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Kicking things off as our Mexico City: Aztec Adventure concludes, this gay tour of Merida and the Yucatán Peninsula is as spicy as the local xcatic pepper. Soak up the region’s Spanish and Mayan history along with a burgeoning art scene. Sip sunset margaritas and shoot mezcal on a cantina crawl before checking out the city’s best gay club. Beyond Merida, we’ll spelunk in cenotes, and cruise a biosphere. And don’t forget the Caribbean coast’s best beach. Aye guapo. And papito. And osito!
Hola! Welcome to Mérida, the colourful capital of Mexico’s Yucatán State. Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be transferred to our joining point hotel. Mérida has a rich Mayan and colonial heritage, serving as a bridge between two very different cultures. It is one of Mexico’s culinary treasures, has become synonymous with art, and even has a popping late-night scene—mezcal anyone?! Feel free to explore the city on your own before our 6PM welcome meeting. Afterwards, we’ll wander over to a fantastic local restaurant for our official Welcome Dinner where we’ll enjoy regional specialties such as cochinita pibil, sopa de lima, poc chuc & papadzules.
After breakfast, a private transfer will take us to a nearby Mayan village. Here we’ll ride through the jungle on uniquely Yucatán transportation (think motorcycle-meets-tuk tuk) to visit some cenotes (underground caves). Just inside these eerie caves are hidden, crystal clear pools of turquoise water. They glow from beams of light that stream in from cracks in the ceiling and they’re the perfect oasis to escape the hot Mexican sun. Our guide will regale us with the stories and mysteries of these passageways, and we’ll have a chance to slip into those magical waters at least once. Towel off, then we’ll refuel with a very special (and very authentic) lunch complete with a lesson in making tortillas. Enjoy a free evening at leisure back in Mérida.
Buenos días! Today you’re free to explore Mérida or the surrounding region on your own, or partake in an optional group excursion with your fellow travellers. For those okay with an early start, you can join an optional trip to the sprawling archeological site of Chichen Itza, about a 2-hour drive away from Merida and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. It gets very busy and hot so leaving at 6AM to arrive before opening is the best strategy. Closer to Mérida there is Uxmal Archaeological Site. Despite its historical significance, this is one of the least busy archeological sites in the Yucatán.
If you choose to stick around Mérida, our team can arrange a guided tour of this fascinating city. If you’re feeling independent, we highly recommend nibbling your way through the local market and snooping around the city museum, Montejo’s House, and/or the cathedral. Step inside the Palacio del Gobierno to admire the murals by Fernando Castro Pacheco, a famous Mexican artist from Mérida.
After breakfast, we’ll drive to the Caribbean coast, more specifically the Celestun Bird Sanctuary and Biosphere Reserve. Together we’ll board boats and cruise the biosphere, learning about its unique flora and fauna while keeping our eyes peeled for the Yucatán woodpecker, tropical mockingbird, and hopefully a flamboyance of flamingos. After the boat tour, we have free time for our own flamboyance on one of the region’s best beaches where we can soak up the sun for a few hours. Back in Mérida, we’ve planned a very special evening, starting with our fiery farewell dinner at a locally-loved restaurant. This is followed by a proper cantina crawl where we’ll sip and shimmy our way through the city’s lively LGBTQ-welcoming bars. When the liquid confidence hits and our hips are feeling loose, we’ll sashay over to Mérida’s best gay club for one final blowout. Salud!
There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart at your leisure.
Our back-to-back Mexican escapes are two great reasons to sleep around…at nice hotels. Read on to see the LGBTQ-welcoming hotels where you could lay your head if you join us in Mexico.
Read MoreRead all about the 1901 drag ball that shook conservative, Catholic Mexican society to its core.
Read MoreOur Magical Merida Weekend Gay Tour celebrates the unique culture and vibe of the Yucatan Peninsula that makes this city so Queer-welcoming!
Read MoreMexico’s mighty taco may be its most famous contribution to the culinary world, but it is far from the only. Read on for some of our other favourite Mexican street foods.
Read MoreBreaking down common anxieties and concerns many solo travellers feel joining a gay group tour.
Read MoreWhile these trips typically attract gay men, all genders are welcome, and we encourage friends and family to join the fun as well.
Learn MoreAll accommodations on Out Adventures tours include breakfast and are located in areas central to our activities. All amenities are examples only, and may differ from hotel to hotel.
4-Star+ Hotels: Very comfortable and well-decorated rooms along with quality amenities such as a stylish restaurant and/or bar, a fitness centre. Customer service is very good, and there is usually a concierge.
Learn MoreThis trip is fully booked but cancellations occur. If you’d like to be contacted if space opens up, please click “Book Now”, select the appropriate departure and you will be prompted to provide limited information.
If you are a solo traveller willing to share a room with another solo traveller, please select Shared/Twin Room when booking this tour.
If you are a solo traveller interested in booking a private room, please select single supplement when booking this tour (based on availability). If you are willing to share a room with another solo traveller, please select Solo Shared.
This departure is closed and a wait list is not available.
This departure is almost sold out. Book now to guarantee your spot!
This departure is open for booking!
This trip is available but we are close to departure and will need to confirm services such as hotels and activities before confirming you on the trip. The process can take up to 5 business days. If you are seriously interested in this trip, please complete the On Request Booking form and one of our team members will get back to you with next steps.
