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This New Years Eve travel to the Yucatan Peninsula to be immersed in the history of Mayan civilization while exploring ancient pyramids and ruins. Join a fun gay group to enjoy endless white sandy beaches, winding rivers in lush tropical rainforests, deep blue cenotes and caves for swimming and hiking.
The Mayan civilization and all of its extraordinary accomplishments have been referenced by hundreds of scholars throughout history. Our gay trip features the history of the Mayans, their calendar, and their sophisticated system of mathematics. We will be inspired by the ancient scientists and marvel at their insights into navigation and the cycles of the changing seasons. The fascinating culture and history of the Yucatan peninsula is eclipsed only by its rich natural beauty. We’ll explore pristine island beaches, hidden cenotes, and a steamy rainforest.
We’ll fly into the Cancun International Airport and be met by a shuttle that whisks us south toward the Mayan Riviera, to our adults-only resort on the coast. 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 then return to our luxurious resort for lunch. Today we have a free afternoon to visit the pool or serene spa before dinner together.
Today we begin our journey westward, stopping at a traditional village to participate in workshops on Mayan community life, activities and storytelling. We will have lunch together and continue on to Tihosuco, where we will visit a small museum dedicated the history of the Caste War, one of the most successful Mayan uprisings during Spain’s conquest of the Yucatan peninsula. Then we’ll drive north to Vallolidad, where we’ll check in to our hotel in the heart of town. We may take a casual walk to visit Parque Francisco Canton and Cathedral San Gervasio, less than 10 minutes’ walk from our hotel. Dinner will be on our own tonight.
After breakfast we’ll journey northward through the rainforest, stopping at Ek Balam, a Mayan archaeological site famed for its detailed stone carvings and ceremonial structures. We will continue northward to the Gulf of Mexico coast and take a relaxing boat trip in Rio Lagartos. We’ll continue to our bright Hacienda in Dzidzantun, where we’ll stay for the next two nights. After checking in, we’ll dine together. Later, we’ll take the telescopes into the warm night air for some stargazing.
After breakfast enjoy spending time exploring the hacienda gardens and the Mayan ruins of Xcambo (pronounced ish-cam-bo). The hacienda also offers bird watching and eco tours. Spend your free afternoon taking in the historic architecture of Xcambo or enjoy an optional bike tour. The day will conclude with a wonderful dinner with a local Mayan children’s choir and piñata.
After breakfast our travels will take us from Dzidzantun to the beautiful state capital, Merida. Enjoy spending the afternoon touring the city on your own. Our hotel is very near the Cathedral of Merida as well as several museums. The colorful architecture of the city, like much of the state, reflects Mayan, Spanish, French, British, and even Dutch influences. 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. We will conclude the day with a dinner accompanied by a lively mariachi band.
Breakfast in Merida will be followed by a short trip south to the spectacular ruins of Uxmal. Spend the afternoon touring the majestic “Pyramid of the Magician” and all the other surrounding temples. After lunch we’ll visit the mystical local caves and cenotes that have influenced the human history of this region. After a full day in Uxmal, we’ll return to Merida for a little relaxation prior to dinner together.
This morning we’ll take a last dip in a local cenote. We may also have time for some last-minute shopping before lunch together. Afterward, we will embark on a half-day 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 hotel, we’ll have time to stretch our legs walking along the beach or strolling the tiny island town. We regroup for dinner at a lovely restaurant.
Today is a full day to relax on this charming island. Some guests will choose to stroll and shop in the village. Others may like to rent a golf cart and explore every corner of this small Gulf Coast island gem. 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, and perhaps even the gentle giant Whale Sharks! We’ll spend another evening in our special Holbox hotel.
Today we have arranged the ferry and shuttle that will take each guest to the Cancun Airport. We’ll bid adios to beautiful Yucatan, Mexico!
Price includes: Airport transfers; Accommodations for 9 nights; All breakfasts, 6 lunches, 8 dinners; Entrance fees; All ground transportation; Services of knowledgeable guides 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 2 dinners; Personal items including: alcoholic beverages, snacks, laundry, and telephone calls; gratuities for guides and HE Travel host. Optional Tour Choices: $1075 Single Supplement (for solo travelers who wish to enjoy a private bedroom and bathroom)
9–19 Mar 2027 · New Zealand · with HE Travel
Last departure 7–17 Feb 2019 · with HE Travel
Last departure 13–20 Jul 2018 · with HE Travel