2024 TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE : Footprints of the Mayans- Mexico

Mar. 23 to Apr. 9, 2024

Explore the heart of Mexico’s Aztec, Zapotec, Maya and Spanish cultures on this 19-day tour combined with Total Solar Eclipse. Discover ruins, visit pueblos and meet wonderful people on a tour that covers all the basics so you can get to exploring. Enjoy the relaxed shores of the Yucatan Peninsula, unravel the magnificent mystery of the ancient civilizations in Chichen Itza. With plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkeling and hiking, this is the ideal introduction to one of Mexico’s most colorful and exciting destinations.

DAY 1- Mar. 23, SAT: ARRIVAL IN CANCUN 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. At night, gather together for a tour briefing and welcome Dinner.: HOTEL- DINNER

DAY 2- Mar. 24, SUN: DAY AT LEISURE

Enjoy a relaxing day at the beautiful Caribbean Sea. HOTEL – BREAKFAST & DINNER

DAY 3- Mar. 25, MON: CANCUN – RIO LAGARTOS & LAS COLORADOS – MERIDA

Today, you will head towards Rio Lagartos, a small fishing community on the coast where you can observe the multitude of sea birds and flamingoes as they take flight and begin their day. Enjoy a boat ride through the lagoon and mangroves to get a closer look at the unique flora and fauna with around 320 different species. Afterwards, stop at the salt ponds of Las Coloradas which have a unique pink hue due to the high content of marine microorganisms rich in beta carotene. You have time for some lunch on your own before the tour continues to the secluded archeological site of Ek Balam, which translates as “shiny jaguar”. The facade of the main pyramid is especially impressive with beautiful artful stucco. After a full day continue to your hotel where you enjoy your dinner. HOTEL- BREAKFAST & LUNCH

DAY 4- Mar. 26, TUE: DAY EXCURSION CHICHEN ITZA

After breakfast, you will visit the world-famous archaeological site of Chichén Itzá. In 1988, this ancient Mayan city was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and in 2007 declared one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Let yourself be fascinated by the imposing, architecturally impressive buildings of the Maya and admire, among other things, the famous pyramid of Kukulcán, which is an enormous calendar made of stone as well as the huge ball court. Afterwards, continue to the Cenote Yokdzonot where you can take a refreshing dip in the bright blue water. Around the Cenote you can find a small typical Yucatecan Mayan village which with the support of the government, maintains the cenote and looks after a small restaurant and thus ensures the income of the inhabitants. Continue to your hotel in Mérida before enjoying a fun Cantina tour. “Las Cantinas” in Mexico are fun and traditional. The locals come here to socialize, enjoy some drinks and snacks and share traditional music with Mérida’s latest stories. HOTEL -BREAKFAST & DINNER

DAY 5- Mar. 27, WED: MAYAN COOKING CLASS & MERIDA CITY TOUR

Since 2010, Mexican gastronomy has been on the UNESCO Intangible World Cultural Heritage list. On this delicious tour you will enjoy the culinary highlights of the Yucatán and learn how to prepare traditional dishes together with a Mayan chef. In the afternoon you will be picked up from your hotel to begin your city tour. Mérida, is the capital of the Yucatan and is considered the ga teway to the Mayan world. It is known as “the white city” because of the colour of many houses and mansions, but also because its inhabitants love to dress themselves in white. You will visit the Cathedral and the Government Palace in the historical center of the city, as well as the Paseo de Montejo with its magnificent colonial mansions that have been impeccably restored into museums and restaurants and are a reminder of Merida´s affluent past. Afterwards you will be brought back to your hotel. HOTEL – BREAKFAST & LUNCH

DAY 6- Mar. 28, THU: MERIDA – YOGA IN MAYAPAN – EDZNA – CAMPECHE

After breakfast you have the option to start your day with a Yoga Class at the beautiful Mayan site of Mayapan, accompanied by the Mayan Ceremony in Nohmozon. This is the perfect start into a bright new day filled with Mayan history and culture. After your lunch you will head to Campeche but not before visiting the archaeological site of Edzná. Located 45 minutes south-east of the capital, a guided tour will allow you to admire the diversity of the architecture of this ancient Mayan city. The name Edzná means the House of the Itzá, which indicates a possible connection between Edzná and Chichen Itzá. The archaeologically interesting area is approximately 25 km². There are several very large buildings which date back to the classic period of Mayan history. In the early evening you will be arriving to your hotel in Campeche. HOTEL – BREAKFAST & LUNCH

