Cancun’s Mayan Ruins – El-Rey, Tulum and More – 2TravelDads

Cancun's Mayan Ruins - 2TravelDads

Some of the best of Cancun’s Mayan ruins are also the easiest to access. We’ve picked the best Mayan ruins to visit on the Eastern Yucatan Peninsula, basically most near Cancun, to add to a fun, interesting Caribbean Mexico vacation. These spots can either be visited as day trips or shore excursions from cruise ships.

One of the most cool and unique aspects of touring the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico is the abundance of Mayan ruins. The Mayans were spread all across the Yucatan and down into Belize, Guatemala and beyond. They left behind thousands of small and large structures on the beaches and in the jungles. Having spent many days exploring the Yucatan Peninsula, these archaeological sites are some of the most fascinating things to do near Cancun.

Best of Cancun’s Mayan Ruins

Starting directly in Cancun and heading south and west, these are the best Mayan sites near Cancun to visit on your beach vacation. This list is NOT inclusive of every single ruin or archaeological site, but these are the ruins that are closest to Cancun and Tulum. These sites you can visit on your own or do a tour to Mayan sites with a local guide.

By Chris and Rob – Full Story at the 2TravelDads

Quintana Roo Gay Travel Resources

Gay Riviera Maya – The Nomadic Boys

Gay Riviera Maya - The Nomadic Boys

We once thought of this place as our little secret. Never too crowded, never too raucous. Always pleasant and serene. Luckily, even as more and more people discover it, the gay Riviera Maya is still holding onto that soft charm that made us fall in love in the first place. 

Exploring the Gay Riviera Maya

The gay scene may be tamer than Cancun, but its presence is still felt, especially in Playa del Carmen. If you go at the right time of year you’ll find colorful parties, in particular, the Mayan Xcapade on Labor Day Weekend in early September!

Beyond the gay nightlife, the beaches of the Riviera Maya are simply divine – one of the many reasons why we were drawn here initially. The white sands, still blue waters, and gorgeous Caribbean weather are indescribably wonderful – you need to experience it to truly appreciate the magic of it. 

The Riviera Maya is also popular with history and nature enthusiasts. There are tons of ancient ruin sites and Mayan pyramids dotted throughout the region that are worth devoting an entire day to. Here is our detailed guide to the Riviera Maya to inspire your own trip here.

The Riviera Maya can be found in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. Just 10 miles south of Cancun, it’s an alternative for those who crave beach life and warm Caribbean sun, without the hustle and bustle of a typical urban city. Surfers, swimmers, and divers prefer it to other Mexican cities, as the waters tend to be calmer here than in Cancun. 

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Quintana Roo Gay Travel Resources

Should You Visit Cabo or Cancun? – 2TravelDads

Cabo or Cancun - 2TravelDads

Quite often people ask us if we prefer Cancun over Cabo San Lucas. That’s a tough question and depending on what the goal is with a Mexico vacation, we might answer with either one. We’re going to help you decide if a trip to Cabo or Cancun is the better option for you and your family.

I think you will see that the two areas are extremely different and in many ways are not comparable. But since people ask us, clearly there is either some confusion or people just want to take a trip to tropical Mexico and don’t understand their options. You can decide for yourself after this which you would prefer.

Cabo or Cancun for your Mexican Vacation?

When you compare Cancun and Cabo San Lucas you will find that both have tons of both small independent and major resort hotels, there are lots of beaches, and both tend to be popular spring break destinations. But truly they have more that is different than the same. In both Cabo San Lucas and Cancun you will find tourism and hospitality that is catered to Americans looking for a cheap Mexican vacation, but then you will also find five star resort experiences and fine dining that exemplifies the best of Mexican cuisine.

