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 This January 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 Playa del Carmen, swim in a deep blue cenote, and learn about the Spanish conquest of this ancient land.
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.
• Tour the ruins of ancient Mayan civilizations of Tulum, Uxmal, Chichen-itza (one of the New 7 Wonders of the World), and Ek Balam
• Meet descendants of the Maya, who are trying to preserve an ancient way of life in a developing country
• Swim in the clear waters of several Cenotes of the Yucatan
• Visit the churches and cathedrals of colonial cities, Merida and Valladolid
• Taste authentic regional cuisine featuring the freshest seafood, tamales, and spicy homemade salsas
• Snorkel near three islands off Holbox for birdwatching and pirate lore
• Lounge on the beach on the Caribbean shores of Playa del Carmen
Day 1 -
 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.
Day 2 -
 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 head inland to another famous Mayan site, Cobá, which may have housed 50,000 residents at its peak. This afternoon we suggest a disco nap, as tonight we are off on a journey of seduction and desire as we catch Tulum’s newest and raciest attraction, the Rauxa Cabaret!
Day 3 -
 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 Cenote Hubiku. There, we’ll swim in a crystal clear pool in an underground cavern among stalactites and stalagmites! We’ll end our journey in the state capital, Merida, where we’ll find plenty of restaurant choices for our independent evening meal.
Days 4 and 5 -
 Today will be free to take in the sights in this lovely capital city. Or, you may enjoy a day trip to the Celestun Biosphere Reserve on the northwest coast of Yucatan. Here, we usually see flocks of flamingos grazing in the rich and shallow waters. Tell us now if you’d like to visit the flamingos! Tonight we gather for dinner together.
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 afternoon city tour, visiting Merida’s version of the Champs Elysees, the “Paseo de Montejo” including a traditional ride in a horse-drawn carriage. The evening will be free to explore this bustling city and dine independently.
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 afternoon city tour, visiting Merida’s version of the Champs Elysees, the “Paseo de Montejo” including a traditional ride in a horse-drawn carriage. The evening will be free to explore this bustling city and dine independently.
Day 6 -
 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. Today we will also visit the Chocolate Museum, showcasing the history, cultivation, and production of cacao (with samples, of course!)
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!
Day 7 -
 After breakfast, we will head to Izamal, the first city in Mexico to be named a “Magic town”, in 2001. Founded in the mid 16th century, it is full of remains of an ancient Mayan city. Here we will see the beautiful Convent of San Antonio de Padua, founded in 1549. We will also visit the historic building, the Pyramid Kinich Kakmo, which means “The Parrot of Fire, with Face of the Sun”. It is the largest pyramid in terms of surface area, on the Yucatan Peninsula.
Day 8 -
 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. 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 2-hour drive to Playa de Carmen.
Once we are checked into our hotel, we’ll have time to stretch our legs walking along the beach or strolling the area. We will regroup for a lovely dinner together.
Day 9 -
 Today is a full day to relax in charming Playa del Carmen. 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. Playa del Carmen is a coastal resort town in Mexico, along the Yucatán Peninsula's Riviera Maya strip of Caribbean shoreline. In the state of Quintana Roo, it’s known for its palm-lined beaches and coral reefs. Its Quinta Avenida pedestrian thoroughfare runs parallel to the beach, with blocks of shops, restaurants and nightspots ranging from laid-back bars to dance clubs
Day 10 -
Today we will have breakfast and then transfer to Cancun Airport. We’ll bid adios to beautiful Yucatan, Mexico! Flights should be scheduled after 1 PM on the last day.
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