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Important Information

Mexico: Magical Merida Gay Weekend
Explore Merida and the Yucatán Peninsula with like-minded hombres on this gay tour of Mexico.
Country info

VISAS: A visa is not typically required for American, Australian, British and Canadian citizens travelling to Mexico for fewer than 180 days. There may be exceptions, and all visas are the responsibility of the traveller.

CULTURE SHOCK: Mexico is an upper-middle-income country with infrastructure, values, customs and standards that may differ from what you’re accustomed to. While the country has come a very long way you should still expect heavy traffic, along with unanticipated inconveniences such as road closures from time-to-time. Pickpocketing and petty scams are common, especially around tourist hotspots. Please note our transportation may be altered, and/or our itinerary changed, due to such circumstances beyond our control.

LOCAL LGBT SCENE: Even though Mexico is a predominantly Catholic country, it has been one of the pioneers for LGBTQ+ rights and freedoms in Latin America. Marriage equality became legal in Mexico City in 2009, and in 2010, the Mexican Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriages carried out legally in Mexico City must be recognized throughout the country. There are vibrant gay scenes in Mexico City and Puerto Vallarta, but the queer community will find general acceptance in other hotspots like the Yucatan Peninsula. 

WEATHER: Expect the weather in Mérida to be hot, with daytime highs around 36C/96F in April, and 31C/87F in November. Both months fall within dry season, so rain should be very minimal.

VACCINATIONS: Based on the entry requirements for Mexico, there are no other vaccinations needed. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic. Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations. 

ELECTRICITY: You will not need an international travel plug/adapter if travelling from Canada or the US. For more information visit https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/ca/mexico/ for more information.

CONNECTIVITY: Wi-Fi will be available at no cost at our hotels, and data plans are readily available through most international telecom providers.

COVID-19 Information

We’re dedicated to ensuring our tours are safe for everyone, but it is our belief that each traveler has a responsibility to protect themselves and their fellow travelers from COVID-19. As of May 1, 2023, Out Adventures no longer requires guests to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on most of our tours. If vaccination is a requirement for entry, or on select cruises, this will be communicated at the time a trip is confirmed to depart. Before booking, we recommend that you read our COVID-19 Information Page and our COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions to understand what we’re doing to minimize risk, and what will happen if you contract COVID-19 before or during an Out Adventures tour.

How we travel

Out Adventures is all about good times with like-minded guys. Whatever’s on the itinerary – from fireside camping to five-star decadence – our goal is to make the experience magical. We’re also committed to supporting the communities we visit by hiring local guides, staying at locally-owned accommodations when possible, and celebrating local cuisine. It all adds up to a great way to immerse yourself in the culture.

Travel Insurance

For everybody’s peace of mind, medical travel insurance is required on all Out Adventures tours. At a minimum, your travel insurance must include medical coverage of US$50,000 and emergency repatriation coverage of no less than US$200,000.

Click here for more details on our requirements and how to obtain coverage.

Your guide

All Out Adventures are led by a gay (or gay-welcoming) guide. Whenever possible, we hire destination locals. And we can also connect you with the right people if you’d like to delve deeper into the local culture. If you’re pleased with your guide, we recommend a tip of US $5-10 per person, per day…they’ll certainly appreciate it!

Fellow adventurers

Out Adventures are a great way to meet people from around the world and all walks of life. Bear in mind that everybody’s there for a good time, so mutual respect will go a long way. Please be on time for any meet ups, empathetic to the needs of others, and ready to roll with whatever the adventure brings.

Although we can’t tell you who your fellow travellers will be for privacy reasons, we can tell you many great friendships began with an Out Adventure. And just because we’re a gay tour operator doesn’t mean we’re exclusive: friends and family are always welcome to join the fun.

Flying solo

If you’ve never travelled on your own, it’s an amazing way to get to know yourself while making new friends along the way. We can arrange for you to share a room with people in your age range at no charge, or you can pay a supplement for your own room.

Itinerary disclaimer

The itinerary is correct at time of publishing. If anything, it will only improve with feedback from prior travellers and our own research. It’s best to reference your final trip documents, rather than our website, in case there have been any changes that affect your departure.

Optional activities

Every Out Adventure offers optional excursions that are not included in price of this trip. Please see the daily itinerary in your final pre-trip packet to learn what’s available.

Meals

This trip includes breakfast daily, 1 Lunch and 2 Dinners. To keep things flexible, not all meals are included in the trip price. Although we typically dine together so that everybody can get a taste of everything, feel free to explore on your own…your guide will always have some restaurant recommendations.

Starting/Finishing point

Casa Lucia

Calle 60 474 A, 53, C. 55 Col, Centro,
Merida, Mexico
+52 999 928 0740

Standard check-in time is 3PM. We are unable to arrange early check ins, however you are able to store your luggage and explore the central area near the hotel while you wait. If you would like a guaranteed early check-in, you will need to reserve a pre-tour night of accommodation.

Money

The local currency is the Mexican peso. Credit cards are accepted at hotels and upscale restaurants, but not for gratuities. We recommend carrying approximately $300 USD to be used only in the case of an emergency, or if your credit/ATM cards are placed on hold.