Full Story at 2TravelDads

Mexico Gay Travel Resources

Cancun Cenotes – 2TravelDads

Cancun Cenotes - 2TravelDads

The Yucatan Peninsula is full of unique experiences from Mayan ruins and swimming with sea turtles to jumping into enormous natural swimming pools: cenotes. Cenotes are really a highlight to any Mexico vacation or road trip around the Yucatan and we’ve chosen our favorites, the best Cancun cenotes. You HAVE TO VISIT these spots! This handy how-to guide is also full of information about what you need to bring for a day in the cenotes, what to expect with the many types of cenotes, and our top tips for photographing cenotes and all the fun you can have.

Cenotes are a type of cave or sinkhole. They are typically formed in the same manner as caves with fresh water percolating through the earth and meeting up with the aquifer, or underground river. This erosion creates small and large holes in the earth’s surface and gives access to the beautiful, crystal clear waters of the aquifer just like the many fresh water springs in Florida.

What to Expect at Different Cancun Cenotes

Because each cenote is different from the next, you’ll have totally different experiences. The cenotes near Cancun and Playa del Carmen are more built up around the exterior to make it easier for tourists to visit, but then as you go inland you’ll find cenotes that are much more rugged and surrounded by jungle.

By Chris and Rob – Full Story at the 2TravelDads

Quintana Roo Gay Travel Resources

Cabo or Cancun? – 2TravelDads

Quite often people ask us if we prefer Cancun over Cabo San Lucas. That’s a tough question and depending on what the goal is with a Mexico vacation, we might answer with either one. We’re going to help you decide if a trip to Cabo or Cancun is the better option for you and your family.

I think you will see that the two areas are extremely different and in many ways are not comparable. But since people ask us, clearly there is either some confusion or people just want to take a trip to tropical Mexico and don’t understand their options. You can decide for yourself after this which you would prefer.

Cabo or Cancun for Your Mexican Vacation?

When you compare Cancun and Cabo San Lucas you will find that both have tons of both small independent and major resort hotels, there are lots of beaches, and both tend to be popular spring break destinations. But truly they have more that is different than the same… but you find timeshare presentations in both spots. See why we own and love our timeshare here!

Full Story at 2TravelDads

Baja Sur Gay Travel Resources

Quintana Roo Gay Travel Resources

Cenotes Near Cancun – 2TravelDads

Cenotes Near Cancun - 2TravelDads

The Yucatan Peninsula is full of unique experiences from Mayan ruins and swimming with sea turtles to jumping into enormous natural swimming pools: cenotes. Cenotes are really a highlight to any Cancun vacation or road trip around the Yucatan and we’ve chosen our favorites, the best cenotes to visit in Mexico.

This handy how-to guide is also full of information about what you need to bring for a day in the cenotes, what to expect with the many types of cenotes, and our top tips for photographing cenotes and all the fun you can have.

What is a cenote and how do I visit?

Cenotes are a type of cave or sinkhole. They are typically formed in the same manner as caves with fresh water percolating through the earth and meeting up with the aquifer, or underground river. This erosion creates small and large holes in the earth’s surface and gives access to the beautiful, crystal clear waters of the aquifer.

What to expect at different cenotes

Because each cenote is different from the next, you’ll have totally different experiences. The cenotes near Cancun and Playa del Carmen are more built up around the exterior to make it easier for tourists to visit, but then as you go inland you’ll find cenotes that are much more rugged and surrounded by jungle.

One cenote near Playa del Carmen, Cenote Azul, is very open with many different fresh water pools surrounding a large one, yet Cenote Dos Ojos near Tulum are very dark caves with a slow flowing river moving you through the caverns. Some cenotes have fish in them and bats flying overhead and others are just a grand bubbling spring like you might find in Florida.

Xcaret On the Mayan Riviera – Keep Calm and Wander

Xcaret - Mayan Riviera - Keep Calm and Wander

I am not a theme park person. But, if the ticket is offered free, why not go, right? And you know, I’ve never been to an “eco-archaeological theme park” before, so Xcaret in the Mayan Riviera in Mexico was my first one. This is a 250-acre theme park that brings you from jungle to sea.

