURS TLAQUEPAQUE EXCURSION OR TEQUILA TRAIN

After breakfast, head to the small neighborhood of Tlaquepaque which has been swallowed up by the growing city. It has quaint tree lined streets and outdoor restaurants and is famous for its local artesenia and galleries. Explore the shops filled with art and handicrafts and soak up the atmosphere from a patio with a delicious margarita. Afterwards, return to the centro historico of Guadalajara. DE MENDOZA HOTEL – BREAKFAST & DINNER

DAY 9- Apr. 6, SAT: GUADALAJARA – MAZATLAN

Your transfer service will pick you up at the hotel and take you to the airport in Guadalajara where you will board for your next adventure in Mazatlán. After arrival in Mazatlán transfer to your hotel. Mazatlan, located on the Pacific coast, just across from the tip of Baja California. Mazatlan was an important city in the early 17th century because of the nearby gold and silver mines. It took quite a while and some enterprising German businessmen to develop the port in the mid-1800s. Twenty years later, during the French intervention, Mazatlan was the stronghold of Mexican independence troops. By the end of the 19th century, this city had become the center of a large fishing industry and a thriving port involved in international trade, which included China and Japan. It still retains the title “capital of the shrimping business”. EMPORIO HOTEL – BREAKFAST & LUNCH

DAY 10- Apr. 7, SUN: MAZATLAN – OLD TOWN AND THE BEACH

This Mazatlan City tour provides a great overview of Mazatlan and you’ll come away appreciating its beauty. You will be driven along the ocean front drive towards the high divers, who dive into water only five feet deep from 45 feet in the air. Continue to the top of the lookout hills to have the amazing view of the whole city as your guide tells you local folklore & history Next head to the historical center to see the Angela Peralta Theater, built in the 1870s. the Plazuela Machado, the Mansion of Redo, the Bank of London, Mexico Building, and the Temple of San José.. Enjoy free time at the main market to do some souvenir shopping. As you walk through town, photograph the city hall and the majestic Conception Cathedral. Construction on the cathedral began in 1875 and took 42 years to complete.

Note: You may leave tour in town and enjoy lunch at local restaurants returning back to Hotel on your own. Perhaps you would go for a stroll on the beautiful Malecon or have a coffee in Mazatlán’s lively old town. The afternoon is at leisure.

Join fellow tour members to visit our exclusive eclipse viewing site so participants can familiarize themselves and also for accompanying astronomy experts to review weather reports and any related effect/changes to our viewing plans/site. At dinner this evening, our accompanying Astronomy expert will give us pre eclipse briefing. EMPORIO HOTEL- BREAKFAST & DINNER

DAY 11- Apr. 8, MON: ECLIPSE DAY

After Breakfast transfer to our exclusive eclipse viewing site scouted by our Eclipse experts. Arrive early with plenty of time to set up for the eclipse. From our exclusive site you can view 4 minute 15 seconds of eclipse totality According to weather predicttions/ expert guidance we expect clear skies nevertheless a bus will be at our disposal to travel along the eclipse path to seek out a clear location for viewing, if needed. Buffet Lunch, water, soft drinks & Snacks, tables and chairs are provided at the viewing site. Return to hotel after the eclipse and rest of the day is free for independent activities or take an optional tour. This evening join fellow tour members for a celebratory Dinner & a report by our Eclipse experts.  EMPORIO HOTEL– BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER

The eclipse begins at 10.51AM and ends at 3.32 PM in Mazatlan Mexico. 

TOTALITY:

DAY 12- Apr. 9, TUE: BYE BYE MEXICO- ADIOS Y HASTA PRONTO EN MEXICO!

It is time to say “Adiós” to this beautiful, colorful and friendly country with its welcoming people. We hope you had a wonderful trip and we look forward to welcoming you back! Your transfer will take you to the airport in Mazatlan where your return flight is waiting for you. – BREAKFAST

TOUR PRICE: Coming soon

INTERNAL MEXICO AIRFARE – TBA

TOUR BOOKING PROCEDURE:

WE ARE ACCEPTING  `BOOKINGS WITHOUT DEPOSIT’ ON ALL ASTRONOMY TOURS- Once the tour prices are finalized, you will be contacted with deposit requirements. You will have 15 days to accept, Change or cancel your booking.

FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION- CONTACT: 888-605-TOURS (8687) or 310-373-1001. Email: Info@AClassicTour.com