Tipping

Gratuities for included meals and activities are covered in the trip price. However, a tip to your Group Leader, housekeeping, and gratuities for optional meals and drinks at included dinners, optional activities, locally day/city guides and drivers are not. We recommend budgeting about $70 – $85 US total. Please note: Credit cards are accepted at hotels and upscale restaurants, but we strongly recommend cash for gratuities.

What to bring

Most Out Adventures entail carrying your own luggage on occasion. And while you’ll never schlep far, things can quickly get heavier than a celebrity breakup if you don’t keep your baggage under 20kg/44lb. You should also bring something smaller for day trips to carry water, your camera, and any souvenirs you find along the way.

The following packing list is a guideline, not gospel. Our Out Adventure Specialists are happy to answer any specific questions about how much or little to bring.

Travel Documents:

  • Passport/Visas/Flight Itineraries/Travel Insurance
  • Pre-trip packet
  • Credit/ATM card

General Personal Items:

  • Eye mask/ear plugs
  • Smartphone/camera/tablet/charging cords/International travel plug
  • Daypack
  • Luggage lock
  • Personal Wipes
  • Guidebook/Phrase book/Reading material
  • Protection for your devices from water
  • COVID-19 rapid antigen tests (Out Adventures can not guarantee easy access to tests)

Shoes:

  • Socks
  • Walking shoes
  • Sandals
  • Semi-casual shoes you’d feel comfortable wearing at a restaurant

Bottoms:

  • Underwear
  • Pants/Jeans
  • Shorts
  • Swimwear
  • Semi-casual pants (or jeans) you’d feel comfortable wearing at a restaurant

Tops:

  • Short-sleeved shirts
  • Semi-casual shirts (for example, a polo shirt) you’d feel comfortable wearing at a restaurant

Jackets:

  • Waterproof jacket/poncho

Other:

  • Sunglasses/Hat
  • Small umbrella
  • Refillable water bottle(s)

Health-related Items:

  • Small First aid kit including ibuprofen, acetaminophen, zinc oxide tape and small scissors, blister pads, diarrhea tablets, dioralyte rehydration packs
  • Personal Medication
  • High protection sunscreen/lip balm
  • Antibacterial gel/wipes
  • Toiletries including toothbrush, toothpaste & deodorant
Groups within Groups

We love when groups of friends join us on an Out Adventure, whether you’re celebrating a major milestone, or you just love to travel together. However, since we have travellers that will be flying solo, or as a couple, we would love your help ensuring everybody feels welcome and has an epic time. Here are some ways you can give us a hand, while also getting to know and befriending your fellow travellers:

  • Sit with (and get to know) different people at different meals
  • Mix up walking partners on excursions
  • Invite solo travellers to join you for an optional excursion or meal
  • Enjoy inside jokes in privacy, or let the group in on the secret 😉

If you’d rather relish an exclusive escape with just your own party, we also offer private departures. This is a great way to create and manage your own holiday guest list, while possibly saving money as well. Please contact one of our Adventure Specialists if you’re interested in a customized quote.

Physical ratings & considerations

All Out Adventures guests must have a good level of health. All tours, regardless of activity level, involve uneven steps, stairs, walking tours, and you will be required to carry your own luggage from time to time. Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate individuals with limited mobility unless they are willing to absorb the cost of a private guide/assistant which varies by country and is only possible on a case by case basis. It is also your responsibility to advise Out Adventures of any pre-existing medical conditions that may increase the risk of you requiring medical attention, or that may affect the normal conduct of the tour and the enjoyment of the tour by other participants.

Below is a breakdown of our Physical Rating guide.

1 – Relaxing

  • Very little or no hiking
  • Light activities such as walking, bike tours, paddling or swimming are completely optional
  • Low altitude
  • Suitable for all fitness levels

2 – Light

  • Light walking and hiking (2 hours or less per day and at low altitude)
  • Light activities such as bike tours, paddling or swimming are completely optional
  • Suitable for most fitness levels

3 – Average

  • Light walking and hiking (3 hours or less per day, rarely at high altitude)
  • Some activities such as biking, paddling or swimming. Active days are mixed with relaxed days
  • Suitable for an average fitness level

4 – Demanding

  • Walking, hiking is a component of the tour (can range from 2 hours to 6 hours per day, at various altitudes)
  • Activities such as biking, paddling or swimming may be mixed in
  • Suitable for a good fitness level

5 – Challenging

  • Walking, hiking, biking, paddling or kayaking are the vast majority of the trip (can range from 2 hours to 8 hours per day, generally at high altitude)
  • Activities will likely happen day after day with limited rest days
  • Suitable for above average fitness level

CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE

We can’t wait to help you plan an awesome adventure, but due to a high level of fake inquiries we now record your IP address when you submit an inquiry. This helps local authorities identify and prevent harassment against Out Adventures, or any intended recipients.

CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE

Ask a Question

Ask a Question

We can’t wait to help you plan an awesome adventure, but due to a high level of fake inquiries we now record your IP address when you submit an inquiry. This helps local authorities identify and prevent harassment against Out Adventures, or any intended recipients.

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