How to go there. If you’re buying your ticket in one of the hotels in Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya, transport is already included. If not, you can either hire an Uber or take a public transport called “shared taxi/van.” Ask the driver to drop you off at the entrance of Xcaret, along the national highway. And from there, you can walk.

Get a brochure/map of the park right after you buy the ticket. Sit down and talk about it with your companions on what to do and see first and last. Every free activities (included in your ticket) here are worth trying. Take note that there are paid activities here. Before buying the ticket, inquire what are included (especially the lunch buffet) and excluded. Take note of the time and places of the live performances you want to see.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Quintana Roo Gay Travel Resources

Caravanas de Mexico RV Tours

Caravanas de Mexico RV Tours

Caravanas de Mexico RV ToursCaravanas de Mexico is a Mexican registered tour company running RV & Bus tours throughout Mexico. We have been in business over 20 years running our own tours in both English & French and providing services to other companies such as Adventure & Fantasy.

We are gay-friendly and have had gay Wagon Masters leading straight tours for us in the past. We are now starting to organize specialty caravans for the LGBT community.

We run several bus tours and RV caravans each season to attractions like Copper Canyon and the Yucatan area. Some are suitable for larger rigs, some are not.

We are starting to run specialty trips for clubs and others. 2019 will be our first caravan designed specifically for the LGBT community, and we have lined up a set of gay wagon masters who live full time in Mexico, and are fully bilingual.

Our tours always include all RV Park fees, many tours and many high quality meals.

Future LGBT Bus tours are likely.

See the Caravanas de Mexico RV Tours Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Mexico Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals

Cancun Day Trips – Keep Calm and Wander

Cancun Day Trips - Keep Calm and Wander

A friend and I went on a one-week, all-inclusive vacation in Cancun last week. It was a “spur of the moment” decision and we didn’t really plan at all. Having been twice on the eastern part of Mexico, I thought, I’d just show him the must-see cultural attractions and Cancun day trips in the area. And the rest of the week would be just chillin’ on the beach, including boy watching.

However, instead of joining a bus tour every single day for the next 3 or 4 days, we decided to see them all in one day. You know how it goes with tour buses, no matter how small the group is. And guess what? Joining a tour group is supposed to be cheaper, right? But not in Cancun! Since the city is infested with tourists who are willing to shell out their dollars, tour prices are unbelievably expensive!

So, what did we do? We hired a car. We talked to our first Uber driver in Cancun. With our survival Spanish vocabulary and his limited English, we came to an agreement. We told him all the places we wanted to visit and we received no protest from him.

Cost / Fee. The driver asked us for $230, including toll fees and gas. For some people, this is a bit much but we wanted him to be happy so he’d treat us well. We never haggled the price. There are two of us, anyway, so it’s cheaper than going on tour buses, right? He was a nice guy. And a good driver, too!

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Quintana Roo Gay Travel Resources

Cancun Cuisine – Nomadic Boys

Cancun Cuisine - Nomadic Boys The Mexican cuisine is so varied and heaps of fun to discover. Cancun cuisine in the Yucatán Peninsula has strong influences from the Spanish and the Aztecs, but its origins can be traced some 9,000 years back to the Mayans. This ancient empire migrated here and brought with them traditions like open fire cooking in ceramic pots and ingredients like batata (sweet potato), beans, corn, chilies, avocados and tomatoes. Bean paste on corn tortillas? That’ll be a Mayan creation. Cancún cuisine has plenty of foodie experiences to explore with a variety of excellent restaurants. Here’s the famous and best food of Cancún we’ve stumbled on. #1 TRADITIONAL TASTES If you’re heading out to Central America and are after a true taste of Mexico, Cancun certainly has some of the best spots to suit all budgets. La Destileria is the best place to sample some of the traditional flavours and despite the stereotype of Mexico food being meat heavy, vegetarians are well accommodated here. La Destileria has local musicians who play from table to table and serve up a mean Kiwi Margharita.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Cancun Gay Travel Resources

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