Take an RV Trip of a Lifetime

Northern New Mexico is centre stage for one of the rarest total eclipses in our lifetime.

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Words by Paul Beddows

April 8, 2024, is when one of the longest total solar eclipses will pass over parts of North America with an expected totality for almost five minutes in Mexico, ranking it as a rare and significant solar event of the 21st century. 

Given the next total solar eclipse will take place on August 23, 2044, for two minutes over the Northwest Territories and parts of Western Canada, and on August 12, 2045, for six minutes over the Central United States, this is an event not to miss.  

A total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the Sun. As a result, the sky darkens similarly to dawn or dusk. The last total solar eclipse over the Lower 48 States was in 2017 and the first to cross over the U.S. (coast to coast) since 1918. The last total eclipse visible from Canada was February 26, 1979.

With the significance of its totality, the total eclipse on April 8, 2024, is an ideal destination event for RVers who are either planning - or have always wanted to visit - the country by RV. Its path passes over Mazatlán, Durango and across Northern Mexico, providing many opportunities to observe it from the comfort of your trailer or motorhome. It’s also expected to be seen over Southeast Texas, the Midwestern U.S., Upstate New York and Southeastern Canada before exiting over Newfoundland. 

Clear weather is always uncertain across the Maritimes in the spring. However, Mexico is anticipated to be the best location followed by locations in Southeast Texas. According to the NASA Science Mission Directorate's Planetary Science Division, ‘Mazatlán is the first location in continental North America that will experience totality at approximately 11:07 a.m. (PDT).’

One of the best ways to make the most of the trip with your RV is by joining Caravanas de Mexico, which offers guided RV caravan tours in Mexico. A fully licensed RV touring agency and legally certified to operate in the country, the company is already scheduling most of its regular, escorted caravans to coincide with the April 8, 2024, solar event. 

They are currently taking reservations for prime viewing destinations in Mazatlán, Durango, and Baja (with the option of ferrying to Mazatlán). For those interested in the Mazatlán trip, the caravan will travel inland for two nights in Concordia, which is considered one of the best places to see the eclipse. 

Additionally, a few short-term trips are scheduled (16 to 24 days) at the beginning of April 2024 from Nogales, Arizona. Reservations are filling fast, yet space is still available for the 24-day tour (that includes a visit to the spectacular Copper Canyon) through the summer. 

Those who are serious about astronomy may want to view the total eclipse in the rural town of José Guadalupe Aguilera, located just north of the city of Durango. This is where spectacular views are also expected since April 8 coincides with the new moon, the region has low pollution levels and the town sits at a high elevation of 1,930 m (6,332 ft). Keep in mind, all trips with Caravanas de Mexico are dry camping only (just for the event) since RV parks are not available in the regions of the eclipse’s path. 

Durango and Jose Guadalupe Aguilera are approximately 300 km (185 mi) from Mazatlán via the Durango-Mazatlán highway and where you’ll cross the 1,124 m (3,688 ft) Baluarte Bicentenario Bridge. Spanning across the Baluarte River valley, this is the tallest cable-stayed bridge in the world and one of Mexico’s most remarkable architectural structures. It’s even in the path of the total eclipse and serves as another great viewing area, but space on the bridge may be limited.

All of the caravan trips provide the chance to see other regional attractions in Mexico, enjoy the beautiful sand beaches, and experience the local culture. They are also a special way for snowbirds to round out their winter trip.

RVing in Mexico can be intimidating. However, visiting on a caravan tour provides a unique opportunity. The wagon masters have expert knowledge of the local regions, border crossing regulations, required permits, and planned destinations and routes. Combined with the chance to view one of the most significant total solar eclipses of this century, it just may be a trip of a lifetime. 

Details on availability, upcoming trips and the April 8 total solar eclipse tours can be found at www.mexicorvcaravans.com. 

Paul Beddows is a former RV Wagon Master who now lives the better part of the year in Mexico and provides customer orientation services for Caravanas de Mexico. He can be reached at beddows1@telus.net and will be hosting “RVing in Mexico” at the RV Owners Lifestyle Seminars at Okanagan College in Kelowna, BC, June 23-26, 2023.

5 Facts about a Total Eclipse 

Eclipses are fascinating and attract the interest of professional and amateur astronomers alike. According to the Canada Space Agency, here are some interesting facts to enhance your experience on April 8, 2024. 

  • There are three types of eclipse’s including an annular, partial and total. 
  • A total solar eclipse’s path of totality is a narrow corridor (about 100 - 115 km (60 - 71 mi)) and the Sun appears to be covered by the Moon for a short period of time (between 2 and 3 minutes). This is the most spectacular part of the eclipse.
  • Proper eye protection must be worn and must meet ISO 12312-2 international standards to prevent eye damage (protective eyewear will be provided by Caravanas de Mexico during their trips).
  • Only those along the path will be able to observe a total eclipse.
  • For those outside the path of totality, the Sun appears to be only partially covered by the Moon.