Ay Carumba!
Astonishing Yucatan
February 16 - 26, 2005
THE PARADISE PENINSULA
Mexico is a magical place where old traditions and modernity live
together with all their contradictions. It has been said that there
are many Mexicos. For every bustling urban metropolis, there are countless
quiet villages and towns that have stood for centuries seemingly untouched
by time.
After 500 years the impact of Spanish
conquistador Hernán Cortés’ arrival on Mexico’s
shores can be seen in the tall, ornate churches that crown the hillsides
and plazas of the country’s cities, and in the whitewashed walls
of haciendas. But traces of much earlier inhabitants remain in some
remarkable ancient temples and pyramids, and in the long-standing traditions
of dozens of indigenous cultures.
Nowhere is Mexico’s diversity more
evident than on the fantastic Yucatán Peninsula. Modern civilization
is abundant in the luxurious beach resorts catering to tourists who
flock to the warm, clear, turquoise-colored waters of the Caribbean.
But hidden in the Yucatan jungles are the remains of majestic pyramids
that bear mute witness to the greatness of the Mayan civilization that
flourished between about AD 250, and 900. In addition to their spectacular
architecture, the Maya perfected the most complex writing system in
the hemisphere, mastered mathematics and astrological calendars of astonishing
accuracy, and practiced extravagant rituals.
What happened to the Maya is the subject
of intense study and debate among scholars and archaeologists. No one
truly knows, but the great artifacts and monuments of their culture
remain for our appreciation, edification, and contemplation. Just a
short distance away from the crowded touristy resorts of the Gulf Coast
beaches, a not entirely forgotten world hides from prying eyes of all
but those daring to venture through the dense foliage to find it.
Toto Tours invites you to step back in
time to ponder the mysteries of the Maya. Visit the ancient ruins of
Chichen Itza, Dzibilchaltun, and Uxmal, and tour quaint colonial towns.
Go swimming and enjoy a picnic lunch at a cave-like pool called a cenote,
and marvel at the dazzling color of thousands of pink flamingos at Celestun.
Finally, get away from it all with a four-night stay at a secluded and
exclusive camp-tel, consisting of comfortable tents situated right on
the beach.
Accompanying it all are the subtle temptations of Mexico’s famous
tortillas, tamales and enchiladas, washed down with bold red wines and
potent tequila and mescal. Discover for yourself the things adventurous
visitors have raved about for years——friendly people, great
food, gorgeous seas, lovely views, magnificent architecture, inspiring
ruins, and the sheer joy of living!
ITINERARY
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Travel / Arrival Day
Arrive today in Cancun,
Mexico. Since many flights arrive late, this evening is free to mingle
with and get to know your fellow tour participants at our hotel. (No
Meals)
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Chichen Itza / Welcome Dinner
After breakfast enjoy a free morning to relax at the pool or beach.
Our group gathers in the lobby prior to our 2pm departure, traveling
by motor coach through the jungle to our first destination: Chichen
Itza. After checking in at our beautiful resort hotel, spend
some free time exploring the property, relaxing by the pool or enjoying
the hotel’s famous jungle gardens which are just a short walk
away from Chichen Itza, one of the Mexico’s most spectacular archeological
sites. Meet at 6pm for a welcome cocktail, then walk together to the
site where we enjoy a one-hour sound and light show. Return to our resort
for a festive Welcome Dinner. (Breakfast
/ Dinner)
Friday, February 18, 2005
Izamal / Merida
Enjoy breakfast served outdoors at our resort, with the remainder of
the morning free to explore Chichen Itza in the daylight. Departing
at noon, travel to beautiful Hacienda
Teya for lunch featuring the delicacies of the Yucatan. A
short drive brings us to the yellow city of Izamal, a perfectly preserved
Spanish Colonial City, with its beautiful cathedral and convent and
renowned handicraft shops. Enjoy a horse and buggy ride around the colonial
heart of the city. Depart at 5pm for Merida,
the Colonial Capital. Settle in for three nights at the Mision de Fray
Diego Hotel, a restored gem within walking distance of restaurants,
shops, and the beautifully restored central plaza. The rest of the day
is free to enjoy the exciting "el centro." You might also
choose to take a romantic, hour-long carriage ride. Overnight in Merida. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Saturday, February 19, 2005
Dzibilchaltun / Ticopo
This morning take a short drive to Dzibilchaltun,
a small but fascinating Mayan site just outside of town, where we have
a chance to swim in a natural cenote. Return to our hotel in the early
afternoon. Those who wish to learn more about the indigenous culture
can take an optional excursion to “Teatro
Indigena” in the village of Ticopo, just a few
miles outside of Merida. Set in a large field with beautiful natural
scenery, and utilizing the services of about 470 Mayans ranging in ages
from four to 93 years of age, experience “Seven Moments in the
Life of the Maya.” The performance starts at 4pm and lasts about
one hour.
