2024 Total Solar Eclipse – BEST OF GUATEMALA & MEXICO

Mar. 24 to Apr. 9, 2024

DAY 1- Mar. 24, SUN: ARRIVAL IN ANTGUA – GUATEMALA

Your Guatemala tour begins in Antigua, Guatemala’s former capital city. Today Antigua’s cobblestone streets are bustling with wonderful restaurants and bars, cultural attractions, colonial architecture, and ruins. Antigua, Guatemala was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 for its immense historical and cultural value. Three volcanoes overlook the city and make for many excellent hikes and views!

On arrival at Guatemala’s La Aurora Airport, Meeting assistance upon arrival and transfer to Hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.  The largest country in Central America, Guatemala is a fascinating place with a long and turbulent history.  The name Guatemala comes from the Maya word Guhatezmalh, that described the volcano near the old capital in Antigua, the “Mountain That Vomits Water.” This evening meet your fellow tour participants for a tour briefing and welcome Dinner. CAMINO REAL ANTIGUA- DINNER

DAY 2- Mar. 25, MON: ANTIGUA GUATEMALA & FINCA FILADELFIA

After Breakfast visit the most important and enchanting city of colonial Guatemala. Founded by the Spaniards in 1543, nowadays Antigua is a beautiful blend of ruins, restored colonial buildings, and new buildings in colonial style. It was declared “Monument of America” in 1965. Visit the Central Plaza which is surrounded by the antique Cathedral, the Municipal Government Building, and the Palace of the Captains General, colonial churches and monasteries. Also stop by primitive foot-looms where colorful textiles are woven, and a jade factory where this stone is worked into beautiful jewelry. Next visit a Coffee Farm located at the borders of the city. The coffee of Filadelfia produces one of finest coffees of the world, has been awarded with “Copa de la Excelencia” twice.  Learn the various procedures/ phases of producing Coffee. The more adventurer participants can trek up the mountain to breathe the fresh air at an elevation of 2400 meters with an incredible view to the valley of Antigua Guatemala. The tour continues through plantations of white pine, cedar and cypresses.  CAMINO REAL ANTIGUA- BREAKFAST & LUNCH

DAY 3- Mar. 26, TUE: YAXHA & TOPOXTE

After Breakfast transfer to the airport to board the flight to Flores, Petén. Meeting assistance upon arrival and continue to Yaxhá. Embark on a guided tour of this site. The ruins consist of nine plazas and some 500 structures, including temples, palaces, and ball courts. You can climb to the top of Structure 216 (the tallest structure here) and enjoy wonderful views of the nearby forest and lagoons. You will also visit the Maler Group complex, which features twin temples, several stelae, and a large altar. While at Yaxhá, you’ll also enjoy easy access to the jungle. Be on the lookout for howler and spider monkeys and a range of tropical birds. This area is rich with wildlife. Next take a boat across the lagoon to Topoxté. Topoxté is smaller and located on an island near the southern shores of the Yaxhá Lagoon. The structures here date to the Preclassic period. The most valuable is Temple Pyramid C, which is the last remaining Postclassic structure in Petén. It has three levels, with a portal on the summit. BOLONTIKU HOTEL- BREAKFAST & LUNCH

DAY 4- Mar. 27, WED: UAXACTUN EXCURSION

Uaxactún is much smaller than Tikal, but nonetheless has some interesting features. Uaxactún reached its peak during the Late Preclassic period between 350 BC and 250 AD—it was during this time that many of the structures still standing were built. During its heyday, Uaxactún developed a bitter rivalry with Tikal, one that would eventually lead to its destruction. Enjoy a guided tour of the archeological ruins and learn about the people who created them. At Group E, you’ll explore three temples that function as an astronomical observatory. The temples are built from north to south and are specifically situated to align with the sun on certain days of the year. When viewed from a nearby temple, the sun rises behind the north temple on the longest day of the year and behind the southern temple on the shortest day of the year. The precision is incredible. There are altars and stelae to visit at Uaxactún, as well as a temple and staircase that’s inscribed with jaguar and snake stucco masks. The foundation of this temple may date to around 2,000 BC. Uaxactún means “Eight Stones” because an inscription was found that dates back to the eighth Baktun of the Mayan calendar, being the closest date found at that time. BOLONTIKU HOTEL- BREAKFAST & LUNCH

DAY 5- Mar. 28, THU: TIKAL EXCURSION

The Tikal National Park was created in 1956 and covers 222 square miles (575 sq. km) of primary tropical forest. A vast number of Mayan ruins fall under the protection of the park. Tikal is undoubtedly one of Guatemala’s most impressive sites. With its massive Mayan temples, steep limestone pyramids and thick green jungles, Tikal is undoubtedly one of the top attractions in Guatemala. At Tikal National Park, you’ll explore the park on foot. Photograph yourself beside Temple I, the most iconic of Tikal’s structures, or climb to the top of Temple II for views of the surrounding area. The trails that lead between ruins offer travelers good looks into the jungle—you might spot any number of birds as you make your way along these paths. Your guide will explain about the history, culture, and natural heritage of Tikal. Throughout the tour, you’ll visit the Q and R complexes, Great Plaza, Temples 1–4, the Central Acropolis, North Acropolis, and Lost World Complex. BOLONTIKU HOTEL- BREAKFAST & LUNCH

DAY 6- Mar. 29, FRI: FLORES – BETHEL – PALENQUE- MEXICO

At the appropriate time, your transfer will take you to Bethel where you cross the border to Mexico at Frontera Corozal. On Mexican site your driver is already waiting for you to take you to Palenque. HOTEL – BREAKFAST & DINNER

DAY 7- Mar. 30, SAT: DAY TRIP 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, where 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 8- Mar. 31, SUN: RUINS OF PALENQUE

Enjoy a nice Easter 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 before heading to dinner with your group. HOTEL – BREAKFAST & DINNER

DAY 9- Apr. 1, MON: PALENQUE – BIO RESERVE CALAKMUL

Today you will 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 – BREAKFAST & DINNER

DAY 10- Apr. 2, TUE: 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 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. 3, WED: 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. 4, THU: 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 crystal clear 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. 5, FRI: 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. 6, SAT: TULUM – MAZATLAN

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

DAY 15- Apr. 7, SUN: MAZATLAN – OLD TOWN AND THE BEACH

Enhance your sightseeing experience of Mazatlán on a full-day sightseeing tour of the Mexican city. Alongside your guide, you’ll explore the ambient Centro Historico — home to the neoclassical Teatro Angela Peralta and the Plazuela Machado — while listening to history-rich commentary. See, too, fearless cliff divers plunge into the ocean from dizzying heights before you board a boat to Stone Island. Here, you’ll choose two beach activities from an extensive range including kayaking, boogie board riding or horseback riding. The afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps you would go for a stroll on the beautiful Malecon or have a coffee in Mazatlán’s lively old town

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 16- Apr. 8, MON: ECLIPSE WATCHING

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, LUNH & DINNER

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

TOTALITY:

DAY 17- 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 where your return flight is waiting for you. – BREAKFAST

LAND TOUR PRICE: TBA

INTERNAL GUATEMALA & MEXICO AIRAFRES: TBA

NOTE: Initial arrival and final departure transfers are 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/ airport.

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