I have been lucky in my life to have traveled and explored some pretty amazing places on this planet. Some places have excited me more than others; some have reached deep into my soul and left a mark that will forever be there, Mexico is one of those places. Blessed with a culture that is rich with history, and an incredibly diverse ecosystem, the highlands of Central Mexico are a photographers’ dream! This is a photographic trip of a lifetime.
We will explore everything from Fat Tuesday’s Carnival celebration in Mazatlan to Mexico City.
Our route will take us through the most rugged mountains in North America, the heart of 16th century Spanish Colonial villages, mountain waterfalls, prehistoric ruins, and UNESCO World Heritage Cities. Every day you will see sights that will leave you in awe. Each day will greet you with more photographic subject matter than you could dream possible.
Our route and destinations have been carefully pre-scouted for safety and interest. Our mode of transportation will be in SUV’s for maximum comfort.
Instruction
This workshop is primarily a field shoot, each day we will pack in as many photographic sights as is comfortably possible. Some days we will start before sunrise, other days we will go past sunset. Our pace will be energetic, but not exhausting. Instruction will be a combination of field demonstrations and one on one instruction. Instructors, John Gregor, and Tomy O’Brien each have over 35 years of professional photographic experience. Our goal is to help you get great photographs.
Location
We will start the workshop in Mazatlan and end in Mexico City. We will stay in Durango, Zacatecas, Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende, and the Coyoacán district of Mexico City. We will visit mountain villages and cities both large and small.
We will greet you at the Mazatlan International Airport, and take you to your hotel. If you arrive more than 2 days in advance of the workshop we won’t be able to greet you at the airport. When the workshop is completed we can work with you for an extended stay in Mexico or drop you off at the airport.
Itinerary
We have a wonderful itinerary for you packed with photographic opportunities. Mexico is a very spontaneous culture and there are times when we may have to deviate from our stated schedule or destinations, but, rest assured we will keep you informed and have your best photographic opportunities in mind.
We have reserved some incredible hotels for your stay. Mexico is famous for the style and value of its accommodations.
You arrive on February 28, 2022. The workshop begins March 1 at 9:30 A.M. local time. We are available to pick you up from the airport up to two days prior.
February 28, pick up from airport and transport to hotel.
March 1, Mazatlan; photograph the 3rd Largest Mardi Gras Carnival Celebration and Fat Tuesday Parade and Celebration.
March 2, 9:00 A.M. we drive the Devil’s Backbone (Espinazo del Diablo) route to Durango. Arriving in Durango in time for dinner at our hotel. Hotel Gobernador.
March 3 & 4, Drive to Zacatecas and spend two days in this enchanting mountain town built in the early 1500s. Photograph Mexican culture and architecture at its finest. Hotel Casa Faroles.
March 5, Drive to Guanajuato, another mountain village. Photograph Zócalo, Catherdral and, the marketplace. Hotel Posada Santa Fe.
March 6 & 7, Drive to San Miguel de Allende, probably the best known Spanish Colonial style town of Mexico. Photograph the town square, Parque Benito Juárez one of the best birding destinations in the region, architecture, and marketplaces. Hotel Casa Rosada.
March 8 & 9, Drive to Mexico City by way of Teotihuacan (Pyramid of the Sun & Moon). Mexico City; Anthropology Museum, Historic Main Square of Mexico City with the Cathedral, and National Palace. Hotel Casa Tuna in the Coyoacán district of Mexico City. Coyoacán is known for its cobblestone streets and charming colonial plazas, mimes, clowns, musicians, and dancers, which give it a distinctly bohemian flavor.
The workshop ends the morning of March 10.
Payment
Workshop Cost: $3895
Non-Refundable Deposit: $750
Your Non-refundable deposit of $750 holds your registration until 90 days prior to the workshop when the balance is due.
Includes ground transportation during the workshop, 10 nights hotel accommodations based upon double occupancy, guided tours, and admission fees to all scheduled locations.
Not included: food, tips, airfare, hotels prior to the start of the workshop or after it finishes, any personal expenses or admission fees to any spontaneous locations, or events.
Accommodations
We have made special arrangements with a variety of hotels along our route. Our hotels are chosen for cleanliness, comfort, and safety. We have included the names of the hotels where we plan to stay. Occasionally we may have to alter from this list but if we do it will be for accommodations that are equal to or better than the ones listed. We invite you to google these destinations and get a feel for the uniqueness of the hotels. Hotels are provided for the evenings of February 28 through the morning of March 10. If you need hotels prior to or after these dates contact us and we will work with you to suggest the best accommodations that fit your needs.