At 7pm we are invited to a cocktail party hosted
by two men from Atlanta who now live in Merida. They will introduce
us to the group of American expatriates and Mexican Nationals who have
been invited to a party held in our honor. After the party we dine at
a local restaurant. Afterwards, our hosts escort those who wish to the
local gay bar to mix and maybe mingle with the locals. (Breakfast)
Sunday, February 20, 2005
Merida Sightseeing / Free Time / Fiesta
This morning enjoy a guided walking tour of Merida. The tour will conclude
about noon, and you have an entirely free afternoon to shop, sightsee,
or just relax. Tonight participate in Merida’s weekly fiesta.
Every Sunday evening the streets are blocked off downtown, and are filled
with music, food, dancing, and walking. It is truly a magical and unforgettable
experience! (Breakfast)
Monday, February 21, 2005
Yaxcopoil / Celestun / Uxmal
After breakfast check-out of our hotel, and take a one-hour drive to
Yaxcopoil,
a seventeenth century hacienda once devoted to henequen cultivation,
which is now an open-air museum with many of the hacienda buildings
restored. Mid-morning, arrive at Celestun,
famous as the only nesting grounds of the pink flamingo in North America.
Explore this lagoon aboard our chartered boat. In addition to flamingos
we may see ocelots, jaguars, sea turtles and crocodiles. Don't forget
your binoculars! Afterwards take lunch at a beachfront restaurant “La
Palapa.” In the afternoon, we travel about an hour to Uxmal,
another Mayan site known for the exquisite detail of its stone carvings.
At 6pm, walk together to the site and enjoy another sound and light
show. Following the show we return to the Hacienda for dinner on the
outdoor patio. (All Meals)
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Uxmal / Loltun Caves / Punta Bete
This morning explore the beautiful ancient citadel of Uxmal, the main
capital of the Puuc region, famous for its perfectionism in sculpturing
and elaborate stucco carvings. After hotel checkout, travel to Loltun
Caves, the most impressive cave formation and grottos in
the Yucatan, with a stop at Ticul,
famous for its folk art shops and pottery workshops. After lunch at
one of the oldest restaurants in the Yucatan, travel on to the Caribbean
coast.
Here we stay in comfortable “tentalalpas”
just a few feet from the clear blue Caribbean Sea. The tents are equipped
with full size beds, and are regularly maintained by the attentive staff.
Kailuum has no electricity, no telephones, no kids, and is just one
of the most spectacular locations in the world! Lighting at night is
by torchlight. Breakfast and Dinner are provided, the bar is always
open, and the staff is friendly and accommodating. (Breakfast
/ Dinner)
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Free Day
You have three full days of complete freedom to do exactly as you
please. There will be a planned optional excursion each day for those
who want to do more than just lounge around. These could include: a
shopping tour to Playa
del Carmen, a ferry ride to Cozumel
Island, a visit to the beachfront Mayan ruins of Tulum,
or the eco-resorts of Xcaret
and/or Yel-Ha for swimming with dolphins or snorkeling. This is also
a heaven for scuba diving, and you will find many outfitters to take
you on a day or night dive. (Breakfast
/ Dinner)
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Free Day
Today is completely free to get away from it all, which is not hard
to do here. Our resort has no ringing phones, or no TV blaring bad news
from the outside world. This place is all about relaxation, and the
sun, sand, and surf of the Caribbean Sea. The group will consult on
which of the optional excursions listed above it would like to enjoy
today. (Breakfast / Dinner)
Friday, February 25, 2005
Free Day
The gay nude beach is within walking distance for those so inclined.
Another optional group activity will be offered; otherwise our time
is spent in complete relaxation in an ideal paradise! Our Farewell Dinner
tonight will be in the candlelit dining room at our beach hideaway. (Breakfast
/ Dinner)
Saturday, February 26, 2005
Departure
The tour officially ends after breakfast. We depart for the Cancun
Airport this morning, so you may arrange your flight home anytime after
1:00pm this afternoon. (Breakfast)
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