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This New Year’s Eve travel to the Yucatan Peninsula to be immersed in the history of Mayan civilization while exploring ancient temples. Join a fun gay group to climb the ruins, walk along an endless white sandy beach in Holbox, swim in a deep blue cenote, and learn about the Spanish conquest of this ancient land. Read a personal account on our
The Mayan civilization and all of its extraordinary accomplishments have been referenced by hundreds of scholars. Our gay trip features the history of the Mayans, their calendar, and their sophisticated system of mathematics. The fascinating culture and history of the Yucatan peninsula is eclipsed only by its rich coastal beauty. A colorful glimpse of ancient, colonial, and modern Mexico.
We’ll fly into the Cancun International Airport and be met by a shuttle that whisks us south toward the Mayan Riviera, to our lovely resort on the coast. For those arriving early in the day, there will be time to lounge on a cabana overlooking the craggy coast or take a dip in the pool. Tonight we will enjoy an intimate welcome dinner together to kick off our journey.
Each day of sightseeing and adventure begins after our included breakfast. Today we will visit Tulum and have our first introduction to the fascinating history of the Mayans. One of the last Mayan cities to fall to the conquistadors, Tulum overlooks the Caribbean Sea, and is noted for its high walls and strong defensive position atop great cliffs. We’ll tour the ancient ruins and temples of Tulum, have some lunch on the fly, and then refresh ourselves in one of the natural wonders of the world, The Grand Cenote! Swim in a crystal clear pool in an underground cavern among stalactites and stalagmites! We will suggest a nap, since tonight we are off on a journey of seduction and desire as we catch Tulum’s newest and raciest attraction, the Rauxa Cabaret!
Today we begin our journey westward, including a city tour of Valladolid, one of Mexico’s “pueblos magicos” or “magic cities,” designated by the country because of it’s natural beauty, cultural riches and historical significance. We will marvel at the largest privately owned collection of Mexican Folk Art at the “Casa de los Venados” or “House of the Deer,” then continue on to Ek Balam, a Mayan archaeological site famed for its detailed stone carvings, intact stucco figures, and steep steps. We will have plenty of time to climb and explore several of the temples and other structures before we continue to the state capitol, Merida.
Mérida has the highest percentage of indigenous persons of any large city in Mexico with approximately 60% of all inhabitants being of the Maya ethnicity. The colorful architecture of the city reflects Mayan, Spanish, and other European influences, and we will learn about it on our city tour, also visiting Merida’s version of the Champs Elysees, the “Paseo de Montejo” and even take a ride in a horse drawn carriage. Tonight we say goodbye to 2017, and we’ll celebrate in style with a delicious traditional New Year’s dinner together! We’ll have time to walk it off afterwards when we head out for a tour of Merida’s gay nightclubs and ring in 2018 right!
We’ll rise early today to visit the breathtaking ruins of Uxmal by day. This large archeological site has a legendary tall temple, the “Pyramid of the Magician”, a huge courtyard, and more. The structures are adorned with intricate geometric stone carvings and many sit atop opposite hills as well as nestled in the valley in between. More adventure awaits at the impressive Lol Tun Caves with our private guide. From the top to a pyramid to deep underground, we will see it all on the first day of the New Year! We’ll head back to Merida, and you’ll notice that many people will be in town for the special New Year’s Day mass at the impressive Merida Cathedral, one of the oldest in the Americas. The evening will be free to explore this bustling city and dine independently.
After breakfast we are on the move, heading toward the ruins of Acanceh. Afterward we’ll enjoy a lovely luncheon at Hacienda Sotuta de Peon, and tour the airy Spanish home and working museum. The factory tour showcases the modernization of sisal production and the conditions of slavery that supported the industry during the last century. Later we’ll take a wagon ride to the private cenote and descend into the cavern to swim in the clear blue water. Our colorful cottages await tonight, and dinner will be delicious.
Today pass through the towns of Tecoh and Euan as we head toward what is sure to be one of the most amazing sites we will visit on our tour, Chichen Itza. We will check in to our Hacienda near the Mayan Pyramids, so close you can almost hear the ancient ones whispering in your ear when you are quiet. Tonight we will be wowed by the “Noches de Kukulkán” sound and light show with these amazing ruins as a backdrop. Afterward, we’ll dine together at our hotel.
Today we rise very early to be among the first visitors at the most famous Mayan ruins: Chichen Itza. This site is a vast complex of temples and other intricate structures including an observatory. Local vendors line the shady walkways between temples and sell colorful hand-painted pottery, instruments, and textiles. Afterward, we will embark on a few hours drive northeastward for the city of Chiquila. From there, we glide across the breathtakingly blue bay to the island of Holbox (pronounced hol-bosh). Once on the island and checked into our beach cottages, we’ll have time to stretch our legs walking along the beach or strolling the tiny island town. We regroup for a lovely dinner together.
Today is a full day to relax on this charming island. Some will read by the pool, enjoy a relaxing massage, or stroll and shop in the village. Others may like to rent a golf cart and explore, or take a horseback ride along the beach. We recommend swimming in Yalahau Lagoon. Our guide is happy to help arrange a snorkeling or kayaking adventure, where swimmers are likely to see a variety of tropical fishes! We’ll spend another evening in our special Holbox hotel.
Today we have arranged the ferry and shuttle that will take us to the Cancun Airport. We’ll bid adios to beautiful Yucatan, Mexico!
Price includes: Airport transfers; Accommodations for 9 nights; All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners; Entrance fees and activities shown; All ground transportation; Services of knowledgeable, full-time, bilingual national guide and HE Travel Tour Director (pending minimum participation). HE Travel provides complimentary Medical & Evacuation Insurance for every US Resident on our group tours who does not have other coverage. Not included: Airfare to and from starting and ending points; 3 lunches and 3 dinners; Personal items including: alcoholic beverages, snacks, laundry, and telephone calls; gratuities for guides and HE Travel host. Optional Tour Choices: $1250 Single Supplement (for solo travelers who wish to enjoy a private bedroom and bathroom)
Dates on request · with HE Travel
Last departure 25 Nov – 4 Dec 2017 · with HE Travel
14–23 Jul 2027 · +1 more date · United States · with HE Travel