Besame Mucho
Romancing the Yucatan
February 8 – 18, 2006
THE ASTONISHING YUCATAN 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. All are bursting with tradition and romance, and there is no
better place for a Valentine's Day get-away.
The impact of Spanish conquistador Hernán
Cortés’ arrival on Mexico’s shores can still be seen
500 years later 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 at a cave-like pool called a cenote, and marvel at the dazzling
color of thousands of pink flamingos at Celestun. Valentine's Day commences
a four-night get-away at a romantic beachfront property near Tulum.
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! Be prepared—you're
going to fall in love!
ITINERARY
Wednesday, February 8, 2006
Travel and Arrival Day
Arrive today in Cancun, Mexico. Consider arriving a day early if you
cannot arrange a flight that will get you here by mid- to late-afternoon.
This evening we mingle with and get to know our fellow tour participants
during a Welcome Dinner at our hotel. (Welcome
Dinner)
Thursday, February 9, 2006
Chichen Itza
After breakfast enjoy a free morning at the beach. Our group gathers
in the lobby in the early afternoon to begin our journey through the
jungle to our first destination: Chichen Itza. The afternoon is free
to enjoying the hotel’s famous jungle gardens and pool or take
a short walk to Chichen Itza, one of the Mexico’s most spectacular
archeological sites, to view it at sunset. After Cocktail Hour, walk
to the site to see a one-hour sound and light show. (Breakfast)
Friday, February 10, 2006
Izamal / Merida
Enjoy breakfast served outdoors, followed by a tour of Chichen Itza.
Departing late morning, travel to Izamal, a perfectly preserved Spanish
Colonial City, for sightseeing. Enjoy a late lunch at the beautiful
Hacienda Teya before continuing on to Merida. Our centrally located
hotel is within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and the beautifully
restored Central Plaza. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Dzibilchaltun / Ticopo
A short drive takes us to Dzibilchaltun, a small but fascinating Mayan
site just outside of town, where we have a chance to swim in a natural
cenote. We'll pay a brief visit to the Gulf Coast for lunch overlooking
the water, then return to our hotel in the afternoon.
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 12, 2006
Merida Sightseeing / Free Time / Fiesta
This morning enjoy a guided walking tour of Merida. The afternoon is
free 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
romantic, magical and unforgettable experience! (Breakfast)
Monday, February 13, 2006
Celestun / Yaxcopoil / Uxmal
After breakfast check-out and drive to Celestun, famous as the only
nesting grounds of the pink flamingo in North America. Enjoy a chartered
boat ride during which you might also see ocelots, jaguars, sea turtles
and crocodiles. Don't forget your binoculars! Lunch will be at a beachfront
restaurant: “La Palapa.” Continue to Yaxcopoil, a seventeenth
century hacienda which is now an open-air museum. Arrive at Uxmal, a
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.
Afterwards, enjoy dinner at our hotel. (All
Meals)
Tuesday, February 14, 2006 (Valentine's Day)
Uxmal / Loltun Caves / Tulum
This morning explore the beautiful ancient citadel of Uxmal, the main
capital of the Puuc region, famous for its sculpture 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 a lunch stop at
one of the oldest restaurants in the Yucatan, travel on to the Caribbean
coast. Arrive in Tulum late this afternoon and check in at our romantic
beachfront hotel. This is our longest travel day, so no activities are
planned for this evening. You'll enjoy exploring the area, and perhaps
taking a moonlight walk on the beach. (Breakfast)
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Tulum Ruins
Tulum’s greatest attraction is its location, standing on a bluff
facing the rising sun looking out on views of the Caribbean that are
nothing less than spectacular. Research suggests it was called Zama
or "to dawn" in its day, which is appropriate given the location.
It seems that the name “Tulum” (meaning “Wall”
because it is one of the very few walled cities the Maya ever built)
is a recent one that has came into use after the city was in ruins.
This morning, tour these beachfront ruins before the day gets too warm.
A perfect optional activity this afternoon would be a swim (or diving)
in the Grand Cenote. It might be possible tonight to visit the gay bar
at Playa del Carmen. (Breakfast)
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Free Day
Today is a completely free day to enjoy the sun, sand and surf of our
beachfront location. You might consider a visit to the eco-resorts of
Xcaret and/or Yel-Ha for swimming with dolphins or snorkeling. We will
be staying very near to the entrance of the Sian Ka'an National Reserve,
and a day tour there is always rewarding. This area is also good for
scuba diving, with many certified outfitters to take you on a day or
night dive. (Breakfast)
Friday, February 17, 2006
Free Day
Today is another free day for you to do as you please. We gather this
evening for cocktails and a festive Farewell Dinner. (Breakfast
/ Dinner)
Sunday, February 18, 2006
Departure
The tour officially ends after breakfast. We provide one group transfer
to the Cancun Airport this morning, timed to facilitate the greatest
number of departures. We recommend that you arrange your flight home
today for anytime after 1:00pm this afternoon. (Breakfast)
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