Public ProgrammesExpedition
Encounter: Solar Eclipse 2024
(VERSIÓN ESPAÑOL)
5 - 10 April 2024
Coahuila Desert, Bilbao Dunes
Mexico
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Join us from April 5th to 10th on an expedition to witness a unique cosmic spectacle: a total solar eclipse in Mexico! Be witness to one of the most anticipated astronomical events of this decade.
This cosmic dance will allow us to enjoy an extensive total solar eclipse in North America, lasting up to 2 minutes and 19 seconds. During this period, the Moon will slide between the Earth and the Sun, casting its shadow across the deserts of northern Mexico. As we contemplate this phenomenon, we will be captivated by the majesty of the solar corona, an ethereal halo of light emerging during darkness.
Throughout the three days of the expedition, we will explore various places in the Coahuila desert, home to the largest dinosaur footprint in Mexico. Some of the places included in the experience are the picturesque village known as Estación Marte, famous for its inhabitants reporting sightings of UFOs and beings from other planets reaching the hill that gives the town its name. We will experience the eclipse in the legendary Dunas de Bilbao, the setting where Alejandro Jodorowsky filmed "El Topo," a cult film. We will explore the landscapes of Cañón de Fernández and the Laguna de Mayrán. All of this while staying in Parras de la Fuente, a magical town that will provide us with the opportunity to contemplate the celestial vault.
Check the complete itinerary below this section.
PLACE
Coahuila, Mexico
Meeting Points: Mexico City and Monterrey International Airport
DATES
Leaving from Mexico City
From 5th to 10th April 2024
Leaving from Monterrey
From 6th to 9th April 2024
PRICE
Paypal: $11,400 MXN ($667 USD)
ONLY 1 TICKET LEFT!
Includes: Double room accommodation, ground transportation (Sprinter van), entrance fees to sites, and a kit to view the eclipse.
Meals are not included.
LANGUAGE
The expedition will be in both languages: English and Spanish.
RESERVATIONS
Tickets for the first group have sold out.
Join our astronomical expedition and be part of the select group that will enjoy the Total Solar Eclipse in the Mexican desert
ITINERARY
DAY 1 & 2 | CDMX - SALTILLO - PARRAS DE LA FUENTE
FRIDAY, 5TH APRIL
6:30 pm - Departure from Mexico City in ground transportation (Sprinter van)
SATURDAY, APRIL 6
8:30 AM - Arrival in Monterrey / Breakfast
10:00 - 11:00 AM - Monterrey International Airport (Meeting point for those wishing to arrive directly in Monterrey)
2:00 - 3:30 PM - Visit to the Desert Museum of Saltillo
3:30 - 5:00 PM - Lunch in Saltillo
7:00 PM - Arrival at our house in Parras de la Fuente
DAY 3 | ESTACIÓN MARTE - LAGUNA DE MAYRÁN
SUNDAY, APRIL 7
8:30 - 9:30 AM - Breakfast
11:00 AM - 1:30 PM - Visit to Estación Marte
2:00 - 3:00 PM - Lunch
3:30 - 4:30 PM - Exploration of Laguna de Mayrán
6:30 PM - Arrival in Parras de la Fuente
DAY 4 | ECLIPSE - DUNAS DE BILBAO - CAÑÓN DE FERNÁNDEZ
MONDAY, APRIL 8
7:30 - 8:30 AM - Breakfast
10:30 AM - 12:40 PM - Exploration of the Dunas de Bilbao
2:40 - 5:00 PM - Lunch - picnic at the Cañón de Fernández State Park
8:00 PM - Arrival in Parras de la Fuente
DAY 5 | DEPARTURE TO cdmx
TUESDAY, APRIL 9
9:00 AM - Breakfast
11:00 AM - Departure from Parras to Monterrey Airport
2:00 PM - Arrival at Monterrey Airport for those returning by van
4:00 PM - Lunch
9:00 PM - Dinner
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10
6:00 - 7:00 AM - Arrival in Mexico City
This expedition includes extraterrestrial legends, cosmic landscapes, and a long-duration Solar Eclipse
BILBAO DUNES
The Bilbao Dunes are located in the town of Bilbao, in the Municipality of Viesca, Coahuila. This area represents one of the three dune zones in Coahuila, Mexico, characterised by a desert of fine sands formed by the erosion of natural elements over time.