DAY 7– Mar. 29, FRI: CAMPECHE – RUINS OF PALENQUE – PALENQUE

Enjoy a nice breakfast at your hotel before you start your day and driving to your next destination where you start exploring the archaeological site of Palenque. It is not the biggest site in Mexico, but it is one of the most impressive as it is buried deep in dense jungle vegetation. The temples and pyramids are covered with vines and create a unique atmosphere. Climb the Templo de las Inscripciones for a spectacular view of the jungle canopy. Archaeologists estimate that there are still 1200 temples yet uncovered. Afterwards, return to your hotel where you can relax by the pool and enjoy a quiet evening. HOTEL – BREAKFAST & DINNER

DAY 8- Mar. 30, SAT: DAY EXCURSION SELVA LACANDONA – HIKE WITH THE NATIVE PEOPLE OF LACANDON

The Lacandons are descendants of the ancient Maya and have little contact with today’s modern civilization. You will get an insight into the traditional ways of life and customs of this unique indigenous people and enjoy a jungle hike, which leads you through the dense vegetation, along rivers and past waterfalls. Here, too, you might come across monkeys and other exotic animals, while the Lacandon tells you many exciting facts about their ancestors and the extraordinary flora and fauna of the region. Afterwards, return to Palenque, enroute you’ll make 2 more stops at the hidden waterfalls of Las Golondrinas and Roberto Barrios. Here you can refresh yourself with a dip in the pleasantly cool water or just enjoy the atmosphere of the rainforest far away from other tourists. In the late evening you arrive at your hotel in Palenque. HOTEL- BREAKFAST & PICNIC LUNCH

DAY 9- Mar. 31, SUN: PALENQUE – BIO RESERVE CALAKMUL

Enjoy an Easter breakfast before you drive deep into the jungle of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve where you will arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon. Enjoy the sunset over the rainforest and end the day listening to the sounds of the jungle while relaxing in your hammock. HOTEL – EASTER BRUNCH & DINNER

DAY 10- Apr. 1, MON: RUINS OF CALAKMUL

You will be picked up at your hotel and taken to the hidden archaeological site of Calakmul. Deep in the jungles of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve these beautiful ruins are off the beaten path and at one point were a major center of Maya power and the rival of Guatemala´s Tikal. Explore the numerous tombs, courtyards and temples of this magnificent site. It is one of the few places where you can still climb on all of the structures. The views over the jungle canopy are definitely worth the effort! After a tour of this site, you are brought back to your hotel. HOTEL – BREAKFAST & PICNIC LUNCH

DAY 11- Apr. 2, TUE: CALAKMUL – BACALAR

Today, drive to the idyllic and peaceful Laguna Bacalar, also known as the lagoon of 7 colors. It shines especially in the afternoon in all its blue, turquoise and green tones and invites you to relax in the Mayan hammock. Luckily, this impressive location has been spared from large hotel complexes, and there are only small eco-resorts here, that attach great importance to preserving the pristine landscape. HOTEL – BREAKFAST & DINNER

DAY 12- Apr. 3, WED: BACALAR

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing morning admiring the beauty of the lagoon which is also called “the lagoon of seven colors” for the many different tones of blue. We recommend a boat trip on the lagoon exploring the mangroves and unique flora and fauna of the region. Stop at the mud flats for a natural spa treatment. Take a kayak or paddleboard out into the lagoon on your own and explore the crystalclear waters and the local wildlife. Visit the San Felipe fort which was built in 1729 after the town was sacked by pirates and enjoy some delicious seafood in a local restaurant. HOTEL-BREAKFAST & DINNER

DAY 13- Apr. 4, THU: BACALAR – TULUM

In the morning continue to Tulum. Explore these spectacular ruins which are situated on top of a cliff overlooking the ocean. These ruins are situated atop a cliff with a spectacular view of the white sandy beaches and turquoise sea below. On a guided tour you will learn all about Mayan culture and can explore the temples and ruins. Enjoy a final dip in the ocean underneath the archaeological site. Afterwards, you will continue to your hotel. HOTEL – BREAKFAST & DINNER

DAY 14- Apr. 5, FRI: TULUM – DAY AT LEISURE

Enjoy a day off by the sea. Inhale the sea breeze and take a dip into the turquoise waters of Tulum. Explore the former fisher village or take a bike ride through the palm tree alee. HOTEL – BREAKFAST & DINNER

DAY 15- Apr. 6, SAT: TULUM – MAZATLAN

Your transfer service will pick you up at the hotel and take you to the airport in Cancun where you will board for your next adventure in Mazatlán (with stopover in Mexico City). After arrival in Mazatlán where your driver will wait for you and take you to your hotel. 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 where your driver will wait for you and take you 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”. HOTEL – BREAKFAST & LUNCH

DAY 16- 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. HOTEL – BREAKFAST & DINNER

DAY 17: 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 predictions/ 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.  HOTEL – BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER

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

TOTALITY:

DAY 18: 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 PRICES: Coming soon

INTERNATIONAL & INTERNAL MEXICO AIRFARE: TBA

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