The 2024 solar eclipse is happening on April 8, 2024, and the best place to watch is south of the American border. But should you go RVing to Mexico for the eclipse? Are you prepared if you do? Let’s look at this bucket list experience in more detail.
In 2024, the full solar eclipse path of totality will traverse across a wide, northeasterly swath of North America. When he moon passes between the sun and the earth, then travels across the continent, it creates a “path of totality.” This is what turns the sky dark in certain locations.
Why the 2024 Eclipse is a Great Reason to Try RVing in Mexico
Here in the U.S., you can enjoy the best solar eclipse RV camping spots in slivers of Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. However, the weather may or may not be great, and many RV destinations are already booked.
But for a richer, more unusual RV route to the eclipse (and excellent camping weather), consider RVing to Mexico. Nowhere else along the 2024 path of totality will have climate and viewing conditions like our southern neighbors. Don’t worry if you are a novice, or have never been to Mexico in your RV. There is plenty of time to prepare. But if you decide to RV to Mexico for the 2024 event, keep in mind that some locations are better than others to experience it.
Facts About RVing in Mexico for the 2024 Eclipse
The best places to watch the 2024 eclipse in Mexico are making accommodations for all types of travelers, including RVers. Mexico RV caravan tour guides are ready to make it the trip of a lifetime for their customers. Wherever you decide to camp, the experience will be unforgettable. However, an easygoing, flexible attitude is still a must no matter when you take your to Mexico.
- If your RV is on the large side, be prepared to drive with extra care. Mexican roads are often narrow and without shoulders.
- RV campgrounds are usually rustic with bare bones hookups. Boondocking might be your only camping choice in many locations.
- Diesel-powered vehicles aren’t as common in Mexico. Take spare parts and be prepared for delays if you need repairs.
Is RVing to Mexico Dangerous?
“This is a question we get asked a lot,” says Paul Beddows, customer coordinator for Caravanas de Mexico RV tour company. “RVers are not a target in Mexico. In 15 years of doing this we have never had an incident. You are even safer in a group.” As long as RVers stay away from drugs and don’t go bar hopping at 3 a.m., they can stay safe.
Beddows’ company operates the largest, fully-legal Mexico RV caravan tour company. They have about 7 Mexico caravans that include stops to watch the eclipse, or have the option to do so. The company always makes it a point to choose roads that all sizes of RVs can navigate. Their friendly relationships with Mexican police and politicians help keep everyone safe.
The Two Best RV-Friendly Destinations to Experience the Eclipse in Mexico
Two of the best RV-friendly eclipse viewing destinations in Mexico are popular destinations with plenty of services for RV camping:
Here’s what Beddows told us about their 2024 eclipse RVing caravan to Mazatlan:
“Anywhere in Mazatlan itself will be good viewing. Mazatlan is already set up to handle a lot of tourists and cruise ships. It will undoubtably be the most popular (and most expensive) location to view the eclipse. The chances of clear skies are very good, and the morning sea mist that can occur in Mazatlan at some times of the year should not be an issue by mid day.”
Paul Beddows, Caravanas de Mexico
Durango is another good eclipse RV destination
Beddows says this is one of the best destinations to experience totality. His caravan customers will drive a few miles outside of the city to watch the eclipse directly under the center line of the path of totality. As a bonus, Durango is located in cool, high desert terrain, and there will be a new moon at night which means excellent stargazing opportunities. “Durango is not on the center line, but will experience a total eclipse, albeit a minute shorter (than Mazatlan). The center line actually crosses about an hour drive north, through the town of Guadalupe, Aguilera.”
One of the best parts about RVing to Durango for the eclipse is driving over one of the most spectacular and expensive highways on the planet. Beddows says it has over thirty tunnels and thirty bridges, including the second highest bridge in the world.
The 2024 Eclipse of a Lifetime is Coming Soon, Are You Ready?
The next solar eclipse is the last full solar eclipse we will see in North America until 2044. If you’re of a certain age, you definitely won’t be alive for to experience that eerie darkness during daylight. Or, you might have already hung up your keys. So if you are thinking about adding it to your RVing bucket list, do it quickly. Space is filling up with all of the best tour operators traveling to Mexico for the eclipse.
Hi there, My name is Paul Beddows. I mentioned several times in the article. It mistakenly identifies me as the owner of Caravanas de Mexico. I am in fact their customer co-ordinator. I have just demanded the real owner, Gabriel Romero, hand over all his assets to me, LOL. Joking aside, a solar eclipse is an experience you do not want to miss. Many people chase them all over the planet. I will personally be leading the trip leaving on March 31st with my brother and my sister, that includes Copper Canyon. It will be my final trip as a Wagon Master (I am getting old), so I will be making an extra effort for it to be a positive, memorable one for those traveling with me.
Sorry Paul, I just made that change. Thanks for giving us the scoop and sorry to hear you are retiring. What a trip this will be for everyone in the caravan with you!
Not retiring, just altering what I do a bit. Becoming residente permanente causes issue for bring an RV in. I am having to sign it over to my brother to lead this trip.
The long video on RVing in Mexico has some inaccuracies due to when it was made. I should point out that ULSD diesel is now pretty well universally available