The Bilbao Dunes have been chosen as the setting for various film productions, including the iconic movie "EL TOPO" by Alejandro Jodorowsky.
A peculiar phenomenon is the slow relocation of the dunes over the years, giving rise to a regional legend that claims beneath them lies a town of divinely punished giants, trapped and covered by the shifting sands. Just as they are about to find an escape, the dunes move and engulf them, perpetuating the mysterious tale.
mars station (ESTACIÓN MARTE)
Mars Station is a small settlement integrated into the municipality of General Cepeda, known for its location at the base of the imposing Cerro Marte. This hill, surrounded by extraordinary tales, becomes the epicentre of various stories that add a magical touch to the place.
In the vicinity of Cerro Marte, fascinating archaeological remains such as petroglyphs and cave paintings can be found, narrating ancient and enigmatic stories. Additionally, the locality is enriched with local accounts that speak of UFO sightings and magnetic phenomena seemingly linked to the mysterious hill.
MAYRÁN LAGOON
Located in the municipality of San Pedro, Coahuila, it is a unique phenomenon that stands out in the Mexican geography. It is a dry lagoon, part of an endorheic system without connection to the sea, where the Nazas River flows, originating in the Sierra Madre Occidental in the state of Durango.
CAÑÓN DE FERNÁNDEZ
In this corner of natural beauty, you will find the "Reliz de los Venados," a site of cave paintings where ancient nomadic peoples depicted glyphs on the mountains, leaving an eternal trace of their presence in the world.
The biodiversity of the Canyon harbours 581 different species, including 25 endemics, spanning birds, fish, and a diverse vegetation. In the waters of the Canyon, aquatic diversity is manifested by the presence of 27 types of fish, completing this spectacular ensemble of life.
PARRAS DE LA FUENTE
Located in the south of Coahuila, Parras de la Fuente emerges as an oasis in the middle of the desert, surrounded by lush vineyards, centuries-old walnut trees, and historic streets that invite visitors to explore them leisurely. The history and traditions of Parras are not only reflected in its architecture and gastronomy but also create a unique atmosphere, making Parras de la Fuente an incomparable experience amid the arid desert surroundings.
In 1998, it was distinguished as a Zone of Historical Monuments, and in 2008, the Ministry of Tourism classified it as a "Pueblo Mágico" (Magical Town), recognising its valuable cultural, gastronomic, and artistic contribution to the country.
In its surroundings, one can spot wildlife such as bats, little lions, pumas, wild boars, rabbits, hares, deer, bears, coyotes, bobcats, badgers, foxes, quails, pheasants, doves, thrushes, sparrows, and snakes like rattlesnakes and coral snakes.
MACEDONIO HOUSE
For this expedition, we chose to stay at Casa Macedonio, a traditional residence located in Parras de la Fuente. With its two patios, fully equipped kitchen, barbecue area, TV room, and spacious living area, this house provides a total of 7 comfortable bedrooms and 6.5 bathrooms.
The common spaces of the house, including a cosy living room, a picturesque garden, and a shared kitchen, are designed to offer guests moments of relaxation and connection. Each double room is equipped with a shared bathroom, ensuring comfort and privacy for all visitors.
IMPORTANT NOTES
_Accommodation at Casa Macedonio will be in a double room with a shared bathroom, encouraging interaction among all expedition participants in a welcoming environment. If, due to special circumstances, you require a single room, please let us know, and we will be happy to arrange exclusive accommodation for you with an additional charge.
_At KOSMICA, we always prioritise well-being and safety on all our expeditions. For this reason, we reserve the right to make general changes, such as adjustments to places to visit, schedules, dates, and lodging, due to external factors like weather or safety reasons, entirely beyond our organisation's control.
_Given the high influx of visitors from around the world to experience the eclipse in northern Mexico, last-minute changes to the itinerary are possible. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility regarding any necessary adjustments to ensure a safe and memorable experience.
_Transportation from Mexico City to Parras de la Fuente is included. However, for those who prefer to arrive at Monterrey Airport, we offer the option of making a stop on Saturday, 6th April, at 10 a.m. for your convenience.
_Meals are not included in the package.
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS
Depending on the cancellation date, the following conditions apply:
_Cancellation before 40 days prior to the expedition: 70% of the total amount will be refunded.
_Cancellation before 20 days prior to the expedition: no refunds will be issued.
If you have any additional questions, please email manuel@kosmicainstitute.com
THANKS TO
To Earth, the Sun, and the Moon